₦airaland Forum

Disc Jockey and billionaire heiress, Florence Otedola, popularly known as DJ Cuppy, has delivered a captivating performance at the Bill Gates Foundation’s Africa Day event in Seattle, Washington, USA.

Cuppy had shared her excitement and gratitude on Snapchat prior to the event, writing, “Can’t believe I get to DJ for the Bill Gates Foundation in Seattle. So grateful that my talent keeps taking me to places I never imagined and putting me in front of the most incredible people.”

In a post on X, she added, “It still dey shock me. @BillGates, please thank your amazing team for inviting me to perform for Africa Day. From Lagos to Seattle… It’s surreal that my small DJ talent keeps taking me around the world. Purpose and passion are a powerful combo. All glory to God.”
The Nation Newspaper Ltd. All rights reserved - 2025.

dannyspeejay:
Dem wanna RIP all the whole country

Nigeria cannot die as a country, she's blessed with abundant mineral resources that can never be exhausted.

A time will come when the country will have selfless leaders that will use these resources for the general good of the masses

KOLANUT is vital to Igbo tradition and culture. It is needed in any social gathering of Ndígbo. No important Igbo ceremony, big or small, proceeds without the presentation and breaking of kolanut.

In Igbo land, kolanut is a symbol of peace, hospitality, and goodwill.

In fact, without kolanut, any ceremony in Igbo land is deemed incomplete. Besides, Igbo attach importance and meanings on the number of lobes each nut carries, connoting varying meanings such as good and bad omen, productivity, prosperity, among others.

However, in spite of this respect and recognition accorded kolanut in Igbo land, women are not allowed to perform the rituals and to break kolanut.

SEV spoke to some Igbo traditional rulers and leaders who are the custodians of culture and tradition on this.

Kolanut is more of spiritual matter, it will be an abomination for women to break it – Ebonyi Monarch

The traditional ruler of Nkaliki Unuhu Achara autonomous community in Ebonyi State, Ezeogo Sunday Oketa said that it is an abomination for a woman to break kolanut in Igbo land. He said men are revered with matters of tradition and custom, and use kolanut to communicate with the ancestors.

“We use kolanut to communicate with the ancestors and pray to our gods. Women cannot pray with kolanut because of their monthly menstrual period. So, our ancestors forbid women from performing such functions. That is why at women’s occasions, they will call a man or little boy in their midst to break the kolanut.

“The foundation of Igbo land is laid by the man. The man is the head of the family recognised by God and if a woman breaks kolanut, she violates the custom and tradition and the ancestors will not accept the prayer. It is an abomination for any woman to break kolanut in Igbo land no matter the position she occupies.

“It is the kolanut that is used to seek for solution when there is problem or disaster in a community. It is used for divination and sanctification of our land. No matter the level of Christianity or politics, women cannot pray with kolanut because of their impurity by nature”, Oketa explained.

Women’s monthly menstruation makes them impure to perform the traditional rituals involved in breaking kolanut – Enachoken Abiriba

The traditional ruler of Abiriba Ancient Kingdom, Eze Kalu Kalu Ogbu (Enachoken Abiriba IV), attributes it to spiritual reasons. He said though there was actually no known reason behind the ancient tradition, but opined that it could possibly be because of their monthly menstruation. “Breaking of kolanut is deemed a spiritual thing, therefore a woman menstuating can’t perform that. And because the thing could come at anytime, it was best to avoid women in this traditional spiritual process.”

He argued that in Igbo land, since a menstruating woman should not touch sacred things, it would not be proper to allow women get involved in kolanut breaking rituals.

The monarch, however, argued that there was nothing wrong with menopausal women breaking kolanut.

Kolanut breaking is a sacred ritual which invokes the blessings of ancestors and deities – Enugu monarch

On his own part, the traditional ruler of Igga Ancient Kingdom in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State, Igwe Herbert Ukuta, explained that the rituals of kolanut breaking is an exclusive reserve of the men folk because it invokes the blessings of ancestors and deities of the land.

