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Ghana To Name, Shame Those Who Publicly Use Honorary Doctorate Titles

June 11, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

In Ghana, the public use of Honorary Doctorate Degrees and Professorship titles has been officially barred.

For one to use such titles, according to a statement from Ghana’s Tertiary Education Commission, GTEC, one has to earn it by going through academic rigours.

In a statement, GTEC said it would not only name and shame those who flout the order, it would take legal action.

The statement signed by Professor Augustine Ocloo, Acting Deputy Director General, GTEC, noted that that the fraudulent use of the titles is common among politicians, clerics and businesses persons. Such use, it pointed out, makes a mockery of the higher education system, and dilutes the integrity and value of true doctoral education and promotion of the professorial system in the universities. Such habit, it pointed out, is at once deceitful and unethical.

“This notice goes especially to politicians, business men and business women, men and women of God, and any other category of persons to desist from officially using the Honorary and Professorship titles in their everyday life”, the statement warned.

A Doctorate degree (PhD) is the highest degree awarded by Universities when an individual has completed his/her studies, as well as dissertation. Professorship is the topmost academic rank in the University which individuals obtain based on scholarly works and achievements.

In Nigeria, the use of Honorary Doctorate degrees and professorship titles has been so abused by every Tom, Dick and Harry, including wealthy stark illiterates that those who earned the titles through scholarly works are ashamed to use them.

Even If Fubara Joins APC, He Will Still Be Impeached – Okocha, Rivers APC Factional Chair

Suleiman Anyalewechi

June 10, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Not even joining the All Progressive Congress, APC, will save suspended Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara from the sword of impeachment, a faction of the party has insisted.

The Source reports that Governor Fubara, his deputy and Members of the State House of Assembly, were on March 18, 2025, slammed with a six month suspension, following the declaration of a State of Emergency in the State by President Bola Tinubu.

The emergency proclamation was, in itself, a direct consequence of the seemingly unresolvable differences between Governor Fubara and the State Lawmakers believed to be fiercely loyal to the Governor’s estranged political godfather, Nyesom Wike ,the Federal Capital Territory FCT Minister.

President Tinubu had cited the need to prevent a possible breakdown of law and order as one of the major reasons for his intervention.

But at an interactive session with the Media on Tuesday June, 10, 2025 in Abuja, Rivers State APC factional Chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, noted that the impeachment threat remains in force in the absence of any genuine reconciliation between the law makers and Governor Fubara.

His statement comes amidst speculations that the embattled Governor elected on the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, platform may have resolved to defect to the APC as one of the preconditions for his early reinstatement in office.

In fact ,rumours have been rife that democratic order may be restored in Rivers state as the country marks June 12 Democracy Day on Thursday.

However, the Rivers State APC Chairman expressed fears that the state Lawmakers may still opt for the removal of the Governor, even if he decides to join Mr President’s party if concerted efforts are not made to sort out areas of disagreement with the legislative body.

“Only genuine reconciliation can save him ( Governor Fubara ) from impeachment as the Supreme. Court judgment stands. Any reconciliation must also be arrived at through lawful and due processes

“But, as of today ,I can confirm that there is no genuine and serious reconciliation effort ongoing as it concerns the political situation in Rivers state.

“The suspended Governor has not made any move to reconcile with the Lawmakers. If the situation remains unresolved before the restoration of democratic governance, the possibilities of impeaching the Governor will still be there even if he decides to join APC”, Okocha emphasized.

This is just as he asserted that the APC is no dumping ground for political outcasts.

According to him, as a law abiding party, there are some due processes that have to followed before admitting the suspended Governor.

“In any case, Fubara cannot be forgiven simply because he joined the APC. APC is not a dumping ground .He must follow the procedures before he can be admitted. He has to join from his ward”, he noted.

Reps Beams Searchlight On Condition Of Foreign Missions

Ayodele Oni

June 10, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The House of Representatives is set to address the poor conditions of Nigerian missions abroad.

To this end, a motion being sponsored by three members of the Green Chamber is already before the lawmakers.

The motion was sponsored by Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers), co-sponsored by Jesse Okey-Joe Onuakalusi (LP, Lagos) and Fred Agbedi (PDP, Bayelsa), calling for an investigation into the deteriorating state of Nigeria’s Diplomatic Missions, particularly in the United States of America.

The motion urged the House to assess the structural, operational, and diplomatic challenges faced by these missions, which have raised concerns over national image, staff welfare, and service delivery to Nigerians abroad.

