Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, has expressed regret over his choice of words during a heated exchange with former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, at a Senate hearing.
Speaking in an interview, Nwaebonyi acknowledged that his remarks were inappropriate, particularly given Ezekwesili’s age.
“I regret my choice of words to her because she’s old enough to be my mother,” he admitted. However, he maintained that his reaction was provoked by Ezekwesili’s actions.
In response, the senator lashed out, calling Ezekwesili a “fool” and “an insult to womanhood.” She, in turn, branded him a “hooligan,” sparking a dramatic verbal clash that temporarily disrupted the proceedings.
He stated, “But like I said, it is her action that brought up my reaction. But having admitted publicly that she said so, I give it to her.”
The confrontation occurred during a hearing of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions regarding a fresh petition by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Tensions escalated when Ezekwesili attempted to intervene after a petitioner’s microphone was turned off. Nwaebonyi, who was present as a witness for Senate President Godswill Akpabio, took offense at Ezekwesili’s comment instructing him to “compose himself and stop making noise.”
The presidential candidate for the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 election, Omoyele Sowore has discredited the political coalition campaigned for by Former Vice-president Abubakar Atiku and El-Rufai, immediate past Governor of Kaduna state.
Recall that Sowore had also explained why he cannot align with Peter Obi in a political coalition, citing ideological differences and unique approaches to Nigeria’s challenges.
Sowore claimed that Obi resembles other Nigerian politicians but is "better at packaging."
Sowore highlighted that his political journey started well before Obi became a national figure, underscoring his commitment to pushing for systemic change in Nigeria.
Sowore mentioned that he was already in the presidential race before Peter Obi gained recognition. He remarked on all the excitement surrounding Peter Obi, suggesting it's simply about good presentation and implying anyone could achieve it.
Forming a coalition with Peter Obi would contradict my long-held principle of never supporting Nigerian leaders who have previously held political office at any level—federal, state, or local—if I consider them to be non-performing.
That's the same reason I would never have joined forces with Atiku. Also, Peter Obi, whom you mentioned, was a vice-presidential candidate alongside Atiku when I ran for president in 2019.
"What are we discussing here? In my view, there's no such thing as a lesser evil. Evil is simply evil, and good is just good. I generally have little patience for lack of performance."
He stated that the concept of "emotional attachment" doesn't exist in his view.
"A friend of mine often said he didn't mind if Peter Obi is Igbo because it's the Igbos' turn. However, for me, it's more than that; my natural aversion to poor performance plays a big role," he explained.
Sowore emphasized that, although many might be unaware, he was acquainted with Obi before and during his tenure as governor and supported him.
I had always supported him and opposed his removal when Olusegun Obasanjo attempted to replace him with Andy Ubah during those complicated times.
When Peter Obi completed his term in Anambra, I asked him if he would be willing to send his child to any of the universities he established there. He was unable to respond and remained silent.
I also inquired whether he would feel comfortable entering any hospital that he constructed during his eight-year tenure as governor of Anambra, even for a minor headache. There was no response to this question either.
The presidential candidate for the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 election, Omoyele Sowore has discredited the political coalition campaigned for by Former Vice-president Abubakar Atiku and El-Rufai, immediate past Governor of Kaduna state.
Recall that Sowore had also explained why he cannot align with Peter Obi in a political coalition, citing ideological differences and unique approaches to Nigeria’s challenges.
Sowore claimed that Obi resembles other Nigerian politicians but is "better at packaging."
Sowore highlighted that his political journey started well before Obi became a national figure, underscoring his commitment to pushing for systemic change in Nigeria.
Sowore mentioned that he was already in the presidential race before Peter Obi gained recognition. He remarked on all the excitement surrounding Peter Obi, suggesting it's simply about good presentation and implying anyone could achieve it.
Forming a coalition with Peter Obi would contradict my long-held principle of never supporting Nigerian leaders who have previously held political office at any level—federal, state, or local—if I consider them to be non-performing.
That's the same reason I would never have joined forces with Atiku. Also, Peter Obi, whom you mentioned, was a vice-presidential candidate alongside Atiku when I ran for president in 2019.
