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Abure Wins As INEC Finally Recognizes His Candidate For Anambra Gov. Poll

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Nenadi Usman and Julius Abure

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The efforts by the Senator Esther Nenadi Usman faction of the  Labour Party to have its candidate recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC  for the forthcoming Anambra  State gubernatorial polls have finally hit the rock.

The electoral umpire in its list of final candidates for the November 8, 2025 off-circle polls ,published on Wednesday June 4, 2025 named Chief George Moghalu as the LP flag bearer.

The Source reports that the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority NIWA ,and founding National Auditor of the All Progressive Congress APC was on April, 5, 2025 nominated by the Julius Abure faction of the LP as its candidate.

He emerged at the controversial primary of the faction held in Awka, the Anambra State capital after the withdrawal of his only challenger Sir John Nwosu.

Nwosu had cited the April 4, 2025, Supreme  Court judgment that sacked  the Abure-led National Working Committee NWC as a major reason for his withdrawal.

According to him, participating in the primaries after the apex court’s ruling on the leadership tussle in the party, amounted to legitimizing an obviously illegal exercise.

Notwithstanding the emergence of Chief Moghalu, the Governor Alex Otti-backed Usman interim leadership later, in April, conducted its primary with a member of the Anambra state House of Assembly  submitted to the INEC as a place holder.

Although the two factions had been engaged in several subtle moves to have the ear of INEC ,the listing of Moghalu in the  INEC final list may have ultimately foreclosed the matter.

The electoral body also listed Okaro Ifeoma Veronica, as the running mate to the LP candidate Chief Moghalu.

According to the INEC time table, Monday June 2, 2025, was the dead line for all the parties to effect changes in the choice of candidates for the polls.

At the close of the dateline, and going by the list published, 16 political parties have been cleared to enter gubernatorial fray.

According to the INEC, Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo is the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, flag bearer  with Ibezim Onyekachukwu Gilbert ,as his running mate .

The APC, despite the protestations of embittered Valentine Ozoigbo, still retains Nicholas Ukachukwu as candidate, with Senator Uche Ekwunife Lilian as running mate .

Troubled Peoples Democratic Party PDP has Ezenwafor Jude, and Okeke Francis Chukwudi as flag bearer and running mate respectively.

According to a statement issued by Sam Olumekun, its spokesperson, the  electoral body noted that no changes will be entertained in the list, except in the event of death of a candidate or running mate before the day of the election.

“With this publication, no further withdrawal  or replacement of candidates will be allowed except in the event of death of a candidate or running mate  before Election Day as provided by section 34 (1) of the Electoral Act”, INEC stated

Consequently, INEC informed that political parties  and their candidates are at liberty to commence formal campaigns beginning from June 11,2025

It, however, warned against the use of abusive or divisive language during campaigns or  engagement in any form of physical attacks on opponents .

“Similarly, all parties and candidates must be given unimpeded access to public facilities for media campaigns, outdoor advertising, as well as public rallies and meetings”, the electoral umpire noted

Babcock University Expels Student For  Diabolical Behaviour

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Oladipupo Siwajuola

By Adesina Soyooye 

A student of Babcock University, Ogun State, Oladipupo Siwajuola, has been expelled by the University authorities for diabolical behavior. The student was also involved in drugs and other unwholesome behavior least expected from a student or even anybody his age.

In expelling him, the school described why it took the action as the student’s  “gross violation of university rules,” including involvement in fetish practices, drug peddling, impersonation, and dishonesty. For instance, he bought from a herbalist, soap which cost was N100,000.

Siwajuola’s story started in early May 2025, when his mother alleged, through the Social that his son, who she had personally brought back to school has been unreachable for days. She held the University responsible for failing in its duty of taking of his son.

But in a statement released on Wednesday, signed by Dr Joshua Suleiman, the University ’s Director of Marketing and Communication, the University disclosef “that Siwajuola had deliberately and illegality exited the  campus on April 28, 2025, without authorisation, disguising himself in a hoodie and sneaking out through the university’s teaching hospital gate.

“His disappearance was neither accidental nor the result of negligence by the university.

“Rather, it was a deliberate act, laced with a series of misconducts that violate the Babcock University Student Handbook,” the school said.

The went on to state  that Siwajuola was returned to campus by his father on May 15, 2025, and was invited by the Security Services Department for a formal debrief.

In the student’s written statement,  corroborated before the Disciplinary Committee, he allegedly confessed to several acts of misconduct. According to the school, “Among them was the purchase of a black soap from a traditional herbalist for N100,000, which contradicted his mother’s earlier claim that she had given it to him to treat a skin condition.

