Xenophobia: Group Accuses President Tinubu Of Inaction

May 6, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

A Yoruba Socio-Cultural Union Group under the aegis of Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of inaction over the continued killings of Nigerians and destruction of their properties and businesses by South Africans in the former apartheid nation.

The Group, in a statement issued on Wednesday condemned the brutal killings, harassment, and destruction of properties belonging to Nigerians, carried out by South African citizens.

The statement was signed by the Convener of the group, Olusola Badero, and released by its Home Director, Princess Balogun, where it expressed frustration over the Nigerian government’s silence. It warned that public anger is mounting.

“Don’t allow things to escalate before you take action.

“Nigerians are boiling and patient, but their patience will soon be exhausted once no action is taken to stop the killings and attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa.”

Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá called on President Tinubu to take immediate and concrete measures, including the shutdown of South African-owned businesses operating in Nigeria, specifically naming telecommunications giant MTN Group and media company MultiChoice Group.

“The madness going on in South Africa must be stopped. President Tinubu should talk to President Cyril Ramaphosa to put a stop to xenophobia in South Africa, or Nigerians will retaliate in multiples,” the group warned.

It further accused the South African government of failing to uphold international human rights standards, citing Article 3 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), which affirms that “everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.”

According to the group, the attacks are being driven by resentment against Nigerians and other African nationals who are perceived to be economically successful.

“South Africans are targeting Nigerians and other African nationals who are excelling in their businesses, instead of holding their government accountable, they resort to attacking innocent Nigerians who are lawfully doing their businesses.”

The statement further states that, “Nigerians did not take their jobs; rather, they created more jobs and wealth for South African people”.

The Group urged President Tinubu to personally visit South Africa to address the situation and warn of the diplomatic and economic consequences of continued attacks on Nigerians and other African citizens.

The Group also added that continued violence could provoke reprisals attack in Nigeria and other African countries.

“If the attacks and killings do not stop, Nigerians will have no other options than to start retaliating, and if that should happen, South Africa will be the one to lose in a big way,” they added.

However, the group advised Nigerians residing in South Africa to prioritise their safety.

“We urge all Nigerians living in South Africa to please stay safe or find all means to return to Nigeria if the Tinubu government fails to take drastic actions.”

I Will Seal Any PDP Office Illegally Opened By Turaki And Others In Abuja

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 6, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, warned the Tanimu Turaki-led factional Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, of dire consequences should it try to give territorial expression to its claims to the leadership of the party.

The Source reports that the Governor Seyi Makinde-backed PDP had, on Monday, May 4, 2026, following the Supreme Court judgment of April 30, constituted a 13-member interim National Executive Committee NEC to run the affairs of the party until the election of substantive officials.

The move, according to the faction, is sequel to the apex court’s ruling which it claimed has created a leadership vacuum within the party.

While the five-member panel of Supreme Court Justices had in a majority ruling declared as a nullity the November 14 and 15, 2025, Ibadan National Convention that gave birth to the Turaki-led factional National Working Committee, NWC , dissenting rulings by two of the Justices had also reaffirmed the trial Court’s and Court of Appeal’s earlier verdict validating the suspension and later expulsion order slammed on the National Secretary of Wike-backed Abdulraham Mohammed-led PDP, Senator Samuel Anyanwu and others.

Similarly, while the Supreme Court affirmed the Wike-backed faction as the authentic leadership, the minority verdict however subtly voided same with a declaration that all actions undertaken by expelled Anyanwu, which included the nomination of Mohammed, first as Interim National Chairman, and later, by playing a key role in the Abuja Convention where Mohammed emerged as the the substantive Chairman, are null, void and of no effect.

The appointment of the Turaki-led 13-member interim PDP PDP which was conducted by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees BoT, Senator Adolphus Wabara at the party’s 103rd NEC meeting in Abuja followed the adoption of a motion moved by the Edo state chairman Tony Aziegbemi ,and seconded by an ex-officio member Clement Fagboyede.