He further explained: “Women generally do not break kolanut due to cultural and spiritual customs rooted in ancestral and patriarchal practices.

“The kolanut holds profound spiritual significance in Igbo culture, symbolizing respect, hospitality, and a connection with the ancestors. The act of breaking the kolanut is considered a sacred ritual that invokes the blessings of the ancestors and deities.

“Traditionally, men, especially elders, are seen as the primary intermediaries in these spiritual communications.

“Igbo society has historically been patriarchal, with men occupying most spiritual, leadership, and ritual roles. Since breaking the kolanut is a ceremonial act involving prayers and blessings, it is reserved for men, particularly the eldest male or the host.

“Certain spiritual taboos dictate that only men can perform this ritual to maintain spiritual order and avoid perceived negative consequences.

“In some communities, it is believed that women handling the kolanut in ceremonial contexts could bring misfortune or offend the ancestors.

“However, customs can vary slightly from one Igbo community to another, and some contemporary practices are beginning to challenge these traditional norms.”

Head of the family breaks kolanut, a woman is not the head of the family – Eze Mbakwe

The traditional ruler of Umuosu Okaiuga Nkwoegwu Autonomous Community in Umuahia North, Eze Sir Nzenwata Mbakwe, said women should have no business with kolanut presentation and breaking rituals.

He said: “Man, and not woman is the head of the family. Men stand to urinate signaling headship but a women bend to urinate. So, no matter what a woman is, you cannot give her kolanut to break. Doing so is anti-Igbo tradition”.

Kolanut symbolises the deepest things of the Igbo tradition, women should not break it – Imo monarch

The paramount ruler of Isiama Autonomous Community, Isiala Mbano Council of Imo State, Eze Oliver Ohanwe, said that kolanut means much more than seen physically.

He noted that the number of lobes of the kola nut represents different fortunes in Igbo land.

The monarch stated that kolanut symbolizes the deepest things of the Igbo tradition, adding that there should never be a time it will be contemplated that a woman should break it.

“A woman should never break kola nut in Igbo land. It should not also be presented to a woman.

“Kola nut represents the deepest thing in Igbo land. If you come to my palace and break kola nut, when I look at the number of lobes, I will tell you the reason you came. The number of lobes represents different fortunes.

“For instance, kola nut with seven lobes signifies great blessings and is highly celebrated. The one with two lobes is a bad omen and not to be eaten.

“If Christianity had not started in Igbo land, we would be using kolanuts for the holy communion because of what they represent”, he submitted.

Women with chieftaincy titles such as Omu title in Delta Igbo can break kolanut – Igwe Obosi

The Chairman of Anambra State Council of traditional rulers and traditional ruler of Obosi Kingdom in Idemili North Council, Igwe Chidubem Iweka also stressed the importance of kolanut in Igbo tradition and custom. He noted, however, that women with certain level of title can break kolanut as is obtainable in some parts of Delta Igbo.

The monarch who disclosed that he has written a book on kolanut in Igbo land, declared: “The peculiar thing about kolanut is that Ndigbo regard it as a special nut among other nuts. We use it for prayers. In a very special ceremony, we ensure that it is presented and broken with necessary prayers offered to God and our ancestors.

“Another aspect is knowing who is in the rightful position to perform the kolanut ceremony. Like I said earlier, kolanut is a special tree planted by God Almighty. Somebody must have to pray before kolanut is broken.

“Sometimes, a kolanut can have two, three, four, five, six or more lobes. Having six or more lobes calls for special celebration with a goat or at least a big fowl.”

On those who have the right to break kolanut in a ceremony or in public, the monarch explained that in a gathering, age and title matter a lot in determining who will break the kolanut for others.

Iweka said: “When a king is not around, the most senior titled man will break the kolanut; seniority here is measured by title not by age.

“Women with chieftaincy titles such as Omu title, as applicable in Delta Igbo can break kolanut because such a revered title has almost brought her up to level of a man.

“So, she can break kolanut in the presence of men where there is no king or titled chief whose title surpasses hers around”,

An indigene of Owerri, Chief Chidi explained that ‘breaking of kolanut is seen as a ritual that must only be performed by men who have come of age. In Owerri, the process of breaking kolanut is not compromised, it is strictly done by qualified men.”