“Siwajuola, admitted that the soap was intended for ritual purposes, as part of a ‘Yahoo Yahoo Plus’ scheme, a slang term for internet fraud mixed with fetish practices.

“He revealed that he was engaging in fetish practices in an attempt to get rich quick.

“He also confessed to drug peddling, borrowing N500,000 from an online loan app to fund gambling, and impersonating another student to open a bank account.”

Siwajuola also sold his personal phone and misled the buyer by claiming that his father had consented to his selling it.

In  direct opposite to his mother’s claim that her son was found by his secondary school friends, the university revealed that it was the mother of a friend, Sodiq he stayed with in Lagos, who discovered his presence in their home and alerted his family after noticing the growing online controversy.

 Babcock University stated that following investigations,  “Siwajuola was found liable for multiple offences, including unauthorised exit from campus, possession and use of fetish materials, drug peddling, impersonation and dishonesty, unauthorised sale of personal property.”

In tandem with the school’s disciplinary policies and global best practices, the university had no choice but to expel Siwajuola.

It noted: “While we recognise the emotional weight of this decision, especially for the family involved, our foremost responsibility remains the safety and moral integrity of all students entrusted to our care.

The university lamented “sensational and baseless accusations” made by the student’s mother on social media, whichbaccused the institution of complicity in her son’s disappearance.

“These claims were not only false but misleading.

However, in view of the responsible conduct shown by the student’s father, the university will not pursue a libel case at this time,” the statement explained.

State Of The Nation: Bakare Meets Tinubu Weeks After Criticising Him

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Tunde Bakare and Bola Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has met with renowned cleric and the Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, Pastor Tunde Bakare, in Lagos State. Both met on Wednesday at Tinubu’s home in Lagos.

Bayo onanuga, the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to President Tinubu shared a photo of the President with the cleric on his verified X handle today’s evening.

Bakare told journalists after the meeting that he met the president to discuss the state of the nation. He said he had a frank talk with President Tinubu on the situation in the country, saying however, that he has left “him to do whatsoever he wills” as the leader.

The magazine reports that the meeting in Lagos came few weeks after Bakare criticised the president for leading the country astray, saying for instance that President Tinubu is playing God with the way he’s governing the country.

Under Tinubu’s watch, Bakare said Nigeria is spiraling into tyranny and suffering from a brazen abuse of power, the cleric expressed deep concern over the direction of the country under the current administration.

For instance, the cleric accused the president of turning the National Assembly into a rubber-stamp, noting that the Legislature which is supposed to be the ‘bastion of Democracy” has become a toothless bulldog.

He also criticised President Tinubu for decalring an Emergency Rule in Rivers  Speaking today after meeting Tinubu , the cleric stated that he has advised the president on how to move the country forward, saying the choice is his to take the advice or not.

Bakare:,It’s not about just reservations. It’s about how the country will go well. My personal vision is to see a nation that works in my lifetime, and those things I’ve discussed with Mr President, they’re not hidden things, but I’ve learned that when you discuss with the person in charge, you leave it with him to do whatsoever he wills with what you have suggested.

“So I’ve had a private conversation with Mr President and I’m glad that he received me well and I trust that God will help our nation.

“I’d like to see Nigerians being their brother’s keeper. I like to see good collaboration between the best of the north and the best of the south to steer Nigeria in the right direction. I’d like to see predictable progress in our nation.

“We have danced around some subjects for too long a time; it’s time to take concrete action to ensure that the mercies of our country do not live in abject poverty, that’s all,” he stated.

President Tinubu Approves N2bn, 20 Food Trucks To Niger Flood Victims

By
Akinwale Kasali
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President Bola Tinubu

By Akinwale Kasali

Determined to bring respite to  Mokwa Community after the flood that claimed over 200 lives, President BolaTinubu has approved the immediate release of ₦2 billion for the reconstruction of houses damaged after the natural disaster occurred in Niger State.

Aside from that, President Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of 20 trucks of rice bags to complement other relief items distributed by the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, to the affected residents of Mokwa.

The approval was disclosed by Vice President, Kashim Shettima, during a visit to Mokwa on Wednesday.

Assuring that President Tinubu’s heart is with the people, Shettima said that all the issues affecting the people would be addressed, saying the affected bridges in the area would be repaired immediately to aid movement of goods and services.

On the issue of drainage, Shettima said that the President had also directed the immediate rehabilitation of drainages in Mokwa town to prevent future occurrence in the state.

This came hours after the Niger State Government disclosed that over 200 bodies have been recovered after flood wreaked havoc in communities.