But at his monthly media chat on Wednesday, Wike challenged the Turaki-led PDP to open an official party bank account and Secretariat if they want to be taken seriously in its claims of taking over the PDP structure.

He accused the faction of embarking on a futile mission of misleading unsuspecting Nigerians.

He emphasized that the action of the faction is a clear case of gross violation of a valid court order.

“You cannot continue to deceive Nigerians. If they are sure they are the authentic leadership of the PDP, let them open an official PDP bank account and tell party members to come and purchase expression of interest and nomination forms through the account.

” Let Turaki, as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, open an account for the PDP. Let them announce it publicly for members who want to contest elections. That day,you will see what will happen”, Wike stated .

He, however, expressed doubts if any serious bank will want to take such a big risk of opening an account for a party that lacks all the legal instruments of existence.

“That bank will be in trouble because to open such an account, you must provide the party’s authentic documents and recognised leadership. And who are those having the required documents.

“In any case, if any body goes ahead to open an illegal office in the name of the PDP in Abuja, I will seal it.

“I will not allow any breach of peace because my duty is to maintain law and order in the Federal Capital Territory FCT”, Wike warns.

He expressed serious concern that some people still go about deceiving Nigerians even when the Court has conclusively settled everything about the leadership status of the PDP.

“People should stop deceiving Nigerians. The Supreme Court’s judgment is clear enough. You cannot ignore court decisions and begin to create parallel structures”, he noted .

OPINION: Political Gathering Storm And The Devil’s Advocates

The Source

May 6, 2026

By Destiny Amanze

There is a regular voice now on the Facebook since the people of Orlu Zone reportedly procured the form for the Senate for Governor Hope Uzodimma to represent them in the 11th Senate.

What the Orlu Zone politicians have done by that singular move is not just politically permissible but speaks to the level of trust and confidence they have invested on their son in whom they are well pleased.

That voice on Facebook goes by the sobriquet, Prof Mgbeke. Her real name is Sandra Duru, sorry, Sandra Duru-Eluobi. I forgot she is married.

By the way, I learnt she is also from Imo State. But she shows up effectively like the Abiku (apology to Wole Soyinka) every four years during critical politicking, obviously to carry out the work of the devil’s advocate.

More often than not, she writes from where she appears despite describing herself as a public policy scholar, political analyst and media practitioner. I doubt if she still understands the role of objectivity in media practice.

Those who must have encountered her pieces on Facebook, obviously, would be wondering what kind of analyst will devote 90% of her argument in each intervention serenading the activities of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and then calling out the perceived political opponents of Senator Akpabio. Pronto, she lets her audience, no matter how unsuspecting they appear, know who picks the bills, and the reason she writes.

When it suites Sandra, she calls out the Governor of Imo State, Dist. Senator Hope Uzodimma without any shred of respect to his office, not even to talk of the age of the Governor who is old enough to be her father or even grand father.

And then you wonder where Sandra hails from in Igboland in general or Imo State in particular. You wonder, also, what sort of upbringing moulded her psychological and spiritual endowment into adulthood and motherhood.

What is even worse is that when she insults the Governor, she does so with little awareness of the implications of her claims that are not backed by evidence. Again, you shudder what kind of scholar Sandra professes, and the media professional she lays claim to when she relies on hearsay and rumours to build her arguments.

Without being told, only those who make themselves available to be compromised or amenable for compromise, either for monetary and material gains, write the way Sandra does. They hardly loose a wink of sleep when they write for money except the alert refuses to sound.

Perhaps, there will be time when Sandra will be compelled to substantiate all the balderdash she writes about Governor Uzodimma, but for now, let us devote a little time to one of her latest Facebook outbursts on the gathering political storm in the country.

Again, you don’t need anyone to tell you that Sandra and her fellow devil’s advocates knew who their perceived target(s) is or are.

