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“Don’t Whitewash Ogbonna, He Was An Armed Robber” – Ogun State Government

July 11, 2025

Ogbonna Igbojionu and Alex Otti and Dapo Abiodun

By Adesina Soyooye

Oluwasina Ogungbade, Ogun State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, has put a lie to the story being circulated in respect of a just-released convict, Ogbonna Igbojionu.

Igbojionu, on the kind intervention and facilitation by the Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, was released from jail after 26 years. His fate which triggered Otti’s intervention was made public by SEAKING, an Online influencer.

But on release, Igbojionu’s story has been that he was wrongfully convicted for a stolen generator and sentenced to death. His story went viral, with not a few people slamming the Ogun State Government for using a sledge hammer to kill an ant.

This line of story which tended to put the Government in bad light prompted Ogungbade to expose Igbojionu for what and who he, allegedly, really is.

According to the Attorney General, Igbojionu is a certified Armed brother who participated in a violent robbery which resulted in the killing of a security man.

He slammed the ex-convict for spewing lies, instead of thanking God for his release, and quietly enjoy his unmerited freedom.

“My Office has observed recent viral publications regarding Ogbonna Ogbojionu, who was recently released from prison after many years. These reports allege that Ogbonna was wrongfully imprisoned for over two decades for merely buying a stolen generator and that the real thief – one Segun Ajibade – was pardoned in 2016, leaving Ogbonna to suffer for nine more years. This narrative is entirely false.

“Ogbonna was convicted on 14 January 2003 by the Ogun State High Court and sentenced to death.

“However, Ogbonna’s death sentence was converted to a life sentence in June 2021 by Governor Dapo Abiodun CON, in exercise of the prerogative of mercy. The prerogative of mercy is a constitutional power vested in the President and State Governors, based on advice from the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy (ACPM). The Attorney-General of Ogun State is the Chairman of the Ogun State ACPM. Ogbonna was a beneficiary of the most recent prerogative of mercy exercised by the Governor to commemorate Democracy Day 2025.

“Ogbonna did not merely buy a stolen generator. Indeed, there is no evidence till date, that Ogbonna ever bought the generator in issue.

“The true facts are that around 10:00 pm on 3 October, 2000, a gang of armed robbers attacked ELF petrol station along Abeokuta-Lagos road and stole a 10 KVA Lister generator. The armed robbers overpowered and detained the two guards at the fuel station. They hit one guard – Yusuf Akanni – with an iron rod on his head and on his leg, breaking his femur. They hit the second guard – Moses Bankole – on the head with an iron rod as well, then they bound both guards.

“Moses Bankole died on the spot, while bound, while Ogbonna and the other armed robbers made away with the Lister generator. Yusuf Akanni, the surviving guard, was the first prosecution witness for Ogun State. Ogbonna was a generator technician so he was the robber who specifically loosened the generator from where it was secured in ELF filling station.

“At 2:30 am a few days later, around Toll Gate, Ota, the Police randomly stopped a vehicle which was loaded with firewood and pure water bags that had been used to conceal a big generator. That generator turned out to be the same generator stolen from ELF.

“Ogbonna was in the vehicle alongside the vehicle’s driver (Sunday Oloyede) and one Kolawole Oladeji. When confronted by the Police, none of them could produce a receipt for the generator, so the Police decided to impound the vehicle and arrest its occupants. As the Police were planning to move the vehicle to the station, the driver and Kolawole Oladeji zoomed off with the vehicle, leaving Ogbonna behind.

“Ogbonna was detained in one of the cells at Toll Gate but before morning, Ogbonna escaped by breaking the asbestos in the cell’s ceiling.

“However, by that time, the Police had already recorded the vehicle’s registration number. Investigations at the Alausa licensing office disclosed the owner of the vehicle who presented his four drivers to the Police. Sunday Oloyede turned out to be one of the truck owner’s drivers – and he was arrested. He led the Police to Kolawole Oladeji and Segun Ajibade. The three then led the police to Ogbonna who was arrested but by then had already sold the generator.

