“No Matter Who Is President, The North Controls Everything” – Fmr Sen. Okurounmu

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March 25, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

A chieftain of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Senator Femi Okurounmu has described the 1999 constitution as “simply a decree which Abacha brought out and turned into a constitution for us.”

According to him, that is why the Constitution lacks democratic legitimacy. He insisted that Nigeria’s Constitution was not a product of popular participation, but a document imposed by the Military.

Okurounmu, a former senator who represented Ogun Central Senatorial District, pointed out that the Constitution structurally favours the northern region, warning that the imbalance has continued to shape governance outcomes and deepen political and economic challenges across the country.

Speaking during an exclusive interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State on Wednesday, the elder statesman of the First Senate during the Fourth Republic, examined the relationship between democratic governance and economic policy while raising concerns about the foundation upon which Nigeria’s democracy is built.

He argued that without addressing these structural concerns, efforts at national development may continue to face significant setbacks.

Okurounmu, maintained that the current constitutional framework has created a system where political power is unevenly distributed, thereby affecting decision-making at the highest levels of government.

He stressed that this imbalance has not only shaped legislative outcomes but has also influenced policy direction and governance priorities over time.

“I will let you know that the problem is much more complicated than that. I told you, the 1999 constitution has more or less tilted all the structures of governance in favor of the north.

“The north has infiltrated the central government so much that whoever is the president does not matter. The north still controls the government. Whoever is the president of Nigeria at this stage with our present constitution and with the present structures of governance does not matter.”

According to him, the implications of such structural inequality are far-reaching, particularly in a diverse country like Nigeria where equitable representation is critical to unity and stability.

He traced origin of the constitution to the administration of former Head of State, General Sani Abacha, noting that the process leading to its adoption did not involve adequate consultation with Nigerians.

This, he said, has continued to raise questions about its credibility and acceptance among citizens.

“The 1999 constitution was simply a decree which Abacha brought out and turned into a constitution for us. And that so-called constitution was not even made known to the public until after the elections so that even the president, who was going to take over did not, was not aware of the constitution by which he was going to govern when he was contesting election.

“So, I would say it was not really a constitution, it was a decree and Abacha just brought it out and transmitted it into a constitution and gave it to the president after election.”

Okurounmu further argued that the 1979 and 1999 constitution share significant similarities, which he claimed also contained structural imbalances that have persisted into the present system.

He noted that these inherited features have continued to influence governance patterns in ways that are not entirely equitable.

“And a lot of the provisions are very similar to that of the 1979 constitution which, you know, was engineered by Murtala Muhammad and Obasanjo and most of the provisions in that constitution are very unequitable insofar as governance in Nigeria is concerned.

“The 1999 constitution which, as I have said, is a close relationship to the 1979 one virtually gives veto power to the north over how Nigeria will be governed. All the structures of governance are tilted to the north.” he added.

PDP For Final Reconciliation Turaki Assures As Both Factions Work For Peace

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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March 25, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Peoples Democratic party PDP has assured that machineries have been put in place for the revival of the reconciliation option among warring factions.

This is as the party leadership emphasized the need for all parties to de-escalate all divisive rhetorics that could potentially flay tempers, and jeopardize meaningful reconciliation.

The Source reports that efforts to reconcile contending camps have continued to falter, amidst growing mistrust resulting from conflicting political interests ahead 2027 polls.

However, at a media briefing on Wednesday March 25, 2026 in Abuja ,the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee NWC informed that the party has resolved to explore all available pathways towards finding a lasting solution to its leadership and internal crises

“I can unequivocally confirm that as of today, leaders on both sides have broken the ice, and are exploring various pathways towards a lasting resolution.

“We urge our supporters across board to immediately de-escalate high-tempered communications and actions so as not to jeopardize the ongoing peace efforts”, Turaki stated.

The party leadership also reassured all potential aspirants that it is working relentlessly to ensure that the party field candidates for all elective offices in line with Article 6(2).of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017).

The PDP similarly expressed immense gratitude to Nigerians who have continued to show interest in the affairs of the party, including registering as members,via its ongoing e-registeration exercise nationwide.