Because they heard that Governor Uzodimma’s Orlu kinsmen bought him ticket to go to the Senate to represent them, it became imperative for the Senate leadership, under Akpabio, to initiate the amendment of the Standing Order to restrict the presidency of the incoming 11th Senate to returning members of the 10th Senate only.

On Tuesday, May 5, 2026, the Akpabio-led Senate went into closed door meeting that lasted hours from where they rose to restrict only senators currently serving in the 10th Assembly who are able to secure a re-election into the 11th Senate to qualify to vie for the Senate presidency and other principal positions.

I am sure they didn’t reckon with the fact that only God can give power and only Him determines who holds it, when, where, and how. Only the human element in them was made manifest.

This is how Sandra celebrated immediately on Facebook the decision of her paymaster turned Senate President: “The Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma’s widely discussed Senate Presidency ambition has just met a structural wall, not by sentiment, not by media narratives, but by institutional design. The Senate has amended its Standing Orders, and in doing so, it has done what serious institutions do when they want to protect continuity, hierarchy, and internal discipline.

“After a marathon closed door session on Tuesday May 5th, 2026, lawmakers agreed on new criteria that go beyond popularity or political desperation. This is now about experience, continuity, and clear legislative memory. Two terms. Not just any two terms, but one must be the immediate preceding term before nomination. That is not a suggestion. That is a gate. And gates are not built for mere decoration. They are built to control access.”

“So what does this mean in plain language? It simply means you cannot sit outside the system, watch from the executive balcony, and suddenly jump, fly or parachute into the highest legislative office because of ambition or political calculations. The Senate is saying clearly, if you want to lead us, you must have walked with us, served with us, and proven yourself within this very chamber.

“By implication, and let me repeat it so nobody pretends not to understand later, only senators currently serving in the 10th Senate who secure a re-election into the 11th Senate will qualify to contest for the Senate presidency and other principal offices.

“This is not just a policy adjustment. This is a strategic institutional defense….”

Truth is that so many politicians, including those in the National Assembly, are suffering from what I can describe as Uzodimmaphobia. Let me simplify the sickness. They are suffering from a political sickness called Uzodimma syndrome. Unfortunately, the ailment can only be cured divinely. No doctor or hospital cures it.

They are afraid of Uzodimma’s shadow, not to talk of his real self, hence any devious plot to stop him is game. But the question is: can they? Who can stop what God has destined to be?

“Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his Upper Chamber by wrong,” says Jeremiah 22:13.

Not even the blind in Nigeria today cannot see the asset Governor Uzodimma has become in the Project Nigeria. Therefore, the conspiracy to stop him from his God destined continuous service to Him and humanity, contrary to the will of God Almighty, will not just hit the rocks but there will be divinely imposed consequences on the masterminds, no matter how highly placed.

At a time when Nigerians in South Africa are being massacred like fowls and needed the protection of their National Assembly leadership under Akpabio to guarantee the sanctity of their lives outside our country, the least expected was a closed door meeting from the Upper Chamber to critically evaluate the situation of the vulnerable Nigerians in the rainbow country. But alas, that was not to be because in the calculation of the Akpabio-led Senate, the lives of Nigerians do not matter.

What matters, however, is the plot to stop Governor Uzodimma, and perhaps others like him with passion for people-oriented services to the Country, from aspiring to the topmost position in the Senate or even elsewhere.

By and large, the amendment may not be about Governor Uzodimma, as it may have a lot to do with another mischievous conspiracy to truncate the aspiration of an Igbo to the highest office in Nigeria. We saw it happen before, and chances are it could happen again if the conspirators are not reined in now.

I hear Sandra’s Igbo name is Chidinma. And I hope she understands the full meaning of her name. If the God that made Akpabio her paymaster is good, going by the literary meaning of her name, there is nothing that says the same God cannot be good to an Igbo man like Governor Uzodimma assuming he has been destined to be Senate President of the 11th Senate come next year. Taking spaces on Facebook to denigrate him will not stop Governor Uzodimma’s God from being good.

