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LP Commends INEC For Excluding Party From Bye-elections

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Labour Party

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

In a classic case of a house against itself, the Anambra State Chapter of the Labour Party, LP, loyal to the Senator Nenadi Esther Usman-led Interim National Working Committee, NWC, has hailed the exclusion of candidates nominated by the Julius Abure faction from the August 16 State and National Assemblies bye-elections in the State by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC. LP, based on the INEC  decision is fielding  no candidate.

It described the action as a signpost to the readiness of the Electoral Umpire towards respecting the rule of law.

The Source reports that the Supreme Court had, on April 4, 2025, sacked the Abure-led National Executive Committee, NEC, which was enthroned by the controversial Nnewi Convention earlier in 2024.

The Apex Court  held that the tenure of Abure and others had clearly expired long before the said Nnewi Convention that purportedly handed them a second term in office.

At a media briefing on Thursday August 14, 2025 in Awka, the State Capital, Chairman of the LP in the State, Peter Okoye, warned party members and the general public against transacting party business or any other activities with Abure and his factional leaders

He insisted that going by the facts of the Supreme Court ruling as contained in the Certified True Copy, CTC, the only recognized NWC of the LP is that headed by Senator Usman.

According to Okoye, the Anambra LP has no candidate in next Saturday’s bye-election in the State.

This is as he insisted that the LP has no alliance of any kind with the African Democratic Congress, ADC, as far as  the bys-election is concerned.

The LP Chairman, therefore, urged members and supporters to come out in their numbers to vote only candidates with clean and credible records.

“Our Party is law-abiding ,and will always operate within the confines of the law”, Okoye stated.

It would be recalled that the INEC had earlier refused to recognize the LP’s candidate for the bye-elections in Edo State .

But unlike in the case of Edo State where the Commission cited the Party’s failure to formally declare its interest in the process as a major reason for its action, that of Anambra State remains hazy.

Piqued by the situation, Abure, on Wednesday August 13, warned of imminent constitutional crisis and legal proceedings  should the INEC fail to reverse its decision.

Peter Obi, the party’s presidential flag bearer in the 2023 general elections, had already publicly declared support for the Wife of the slain LP member that represented Onitsha North I State Constituency, Mrs Justina Azuka, who is angling to succeed her husband on the ADC platform.

DG WTO, Okonjo-Iweala Meets President Tinubu, Discusses Reforms To Cushion Policies

By
Ayodele Oni
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Bola Tinubu and Okonjo-Iweala

By Ayodele Oni

“We must give Tinubu credit for stabilising Nigeria’s economy – Okonjo- Iweala”

The World Trade Organisation’s (WTO), Director -General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has said Nigeria’s economy under President Bola Tinubu has stabilized.

She was of the view that Tinubu must be given credit for stabilising the economy.

Okonjo-Iweala spoke during a courtesy visit to Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Thursday.

She added that what is needed next in the country is economic growth.

“So we think that the President and his team – and we just exchanged with him – have worked hard to stabilize the economy.

“And you cannot really improve an economy unless it’s stable,” Okonjo-Iweala said.

The WTO DG added that

“Tinubu has to be given the credit for the stability of the economy.

“So the reforms have been in the right direction. What is needed next is growth.

“We now need to grow the economy and we need to put in social safety nets so that people who are feeling the pinch of the reforms can also have some support to be able to weather the hardship. So that’s the next step.

“How do we build social safety nets to help Nigerians cushion the hardship they’re feeling?

“And then how do we grow the economy so we can create more jobs and put more money in people’s pockets?”

Okonjo-Iweala said these are issues that have been discussed with the president but did not give further details.

LASG Seals Chicken Republic Outlet Over Unhygienic Practices

By
Akinwale Kasali
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LASG Seals Chiken Republic

By Akinwale Kasali

Less than 48 hours after the Lagos State Government, through the Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, sealed Dowen College in Lekki, over poor Waste Disposal, it’s sister agency, Lagos Wastewater Management Office, LSWMO, has sealed off a Chicken Republic outlet also in Lekki.

The Chicken Republic Outlet was sealed over alleged improper waste disposal and poor sanitary conditions, an action said to be in violation of environmental laws in the State.

The outlet, located at No. 23 Agungi Ajiran Road, was sealed following public complaints about the company’s alleged unhygienic practices.

The Government noted that investigations revealed the restaurant’s management had been discharging wastewater onto the road, thereby causing damage to public infrastructure and contributing to environmental pollution.