A statement by the Reps spokesman, Akin Rotimi Jnr, explained that members of the House stressed the importance of restoring dignity to Nigeria’s foreign missions through transparent oversight, adequate funding, and strategic foreign policy alignment that reflects the country’s global stature.

“In response, the House resolved to launch a comprehensive probe, engaging relevant MDAs and stakeholders to chart a course for reforms that will enhance the effectiveness and integrity of Nigeria’s diplomatic presence worldwide.

“This action affirms the 10th Assembly’s unwavering commitment to accountability, global representation, and the welfare of Nigerians everywhere.”

Osun: NYSC Sanctions Corps Members For Breaching Service Rules

Ayodele Oni

June 10, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

For running foul of rules and regulations of the National Youth Service Corps Scheme, (NYSC) a total of 119 members serving in Osun State have been directed to repeat their mandatory service year.

This was revealed in a statement issued after the low-key passing-out ceremony of the 2024 Batch B Stream 1 corps members in the state.

According to the State Coordinator, Mr. Agbor Obim, 2,057 corps members successfully completed their service, while 86 received service year extensions and 33 were declared as absconders due to misconduct and non-compliance with NYSC bye-laws.

Speaking at the Olorunda Local Government area distribution centre, Agbor emphasised the importance of discipline, urging corps members to avoid night journeys, travel only from designated motor parks, and refrain from wearing the NYSC uniform while traveling for their own safety.

He highlighted the role of the NYSC in promoting national unity, commending the outgoing corps members for their resilience and service despite the challenges faced during the year.

“We thank the Almighty for guiding our corps members through their service year, and commend them for their meaningful contributions across the state.”

At the Osogbo Local Government area centre, Mr. Oyebade Babatunde, Deputy Director of Mobilisation and Certification, Southwest Area Office 1, praised the corps members for their dedication to national development.

He encouraged them to leverage the skills gained from the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme and to build on the foundation laid during the service year.

“As you step into the next phase of your lives, carry the values of discipline, honesty, hard work, and respect. These are the virtues that will guide you to success.”

He also urged them to pursue further education or practical skills training where possible and cautioned against engaging in illegal activities in the pursuit of quick wealth.

“Let your choices reflect the ideals of the NYSC scheme — nation building, integrity, and service to humanity.”

Tinubu Justifies Renovation Of ICC, As Wike Renames Centre After President

Ayodele Oni

June 10, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has observed that the State of the International Conference Centre, before its renovation did not befit the status of Nigeria.

Recalling his previous visit to the Centre during the 2024 ECOWAS Parliament conference, President Tinubu recounted his shock at its poor state.

“When I attended the ECOWAS Parliament conference, the environment was dirty, disorganised, and uninhabitable.

“I turned to Mr. Wike and said, ‘This Conference Centre does not reflect who we are. Have we sunk this low?’ He replied, ‘No, bear with us. We will do whatever we can to transform the place.’ Today, I am very happy.

“The International Conference Centre is part of our country’s larger vision to become a hub for regional diplomacy, continental trade discussions, global partnerships, and other thoughtful, well-outlined goals that reflect our ‘Nigeria First’ principle.”

He praised Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, the original contractor, for delivering a high-quality renovation, adding that the quality reflects what Julius Berger has been known for in this country for years.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stated that Tinubu spoke at the commissioning of the renovated Abuja International Conference Centre (ICC) on Tuesday in Abuja.

The President directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to pay for the use of the facility to ensure its upkeep and long-term sustainability.

At the event, Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike announced the renaming of the Centre, which opened in 1991, as the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre.

Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, President Tinubu further assured Nigerians of his administration’s determination to revitalise infrastructure across key sectors, including transportation, healthcare, education, energy, and urban development.

He commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for completing the renovation within one year of the Centre’s closure.

Applauding Wike for his vision and execution, President Tinubu said: “Do not pay attention to the busybodies and bystanders. Whatever they say, continue your good work. You are a transformational leader with foresight, vision, and determination.”

Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the FCT Administration for naming halls at the Centre after the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

He lauded the collaborative spirit between the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary under President Tinubu’s leadership.

Wike said the FCT transformed the facility within eight months after the President’s directive.

“Mr. President, this transformation would not have been possible without your leadership. Many presidents have come here, but none said this was not what Nigeria needed because they lacked your courage and vision.”

Wike stressed the need for financial discipline in maintaining the newly upgraded facility,

“Whether you are a Ministry or an Agency, you must pay something to use this facility. That is the only way we can sustain it.

“No such thing as ‘my brother’ or ‘my sister’ wants to use it for a wedding. If you want to use a beautiful place like this, you must pay something.”