Today in Imo State, the work of Governor Uzodimma has spoken loudly about his capacity to lead and serve. This is the reason his kinsmen, and by extension Ndi Imo, cannot afford not to have him continue to serve them.

At the national level, Uzodimma has become the rallying point for intentional, sincere, productive, and result-oriented leadership, hence he has earned the trust of leaders who know what it takes to serve the public selflessly and commitedly.

Rather than continue to wink in the dark because she has been conditioned to do so, I challenge Sandra to step out from the toxic environment she has become used to and visit her State to see what her God that is good is doing in Imo using Governor Uzodimma. Is it not said that seeing is believing? I am certain Sandra will see a lot and thank God for what she saw.

One of the things Sandra will discover is that Imo under Governor Uzodimma remains the highest-paying State for workers, placing her dear State at the top of the Country’s wage hierarchy. If she is in doubt, let her ask Nairametrics.

While the Federal Government pays a minimum wage of N70,000 to workers, with most States paying same amount or slightly higher (like Lagos and Rivers), Imo State government under Governor Uzodimma pays her workers the minimum wage of N104,000, up from N76,000 since the National Minimum Wage Act of 2024 was signed into law.

From the same Nairametrics data, Sandra will discover that her State has as well done a lot to prevent the national Japa syndrome in the medical sector by paying the medical doctors a minimum wage of N503,000.

In Imo, the action Sandra was pejoratively referring Governor Uzodimma to is not the cho cho cho that drips from the Upper Chamber where she and rumour-mongering amplification, often from street urchins, have reached an understanding.

No doubt, the political storm is gathering, but what is obvious is that calmness will definitely return after every storm. Deny that Governor Hope Uzodimma is an asset to the country today at your own peril.

Destiny Amanze a media analyst writes from Abuja

IPOB Announces Date For Fresh Lockdown In Southeast

Ayodele Oni

May 6, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) is set to mark “Biafran Heroes and Heroines Remembrance Day.” on May 30, and has declared a region-wide lockdown across the South-East on that day.

The directive was conveyed in a statement issued by the group’s Directorate of State and signed by its spokesperson, C. Okadigbo.

The group noted that the date is set aside to honour individuals who lost their lives in pursuit of Biafra’s self-determination, particularly during the Nigerian Civil War.

In the statement, IPOB emphasised the significance of May 30 as a moment of reflection, urging residents to remember the sacrifices made by those it described as fallen heroes and heroines.

It encouraged symbolic acts such as observing moments of silence, lighting candles, and sharing memories within families to preserve their legacy.

Describing the occasion as solemn, the group maintained that the ideals of freedom, dignity, and justice for which the deceased persons fought should remain central to its cause.

It reiterated that the day serves as a reminder of the historical struggle and the enduring identity tied to it.

IPOB further announced that there would be a complete shutdown of activities across the region from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with residents advised to remain indoors throughout the period.

The group stated that vehicular movement would be restricted, except for emergency services, while markets, offices, and other public institutions are expected to remain closed.

It also called on school authorities, parents, market leaders, financial institutions, and transport operators to comply with the directive to ensure safety.

The group claimed that relevant authorities, including governors in the South-East, had been notified, with plans to engage additional stakeholders ahead of the date.

Reaffirming its stance, IPOB stressed the need for continued remembrance of those who died in the struggle, insisting that their sacrifices must not be forgotten.

Factional PDP Regrets Having Dealings With FCT Minister Wike

Ayodele Oni

May 6, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

The factional Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has stated that the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has failed in his bid to hold down the party for his paymasters.

The party assured Nigerians that sale of forms and other activities are ongoing while preparations are being made for a genuine national convention.

The opposition party, made the clarification in a statement by Comrade Ini Ememobong, National Publicity Secretary of the PDP Interim National Working Committee, (NEC) while responding to the media chat of the FCT Minister on Wednesday.