“Ogbonna led the Police to the person he sold the generator to, one Ali Rihan, who released the generator back to the Police and testified against Ogbonna and the others, as the eleventh prosecution witness.

“Based on these events, these defendants, including Ogbonna, confessed to how they had planned the whole robbery. Ogbonna made two confessional statements in two different Police stations – they were admitted as Exhibits K and B, without objection as to coercion. The prosecution called eleven witnesses in all, but Ogbonna and his co-defendants did not call any witnesses. Instead, they chose to rest their case on that of the prosecution.

” Under the law, this meant that they agreed with the facts narrated with the prosecution but did not believe it was enough to convict them. However, the court thought otherwise and convicted them.

“These facts completely dispel all the lies that Ogbonna and his packagers are currently circulating. Ogbonna participated in the armed robbery. Ogbonna participated in transporting the generator by cover of night, hidden under pure water bags and firewood – nobody carrying property they believe to be theirs will hide it in that manner. Ogbonna fled lawful detention. Ogbonna, also, after having seen the driver run away from the Police with the generator, still proceeded to reunite with that same driver and still sell the generator without regard to the driver’s suspicious conduct. Ogbonna was an integral part of the armed robbery.

“If Ogbonna truly owned the generator, he would have presented a receipt or any evidence of purchase to the Police at the checkpoint or at his trial. Ogbonna knew the value and status of a receipt, because he issued Ali Rihan a receipt after selling the generator to Ali. If Ogbonna was truly tortured in detention to confess, what is his explanation for not objecting to the confessional statement at trial? How does he explain his legal strategy of calling no witnesses? Why did he not bring any witnesses who knew that he owned the generator, who knew his lawful source of living, or who sold him the generator? The truth is that all these did not exist.

“Ogbonna rested his case on the prosecution’s case. He did not call any witness and he did not tender any evidence. All that he is saying today was available to be said at his trial and he voluntarily said nothing.

“As Justice Oputa said in the 1988 case of N M Ali & Amor. v. The State, “if the prosecution rests and refuses to put an accused person into the witness box to dispose to his own version of the events, then… The court will not be expected to speculate on what the accused might have said if he testified”. Ogbonna could have provided evidence to defend himself and he did not. Without that evidence, the Judge was right to convict him, and my Office was correct – even obligated – to prosecute him.

“The prerogative of mercy is not a right. Nobody is entitled to it. And it is not automatically extended to convicts merely because they have been in prison for long periods. The prerogative is granted entirely at the Governor’s discretion, considering the nature of the convict’s offence, the convict’s assessed tendency to reoffend, the convict’s ability to reintegrate into society, and the convict’s reformation demonstrated most importantly by his remorse and regret. If, as the viral reports now claim, Segun Ajibade has truly led a quiet life since his release, it likely suggests genuine remorse for his crimes and his gratitude for his freedom. This is the exact opposite of Ogbonna’s intransigence today and could explain why Ogbonna was not considered for release when Segun was.

“Ogbonna’s crime hobbled a business, terrorised Akanni Yusuf, and killed Moses Bankole. These victims or their relations remain today and attempts to sanitise Ogbonna’s conduct with falsehoods does fresh injustice to the victims. Those who, in a misguided quest for justice, are recreating Ogbonna as a victim will do well to remember Moses Bankole – the true and irredeemable victim of Ogbonna’s crime.

“If Ogbonna is truly reformed, he should silently and gratefully enjoy his freedom and pursue honest pursuits. Presently, his honesty is highly doubtful, and the world is hereby notified.”

SW Pensioners Flay Ondo, Ekiti Govs, Vow To Vote Out Unfriendly Leaders

Ayodele Oni

July 11, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigerian Union of Pensioners( NUP) has resolved that the option left for members is to use their votes to elect or remove leaders that fail to put their plight and welfare into consideration.

The union vowed to mobilise its members against politicians that do not have good programmes towards the welfare and well-being of its members in elections ahead across the country.

The South-West Zonal Public Relations Officer ( PRO) of NUP, Dr. Olusegun Abatan, stated this in a communique after the South-West Zonal Council meeting of the union on Thursday in Akure and hosted by the Ondo State Council of the NUP.