The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs in Niger State, Ahmad Suleiman, who disclosed this to newsmen, said efforts were still on to recover more barely one week after the tragedy occurred.

“We have more than 200 casualties or corpses but we are still looking for more. We are still recovering corpses up till now.

“Nobody can tell you the number of casualties in Niger State right now because up till now, we are still looking for some corpses,” Suleiman said while speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday.

He said the state government had activated an emergency response for the distribution of relief materials to the displaced victims of the floods, who are taking shelter in makeshift camps.

“The Niger State Government has put things in place and there are lots of contributions from various agencies and ministries. The damage on the ground now, you cannot get it on social media except a visit to the scenes. There is lots of damage at the moment.

“The State Government has sent trailers of rice to the victims. The wife of the governor also visited the local government yesterday and donated N50m,” he added.

Anambra 2025: Soludo Denies Meeting Native Doctor

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra state has denied consulting a native doctor for his re-election. The governor said a recent viral video suggesting that he sought the intervention of a native doctor is false and should be disregarded by Nigerians.

Soludo, a former Central bank of Nigeria, CBN Governor is set to contest another governorship election for his re-election in November 2025.

The Anambra helmsman made the rebuttal in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Christian Abure on Wednesday, saying the video was actually a misrepresentation of what happened.

The governor said the video was taken during a recent event with some content creators in the state, wondering why an innocent event was turned into an instrument by his detractors to malign him.

Part of the statement: “The session was organized to strengthen the partnership between the state government and the creative industry as part of Governor Soludo’s commitment in encouraging and supporting Anambra’s creative economy.

“During the interactive session, content creators were encouraged to showcase their talents, ask questions, and share their concerns about the creative industry in the state.

“As part of the presentations, one of the content creators performed a native doctor skit, a common comic genre in Nigerian entertainment, to demonstrate their creative abilities to the Governor and other officials present. This was purely an entertainment performance by a content creator, not a consultation session.

“The  state government thus found it deeply disappointing that critics and political opponents would stoop so low as to deliberately fabricate malicious narratives from an innocent entertainment performance and spread misinformation to mislead the public.

“Rather than engage in frivolous consultations, Governor Soludo has consistently demonstrated his commitment to developing Anambra’s creative economy through investment plans as part of the state’s economic diversification strategy.

“The Anambra State government, therefore, calls on Ndi Anambra, media channels and social media users to disregard the misinformation concerning the circulated video clip.’

The magazine reported that the state government has launched a war against some native doctors in the state, who it accuse of fueling insecurity.

Olu Of Epe Tussle: Lagos Suspends New Oba

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Babajide Sanwo-Olu
Babajide Sanwo-Olu

The Lagos state government has suspended the installation of the new Olu of Epe. The suspension was announced in a statement,  by Surah Animasaun, the chairperson of the Local government who said the government acted to avert the breach of security in the area.

The chairperson also canceled the Eid-al-Kabir celebration and Jumat prayer in the local council’s central mosque and eid ground.

According to Animasaun, the decision of the government has been communicated to the Grand Chief Imam of the town.

Since the death of the immediate past Olu of Epe, Oba Shefiu Adewale last week, the town has almost degenerated into violence because of the tussle between two princes who are angling to ascend the throne.

The two protagonists in the tussle are Chief Adeniyi Kadri Odedeogboro and Chief Iskilu Olajide Ikuforiji, who the magazine learnt have been parading themselves as the traditional ruler of the town.

The LG chairman said the government acted swiftly to prevent the breakdown of security, that could arise from the clash of the supporters of the two people laying claim to the throne.

The statement read, “Sequel to the dual installation of the new Olu-Epe of Epe Kingdom on the 2nd of June, 2025 which is legally null and void as a result of the recent passing of immediate Olu-Epe of Epe Kingdom Oba Shefiu Adewale, I am writing to inform your office that High Chief Adeniyi Kadri Odedeogboro and High Chief Iskilu Olajide Ikuforiji both parading themselves as the newly installed Olu-Epe of Epe Kingdom are hereby suspended till further hearing from the authorities.

“Due to the unforeseen circumstances, security concerns, public health issues and all, the Eid-l-Adha (Ileya) and Jumat services celebration is hereby cancelled at the first Epe Central Mosque, Oke Balogun and Eid Ground at Eid Street, Oke Balogun Epe respectively.”

The late traditional ruler who joined his ancestors last Saturday has since been buried, according to Balogun of Epe Kingdom, Musiliu Adeniyi.

Relocate ‘Obidients’ To Burkina Faso –Reno Omokri Suggests

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Reno Omokri

By Adesina Soyooye

Reno Omokri, a President Bola Tinubu bitter- critic-turned admirer and defender, has told President Bola Tinubu what to do with “Obidients” seen as a thorn in the President’s flesh.