The party tendered a profuse apology to Nigerians for offering a platform to Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), through which he became a Local Government Chairman, Minister of State, and Governor.

This was as it assured Nigerians that there is no amount of threats that will frighten the truth, adding that even though lies like those vomited by Wike travel faster than the truth, they will however, not reduce the efficacy of the truth when it arrives.

It pointed out that if it had not offered Wike the party’s platform, the nation would have been saved the unmitigated damage done to the psyche of countless Nigerians.

This was as it described Wike as “a person whose conduct, speeches, and reasoning” have become not just a national, but an international disgrace.

The PDP said Wike’s show of shame which he displayed through unsolicited overdosage of political rascality, moral emptiness, crass opportunism and post-loss trauma, does not in any material particular deserve a response.

The party maintained that this statement is not a response to his tirade, which is indeed his political swan song and the last kicks of a dying horse, but must acknowledge that if the PDP did not lend its platform to make him, there wouldn’t have been regrets today.

Ememobong said; “Today, Nigerians were treated to an unsolicited overdosage of political rascality, moral emptiness, crass opportunism, and post-loss trauma by Minister Nyesom Wike.

“The Minister, a public figure, funded a media convergence where he threw decency to the wind and maligned distinguished Nigerians with reckless abandon. The session was “full of sound and fury, signifying nothing,” it stated.

Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister — Nyesom Wike

The PDP admonished those he has defamed to seek legal redress, as no one is, and should be allowed to be, above the law.

According to the PDP; “As the legitimate leadership of our political party, we sympathize with Wike for the pain concomitant with the realisation that he will not and can never be the National Leader of our party, as no such office exists in our constitution; and even if it did, he, by conduct and speech, would be grossly insufficient to assume such an exalted office.

“We understand his frustration about the commencement of the sale of forms and activities to hold primaries and eventually a national convention where a credible Nigerian will emerge as the Presidential Candidate.

“This will mean that he has failed in his promise to “hold down” the party for his principal. The sale of forms is ongoing, and there is nothing Wike can do about it.

“His boast of dealing with banks that will open accounts for us is delusional, as he is already aware that we are operating accounts of the party, which is why his group of friends are receiving money through private accounts.

“On the issues he raised about the judgment, while awaiting the release of the Certified True Copies of the dismissed cross-appeals, we would be glad to have the Minister tell the world what the reliefs in the cross-appeals filed by his friends were, and what the judgment of the court was,” it stated

2027: “Fubara Said Before The President That He Will Not Seek Reelection” – Wike

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 6, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe at the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for prioritizing a second term ambition over real governance in the State.

He, also, disclosed that Fubara said before President Bola Tinubu that he was no longer interested in a second term in office.

Wike insisted that Governor Fubara remains a political commodity nobody will want to price twice in the governance of Rivers Stateđ.

At his monthly media chat on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, Wike, the immediate past Governor of Rivers state expressed serious dissatisfaction that Fubara has not shown any seriousness in delivering on his mandate, including failure to present his budget proposal even when the year has almost gone half.

The source reports that ,the FCT Minister in furtherance of his earlier vow not to allow his immediate successor secure a second term has gone ahead to position two preferred candidates to take over from Fubara.

While a serving House of Representatives member Hon Kingsley Chinda has been propped up on the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, platform ,Alabo Dakorinama George-Kelly is to directly face Governor Fubara in the battle for the All Progressive Congress, APC, ticket.

Only last week ,some elders and stakeholders from the APC collectively purchased the APC expression of interest and nomination forms for the Governor thus signaling his intention to contest for a second term.

The APC elders had cited popular demand and people’s overwhelming support as a major reason for their decision to procure the gubernatorial forms for Fubara.

But speaking on Wednesday, Wike vehemently rejected claims suggesting that the people are behind Governor Fubara in his re-election bid.

According to him ,such claims are not only false and misleading, but also unfounded and mischievous.