Abatan pointed out that pensioners had suffered too long for being denied of their gratuities and pensions, hence the union had resolution to be firm in its decision to support only politicians that would cater for union’s betterment.

“The political firmament has been suffused by a lot of criss crossing and shenanigans all over the place. We want to appeal to pensioners to please keep calm and watch the events as they unfold.

“What we are going to do when it comes to elections, we will inform our members. We shall not vote into office whether it’s for second term or first term, those who will not cater for our members’ welfare and well-being.”

The NUP PRO, who described the current minimum wage in the country as a disaster, said that the Federal Government took the advantage of the naivety of the labour unions to ravage the Nigerian workers and by extension pensioners.

According to him, it is not too much if the nation’s minimum wage is pegged at N 1million as being proposed by some labour leaders considering the present economic realities.

He added that one of the NUP’s resolutions was to negotiate for at least 80 per cent of the minimum wage to be earned as minimum pension for pensioners when the minimum wage would be reviewed.

Abatan, therefore, condemned the non payment of backlog of gratuity arrears of retirees in Ondo State.

“Also, it is not gratified to inform you that Ondo State, where people are saying that: “Aiye ti datiwa”, we are having a different thing in Ondo State. As I speak to you, 2013 gratuities of retirees are the benchmark that are being paid by this government.

“ Pensioners that retired in 2013 are just getting their gratuities in Ondo State and I am talking of local government pensioners and for state pensioners, it is only 2016 pensioners that are just getting theirs.

“This is not fair enough for those that have served the state meritoriously and for those who have one ailment or the other, government apparatus does not know that pensioners should get their dues as at when due.

“We also appeal to the Ondo State Government led by Lucky Aiyedatiwa to look into this and before the end of this month, we want to hear good news.”

Abatan, however, expressed sadness towards the disposition of Gov. Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State towards pensioners’ welfare and wellbeing, decrying the payment

“It is, however, saddening that the Ekiti State governor has not been forthcoming in the payment of arrears of pension of our people. Ekiti State government has been a paltry of N100 million as gratuities of pensions and it is not regular.”

The NUP PRO said that the union felt disappointed at the registration of another union by the government for pensioners in Ekiti, describing such union as illegal and dead at arrival.

“It’s the only NUP that is recognized by law and any other organisation is an aberration. It saddens us that the Ekiti State Government has registered an amorphous and illegal association in Ekiti called Pensioners Association of Nigeria ( PAN).

“There is no other state that you can see this organization and it’s not backed by law and unfortunately this move has led to the state government not to pay NUP members their check up dues. These are dues paid by pensioners to their union.

“So, we appeal to Governor Oyebanji to release the check-up dues of NUP, Ekiti State Council and unwind illegal association that the government has put in place.”

He, however, appreciated Gov. Dayo Abiodun of Ogun State for releasing a sum of N8.8 billion as pensioners’ gratuity arrears.

“I want to seize this opportunity on behalf of the south-west pensioners to appreciate Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Governor of Ogun State for what he did for pensioners in the last two months.

“He paid N8.8 billion in the last two months as gratuity arrears to pensioners. And not only that, he also gave pilgrimage slots to some of pensioners,” he said.

Abatan also expressed appreciation to the Oyo State governor by paying over N2 billion to pensioners as their gratuity arrears and pension every month in the state.

The PRO enjoined pensioners that were using defunct Heritage Bank and as a result of that, they could not be paid their gratuities and pensions to exercise more patience, stating that the problem had been resolved and that they would be paid in the next few weeks.

Akpoti-Uduaghan Removed As Chairman, Senate Committee On Diaspora, NGOs

The Source

July 11, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has, officially, removed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as the Chairman, Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non Governmental Organizations.

During Plenary on Thursday, the Senate President made the announced Akpoti-Uduaghan’s removal, and her replacement with Senator Aniekan Bassey of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. He represents Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District.

Akpoti-Uduaghan also of the PDP, Kogi Central Senatorial District, has been at loggerheads with the Senate over her suspension, just voided by the Court which reinstatied her.