Tokunbo Wahab, Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, confirmed the enforcement action on Thursday through LASG Seals Chicken Republic Outlet Over Unhygienic Practices

OAU Student Commits Sui*cide Over Poor Results

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Ajibola Ibitayo

By Akinwale Kasali

Ajibola Ibitayo, a 200-Level Student of the Faculty of Dentistry at the  Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, has taken his own life for his poor results. He was alleged to have been depressed over his consecutive “Carry Over” in a particular Course.

The sad occurrence threw the University Community into mourning as the Late Ibitayo, whose father is said  a medical doctor, injected himself.

The Public Relations Officer of the University, Abiodun Olanrewaju, confirmed the incident in a statement on Thursday.

Olanrewaju said the deceased with matriculation number DEN/2021/023 was a Part-Time student of the Faculty of Dentistry.

The University disclosed that the student took his life after he discovered that the results of the last Semester’s Examinations, which were just released, would require him to repeat Part Two for another academic year.

He had already been repeating Part Two during the last session.

The Institution’s Spokesperson explained that the sad news was received by the University leadership as the deceased reportedly injected himself at his Parents’ home in Ejigbo, Osun State.

Saddened by the news, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, appealed to parents and guardians to instill in their Children and

Wards the understanding that temporary setbacks in the pursuit of success are part of life and not the end of it.

He also urged students and young people to view failure as an opportunity to redirect their paths toward success and greater achievements.

The Vice-Chancellor prayed that God Almighty would grant the parents, family, Faculty, College of Health Sciences, and the University community the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

National Convention: Gov Diri Heads PDP’s 44 Member Zoning Committee

By
Ayodele Oni
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PDP National Convention Zoning Committee

By Ayodele Oni

The Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Iliya Damagum, on Thursday, inaugurated the National Convention Zoning Committee (NCZC) preparatory to the national Congress of the party.

The 44-member Zoning Committee, will primarily decide on the distribution of key positions in the party, including which zone of the country will fly its presidential flag at the 2027 polls.

The committee, which is chaired by Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, was inaugurated at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.

In his address, the chairman charged members of the committee to ensure fairness in the exercise.

“The next National Working Committee must not only be representative, it should be visionary, courageous, and proactive. We need leaders of integrity, creativity, and capacity.

“We must place individuals who inspire confidence, mobilise effectively, and speak to the hopes of Nigerians.

“Our zoning process must reflect fairness, equity, and strategic thinking, as well as strengthen our unity, reward loyalty, and position us for electoral victory.

“I trust that the Zoning Committee will approach its task with wisdom, foresight, and a full understanding of the bigger picture: PDP over anyone, and PDP above any personal interest.

“Please members of this committee, do keep in mind  that the deputies are just as important as the principals. I speak from experience. I ran for — and won — the position of National Deputy Chairman (North).

“Yet, due to political circumstances, I was thrust into the role of leading our great party nationally.

“It was a drastic and unexpected responsibility; one that demanded resilience, clarity, and decisive leadership. Because I was prepared, because I understood the weight of service, I was able to rise to the challenge and stand firm in the storm.

“Loyalty is the lifeblood of our party. Without it, unity is impossible. Yet loyalty alone is not enough, it must walk hand in hand with competence.

“As you consider zoning, picture the calibre of individuals who may emerge from each zone. Ask yourselves, Will this person embody the values and strength of the PDP in a way that makes us proud before the nation?

“Politics demands pragmatism, not sentiment; especially now, when the state of the economy has left many Nigerians disillusioned and disengaged from the democratic process. As a party, we should aim to make decisions that reignite hope and inspire confidence in our people.

“This Committee is the engine room where we lay the political foundation for the leadership of the PDP over the next four years.

“The decisions you take will shape our ability to serve Nigerians, win elections, and defend the democratic values we represent.

“We operate in a dynamic political terrain, sometimes turbulent, always demanding the very best from us. In recent times, we have faced changes in leadership and the departure of some members who chose a different path.

“Yet we remain standing because the PDP is bigger than any individual, stronger than any momentary setback, and destined to remain a central force in Nigeria’s democratic journey.”

Rivers: After Outrage, Police Arrests Pastor For Dehumanising 20 Children

By
The Source
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Police Arrests Pastor For Dehumanising 20 Children

By Charles Igbo

The Rivers State Police Command has responded to the outrage which greeted the dehumanisation  of 20 minors by Pastor.