A Catholic priest, Monsignor Theophilus Ibegbulem Okere said women are not allowed to break kolanut because there is the belief in parts of Igbo land that since men remain heads of families.

“In Igbo cosmology, it is believed that no woman goes to her husband’s home with the gods in her paternal home. Such gods are deemed to be completely powerless in foreign lands.”

In an interview with Elder Onyeneke Nnorom, now late, of Umuoyima Village, Owerri, he had said: “A woman can pray over the kolanut, if the event is totally a woman affair or that the woman is a spiritualist (Dibia) and she can eat with her spiritual forces or collaborators.

“It is a taboo in Igbo land for a man to eat a kolanut broken by a woman. It does not matter if the woman is a spiritualist or not.”

According to Chief Okenwa Ndubuisi, the main reason for banning women from breaking kolanut is to attach great respect to it. He said if women are allowed to be breaking kolanut at gatherings, there is the tendency to be claiming equality with men.

He said: “Breaking of kolanut in public gatherings is to show that men and women are not equal. Where there is no man, a woman can break and eat her kolanut. But once there is a man, even if he is her son, she will give the kolanut to him to break for her.

“It is a tradition and nothing can change it, not even the so-called women liberation. A woman cannot even pick kolanut from a plate where there is a gathering of women.

“It is something every Igbo man or woman grows up to understand and it has stuck in the minds of everybody.”

A professor of African Fiction, Damian Opata, however said that initiated Umuada, can break kolanut even in the midst of men. He also said that women can break kolanut if there are no men in their midst.

He however stated that women don’t usually break kolanut in Igbo tradition because it is a ritual act done on behalf of the family, community or group where deities of the land are usually invoked.

“The major reason, I imagine, why women don’t break kola is that breaking kola is essentially a ritual act done on behalf of a family, a community, or a group. This ritual act entails the invocation of Ala, deities, and ancestors. It is a tradition passed from one generation to the other.”

An Igbo leader, Barr. Nnanna Ukaegbu explained that women don’t break kola in Igbo land because the Igbo society is patrilineal and doesn’t confer such rights to women. He said the Igbo culture also bars a man from presenting kola nuts to a woman when she visits him.

“Women don’t break kola nut in Igbo land because the Igbo culture is patrilineal; male based. Women can’t pour libations because the Igbo deities only recognize the male as the head of the family, just as the Almighty God made it too. Women can eat kolanut but they cannot break it.

“However, it is the youngest person that breaks kola nut in any Igbo gathering while the eldest pours libations to the ancestors. This is the standard practice everywhere in Igbo land”, he explained.

A lawyer, Prince Christopher O. Muo said it is even a misconception to say that women are not allowed to break kolanuts in Igbo land, saying the “correct position is that a woman is not allowed to hold Kolanuts, pray over kolanuts, make incantation onto it, bless and break it in the presence of a man even or even a baby boy.

“It is forbidden for a woman to perform such a role. It is considered a taboo. It is considered as spiritual pollution of the man for a woman to break kolanuts and give to a man. It is a sacrilegious act for a woman to do same.”

He however explained that women who are initiated into certain level of Igbo groups or have chieftaincy titles can break kolanut.

“It is in the same spiritual stance that the church does not allow a woman to give Holy communion in church.”

© 2025 Vanguard Media Limited, Nigeria

The10G:
It's never to late to start again

What of his smeared image

He seem to be picking Burna's enemies to a bout,the next will be Davido

Nigerian televangelist and senior pastor of Jesus Dominion International (JDI), Timothy Omotoso, has been deported from South Africa following a series of legal and immigration troubles.

Omotoso was seen at O.R. Tambo International Airport in a video shared by SABC News, marking his return to Nigeria after years of legal battles stemming from his 2017 arrest on over 90 charges, including rape and human trafficking.