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre is among several capital projects scheduled for commissioning by President Tinubu in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as part of activities marking his second anniversary in office.

Endorsement Of Gov Otti: You Are On Your Own, APC Warns Orji Kalu

Suleiman Anyalewechi

June 10, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The All Progressive Congress, APC, has vehemently rejected the endorsement handed down to the Abia state Governor, Dr Alex Otti, by a chieftain of the party and Senator representing Abia North Senatorial district ,Orji Uzor Kalu.

The Source reports that Senator Kalu ,a former Governor of the State ,in company with a one time Senator that represented Abia Central, Chris Adighijie had on Sunday, June 8, 2025 during a visit to the Labour Party’s Governor Otti, patted him on the back for work well done so far in the governance of Abia State.

Kalu, thereafter, proceeded to endorse Otti’s second term bid ,even when the Governor is still waiting on God to decide his 2027 political foray.

Instructively, Governor Otti, while appreciating the visit of his predecessor in office, and the concomitant accolades, flayed all discussions about 2027 as amounting to playing God.

While, also, conceding to have borrowed hugely from the infrastructural development blueprint of Kalu during his time as the State Governor, Otti, pointedly disassociated himself from all such distractive permutations on the 2027 polls.

Two years, he insisted, are too far for political actors to engage in calculations for another election .

The Abia APC in a strongly-worded statement issued on Tuesday, June 10, by its spokesperson, Sterling Uruakpa scolded Senator Kalu for indulging in an unsolicited political handshake with a Governor of a rival party.

The APC , while completely distancing itself from all remarks credited to Kalu during the said visit, also, stated that the Abia State former Governor is on his own.

The party similarly described Senator Kalu’s visit to Governor Otti as purely a personal affair which does not enjoy the approval and or support of APC.

“Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s visit to Governor Alex Otti was a personal engagement. It does not reflect the position or endorsement of Abia state APC.

The Party remains firm in its position that the Labour Party Government in Abia is fraught with unresolved conflicts of interest, a troubling lack of transparency, and the concealment of project costs, and contracts details” the party stated.

The APC reaffirmed its position on the alleged opaqueness of the LP administration, as earlier captured by its Chairman, Dr Kingsley Ononogbu.

The Chairman had at the occasion of the launch of Renewed Hope Partners in Bende Local Council of the State on May 28, 2025, berated the Otti administration for reveling in unbridled financial secrecy as well as conducting the affairs of Abia State from his private residence in his Isiala Ngwa South Local Government.

The APC in the statement warned against any further act of party indiscipline, sabotage, as well as what it described as “political fraternization on the part of members.

According to the APC, no party member should hide under the guise of seeking support for the ambition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to undermine its fortune.

“We will not tolerate a repeat of the 2023 betrayal where party discipline was sacrificed for personal gain”, the APC warned.

Instructively too, at an interactive session with the media after the now controversial visit, Senator Kalu had stated that his overall interest, was to foster a political understanding between President Tinubu and Governor Otti.

While rejecting any plans for a coalition against the President ahead of the 2027 polls, Kalu noted that he is working to ensure that both Governor Otti and the President assist each other during the election.

“I am not into coalition talks. My interest is for Tinubu and Otti to support each other.

“Governor Otti doesn’t have a problem with me. I don’t want to talk about a coalition. I want to talk about Otti supporting Tinubu and Tinubu supporting Otti.That is my interest”, Kalu submitted.

However, not a few people, including a sizable number of his APC members, perceive Senator Kalu’s posture as being in tandem with his well known survival antics.

However, the APC in its statement expressed its unflinching readiness and commitment towards wresting power from the LP in the state.

” Let it be known that no amount of political posturing, or unmerited praise for the Labour Party Government will distract us.

“We are focused on delivering victory in 2027, and aligning Abia state with the APC-led Federal Government”, Uruakpa asserted.

Lagos PDP Spokesperson, Hakeem Amode Says Party Is Dead

Akinwale Kasali

June 10, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

There is mass exodus of members of opposition Party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Lagos State. This is just as the Party’s spokesman, Hakeem Amode, who just dumped the party for the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC has declared it dead.

Amode left the Party alongside other PDP Chieftains in the State. They announced their defection at a Press Conference in Ikeja, Lagos.

Amode disclosed that he and other defectors were motivated and inspired by the visionary leadership of the 2023 PDP Governorship candidate, Abdul-Azeez Adediran, who had earlier moved to the APC.