This development marks a significant shift in the ongoing tension between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate.

The lawmaker, who had been at the centre of months-long controversies including her suspension from the Senate has now been stripped of her last remaining leadership position within the Senate.

The position of Chairperson of the Diaspora and NGO Committee had remained vacant for months, following her suspension in March 2025, leaving the committee largely inactive and without direction.

It would be recalled that in February 2025, the Senate undertook a mid-term reshuffling of its standing Committees.

As part of that shake-up, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was removed as Chair of the Committee on Local Content, a strategic portfolio critical to Nigeria’s oil and gas governance and reassigned her to the Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations, a move widely interpreted as a demotion at the time.

Unfortunately, her reassignment did not yield any operational outcome, as Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended shortly afterward, following what Senate President Akpabio described as “unparliamentarily conduct” linked to her public criticisms of the Senate ’s leadership and internal decisions.

The Diaspora and NGO Committee is responsible for interfacing with Nigerian communities abroad, overseeing diaspora-related policy interventions, and engaging with non-governmental and civil society organisations. The committee also plays an advisory role in matters relating to diaspora remittances and humanitarian affairs.

The implication of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s immediate removal means that upon the completion of her suspension period, she would return to the Senate as a floor member, without any Committee leadership role.

WAFCON 2024: Super Falcons Book Quarter Final Ticket

Akinwale Kasali

July 11, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

The Super Falcons recorded a back to back victory following their slim triumph over Botswana in their Second Group B match.

A last gasp strike from Chinwendu Ihezuo was all the Nigerian Ladies needed to break the defense of the resilient Botswanan team.

From the beginning of the match, the Coach Justin Maduagu team dominated the match, dictating play, but failed to record a shot on goal.

The Botswanan Ladies created two chances in the first half, forcing Goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie to make two brilliant saves.

That was the high point of the Botswana attack.

In the second half, the Super Falcons continue to dominate and dictate the pace but the Botswanan Goalkeeper, Sandra Botija, was equal to the task, denying Ashleigh Plumptre, Echegini, Halimatu Ayinde and Deborah Abiodun on several occasions.

It took an instinctive slide from Ihezuo to convert a wayward strike from Echegini into goal.

Coach Maduagu had maintained the line up that defeated Tunisia in their first match, but was forced to make Three Second Half changes.

Asisat Oshoala, Tony Payen and Rinsola Babajide were substituted for Ihezuo, Mercy Ucheibe and Echegini before the commencement of the Second half, this however changed the dynamics of the game.

With the victory over Botswana, the Super Falcons have sealed a spot in the knockout phase as the Nigerian Ladies top Group B with Six Points, followed by Algeria in Second Place with Four Points, while Tunisia have One Point, with Botswana languishing in the last position with No Point.

The Super Falcons will face Algeria on Sunday for their last Group Match.

Senate Seeks Tinubu’s Support In Payment Of N200m To Family Of Two-Year Old Gunned Down By NDLEA Operatives

Suleiman Anyalewechi

July 11, 2025

Two year old boy killed by NDLEA in Anambra

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Nigerian Senate on Thursday, July 10, 2025, unanimously backed the quest by the family of slain Two-year old in Delta state to be paid a compensatory package of N200 million by the, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.

The position of is coming on the heels of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s call on the NDLEA to investigate the actual circumstances surrounding the death of the toddler as well as the life threatening injury to his brother.

The Source reports that two-year old Ivan Omhonrima was on July 13,2023 fatally shot by officers of the NDLEA while he was returning from school.

Stray bullets from the Operatives of the drug control agencies hit the toddler and his brother while the NDLEA personnel were in the thick of an operation in Okpanam Oshimili North Local Council of Delta State.

Since then, despite the wide outrage provoked by the incident, the family has been left in the lurch by the NDLEA.

But at plenary on Thursday, the Senate while considering the petition from the family of the deceased tendered by Senator Neda Imaseun, Chairman, Ethics committee, emphasized the urgent need for justice to be served.

The family, in the petition, appealed to the authorities to do justice to its late son ,who it said was gunned down by operatives of the agency during an operation.