“Despite recent challenges, the faith of our core supporters remains unshaken. It is for them that we are making every effort to resolve the issues before us”, Turaki noted.

The PDP leadership expressed the unflinching commitment and determination of the party to play its critical role of holding the ruling party at all levels accountable to the people.

“As we are aware, democracy is not merely about the periodic conduct of elections; it also requires a virile opposition, and an active society to hold Government accountable.

“As Nigeria’s only surviving legacy party in the current republic, with the rare privilege of having led this country for 16 years, we remain committed to defending and consolidating our democracy even as an opposition party.

“We call on those in authority to remain conscious that they are delegates of the people, and that their actions must, at all times, align with the will of the people. Ultimate power resides with the people. It must, therefore, remain the centrepiece of governance.

“Let me end by reassuring Nigerians that the PDP is alive ,and will participate in the forthcoming elections, offering a credible platform for political contests at all levels so that power may truly return to the people”,Turaki affirmed.”

Momodu Says With Atiku As ADC Presidential Candidate, Tinubu Will Be Defeated In 2027

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Ayodele Oni

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March 25, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar will defeat President Bola Tinubu in 2027 elections if picked by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its Presidential Candidate.

A member of the ADC, Dele Momodu, who expressed the view on Wednesday said the “gang” that brought late former President Muhammadu Buhari to power in 2015 is ready to help Atiku defeat President Tinubu in 2027.

Momodu identified the “gang” to include former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, ex-Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, Abubakar Malami, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and ex-Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal, who are, now, all members of the ADC.

In an interview on Arise News Morning Show, Momodu identified Atiku as his preferred candidate for the ADC’s presidential ticket.

He said: “We have in ADC today two of the leading presidential contestants in the last election, so you do not need to reinvent the wheel. To win an election is not just the crowd or the noise, not just the ideas or how brilliant you are.

“Go back to the drawing board and look at how Buhari captured power in 2015, I was a part of those who worked at that time, I wasn’t a member of APC.

“Tinubu is so formidable that you are not just going to produce a candidate that would take him out, it doesn’t work that way and I will go around the world.

“You will remember that Joe Biden was removed by the Democrats in America, then they brought Kamala Harris.

“She raised a lot of money which I liked but at the end of the day she could not defeat Trump. Everything was said against Trump but he was able to defeat Kamala.

“I have my preference and that is Atiku, in matters of strategy, ADC must go to the part of the country where they are most disgruntled against the ADC.

“The people who worked for Tinubu to become President were partly in Buhari’s gang and today they are angry that they have been abandoned.

“El-Rufai in languishing somewhere in detention, Malami is running up and down, so that team is waiting for ADC to capture. When you go in that direction, you have Atiku, Tambuwal, El-Rufai, and others.

“Let ADC go all out to capture, if you pick Atiku he comes from the North-East where APC has the vice president and the region will be very happy to have a President for the very first time.”

Money Problems Can Cause Fast Memory Loss- Varsity Experts

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James Orji

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March 25, 2026

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Forex in Nigeria - Dollar and Naira Price CBD

Medical experts from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health have claimed that financial problems facing adults, particularly those in midlife and older age can lead to fast memory loss.

The University published its findings over the issue in a report that has now been made public, saying the population experiencing significant financial deterioration showed memory decline equivalent to roughly five additional months of aging per year.

The study is among the first to examine the cognitive consequences of poor financial well-being. The findings are published in the American journal of Epidemiology.

Lower average financial well-being and worsening financial conditions were consistently linked to poorer memory function and accelerated decline, the researchers said.

Associations were strongest among adults aged 65 and older and findings were robust to sensitivity analyses addressing potential reverse causation and attrition, according to the research. .

“Financial well-being is an emerging economic determinant of health that may be associated with cognitive aging,” said Adina Zeki Al Hazzouri,PhD associate professor of Epidemiology at Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, and senior author. “Prolonged financial strain may overwhelm mental bandwidth and contribute to negative cognitive outcomes.”

Researchers analyzed data from 7,676 adults aged 50+ in the Health and Retirement Study (2010–2020), assessing how both average financial status and four-year changes in financial well-being relate to memory performance over the subsequent four years.