On April 2, 2025, the Eastern Cape High Court acquitted Omotoso of 32 charges. Judge Irma Schoeman criticized the prosecution’s handling of the case, ruling that despite questionable testimonies and improbabilities in the pastor’s defense, the state failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Many of the women who testified against Omotoso, some of whom were minors or members of a gospel group he created, claimed they were sexually abused and later coerced into silence.

Following his acquittal, Omotoso was rearrested on May 10 for immigration violations. His release and subsequent deportation have sparked renewed outrage in South Africa, where many still question the integrity of the legal proceedings.


© 2025 GUARDIAN Newspapers. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

• President Tinubu should rein in DSS, says George
• It is a huge test for democracy, CUPP declares
• It’s treasonable- Olasope
• Constitution doesn’t allow parallel governing structures, says ex-DSS chief
• No illegality, DSS merely overzealous, say Ojo, Okorie

Nigerians have called on the Directorate of State Security (DSS) to respect the boundaries of multi-party democracy, stressing that political schemes should be separated from serious plots against the country’s sovereignty.

The Department of State Services (DSS) recently sued the convener of the Big Tent political action group, Professor Pat Utomi, over what the Secret Police claimed was a plan to establish “a shadow government” in the country in a bid to create chaos and destabilise the country.

In the suit, filed on May 13, 2025 and registered in the records of the Federal High Court as FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025, the DSS is seeking the court’s declaration that the move by Utomi was an attack on the constitution.

According to the motion filed by Akinlolu Kehinde SAN, on behalf of the DSS, the plaintiff averred that action of the defendant, who was a former Presidential contender on the platform of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Utomi, constituted a grave attack on the constitution and a threat to the current democratically elected government.

Although the case was yet to be assigned to a trial judge, the DSS had argued that allowing such a structure, styled as a “shadow government,” may “incite political unrest, cause inter-group tensions, and embolden other unlawful actors or separatist entities to replicate similar parallel arrangements, all of which would pose a grave threat to national security.”

Riled by the legal action instituted by the DSS, stakeholders weighed in on the various implications of the action, noting that since there was no establishment of police or coercive bodies, the so-called Shadow Government does not pose any security risks to the country.

Citing the DSS legal action as a huge test to democratic values, the National Secretary of Coalition of Political Parties (CUPP), Mr Peter Ameh, said that Service’s decision to drag Professor Utomi to court over his proposal to form a shadow government raises serious concerns about the state of democracy and human rights in Nigeria.

Ameh stated: “Prof. Utomi’s actions are a legitimate exercise of his fundamental right to freedom of expression and association. In a democratic society, citizens have the right to express their opinions and participate in public discourse.

“The formation of a shadow government can be seen as a form of political critique and oversight, which is essential for holding those in power accountable.

“The DSS’s actions can be perceived as an attempt to stifle dissenting voices and limit the space for public debate. This is worrisome, as it undermines the principles of democracy and human rights.”

The CUPP scribe asserted that Utomi’s proposal for a shadow government may be seen as a way to provide an alternative perspective and critique the current government’s policies.

“This is a legitimate form of political engagement and a fundamental aspect of democratic participation. The court should see the importance of protecting the fundamental rights of Prof. Utomi and ensure that the DSS’s actions do not infringe on his freedom of expression and association.

“Fundamentally, the outcome of this case will have significant implications for the state of democracy and human rights in Nigeria,” he added.

Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, cautioned President Bola Tinubu over the suit, urging the President not to handle Utomi’s case in the same manner that the late Prime Minister, Tafawa Balewa, dealt with Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

The PDP chieftain questioned the rationale behind the DSS’s litigation against Utomi over political matters, “especially since he did not seize any radio or television stations to announce a parallel government.”

He declared, “What the professor talked about was a shadow government. He doesn’t even have a registered political party—so what exactly is the DSS talking about?”

Describing the Secret Police’s legal action as ‘laughable,’ a legal practitioner Ige Asemudara, said: “It reflects a lack of political education at high levels of government. It shows the government is afraid of its own shadow. It is clearly intimidated by the possibility of strong opposition,” he said.