The former PDP Spokesperson said: “It is with great honour and a profound sense of responsibility that we stand before you today to announce a pivotal decision; one that marks a significant turning point not just for us as individuals, but for many committed political stakeholders who have journeyed with us over the years.

“Today, we have decided to collapse the entire PDP structure in Lagos State, from Ward to the State level , to align with His Excellency, Jandor to decamp en masse to the APC.

“The PDP, both at the National and State levels, has lost its way.

“The party has deviated from the founding ideals that once made it the largest and most respected political platform in Africa.

“Today, its future is riddled with tension and uncertainty.

“The PDP is in a coma and may not survive unless urgent measures are taken,” Amode said.

He further stated that the tenure of the defectors within the PDP had been lengthy and eventful, characterised by both achievements and setbacks.

He said that majority of the defectors had the privilege of serving the PDP in various capacities, worked for change and did their best for their former party

He said, “However, after thorough introspection and extensive consultation, we believe it is time to chart a new course.

“This decision has not been made lightly.

“It reflects our commitment to taking control of our political destinies in order to better serve our people and the loyal supporters who continue to stand by us.”

Amode stated that the PDP in Lagos, under the leadership of Philip Aivoji, had been fractured and disunited.

He added that Poor leadership and lack of cohesion have cost the PDP dearly, with Aivodji playing dumb to the Cries of the Party members.

“Today, we, alongside several former PDP candidates at various levels, national, local government executives, ward leaders, and key stakeholders across Lagos, formally resign from the PDP and align ourselves with the APC.

“We have submitted our letters of resignation to our respective ward chairmen, local government chairmen, and the state leadership of the PDP,” he said.

He however noted that the decision to leave the PDP was not driven by personal ambition, clarified that defecting to the APC was to serve the society better.

“We are determined to work with our new partners in the APC to deliver the true dividends of democracy to every corner of our great state.

Safurat Abdulkareem, a two-time State PDP Deputy Governorship candidate, said that the defectors were determined to follow the progressives to make the state better.

In the same vein, Ola Apena, a former state PDP Deputy Chairman in the State said the PDP had no relevance in the state anymore.

“The PDP is dead. There is no more PDP.

“The party is in complete limbo and we don’t know whether it will be up,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of 2023 PDP State House of Assembly Candidates, Ibrahim Balogun, who flew the party’s flag in Kosofe, said he wasted time by staying in the PDP for 18 years.

“We will work for Tinubu in 2027. We are going en masse into the APC.

“Jandor is a visionary leader to follow because he is a man of the people,” Balogun said.

Other PDP leaders, who dumped the party for the APC included Prince Rufus Adeniyi, a former PDP Assistant State Organising Secretary (Lagos West) and Jerry Afemikhe (Olori Odo), a former PDP House of Representatives Candidate in Surulere Constituency I.

Some 2023 PDP Lagos State House of Assembly Candidates who dumped the Party includes; Keshinro Abiodun (Epe 1);Akeem Jinadu, (Eti-Osa 1); Ibrahim Balogun (Kosofe 2).

Taofeek Obanikoro (Lagos Island 1); Tunde Pratt (Lagos Mainland 2); Saheed Aregbesola (Oshodi-Isolo State 2), Sulaimon Thompson (Surulere 1)and Taofeek Kuye ( Ajeromi-Ifelodun State 1) also dumped PDP for APC.

Adeyemi Kazeem:former PDP Chairman, Ojo Local Government; Gbenga Ogunleye, Media aide to the 2023 Lagos PDP Governorship Candidate were also among those who defected to the ruling APC.

Popular Political Commentator, Jesutega Onokpasa Is Dead

Akinwale Kasali

June 10, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Prominent Political Commentator, Jesutega Onokpasa, is dead.

The Lawyer and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, passed on Monday.

His death was disclosed on his X account on Tuesday, by a pro-APC crusader, Okezie Atani, who revealed that the prominent political commentator is survived by his wife and children.

He wrote, “We lost Barr. Jesutega Onokpasa, may his soul rest in perfect peace.

A Facebook page named Renewed Hope United Kingdom also wrote a tribute entitled “A Farewell to a Passionate Advocate: Honouring Jesutega Onokpasa’s Legacy” to announce the late APC chieftain’s demise.

It wrote, “The passing of Barrister Jesutega Onokpasa is a profound loss to the Nigerian political and legal landscape. As a dedicated lawyer and political commentator, he was deeply engaged in shaping discourse and advocating for his beliefs.