In what appears to be an official admission that Governor Fubara may have agreed not to re-contest during the last presidential truce brokered between the two, Wike warned against the tendency to ignore an agreement already sealed.

“The President intervened in the impeachment proceeding . And said withdraw, let there be peace. And the Governor said, look, Iam ready for peace. Look l am no longer interested in this. I will not do this. Then the House went and withdrew the impeachment.

“Having withdrawn the impeachment, he has now started to be smart by trying to renege on what was agreed upon right before the President

“Now, they are claiming that people are clamouring for somebody. This is what I don’t like. Nobody wants anybody. You can go and tell that to the market people or children.

“Who said that people want him to come out? Which politician will say that I was sleeping and people came to wake him up? Okay, even if people come to wake you, can’t you say no, I won’t do it? I am not prepared for it.

“That you appeared before a President of a country on arbitration, and the other parties have respected the President by doing their own part of the agreement, and now you want to be smart” Wike fumed.

Akpabio, Oshiomhole In Heated Disagreement Over Amended Senate Standing Rules Allegedly Targeted At Uzodinma

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 6, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Senator Adams Oshiomhole on Wednesday, engaged in heated disagreement and argument during plenary over the recent amendment to the rules and regulations governing the operations of the red chamber of the National Assembly.

The Source reports that the Senate had, on Tuesday, amended its standing rules restricting Principal offices to only Senators who have served for two consecutive terms.

The new rules effectively shut out Oshiomhole, other ranking Senators, as well as would-be high profile Senators including former and serving Governors who are angling to retire to the Senate in 2027.

In deed, unconfirmed reports indicate that the new rules may have been targeted primarily at protecting Akpabio’s position in the coming 11th Senate going by the speculated ambition of Governor Hope Uzodinma to vie for the Senate top job.

Governor Uzodinma, who is the Chairman of Progressive Governors Forum, PGF, has been handed the APC ticket for the Imo West Senatorial District by stakeholders, with his eyes allegedly firmly fixed on the Senate Presidency , having previously served as a member of the upper legislative chamber.

The hot exchange of words between Oshiomhole and Akpabio resulted from the former’s strident protest against the purported amended which he said breach his rights.

The shouting match began when Oshiomhole wanted to raise a point of order, but was overlooked by the Senate President who, instead, called for the confirmation of the votes and proceedings of the amendment as carried out earlier.

Despite having his seat’s microphone switched off ,the Senator representing Edo North continued to crave attention.

The intervention of the Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Monguno, could not restore order as Oshiomhole continued to shout “point of order”.

At a point the Senate President cautioned Oshiomhole, reminding him of the extant rules and regulations governing the operations of the Senate.

“The rules and laws governing the Senate Chamber, including its corridors and passages are clearly defined.

“The Senate President is empowered to sign warrants ), subpoenas, resolutions and other official documents issued by order of the Senate.

“He is also responsible for ensuring adherence to the rules of debate. Let me be clear, Senator Oshiomhole, many people may not see this order which is why I am reading it out .

“The Senate President is tasked with maintaining order during debates and giving rulings on points of constitutional order when they are raised .

” He also has casting vote in the event of tie but does not vote in any other circumstances..

“Most importantly, he has the authority to interpret the rules-this is clearly stated.

” So, Senators, we shall not come into this chamber, especially on matters as serious as contested elections , without proper understanding of the rules

” Let me emphasize once again, Senator Oshiomhole, if any member becomes unruly in the Senate, such a member will be asked to leave. This is the final warning”, Akpabio stated.

Consequently, despite the nays” overwhelmingly carrying the day, the Senate President ruled in favour of the ” ayes” when the votes and proceedings of the amendment were put to vote .

The Source reports that with the new rules, Governor Uzodinma’s speculated ambition,may have been severely disrupted.