According to the victim’s father ,the unfortunate incident happened at a time his son was set to graduate from the pre-nursery level in school.

The Senators who also observed a minute silence in memory of the victim, condemned the incident.

According to them, such incidents underscore the imperativeness of accountability in the operational ethos of security agencies.

They also stressed the need for the matter to be adequately addressed by the NDLEA leadership.

The Senate in its resolution called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to, as a matter of urgency and importance, assist the NDLEA in paying the bereaved family the compensation package it is demanding for.

To underscore its seriousness, the Senate mandated its Committee on Legislative Compliance to monitor the implementation process of the resolution, and report back to the chamber within the next two months.

The Delta state Governor in a statement issued by his media aide Festus Ahon ,also urged the NDLEA to ensure the arrest and prosecution of all those involved in the incident to serve as a detergent to others.

Meanwhile, the NDLEA said it remains resolute in its determination to get to the root of the incident.

It reassured the victim’s family of its commitment and the general public of its commitment towards ensuring justice.

Edo Gov’ship Verdict: Fmr. Gov Obaseki, PDP Say It’s Danger Sign For Democracy

Ayodele Oni

July 10, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Reactions continue to trail the judgement of the Supreme Court which validated the victory of Edo state Governor, Monday Okpebholo with his predecessor, Governor Godwin Obaseki denounced what he termed the “iconic manner” in which the September 21, 2024, gubernatorial election of was manipulated.

Also, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo state expressed disappointment over the outcome.

Obaseki warned that the judiciary’s validation of the process sets a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.

“We, however, want to caution that the iconic manner in which the Edo election was manipulated, coupled with the judicial validation it has received, portends grave danger for Nigeria’s democracy.”

The former governor said he “strongly disagreed” with the Supreme Court’s ruling affirming Governor Monday Okpebholo’s election victory.

He pointed out that he believed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, won the September 21, 2024, governorship election.

“I am profoundly grateful to the good people of Edo State and Nigerians for their overwhelming support for the victory, which we believe our party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie, won.”

Obaseki emphasised that the party’s legal challenge, which went across the Election Petition Tribunal, the Court of Appeal, and ultimately the Supreme Court, was driven by a strong conviction that the election was manipulated.

However, he noted that despite what he described as clear evidence, all courts ruled against the PDP.

He, however, called on the people of Edo and Nigerians at large to remain hopeful and resilient, expressing faith that divine justice would prevail.

“Although we strongly disagree with the decision of the Supreme Court, but as adherents to the rule of law, we are bound by their verdict.”

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a statement signed by the Caretaker Committee Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, who expressed disappointment over the judgment, however expressed hope that the country’s democratic institutions will one day fully reflect the genuine will of the people.

“We have come to the end of a long legal journey, culminating in the judgment of the Supreme Court. As a party that believes in the rule of law and the democratic process, we have received the decision of the Court with the utmost respect.

“Though the judgment did not go in our favor, we accept it with grace and dignity.

“Nigeria’s democracy, we must remind ourselves, is still a work in progress. This moment is a reminder of how far we have come — and how much farther we must go.

“We remain hopeful that one day soon, our democratic institutions will fully reflect the genuine will of the people, without fear, favor, or manipulation.

“To the resilient people of Edo State, we say: thank you. Thank you for standing with us. Thank you for your courage, your faith, and your trust in the PDP.

“We may not have received the verdict we hoped for, but we are not defeated. We are not discouraged. Our cause is just, and our commitment to good governance, justice, and development remains strong.

“Let it be known: this is not the end. This is only another chapter in our shared journey toward a better Edo State and a better Nigeria. We will continue to engage, organize, and serve with integrity and purpose.

“To all our supporters across the state and beyond — stay peaceful, stay united, and remain hopeful.

“History is not written in a day, and no judgment can erase the love you have shown us, or the bond we share as a political family.”

Tinubu, Wike Urge Edo Gov To See Victory As Call To Service

Ayodele Oni

July 10, 2025

Monday Okpebholo - Governor of Edo State — Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State.