Asemudara continued, “In many democracies around the world, opposition parties often form shadow governments. This is not only to challenge the ruling party, but also to prepare for real governance. It enables the opposition to simulate governance and offer alternatives.”

He questioned the DSS’s motives: “Do they want the court to declare opposition illegal? What a country. Is Pat Utomi not a well-known opposition figure and ideological leader? Aren’t the members of his shadow cabinet also respected individuals? Instead of focusing on actual threats to national security, the DSS is pursuing an embarrassing lawsuit.”

He recalled how Professor Utomi had previously formed several organisations aimed at holding governments accountable, not to overthrow them, but to ensure public officeholders act in the national interest.

“One such initiative was the Patito’s Gang, a program where credible Nigerians voiced their views on governance and national development.”

Asemudara, therefore, urged the DSS to reconsider the case, saying, “It would be honourable for the DSS to withdraw this suit. They should focus on covert intelligence operations rather than public spectacles.

“The Presidency should also invest in the political education of DSS officers before we face bigger shocks.”

Speaking in the same vein, Elder statesman, Dr Chekwas Okorie, criticised the legal action against Professor Utomi’s shadow government, calling it “an unprovoked act of panic.”

Okorie stated that the absence of a vibrant and proactive opposition in Nigeria likely motivated Professor Utomi and his associates—eminent and well-meaning Nigerians—to establish a shadow government to provide constructive criticism and raise public awareness of democratic rights.

While emphasising that Professor Utomi and his team are protected under the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of association and speech, Okorie observed that Utomi’s action makes sense,“since they do not control any registered political party through which they can offer their noble and patriotic service to the nation.”

A former Chief of Staff to the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi and Professor of Political Science, University of Ilorin, Gbade Ojo, said: “Whether under the parliamentary or presidential system, there is nothing wrong with what Pat Utomi has done.

“He has not committed any illegality. It has no legal backing. It has no police, and it has no power. It is just for the fun of it. DSS is just being overzealous by inviting him. The government should just preoccupy itself with governance, otherwise, it will suffer a legitimacy crisis and lose its goodwill outright.”

Also, berating the DSS for finding time for civil litigation, a human rights activist, Peter Mazi, said, though, the DSS has the legal authority to investigate and prosecute threats to national security, “such power must be exercised with clear evidence and within the bounds of democratic norms.”

He contended that the idea of suing Prof. Pat Utomi appears more political than security-related, especially when no act of violence or insurrection is alleged.

“The legitimacy of the DSS’s action is questionable unless it can prove that actual laws were broken,” he surmised.

As to whether the DSS is protecting democracy or witch-hunting opposition, Mazi stated: “The action seems more like a case of witch-hunting. Democracies thrive on dissent, alternative ideas, and robust opposition.

“A shadow government, in many democratic settings, is a legitimate political tool used to hold those in power accountable. Branding this as subversive is an alarming overreach and a direct attack on political pluralism.

Mazi noted that unless the DSS can prove that Prof. Utomi’s group is engaging in treason or incitement to violence, then this is a constitutionally protected political activity.

“There is no explicit constitutional provision that criminalises the formation of a shadow government. In fact, Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and association,” he stressed.

On the implications of the litigation on Nigeria’s democracy and the lead-up to the 2027 polls, Mazi urged political parties to remain resolute, lawful, and strategic.

“They should unite in defence of democratic values, engage in civic education, and form stronger alliances with civil society and the media. It is also vital to document and challenge state overreach in courts and on global platforms. The struggle for a vibrant democracy must not be abandoned out of fear.

“This action could set a dangerous precedent. It signals that dissent and opposition politics are now potential grounds for state persecution.

“As we head toward the 2027 elections, such actions could suppress political participation, shrink civic space, and stoke fear among critical voices. Ultimately, this undermines the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy and fuels apathy or unrest.”

As the strings of public disapproval of the DSS legal action continued, experts in the security sector as well as the human rights community, thumbed down the secret service for allegedly attempting to silence Utomi through legal action.

They said that the DSS’s action raises concerns about freedom of speech and the role of security agencies in Nigeria.