‘Obidients’ is a political block, which mrmbers cut across political parties, and are fiercely loyal to Mr Peter Obi, Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General Elections.

While emphasising that no member of the group appreciates anything President Tinubu does, he alleged that members of the group are responsible for the hyping, in Nigeria, of the Military Leader of Burkina Faso, IbrahimTraore.

To counter what Omokri dismissed as their negativity, he advised Tinubu to approve an everyday showcasing of his positive achievements since his tenure. He also advised the President to may be consider the relocation of all members of the Obidients to Burkina Faso.

Mr Omokris post:

“The best way for the Tinubu administration to deal with Peter Obi and his Obidients is not to respond to their negativity but to 1overwhelm them with positivity.

I was in Nigeria. Abuja and Lagos are a beehive of projects. Lagos Calabar Coastal Highway started from Calabar Coastal Highway and Lagos simultaneously.

“Ile la-Sokoto-Badagry Expressway is ongoing. Enugu Onitsha Exppressway is being reconstructed.

“Development everywhere. Just blast this on every available media. TV, radio, print, social media. When they say Nigeria is a zoo, zoom in more.

“Look at these Obidients praising Traoré, who has not achieved up to an LCDA Chairman in Lagos. Third Mainland Bridge alone is worth half of Burkina Faso’s entire GDP.

“Yet, these Obidients have nothing good to say about Nigeria. Maybe they should relocate to Burkina Faso.”

Gov Okpebholo’s Proactive Challenge Has Reduced Insecurity In Edo – PDP

By
Ayodele Oni
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Governor Monday Okpebholo

By Ayodele Oni

The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed satisfaction over what it described as “proactive approach to addressing security challenges” in the state by Governor Monday Okpebholo.

The party noted that recent initiatives have led to a noticeable reduction in incidents of kidnapping, cultism, banditry, and herdsmen attacks on communities.

A statement on Wednesday by Bob-Manuel Umoru, Publicity Secretary, PDP Edo State Caretaker Committee stated that Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to restoring peace and security is evident through several strategic actions

It mentioned the enactment of the Cultism Prohibition Law and the Kidnapping Prohibition Amendment Law, 2025, which impose stringent penalties on offenders, including the death penalty for convicted kidnappers and the demolition of property linked to such crimes.

Others are “Procurement of over 60 new Hilux vehicles and 1,000 motorcycles to bolster the capabilities of security agencies, facilitating rapid response and improved surveillance across the state.

“Reorganization and empowerment of the Edo State Security Network to strengthen community policing efforts, ensuring that local insights contribute to effective security strategies.

“These measures have already begun to yield positive results, with a visible decline in criminal activities and enhanced safety for residents across Edo.

“The administration’s focused effort to equip security operatives and enforce the rule of law reflects a marked shift from the previous administration.

“Under the last government led by Governor Godwin Obaseki, the state witnessed the proliferation of firearms, emboldened cult groups parading in broad daylight sometimes under police escort, and a general escalation of insecurity.

“We, as a responsible opposition party, acknowledge the tremendous improvement in the security architecture of Edo State.

“While we will continue to play our constitutional role in holding the government accountable, we commit to doing so with civility, maturity, and genuine concern for the well-being of our people, not through bitterness or sabotage.

“We urge the administration of Senator Monday Okpebholo not to rest on its laurels. The gains made in recent months are commendable, but the fight against insecurity is an ongoing task that requires sustained effort and vigilance.

“It remains our prayer that Edo people get the best from every administration saddled with the responsibility of governance.

“We desire a prosperous society and a stable economy, and we will not shy away from constructively engaging the government to ensure that the dividends of democracy reach every household in our beloved state.”

INEC Clears 16 Parties For Anambra Gov Election

By
Ayodele Oni
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Anambra Governorship Election List

By Ayodele Oni

Sixteen political parties have been cleared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to contest November eight governorship election in Anambra state.

This is just as the commission on Wednesday published the final list of candidates for the  Governorship election.

INEC, in a statement by its spokesperson, Sam Olumekun, confirmed that 16 political parties will participate in the election that is scheduled to hold on Saturday, November 8, 2025.

INEC said the deadline for submission of candidates’ personal details was 6:00 p.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025, in line with Section 33 of the Electoral Act 2022. The commission confirmed that four political parties changed their candidates.

They include: Accord, African Action Congress, Labour Party and the New Nigeria Peoples Party.