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, have congratulated Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State following the Supreme Court’s affirmation of his election victory.

Governor Okpebholo was declared winner of the Edo State governorship election held in September 2024 by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

His victory was later contested in Court, but the legal battle ended on Thursday as the Supreme Court upheld his election.

In a statement issued on Thursday, by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu welcomed the ruling and described it as a reaffirmation of the people’s will.

The President urged Governor Okpebholo to be magnanimous in victory and unite all citizens of Edo State, regardless of political differences, stressing the importance of building a shared vision focused on development and progress.

“Now that the legal hurdles are behind you, it is time to accelerate the delivery of good governance and quality services to the people of Edo State. You’ve already made a strong start—keep the momentum going.”

The President also congratulated the leadership and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state and called for unity and dedication in fulfilling the mandate entrusted to them by the people.

Also, in a statement, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, hailed the Supreme Court judgment, affirming the victory of Governor Okpebholo, in the September last year’s governorship election in the State.

Wike, who urged the Governor to remain focused, said he should see the victory as a further call to selfless service to the people of Edo State.

In a statement on Thursday, by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the FCT Minister, described the Supreme Court judgment as a final confirmation of the mandate freely given to the governor by the people of Edo State.

He said: “This victory is for the people of Edo State, who elected Governor Okpebholo. It is a call for greater commitment to the service of the people.

“I congratulate the governor and urge him to keep doing his best for the upliftment of Edo State and its people.”

While urging the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo to join hands with Governor Okpebholo to develop Edo State, the FCT Minister said, “now that a final answer has been provided as to the question of who actually won the governorship election, it behoves on all opponents of the governor to, in the collective interest of Edo State, to join hands with him.”

New Visa Policy: Presidency Initiates Dialogue With US Govt

Ayodele Oni

July 10, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Presidency has assured Nigerians that Government will dialogue with the United States, (US) authority over reasons for the recent visa policy.

It added that although Nigeria has an e-visa policy for citizens of the US and several other countries, the US has not reciprocated this gesture for Nigerians.

The position was made known in a statement on Thursday by the

Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, Bayo Onanuga.

The statement stated that: “We want to reiterate that the US government’s claim of reciprocity as the reason for its current visa policy towards Nigeria does not accurately reflect the actual situation.

“The Nigerian government has not deviated from granting US citizens a 5-year multiple-entry non-immigrant visa, just as the US has continued to grant the same to Nigerians.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has never stopped issuing 5-year multiple-entry visas for US citizens, in accordance with the principle of subsisting bilateral agreements and reciprocity.

It explained that the clarification became necessary following contrary social media report on visa policy of the present administration.

“Immediately after assuming office, President Tinubu’s administration issued a service-wide directive that Nigeria implement all bilateral agreements with other nations and adhere to the principle of reciprocity in diplomatic relations.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clearly stated the position of the Federal Government of Nigeria on the recent adjustment made by the United States’ non-immigrant visa policy for Nigerians.

“The Ministry and other senior government officials will continue to engage with the United States to address the unfavourable restrictions in a just and fair manner that reflects the mutual respect and partnership that so exist between our two friendly nations.

“The 90-day single-entry Visa validity period only applies to the newly introduced e-Visas, a short-term visa category for tourists and business people who may not wish to undergo the standard visa application process and wait.

“The e-visa replaces the now obsolete Visa-on-arrival, which was inefficient and often used as a means of extortion. The e-visa is a fast, online process that does not require the applicant to go to the embassy. Applicants receive the e-Visa within 48 hours of submitting their application.

“The e-visa policy aligns with President Tinubu’s efforts to boost investment, trade, and tourism in the country, as well as promote the ease of doing business for non-nationals. Moreover, e-visas are a widely adopted global policy in dozens of countries.”

‘‘99.99% Forest Criminals Are Igbo’’; Group Roasts Soludo

The Source

July 10, 2025

Charles Soludo - Governor of Anambra State

By Charles Igbo

Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo is in trouble.