"What are we discussing here? In my view, there's no such thing as a lesser evil. Evil is simply evil, and good is just good. I generally have little patience for lack of performance."
He stated that the concept of "emotional attachment" doesn't exist in his view.
"A friend of mine often said he didn't mind if Peter Obi is Igbo because it's the Igbos' turn. However, for me, it's more than that; my natural aversion to poor performance plays a big role," he explained.
Sowore emphasized that, although many might be unaware, he was acquainted with Obi before and during his tenure as governor and supported him.
I had always supported him and opposed his removal when Olusegun Obasanjo attempted to replace him with Andy Ubah during those complicated times.
When Peter Obi completed his term in Anambra, I asked him if he would be willing to send his child to any of the universities he established there. He was unable to respond and remained silent.
I also inquired whether he would feel comfortable entering any hospital that he constructed during his eight-year tenure as governor of Anambra, even for a minor headache. There was no response to this question either.
Jayhome24: You dey mind those confused, biased charge and bail NBA?
When the trouble between Wike and Fubr held Rivef governance down going to almost 2 years where was NBA then, do they ever intervened or submitted any way out? Hell No, but today they are the ones talking nonsense with some political hypocrites turningthe situation into political opportunity talking shit.
Now has pea no returned to Rivers? Did we hear Wike this Fubara that again? No.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration has explained why the land of the people's democratic party was revoked in Abuja.
Recall that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has revoked the land titles of four thousand, seven hundred and ninety-four property owners in ten districts of the nation’s capital over non-payment of ground rents for over ten years.
The Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media Lere Olayinka made this disclosure while briefing journalists at the FCT administration’s headquarters in Abuja.
Lere explained that over six billion naira is owed to the FCTA by eight thousand, three and seventy-five property owners who are yet to pay their ground rent.
He also announced the extension of the grace period for over 3,500 landowners to pay their outstanding debt or risk revocation.
Areas affected include Central Business District, Garki 1 and 2, Wuse 1 and 2, Maitama, Asokoro, and Guzape.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has reiterated its position that the removal of the Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, by President Bola Tinubu is unconstitutional and has called on the President to reverse that decision.
Following up with its earlier statement condemning the action of the President regarding Rivers State, the NBA whose President, Afam Osigwe, insists that Fubara must be brought back to his position as the governor of Rivers State as the constitution does not recognise a Sole Administrator.
“That is our belief, that is what we expect the president to do, to restore him (Fubara) back to power having unconstitutionally removed him,” Osigwe said on the programme when asked if the president should recall the governor.
“And that is why we do not recognise a sole administrator is the rightful person to occupy the government house in Rivers State having been appointed unconstitutionally.
“Even when I saw him taking oath of office, I was wondering which oath he was taking because he was taking an oath not known to the constitution, the constitution does not recognise an administrator.”
‘Political Solution needed’ Osigwe, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria said that the problem in Rivers State is being cured with a wrong solution, likening it to one using a sledgehammer on his head because of headache.
According to him, the measure being taken to address the Rivers problem “are overreaching, extensive, undemocratic and above all, unconstitutional.”
He maintained that the problem in Rivers State is political and only a political solution will bring it to an end.
‘No constitutional gap’ There have been claims in some quarters that there was a gap in Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution which President Tinubu used in taking the action in Rivers State, but the NBA president has refuted that, insisting that the Constitution is explicit enough.
“I do not believe that it (Section 305) is not explicit, I simply believe that we deliberately refuse to apply it the way it is,” Osigwe said.
The National Assembly has approved the declaration of state of emergency in Rivers State, but Osigwe does that believe that the lawmakers approval legitimized the President’s action.
He said that the National Assembly’s approval is like placing something on nothing.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has reiterated its position that the removal of the Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, by President Bola Tinubu is unconstitutional and has called on the President to reverse that decision.
Following up with its earlier statement condemning the action of the President regarding Rivers State, the NBA whose President, Afam Osigwe, insists that Fubara must be brought back to his position as the governor of Rivers State as the constitution does not recognise a Sole Administrator.