“Sixteen out of the 19 registered parties are participating in the election out of which the African Action Congress, AAC, and the National Rescue Movement, NRM, have nominated female candidates, while six parties are fielding female running mates.

“They are Accord, All Progressives Congress, APC, Action Peoples Party, APP, Boot Party, BP, Labour Party and Zenith Labour Party, ZLP.”

INEC noted that no party has nominated a person with disability as a candidate, adding that in terms of age, the candidates range between 36 and 71 years.

INEC explained it has published the full list of the candidates by party, age, gender and academic qualifications on its website and social media platforms for public information.

“With this publication, no further withdrawal or replacement of candidates will be allowed except in the event of death of a candidate or running mate before Election Day as provided by Section 34(1) of the Electoral Act,” a statement signed by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information & Voter Education Committee, said.

“In line with the provision of Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, Political Parties are now at liberty to start their electioneering campaigns in public from Wednesday 11th June 2025 and end at midnight on Thursday 6th November 2025.

“As enshrined in Sections 92 and 93 of the Electoral Act 2022, the Commission wishes to remind Political Parties, candidates and their supporters that it is unlawful to use abusive language, carry out physical attacks on opponents during rallies, processions and meetings or destroy their campaign materials.

“Similarly, all parties and candidates must be given unimpeded access to public facilities for media campaign, outdoor advertising as well as public rallies and meetings.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Section 95(2) of the Electoral Act 2022 prohibits the use of incumbency to the advantage or disadvantage of any party or candidate.”

Ritual Killings: Enugu Moves Against Native Doctors, Spiritualists

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Levi Obieze popular as Ezeani

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Following the discovery of the outrageous and dastardly escapades of controversial “native doctor” Levi Obieze, popular as Ezeani, the Enugu State Government on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, formally moved to combat the activities of self acclaimed spiritualists and herbalists in the state.

Governor Peter Mbah has  submitted a piece of legislation to the State Law Makers.

The Source reports that Ezeani, who is being accused of burying a couple of people, including a pregnant woman in a soak away pit inside his palatial mansion in Umumba Ndiagu  community, Ezeagu Local Council of Enugu State for ritual purposes, was arrested at the Gbaji border checkpoint along Badagry/Seme expressway by officials of the Nigeria Immigration Services while trying to escape into neighbouring Benin Republic.

Although he has since been  brought back to Enugu State by the police to face the consequences of his dastardly actions, the Enugu state Government said it has decided to have in place a legislative framework to curb the unregulated activities of spiritualists,traditionalists, herbalists and others in the State.

The Executive bill which was transmitted to the State House of Assembly on Wednesday by the Governor seeks to regulate and combat activities of native doctors, herbalists, and spiritualists, some of whom are strongly linked to ritual killings for money making ,fortification ,and other unwholesome purposes.

While the piece of legislation proposes a ban and criminalization of money ritual practices,( Okite), fortifications ( Odeshi) ,it also prohibits illegal forest encampments, and the use of properties for criminal purposes.

It criminalizes the use of properties ,forests ,and the unlawful use of both private and public properties for criminal activities.

“Any person who engages in the practice, or rendering of spiritual services within the state, whether as a native doctor, herbalist, spiritualist, chief priest, diviner, seer, or by any other traditional or spiritual title or designation, shall be registered with the Ministry, Department ,or Agency, MDA, of the State as may be designated by the Governor for that purpose.

“Failure to register will attract a fine of not less than N1 million and not more than N5 million ,or two-year jail term, or both.

“Any person who, under the guise of spiritual or traditional practice, including, but not limited to the practices commonly referred to as” Okite” ezenwanyi, or any other mystical or ritual name/form, administers, or causes to be administered any charm, substance, or object on, or for another person for the purpose of (a) invincibility, and other forms of protection to facilitate the commission of any criminal offence, or (b) acquiring wealth ,or benefits by supernatural means outside any lawful means of livelihood ,commits an offence ,and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of six (6) years ,or to a fine of not less than five million naira ( N5 million) or both..

Any person who falsely claims to possess supernatural powers or misleads, the public into believing so, for the purpose of gaining reward or influence (whether financially or otherwise) commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of three (3) years, or to a fine of not less than three million Naira ( N3 million) or both .

“The burden shall lie on such a person, during investigation ,to provide reasonable proof of the purported abilities claimed ” part of the bill reads .

Similarly ,the bill targets all those who use and permit the use of religious centres, and other private or public properties for the commission of crime.

All those found to be encamping in forests and bushes without reasonable explanation ,shall also be liable ,according to the bill.

Properties found to be used for unlawful activities including kidnappings ,illegal spiritual activities and otters, according to the bill, shall be demolished.

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