A pro-Igbo socio-political group, which goes by the name, World Igbo National Union (WINU), has slammed the Governor over his public statement in Maryland, United States that 99.9% of criminals hiding in South East forests are Igbo. By that saying, Soludo debunked the widely held belief that the criminals are rogue Fulani herdsmen.

He confessed that he was initially taken in by the propaganda that rogue herdsmen were responsible for the atrocities until he discovered the truth.

The Governor’s statement made during a meeting has triggered a huge outrage from Igbo stakeholders and civil society groups.

Publicity Secretary, WINU, Comrade Ifeanyi Uwakwa, said Soludo’s statement was, both, at once, “insensitive and baseless”. He demanded from the Governor either an evidence to support his claim or a public apology for “the demonization of Ndigbo.”

WINU: “We demand that Governor Soludo provides proof to back his speech in the United States, or he should tender a public apology for his insensitive and callous remarks, made just to appease political sponsors,”

and added that it was shocked that Soludo, a “renowned scholar” made such allegations without any investigation and/or interrogation.

That, the statement said, is important given that several reports have linked rogue herdsmen to the atrocities in forests and farmlands within the region.

“Foreign and local reports indicate that herdsmen, armed with sophisticated weapons and sponsored by unnamed interests, have been the primary actors in the attacks on rural communities in Igboland,” it said.

The group berated Soludo for closing his eyes to the documented atrocities of terrorist herders in Mgbakwu, Igboariam, Umueri, Umunze, Ogbunka, and Amansea, all in Anambra State and chose to blame their long-suffering victims.

WINU: “Framing the victims as perpetrators is a shameful tactic. It must cease. Why is the Governor covering up the atrocities of these terrorist herdsmen while shifting blame to Igbo youths?”

The group advised Soludo to adopt a more proactive and evidence-based approach in his address of insecurity, like other South-East governors and stop relying on political rhetoric.

Obi Insists “New Nigeria Possible,” Donates N25 Million To Four Institutions In Kaduna

Ayodele Oni

July 10, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Labour Party, (LP) Presidential candidate and former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has donated a total of ₦25 million to four institutions in Kaduna State.

Obi, who announced this on Thursday, reaffirmed his commitment to education and healthcare as critical drivers of national development,

Announcing the visits via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, he said his mission was to demonstrate continued support and encouragement for sectors central to human development.

“Today, I continued my show of support and encouragement to critical areas of human development in our society with a visit to four educational institutions in Kaduna State.

“The visit was in line with my unwavering commitment to investing in our people through education, healthcare, and human capital development.”

According to report, his first stop was the Muhammad Sambo Memorial Islamic Institute, founded by Sheikh Yusuf Sambo Rigachukwu. While no specific figure was announced for the visit, Obi pledged long-term support to the school.

“I gave my support to the school and assured them that I will always be available and committed to supporting their efforts, now and in the future.”

Next, he visited the Madarasatul Hidayyatul Auladi Muslimima Almajiri School in Kawo—a school he has supported on multiple occasions. He donated an additional ₦5 million to support its ongoing development projects.

“I have previously visited about five times to assist the school’s developmental projects and studies.

“I gave an additional donation of ₦5 million, as I have always insisted that no child deserves to be left behind when it comes to education. No matter their location, we can take education to them, as this is the key index of pulling our people out of poverty.”

Obi proceeded to the Womenhood College of Health Sciences and Technology, Kaduna, where he also donated ₦5 million. He commended the institution’s role in training women for healthcare services, particularly in underserved communities.

“I recognise the critical role the institution plays in training and empowering women in health-related fields, especially in our rural communities.”

His final stop was at St. Gerald’s College of Nursing Sciences, where he donated ₦10 million to support the training of nurses.

“While speaking to the students, I emphasised that when we invest in education and healthcare, we’re not just building schools or hospitals; we are building the future of a secure, productive, and united Nigeria.

Obi used the occasion to reflect on the responsibilities of leadership, urging Nigerian leaders to focus on service over titles.

“I pray we as leaders understand that leadership is not about the title you hold, but about the lives touched. That is the leadership Nigeria needs.

“Let us continue to build a nation where no child is left behind, regardless of region, religion, or background. A New Nigeria is Possible.”

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