“That is our belief, that is what we expect the president to do, to restore him (Fubara) back to power having unconstitutionally removed him,” Osigwe said on the programme when asked if the president should recall the governor.
“And that is why we do not recognise a sole administrator is the rightful person to occupy the government house in Rivers State having been appointed unconstitutionally.
“Even when I saw him taking oath of office, I was wondering which oath he was taking because he was taking an oath not known to the constitution, the constitution does not recognise an administrator.”
‘Political Solution needed’ Osigwe, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria said that the problem in Rivers State is being cured with a wrong solution, likening it to one using a sledgehammer on his head because of headache.
According to him, the measure being taken to address the Rivers problem “are overreaching, extensive, undemocratic and above all, unconstitutional.”
He maintained that the problem in Rivers State is political and only a political solution will bring it to an end.
‘No constitutional gap’ There have been claims in some quarters that there was a gap in Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution which President Tinubu used in taking the action in Rivers State, but the NBA president has refuted that, insisting that the Constitution is explicit enough.
“I do not believe that it (Section 305) is not explicit, I simply believe that we deliberately refuse to apply it the way it is,” Osigwe said.
The National Assembly has approved the declaration of state of emergency in Rivers State, but Osigwe does that believe that the lawmakers approval legitimized the President’s action.
He said that the National Assembly’s approval is like placing something on nothing.
bukiah: A lot of people on this platform cannot think straight again. Na only fufu full their brains, agbado has blocked their sense of reasoning and too much eba has blinded their eyes.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has commended President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to advancing higher education in Nigeria, describing his interventions as transformative.
Speaking at the University of Calabar after receiving an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Law during the institution’s 50th anniversary and 37th convocation ceremony, Wike praised Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said had revitalized the university system.
He highlighted the Nigerian Education Loan Fund as a key initiative that has provided financial relief for students, ensuring that no one is denied access to quality education due to financial constraints.
Wike also lauded other interventions in the higher education sector. These include the Student Start-up Innovation and Entrepreneurship Grant, which empowers young entrepreneurs, and the removal of universities from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System, a move that has restored financial autonomy to institutions.
He further commended the decision to allow TETFund research funds to be domiciled within respective universities, describing it as a policy that strengthens research capacity and fosters innovation.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda has injected new life into our university system through landmark Interventions that are transforming the landscape of tertiary education.
“Furthermore, the kind approval for the domiciliation of TETFund Research Funds within the respective institutions has equally strengthened the capacity for groundbreaking research and innovation.
“These bold and forward-thinking policies are undoubtedly positioning Nigeria’s university system to meet the demands of the 21st century,” Wike stated.
BlessedGift: The Former President Goodluck Jonathan has strongly condemned the actions of President Bola Tinubu in Rivers State, labeling them a “clear abuse of power.” Jonathan made this remark at the 2025 Annual Colloquium on Promoting Social Change and Development, where he addressed various issues affecting Nigeria’s political landscape.
In his speech, Jonathan emphasized the need for Nigerians to remain vigilant and actively push for the right course of action in governance. He stressed that the country’s progress depends on the collective will of its people to uphold democratic values and accountability.
“Leadership is about serving the people with integrity, not using power for personal or political gain. The current actions in Rivers State are a clear abuse of power and a deviation from the principles that should guide our democracy,” Jonathan said.
The former president did not provide specific details about the alleged actions in Rivers State but reiterated the importance of transparency, good governance, and public trust in the nation’s leadership.
Jonathan’s comments come at a time of heightened political tensions in Rivers State, where the relationship between the state government and the federal government has been strained in recent months. The former president called on Nigerians to insist on doing the right thing and to hold their leaders accountable.
“The people of Nigeria must not allow any government to undermine the rights and freedoms that we have fought so hard to secure. We must demand that our leaders act in the best interest of the country,” Jonathan added.
His remarks are expected to spark further debate and reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democracy and the actions of the current administration.
As Nigeria continues to navigate its political challenges, Jonathan’s call for responsible leadership and citizens’ engagement in holding government accountable is a timely reminder of the importance of social change and development.