To measure financial well-being, researchers developed and validated an eight-item index using existing survey data. The index captures both psychosocial strain—such as financial dissatisfaction and stress—and material hardship including difficulty paying bills, low income, and reduced access to basic needs. It was validated against the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Financial Well-Being Scale.

Each one-point worsening in financial well-being was associated with lower memory scores and faster decline. In contrast, improvements in financial well-being were not consistently associated with better cognitive outcomes.

“Our index was designed to capture poor financial well-being as a multidimensional exposure encompassing both a lack of psychosocial resources — for example, perceived financial dissatisfaction and strain — alongside material constraints such as difficulty meeting basic needs and low income,” said Katrina Kezios, PhD, assistant professor of Epidemiology at Boston University School of Public Health and former post-doctoral scholar at Columbia Mailman School and co-author. “We validated our index against the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Financial Well-Being scale, which was first introduced in the HRS in 2020.”

The authors suggest that older adults may be particularly vulnerable due to limited financial recovery options and reliance on fixed incomes, such as Social Security and pensions. Financial strain may harm cognitive health through chronic stress, reduced access to healthcare and nutrition, and constrained social engagement.

“Our findings also point to potential policy implications,” observed Zeki Al Hazzouri. “Income supports and financial assistance in later life may help protect cognitive health and reduce dementia risk, particularly for those experiencing financial decline.”

Overall, the study supports the hypothesis that worsening financial well-being in midlife and later life may contribute to accelerated cognitive aging.

Nigerian Socialite, Aisha Achimugu Forfeits $13m To FG

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James Orji

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March 25, 2026

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The Federal High Court in Abuja, has ordered socialite Aisha Achimugu Engineering Oil and Gas Limited to forfeit $13 million to the federal government, the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN reports.

According to the Agency report, on Wednesday, Justice Emeka Nwite gave the ruling following the motion of motion for final forfeiture of the funds by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The judge said the ruling followed the failure of the oil and gas firm and Achimugu to prove to the court that the money was earned legitimately.

Instructively, Justice Nwite held that the argument by Oceangate’s lawyer, Darlington Ozurumba, that the $13 million dollars came from gifts to Achimugu and earnings from gas and oil-related contact could not be substantiated by material facts before the court.

The judge also dismissed Ozurumba’s argumemt that the court lacked jurisdiction to have granted the Aug. 22, 2025 interim forfeiture while the court sat as vacation court.

The judge agreed with the submission of the EFCC’s lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, that relevant laws, including Order 46(5) of the FHC, Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud Act, 2006, and others, were complied with in granting the order.

Justice Nwite also described the argument that the anti-graft agency was a meddlesome interloper since no person or corporate body had approached it to complain that their money was missing as “baseless.”

Ondo Community Foils Attempted Child Theft, Police Arrests Two Suspects

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Ayodele Oni

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March 25, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

An attempt to kidnap a three- year old boy in the Akoko area of Ondo State has been foiled by vigilant members of the community.

Indications emerged that the boy, Alex Ayobami, was sent on a message by her mother Mrs Olanireti when he was accosted by two suspected kidnappers.

The Ondo State Police Command in a statement on Wednesday, by its spokesman, Abayomi Jimoh, explained that the vigilance and prompt information by neighbours foiled the kidnap attempt.

“A suspected case of conspiracy and attempted child stealing was reported at Ogbagi Akoko on the 22nd of March, 2026. The incident was reported by one Mrs. Olanireti ‘F’, who resides at Ioso Street, Ogbagi Akoko.

“According to her report, she had sent her three-year-old son, Alex Ayobami ‘M’, to meet his grandmother who lives behind her shop.

“Shortly thereafter, an alarm was raised by a concerned member of the public, one Oni ‘F’, who noticed suspicious activity involving the child.

“Acting swiftly on the alarm, the complainant rushed to the scene where she discovered two suspects, identified as Adefarati Idowu ‘M’ and Adepoju Babatunde ‘M’ attempting to flee the area on an unregistered Bajaj motorcycle with her child.