Nigerians had woken up on Tuesday to the heartbreaking video on Social Media Platforms of 20 children being tortured inside the premises of a Church by the so called Pastor, Ifediora Onyeibor, Joseph, and a couple of his insane adherents. They rose in anger and outrage and called for the arrest of the Pastor. They, also, wondered why no security agency was aware of such atrocity until it was made public on social media by a concerned and heartbroken citizen.

On arrest by the Police on Wednesday, August 13, he said he was performing spiritual cleansing on the children as directed by the much abused Holy Spirit. The spiritual cleansing, he said, would last for three days.

Following is the full text of the Police Release which announced the arrests and the rescue of the children. It was signed by the Command’s Spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko.

“Arrest of Pastor and Rescue of Victims in Connection with Minors’ Dehumanization

“The Rivers State Police Command has taken swift action in response to a distressing online video, circulating  on social media, depicting the dehumanization of minors within a Church setting, where the presiding Pastor, Pastor Ifediorah Onyeibor Joseph, ‘m’ aged 41, has been arrested in connection with the incident .

“Preliminary investigations reveal that Pastor Ifediorah allegedly organized a 3-day program for children in his Church, purportedly for “spiritual cleaning,” claiming to have been inspired by the Holy Spirit. Upon receiving this information, Operatives from the Rivers State Police Command through coordinated intelligence, arrested the Pastor and several Church members at the scene.

“A thorough investigation is currently underway to unravel the circumstances surrounding this incident. Further updates will be made public as more information becomes available.

“The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju psc mnips, urges the public to remain calm and peaceful while the investigation is ongoing. He urges members of the public to report any suspicious activities or concerns to the nearest Police Station or other Security agencies. He reiterates the Command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens, particularly vulnerable populations such as minors. The Command will continue to work tirelessly to address any issues that may compromise the security and dignity of individuals within our State.”

While the outcome of investigations is being awaited, not a few people are calling for the arrest of the parents and guardians of the tortured children.

Abuja: HERF Trains Over 100 NURTW Members

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Eddy Road Safety

A non governmental organization, Hospital Emergency Response Foundation, HERF, has facilitated the training of over 100 members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, in First Responder Stabilization Techniques in Abuja yesterday.

This critical training aimed to prevent unnecessary deaths on our roads by saving lives of accident victims through emergency response skills, was conducted with technical support from the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA.

The intensive one-day session, which took place at the Jabi Park, Abuja, on August 13, empowered drivers and passengers—often first on the scene of road crashes—with the skills to stabilize victims before professional help arrives.

Participants were taught how to assess accident scenes, control bleeding, manage fractures, extricate victims from vehicles and administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Each participant left the programme equipped with a stocked first aid box to support real-time interventions.

The training received official endorsement from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) FCT Sector Command, with senior officers in attendance to encourage participants. Representing the Sector Commander, Head of Operations Mr. Isah Nzapisma commended HERF for its consistent efforts in strengthening public capacity to respond to emergencies. “Road safety is everybody’s business. The knowledge you have gained today is not just for you — it is for every life you may encounter in danger on our roads. Use it well and become ambassadors for safety,” he said.

HERF’s Founder and Executive Director, Udanga Agom Jarigbe, said the initiative reflects the Foundation’s vision of ensuring that no life is lost simply because help did not arrive in good time. “We will continue to partner with transport unions, traffic management agencies and other stakeholders to reduce fatalities from road accidents. This training will be replicated across the country so that wherever a crash happens, someone nearby will know exactly what to do,” she said.

An Assistant Director from NEMA, Mr. Labaran Ahman, commended the programme and urged Nigerians to offer immediate help at accident scenes rather than recording videos. He reaffirmed NEMA’s readiness to deploy trained personnel and equipment to support rescue efforts nationwide.

Winston P. Ekpotu, Managing Partner, said that one of HERF’s long-standing partners, Britson and Partners, has been supporting the Foundation since its inception, providing strategic and operational backing for its programs.

“Our relationship with HERF goes beyond sponsorship; it is a shared mission. From the very beginning, we have believed in the vision of building a network of trained first responders across Nigeria. This program is another important step in turning that vision into reality, and we are proud to stand with HERF in saving lives.” Mr. Ekpotu emphasized.

This latest programme builds on HERF’s proven track record, which in 2024 saw over 160 FRSC officers and community volunteers trained in advanced emergency response techniques across the FCT and accident-prone corridors such as the Madalla–Zuba axis. Participants from those programs have since been instrumental in responding to emergencies, demonstrating the real-life impact of HERF’s capacity-building initiatives.