For instance, a Certified Protection Officer, Frank Oshanugor, decried as a hasty and undemocratic move the action of taking Professor Pat Utomi to court over his intention to form a shadow government.

Oshanugor noted that Utomi’s proposal was not a call to arms, but rather a democratic effort to provide constructive opposition to government policies, remarking that “as a democrat that he is, his intention is clearly to fill the vacuum left by the apparent collapse of opposition parties in Nigeria.”

He highlighted the recent wave of defections from the two main opposition parties- the PDP and the Labour Party (LP) into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that the trend risks turning Nigeria into a de facto one-party state.

“In such a scenario, the APC government would be operating without adequate checks and balances, which is fundamentally undemocratic. Utomi’s shadow government proposal is an attempt to offer an alternative voice,” Oshanugor contributed.

Further, he criticised the DSS’s stance, describing it as a form of witch-hunt and a display of double standards, adding: “If Utomi’s initiative, which is essentially a ‘talk shop’ with no military force, is seen as a national security threat, then the same scrutiny should be applied to political defectors, who undermine the constitution.”

Oshanugor cited instances where elected officials switched parties without relinquishing their mandates and called for consistency in upholding the constitution and national security.

“The DSS should focus on those with pending corruption cases who pose a real threat to national stability, not individuals like Utomi, unless there is proof of plans to topple the government,” he argued.

The security expert warned against allowing national security institutions to be manipulated to dabble in political ends, urging the DSS to remain impartial and professional in the discharge of its duties.

Nonetheless, the Human Rights Writers Association (HURIWA) sharply criticised the DSS for instituting legal action against a citizen-led group monitoring government activities.

Describing the move as “a waste of taxpayers’ money” and a “misuse of state apparatus,” HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, said the DSS may have overstepped its constitutional role by targeting citizens engaged in peaceful, patriotic oversight of governance.

“The DSS is dead wrong to go to court to waste public funds fighting a citizen whose only offence is bringing together patriotic Nigerians to monitor governance. Their core duty is to safeguard Nigerians, not to suppress dissent,” Onwubiko said.

Citing persistent insecurity across the country, HURIWA questioned the DSS’s effectiveness in combating terrorism and violent crime and therefore, demanded answers on why terrorist masterminds such as Turji Bello and others continue to evade arrest.

“Why has the DSS not deployed intelligence to stop terrorist attacks? Why have known terrorists not been apprehended? Their failure in this regard is part of why insecurity has escalated nationwide,” Onwubiko stated.

HURIWA also rejected the notion that citizen-led shadow monitoring infringes on democratic principles, insisting that it is protected under Chapter 4 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedoms of peaceful assembly and information.

“Shadow governments are not new; they exist in the UK and form part of parliamentary democracy models. What the DSS is doing by stifling dissent is a mark of dictatorship, not democracy,” he stated.

The group called on the DSS to redirect its energy toward curbing terrorism, banditry, and violent crimes by non-state actors, rather than harassing citizens expressing divergent views.

Also, security expert, Christopher Oji, observed that the DSS was now assuming the role of an attack dog of any government in power.

“The agency meddles into any matter, even a trivial issue that doesn’t concern them. It is shameful that a progressive like Pat Utomi is arrested because he said he would form a shadow government. A shadow government is just like an opposite government, scrutinises government policies and brings alternative solutions.

“The formation is apt as there is nothing like an opposition party in Nigeria, as the country is drifting towards a one-party system. Shadow government does not infringe on the government, but will point out government illegalities. The DSS is making this government look like a military government where the constitution has been suspended and opposition silenced.

“The DSS is quick to jump at law-abiding citizens instead of dealing with criminals. How many times have you heard that DSS busts high-profile crime? The Service should, as a matter of urgency, allow Utomi to go and stop playing politics. It should leave politics alone and do its core duty of intelligence, and stop harassing innocent people”, Ojo added.

However, Mr. Dipo Olasope (SAN) said Utomi had committed treason for forming a shadow government, adding, “Nobody has the right to form any parallel government. It is a treasonable felony. The DSS has the right to invite him. It is in charge of internal security and to prevent anything that may affect the government of the day.”