“It was further gathered that the child’s grandmother, Mrs. Olawale ‘F’, courageously intervened by holding onto the motorcycle, while other vigilant residents quickly mobilized and blocked the suspects from escaping. Immediately, the police arrived and the child was successfully rescued unhurt.

“The suspects were apprehended at the scene through the collective efforts of the community members, and the case has since been transferred to Headquarters for discreet and thorough investigation.

“The Command is committed to uncovering the full circumstances surrounding this incident, including any possible wider criminal network, and ensuring that all those found culpable are brought to justice in accordance with the law.

“The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, Adebowale Lawal, commends the bravery, vigilance, and prompt response of the members of the community, whose collective action prevented what could have resulted in a grievous crime.

“This incident underscores the importance of community policing and the critical role citizens play in supporting security agencies.”

Zenith Bank Appoints Kennedy Okwudili As Executive Director

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James Orji

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March 25, 2026

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Zenith Bank Plc has announced the appointment of Mr. Kennedy Onuwa Okwudili as an Executive Director of the bank effective May 1, 2026. The appointment, which is consistent with the bank’s tradition and succession strategy of grooming leaders from within, will further strengthen the bank’s Executive Management.

Mr. Okwudili graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Accounting in 1998 from the University of Maiduguri, Nigeria, with a Second Class Upper division. He obtained a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria in 2008 and a Masters of Science in Accounting from Veritas University, Abuja, Nigeria in 2021.

Mr. Okwudili has over twenty-five years of cognate banking experience spanning credit and marketing, treasury, compliance as well as operations and had at different times worked in various zones and departments of the bank.

He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), 2013, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), 2024 and an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), 2016.

He has attended several Executive Education Programmes both within and outside the country, including: Senior Leadership Development Programme at the Lagos Business School, Corporate Directorship Programme at the Harvard Business School and Oxford Advanced Management and Leadership Programme at the University of Oxford, SAID Business School.

He is currently the President of Catholic Bankers Association of Nigeria (CBAN) and a member of the Noble Order of the Knights of St. John International (KSJI).

Salami, Fmr. President Court Of Appeal, Faults Appointments Of Justices To Supreme Court, Says Some Not Qualified, Blames It For Judicial Incompetence

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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March 25, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A former President of the Court of Appeal has dismissed some Judges in the Judiciary, including some Justices of the Supreme Court of incompetence. He blamed such incompetence for why Peter Obi and the Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, were allowed to contest for election to offices when, according to him, they were not qualified to contest.

Salami, who spoke when he was honored at his Ilorin residence by the Professor Wole Soyinka Investgative Journalism Centre, attributed the problem of incompetence within the Judiciary to what he described as a flawed appointment and promotion system. The system, he pointed out, allows merit to be sacrificed on the altar of zonal and state balance.

He expressed serious concern that in some cases, people who are not qualified to be in the system are appointed, even ahead of their seniors and better qualified Judges owing to the issue of federal character.

Salami: “People get to the Supreme court,

sometimes, not because they are good, but because there are vacancies from their Zones, and/or States .

“They even, in some cases, rise above their seniors who they met at Court of Appeal to go to the Supreme Court just because there are vacancies from the Regions or State they come from”.

He referenced his own personal case where some Judges he had recommended for promotion were eventually ahead of him, owing to lack of vacancies in his Zone .

He also acknowledged the existence of some bad eggs within the Judiciary, noting that they are the ones who find themselves in the system without adequate background .

“There are a few bad eggs amongst the Judges. Strictly speaking, I will not say they are bad eggs. But the problem is that some of the Judges lack proper background.

“Imagine appointing a higher Registrar as a Judge . He/she has no experience. In the past, this would not have happened” the retired jury averred.

Ondo Women Groups Push For Bill On Reserved Seats

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Ayodele Oni

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March 25, 2026

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Ondo Women Groups Push For Bill On Reserved Seats

By Ayodele Oni

Women Groups in Ondo State, on Wednesday, rallied in support of the proposed reserved seats for Women Bill, urging lawmakers to approve 35 per cent affirmative action for the gender in elective and appointive positions.