Fmr. PDP National Secretary, Rex Onyeabo Dies

By
The Source
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Rex Onyeabo

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Former National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Rex Onyeabo, is dead.

A statement on Thursday August 14, 2025, from his son, Dr Obiora Onyeabo, informed that the former founding member of the PDP passed on peacefully on August 7, 2025.

Onyeabo who served as the PDP National Secretary in 1999, according to the statement, was until his death, the Eze Ndigbo in Abuja .

“With heavy hearts, but gratitude to God for a life well spent, the Onyeabo Family of Enugu State announces the passing of our Patriarch, and Statesman, Chief (Sir) Rex Chuma Onyeabo.

“Chief Rex Onyeabo was a founding memberof PDP, and served as its National Secretary in 1999, as well as a member of the PDP’s Board of Trustees until his death.

“Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course by the family”, the statement reads in part.

Besides his foray into politics, late Onyeabo also served in various other capacities both at the State and Federal levels. He was the  Deputy Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA, and Chairman, Governing Council of the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, ABUTH, Shika Zaria.

The Engineering graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, USA, also, was a one- time Chairman of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Chairman, Board of Nike Lake Resort Hotels Enugu, and Permanent Secretary of the Enugu Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport.

He was aged 80 years.

Imo Gets Two New Private Universities

By
The Source
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1
Dr Tunji Alausa

By Charles Igbo

“There are inefficiencies at the National Universities Commission” -Education Minister

The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved the establishment of nine Private Universities. Out of the nine, two are Open Universities.

The approvals were given on Wednesday at the Federal Executive Council Meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu.

This was disclosed by the Minister for Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, who also announced the names and locations of the new Universities when he briefed State House Correspondents at the end of the FEC Meeting.

Out of the nine approvals, two are located in Imo State. They are: Bridget University, Mbaise, and Azione Verde University.

Other Universities approved are: Tazkiyah University, Kaduna State, Leadership University, Abuja, Unique Open University, Lagos State, American Open University, Ogun State, Jimoh Babalola University, Kwara State, Greenland University, Jigawa State and, JEFAP University, Niger State.

The Minister disclosed that the President Tinubu Government met 551 applications for Private Universities which it proceeded to  prune down to 79. But, finally, on Wednesday, only nine were approved out of the 79 active applications.

The Minister attributed the delay in approvals to inefficiencies at  the  National  Commission of Universities, NUC.

His words: “Due to inefficiencies within the NUC, approvals were delayed. We have since introduced reforms to streamline these processes, and today’s approvals are a result of clearing this backlog.”

For the records, the Federal Government a couple of days ago said it has put a halt, for seven years, to the establishment of Tertiary Institutions in the country.

Super Falcons Yet To Receive President Tinubu’s Gifts – Team Captain Ajibade

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Super Falcons of Nigeria

By Akinwale Kasali

“Mr President, we don’t want audio money” – Sports Enthusiast

Rasheedat Ajibade, Captain of the continent- conquering Super Falcons, that recently won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Championship, WAFCON 2024, in Morocco, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to redeem his $100,000 promise to the team.

Speaking in an interview with Chude Jideonwo, in a Podcast, the former Atletico Madrid Female Team winger, said that all the promises made by President Tinubu are yet to be fulfilled. But added that she and her colleagues remain optimistic that it would be fulfilled soonest.

“All the promises made to us, the $100,000 pledge by President Tinubu, we are yet to receive them, because a lot of people have been asking for their share.

“We have not received the money, but they will pay. All the promises are yet to be received, but people have already shared the money we haven’t received (laughs). We have not received it yet.

“We strongly believe that the pledge will be redeemed. If we receive the money it will be in the public domain”, Ajibade stated.

Following Ajibade’s revelation, Nigerians have started a troll on the President Tinubu administration, urging them to fulfill their pledge.

Femi Akano, a Sport enthusiast, reacting to the failure of the FG to redeem its pledge to the Super Falcons said, “This shouldn’t be a similar case of the victorious Super Eagles team that won AFCON 1994, that were just being gifted their houses 33 years after, when most of the players have died.

“We don’t want ‘audio money’, the President should redeem his pledge in earnest”.

Similarly, @John_Vic, a X User, reacting to the interview said, “I Never knew the President is yet to give this Ladies the $100,000 promise, and he was making the announcement as if they would be paid immediately.

“Let us hope he pays them the money before the year runs out”.

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