The Former President Goodluck Jonathan has strongly condemned the actions of President Bola Tinubu in Rivers State, labeling them a “clear abuse of power.” Jonathan made this remark at the 2025 Annual Colloquium on Promoting Social Change and Development, where he addressed various issues affecting Nigeria’s political landscape.
In his speech, Jonathan emphasized the need for Nigerians to remain vigilant and actively push for the right course of action in governance. He stressed that the country’s progress depends on the collective will of its people to uphold democratic values and accountability.
“Leadership is about serving the people with integrity, not using power for personal or political gain. The current actions in Rivers State are a clear abuse of power and a deviation from the principles that should guide our democracy,” Jonathan said.
The former president did not provide specific details about the alleged actions in Rivers State but reiterated the importance of transparency, good governance, and public trust in the nation’s leadership.
Jonathan’s comments come at a time of heightened political tensions in Rivers State, where the relationship between the state government and the federal government has been strained in recent months. The former president called on Nigerians to insist on doing the right thing and to hold their leaders accountable.
“The people of Nigeria must not allow any government to undermine the rights and freedoms that we have fought so hard to secure. We must demand that our leaders act in the best interest of the country,” Jonathan added.
His remarks are expected to spark further debate and reflection on the state of Nigeria’s democracy and the actions of the current administration.
As Nigeria continues to navigate its political challenges, Jonathan’s call for responsible leadership and citizens’ engagement in holding government accountable is a timely reminder of the importance of social change and development.
Max24: Tinubu then must be a genius. Shows he is more intelligent than most of them. Nigeria needs an intelligent president and Tinubu fits the profile.
Former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Otunba Segun Sowunmi, has faulted the statement by National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, describing the supreme court judgement as a victory for democracy.
Mr Ologunagba said that the party’s National Working (NWC) received the judgment of the court which affirmed that the issue was that of party leadership positions.
According to him, this included that of the national secretary, which is entirely an internal affair of the party, requiring only the party’s internal mechanism to which the court has no jurisdiction.
“Today’s judgment of the Supreme Court reaffirms the standing position of the party.
“It emphatically settles the emergence of Sunday Udeh-Okoye as the substantive National Secretary of the PDP, having been duly nominated, endorsed and ratified through the internal mechanism of the PDP statutory organs and bodies,” he said.
This, he said, was in line with provisions of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).
Mr Ologunagba recalled that the NWC had, at its 576th meeting held on 11 October 2023, directed the South-east Zonal Executive Committee to nominate a replacement for Mr Anyanwu upon his nomination then as the party’s governorship candidate in the state.
He said that consequent upon the directive of the NWC, the zonal executive committee, on 20 October 2023, passed a resolution approving the emergence.
He noted that the zonal committee also forwarded Mr Udeh-Okoye’s name to the NWC as the party’s national secretary.
Former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Otunba Segun Sowunmi, has faulted the statement by National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, describing the supreme court judgement as a victory for democracy.
Mr Ologunagba said that the party’s National Working (NWC) received the judgment of the court which affirmed that the issue was that of party leadership positions.
According to him, this included that of the national secretary, which is entirely an internal affair of the party, requiring only the party’s internal mechanism to which the court has no jurisdiction.
“Today’s judgment of the Supreme Court reaffirms the standing position of the party.
“It emphatically settles the emergence of Sunday Udeh-Okoye as the substantive National Secretary of the PDP, having been duly nominated, endorsed and ratified through the internal mechanism of the PDP statutory organs and bodies,” he said.
This, he said, was in line with provisions of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).
Mr Ologunagba recalled that the NWC had, at its 576th meeting held on 11 October 2023, directed the South-east Zonal Executive Committee to nominate a replacement for Mr Anyanwu upon his nomination then as the party’s governorship candidate in the state.
He said that consequent upon the directive of the NWC, the zonal executive committee, on 20 October 2023, passed a resolution approving the emergence.
He noted that the zonal committee also forwarded Mr Udeh-Okoye’s name to the NWC as the party’s national secretary.