“His contributions as a member of the APC Publicity Committee and the APC Presidential Campaign Council in 2023 reflected his commitment to his party and the nation. Onokpasa’s voice, whether in support or critique, was a vital part of Nigeria’s democratic conversation, and his absence will be deeply felt. May his family, friends, and colleagues find strength and solace in this difficult time.

“May His Soul Rest in Perfect Peace. Amen.”

It would be recalled that the Late Onokpasa was an APC’s Presidential Campaign Council member in 2023.

He also served on the APC’s Publicity Committee.

He gained national attention for his political commentary and staunch support for President Bola Tinubu, often appearing on TV to defend the administration.

He, however, became one of the President’s most bitter critics, beginning from the day Tinubu appointed Daniel Bwala a Presidential Adviser. Jesutega could not endure the appointment and noted that Bwala was one of those who stood against Tinubu during the Campaigns and called him unprintable names.

“The President Is Shielded, He Doesn’t Know What’s Going On” – Ndume

The Source

June 10, 2025

By Gideon Njoku

The Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District, has said that President Bola Tinubu is disconnected from the daily struggles of the masses. “The President doesn’t know what’s going on”, Ndume said.

Speaking in an interview with Channels Television, Ndume said that the President is so shielded by

Presidential Advisers that even when he is outside the Villa, he does not see the sufferings of the people. He is in a car which glass windows are tinted, Ndume said, so, he doesn’t see.

Ndume: “The people are not happy. Several people have said it, and the President also is not pretending. He acknowledged that there’s hardship; he’s acknowledged that things are very difficult, and even recently, he appealed that people should be patient with him.”

But Ndume worries about how long the people’s patience will last.

His words: “The question is, how long will they be patient? And things are very difficult, and certainly, so many things have not been done the way the people are expecting. And to be honest with you, if you can go back to the electorate today, half of them are not happy. You can’t say they are; you can’t lie about that.”

The Senator disclosed that what angers him most are the deception and the lies they tell the President.

His words: “I see people lying, and I see people telling the President what he wants to hear, or maybe some of them even he doesn’t want to hear them.

“My position on the people around the President that are supposed to help him is that they are deceiving him and are doing more harm than good.

“Let me say that it is because the President cannot go out on the street like myself and know how the people feel. Even outside the Villa they will drive him in tinted glass, he doesn’t even see what’s going on.”

Gov. Namadi Launches Biofortified Seed Distribution to 30,000 Jigawa Farmers

Ayodele Oni

June 10, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

In a significant step towards addressing malnutrition and climate change, not less than 30,000 farmers in Jigawa state are expected to benefit from biofortified seeds being distributed to small holder farmers in the state.

Already, Governor Umar Namadi has flagged off the distribution of the seeds to the beneficiaries.

A statement by the Senior Assistant Media Affairs to the governor, Hajiya Zainab Rabo said “this initiative, supported by HarvestPlus Nigeria and other partners, aims to enhance food security and nutritional outcomes in the region.”

Zainab Rabo in the signed statement explained that “The biofortified seeds being distributed include Vitamin A fortified maize, iron and zinc fortified millet.

“These seeds are not only high-yielding and climate-smart but also packed with essential nutrients, making them a valuable resource for farmers and consumers alike.”

The Senior Assistant Media Affairs quoted her Principal to have said “this initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve the agricultural sector in Jigawa.

“The government has also recruited additional extension workers to provide support to farmers, offered input loans to rice and wheat farmers, and established farm mechanization service centers across the state.

“The distribution of biofortified seeds is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of thousands of farmers and their families. By providing access to nutrient-rich crops, the initiative aims to improve nutrition and health outcomes, particularly among vulnerable populations.

“The Jigawa state government’s commitment to improving the agricultural sector is evident in its comprehensive approach. By combining the distribution of biofortified seeds with other initiatives, such as farm mechanization and input loans, the government is working to create a more secure and sustainable food system.

“The farmers are expected to benefit greatly from this initiative, as the biofortified seeds will not only improve their yields but also provide them with a healthier and more nutritious crop to consume and sell.

“The government’s emphasis on the importance of farmers in the plan is a testament to its commitment to their well-being.

“As the distribution of biofortified seeds begins, farmers are expressing optimism about the potential benefits. With the support of the state government and its partners, the farmers are confident that this initiative will improve their livelihoods and contribute to a more food-secure future.

“The launch of this initiative marks an important milestone in Jigawa State’s efforts to address malnutrition and climate change.

“As the programme unfolds, it is expected to have a lasting impact on the lives of farmers and the broader community, contributing to a healthier and more resilient future for all.”

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