2027 General Election: No Party Can Record Millions Of Votes As In 2023 – Dele Momodu

Ayodele Oni

May 6, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Dele Momodu, has observed that the emerging alliance among opposition leaders is less about long-term political cooperation and more a reaction to pressure from the ruling government.

According to him, Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, played a key role in pushing opposition figures into a temporary alliance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Wednesday, Momodu argued that prominent politicians including Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso were effectively compelled to move in the same direction, creating what could have evolved into a competitive two-party contest.

Momodu also reflected on past alliances, noting that previous collaborations among opposition leaders had not succeeded in unseating the ruling party, urging stakeholders to remain measured in their political strategies as the 2027 elections approach

Momodu’s remarks come amid recent political realignments involving both Obi and Kwankwaso, who have been at the center of discussions about opposition unity.

Momodu cautioned against assuming that past voter bases would automatically carry forward into future elections.

He questioned whether any of the leading political figures—whether from the ruling party or opposition—could confidently retain the millions of votes they secured in 2023.

He further argued that shifting political dynamics across states indicate that voter loyalty is far from guaranteed, pointing to recent electoral outcomes as evidence of changing public sentiment.

On coalition efforts, the media entrepreneur maintained that the African Democratic Congress, (ADC) remains open to new entrants, but would not yield to pressure or the notion that electoral success depends on a single individual.

FG Bans Use Of “Dr” By Recipients Of Honourary Doctorate Degrees, Warns Universities

Ayodele Oni

May 6, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

As part of measures to standardize and restore credibility to honorary academic awards in Nigeria, the Federal Government has banned the use of the prefix ‘Dr’ by honorary degree holders in official, academic or professional contexts.

Also, Vice-chancellors have been instructed to tighten procedures around the conferment process.

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa announced this on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, while briefing State House correspondents after a Federal Executive Council meeting.

According to him, “The recent trend we’ve seen with the award of honorary degrees has revealed a growing abuse and politicisation of this academic privilege.

“We’ve seen awards being used for political patronage, for financial gain, as well as the conferral of awards on serving public officials, which, as part of the ethics of honorary degree awards, should not happen.”

Under the new directive, individuals who receive honorary degrees will no longer be permitted to use the title ‘Dr’ before their names.

Instead, they are required to state the full honorary designation after their names.

He also noted that serving public officials had been awarded such honours contrary to established ethical standards.

“The recent trend we’ve seen with the award of honorary degrees has revealed a growing abuse and politicisation of this academic privilege,” he said.

The minister warned that universities that violated the directive would face sanctions.

“Going forward, all universities must obtain approval from the National Universities Commission before awarding honorary degrees.”

Ebonyi: “Mr President, There Can Be No Two Captains In A Ship, Call Your Minister To Order” – Abia Onyike

The Source

May 6, 2026

By Gideon Njoku

An APC chieftain in Ebonyi State, Abia Onyike, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to call to order Minister for Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, for allegedly interfering in every aspect of governance in Ebonyi State.

Onyike, in a Press Release, said that there can be no two captains in a ship, and that Umahi should allow Governor Francis Nwifuru to govern the State. He accused Umahi, a former Governor of the State, who is Nwifuru’s predecessor, of meddling in the decision-making processes in the State, and added that in 2023, the people voted for Nwifuru and not Umahi.

He, also, alleged that Umahi, who he said, spends more time in Ebonyi State than in Abuja, is in the habit of unilaterally changing the decisions already taken in the State. “In the ongoing political transition programme, Umahi is behaving as if the State has become part of his private trading company. When the Leader of the Party in the State gives directives on how things should be done, Umahi turns himself into a bully and begins to give contrary directives.”

He narrated a bit of his personal experience with the former Governor and warned that on no condition should the President reappoint Umahi as Minister in 2027 because the position should rotate. If, however, he is reappointed, Onyike said he would carry the battle to the Senate in a bid to stop his clearance.

Dave Umahi - Works Minister — Dave Umahi

For the records, two things: Onyike has not had a tidy relationship with the Minister from since Umahi’s Governorship of the State. And Governor Nwifuru, who Umahi literally installed as Governor, has never publicly complained about Minister Umahi.