The groups, mobilised by the Nigeria League of Women Voters (NILOWV), the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), the International Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA), and the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), gathered at the State Ministry of Women Affairs.

Other participants included members of the Forum of Muslim Women, female political aspirants, and women-led civil society organisations.

Speaking at the rally, leaders called for sustained advocacy to ensure the bill’s passage, stressing that the proposed legislation would address the persistent underrepresentation of women in governance.

The State Chairperson of FIDA, Mrs Bolanle Olafunmiloye, said the rally aimed to build momentum for the Special Seats Bill, a constitutional amendment designed to correct gender imbalance in legislative institutions.

She explained that the initiative does not seek to compete with men, but to promote inclusive governance.

According to her, the bill proposes additional seats for women in the National and State Houses of Assembly, creating more opportunities for female participation in decision-making.

Also speaking, the State President of NCWS, Bishop Oluseyi Odusola, urged women to unite and push for common goals.

She described women as capable and competent leaders and called for swift passage of the bill to improve their representation.

A female aspirant for Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency, Mrs Olamide Falana, said Nigerian women have faced longstanding barriers in politics despite their numerical strength.

She described the bill as a necessary step to reverse political marginalization.

“We appeal to the National Assembly to pass the Reserved Seats for Women Bill. Its passage will place Nigeria among nations that empower women to lead and excel,” she said.

The rally ended with the presentation of petitions to Ondo State lawmakers at the National Assembly, including the Senator representing Ondo Central, Adeniyi Adegbonmire (SAN), and the member representing Akure North/South Federal Constituency, Derin Adesida. Both lawmakers pledged support for the bill

Full List Of Newly Posted Commissioners Of Police As Approved By IGP Olatunji Disu

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The Source

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March 25, 2026

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CP Haruna Alaba Yahaya – Jigawa State Command.

CP Olugbenga Ayodeji Abimbola – Oyo State Command.

CP Olubode Ojajuni to Ogun State Command.

CP Michael Adegoroye Falade – Ekiti State Command

CP Yakubu Useni Dankaro – Adamawa State Command.

CP Muhammed Sanusi Ahmed – Federal Capital Territory Command.

CP Olatunji Olaiwola Fatai – Lagos State Command.

CP Morkwap S. Dongshal Taraba State Command.

CP Ahmed Mohammed Bello – Zamfara Command.

CP Umar Ali Fagge to Katsina Command.

CP Hayatu Shaffa Hassan- Sokoto State Command.

CP Akan Ezima Director of the NPF-NCCC, Abuja,

CP Abbas Sule, Special Protection Unit.

CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue – INTERPOL, Abuja.

CP Mnwadiogbu Cletus – Deputy Commandant of POLAC.

CP Sheik M. Danko – FCID Annex Lagos.

CP Danjuma I.Yahaya – FCID Annex, Kaduna.

CP Moses Ashu Otta – SWAT, Abuja.

CP Abdulrahim A. Shuaibu – Eastern Ports Authority.

CP Sarah Ehindero – Administration FCID, Abuja.

CP Edwin Ogbegbghagha – Provost, Force Headquarters.

CP Preye R. Egbe – INEC, Abuja.

CP Adebisi Bola Lateef – Master Printing, Lagos.

CP Bolou O. Etete – Community Policing (Research and Planning)

CP Ojugbele E. Adebola – General Investigation FCID Alagbon, Lagos.

CP Fidelis N. Ogarabe – INTERPOL Annex, Lagos.

CP Theodore C. Obasi – Deputy Commandant of the Police College, Ikeja

CP Eloho E. Okpoziakpo – Special Fraud Unit, Ikoyi

CP Kayode Uthman Magaji – K9, Dei-Dei

CP Markus Ishaku Basiran – Courses POLAC.

CP Mohammed Babakura – Administration, Department of Operations

CP Silas Bamidele Aremu – Safer Highway

CP Magaji Ismaila – Community Safety and Crime Prevention

CP Rebecca Uchenna Okereke – Director of Music at the Force Headquarters.

The IGP charged the officers to bring their wealth of experience to bear in their new roles and uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, and service in the discharge of their duties.