Following is the full text of Onyike’s press release.

*PRESIDENT TINUBU SHOULD CALL UMAHI TO ORDER.*

I wish to appeal to His Excellency, the President of Nigeria, Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call his Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi, to order over his overbearing activities and excessive tendencies in the public affairs of Ebonyi State.

Umahi is fast becoming a meddlesome interlopper in the affairs of the administration of the state and the affairs of the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress.

As a member of the Party, I am worried that Umahi’s excessive love for power has made him to forget that there can be no two captains in a ship. Ebonyians elected Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru to occupy the exalted position of Governor. The intention of the electorate was not that power should be shared. He ruled the state when he had the opportunity but now that there is a new government, let him allow Ebonyians to rest.

Umahi spends more time in Abakaliki than in Abuja and tends to meddle into issues of governance and leadership as if he occupies any elective office in the state. He should respect himself and know his limits.

In the on-going political transition programme, Umahi is behaving as if the state has become part of his private trading company. When the Leader of the party in the state gives directives on how things should be done, Umahi turns himself into a bully and begins to give contrary directives.

In 2010, when he was the State Chairman of PDP, he propounded the idea that he was the highest political office holder in Ebonyi South Senatorial Zone. And when the then Deputy Governor, Prof. Chigozie Ogbu hosted a meeting of political office holders from Ebonyi South, he(Umahi) queried Ogbu and lambasted him for calling a meeting without reference to him. But when he(Umahi) became the Deputy Governor to former Governor, Chief Martin Elechi, he saw himself as supreme and lorded it over Prince Ugorji Ama Oti, whom he handed over to as State Party Chairman.

He recently went to the extent of inciting party members to purchase and fill out forms even after the party leadership had organized and moderated consensus arrangements to ensure order, equity and decorum in power sharing in the state. And the meetings were presided over by the leader of the party in the state, Gov Nwifuru and attend by critical stakeholders of the state.

Umahi should be reminded that he is no longer the Governor of the state. In a democratic culture such as this, it is never envisaged that any single individual should continue to exercise power for a very long time. Umahi should respect our constitutional democracy and restrain himself from political abuses which undermine democratic ethos.

When he was the Governor of Ebonyi, he never shared power with anybody. Infact, he was so autocratic and lawless that he stepped on many toes.

Let me give Umahi a Quit notice now. I will join forces with like minds in Ebonyi State to make sure he is not reappointed a Minister in 2027. If by any means he is appointed again, I will petition to the National Assembly and lead a protest to stop him. The position of Minister should rotate amongst the constituent parts of the state.

Umahi uses public office to oppress people. Recently, somebody told me that Umahi is against my aspiration to the House of Reps. He suggested I should go to Uburu and beg him. I refused to do that. I don’t believe that my destiny lies in Umahi’s hands. When I showed interest for the Senate in 2019, Umahi collected #300,000,000(three hundred million Naira) and sold out the ticket. So, right now I heard he was against me going to the House of Reps.

Whatever it is, I believe that Gov Nwifuru had all the capacities and humane considerations to provide leadership and I stand by the decision of the party on the issue of primary elections for the Afikpo/Edda Federal Constituency for 2027 whereupon all the National Assembly members were returned to go back.

Let Umahi respect the collective views of Ebonyi Stakeholders and stop insisting on recolonizing Afikpo and Edda even while out of elective office. Is he the first person to become a Minister? I don’t accept the confusion by Umahi and his attempts to play holier than thou. When he was a sitting Governor, whom did he share power with? Even Chief Anyim Pius Anyim who made him Governor, did he permit him to do anything in the state?

As one of the founding fathers of this state, I cannot afford to keep quiet when strange things are happening because of the greed and selfishness of certain persons.

Abia Onyike,

APC Chieftain,

Ebonyi State.

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