Also, a former Director of DSS, Dennis Amachree, noted that the secret police action was in line with the law.

Amachree held: “Professor Pat Utomi’s plan to form a “Shadow Government” in Nigeria has legitimately prompted legal action from the Department of State Services (DSS). This initiative raises serious constitutional concerns, as Nigerian law, particularly the 1999 Constitution (as amended), does not accommodate parallel governing structures.

“Section 1(1) establishes the Constitution as the supreme law, rendering any conflicting actions void, while Section 2 defines the established framework of government.

“Furthermore, such an endeavour could be interpreted as a threat to national security and public order. The Nigerian presidential system differs significantly from the UK’s parliamentary system, which includes a recognised “Shadow Cabinet.

“Therefore, the DSS, in its role of safeguarding national security, is acting within its purview to challenge Professor Utomi’s proposal.”

© 2025 GUARDIAN Newspapers. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Imposition of candidates because of his religion is highly condemn.

They should vote in the best candidate, weather Muslim or christian

starplusbattery:
Discover the truth about solar energy affordability in our latest blog: "Is Solar Energy Only for the Rich?" Learn how solutions like a solar inverter battery can make renewable energy accessible and cost-effective for everyone. Start your journey to energy independence today!

It is quite expensive,but that doesn't mean it's for the rich folks only.

Ruben Abati said the truth without fear or favor,he is a courageous journalist and Oshomhole that has many skeletons in his cupboard is trying to intimate him.

What Ruben said is already in the public domain, even a Nigerian child knows it.

Pootle:
na sperm dono i blame

and the surrogate

Although Nigeria has cleared its $3.4 billion COVID-19 loan to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the country remains burdened with a massive N74.38 trillion in domestic debt and $44.9 billion in external debt (about N144.67 trillion) as of December 2024.

The mounting debt, experts note, highlights the complex economic challenges Nigeria must navigate to ensure long-term financial stability and sustainable growth.

The latest data from the Debt Management Office (DMO), excluding the figures for the first quarter of 2025, reveals that Nigeria’s domestic debt profile remains heavily reliant on long-term and short-term instruments issued by the Federal Government. The largest share is attributed to FGN bonds, which amount to N55.44 trillion, making up nearly 75% of the country’s total domestic debt. Other significant components of Nigeria’s domestic debt include Nigerian Treasury Bills at N12.35 trillion, other domestic instruments at N3.97 trillion, promissory notes at N1.54 trillion, and FGN Sukuk bonds at N992.56 billion.

While Nigeria has made progress in repaying its $3.4 billion COVID-19 loan to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), its external debt remains a significant burden. As of December 2024, the country’s total external debt stood at $44.9 billion. The top five creditors include Eurobond holders at $17.32 billion, the World Bank (IDA) at $16.56 billion, Exim Bank of China at $5.06 billion, the African Development Bank (AfDB) at $2.10 billion, and the IBRD (World Bank) at $1.24 billion. Nigeria’s exposure to commercial debt markets, particularly through Eurobonds, introduces higher interest costs and greater vulnerability to refinancing risks. Despite settling the principal IMF loan, Nigeria remains obligated to pay around $30 million annually in Special Drawing Rights (SDR) as part of service charges and administrative fees until 2029, a standard condition for IMF facilities.

This ongoing debt burden is driven by several factors. The depreciation of the naira, now trading at around N1,550/$1, has made dollar-denominated debt more expensive in naira terms. High budget deficits continue to drive the need for both domestic and foreign borrowing, and maturing short-term securities, such as Treasury Bills, require frequent refinancing, often at higher costs.

While Nigeria’s repayment of the IMF loan is a positive step, analysts warn that the country’s wider debt sustainability remains a concern. The government faces a heavy debt service load, particularly as Eurobond maturities approach, and global interest rates remain relatively high. To reduce its reliance on borrowing, Nigeria must focus on expanding non-oil revenues, controlling recurrent spending, and pursuing deeper structural reforms. While debt can fuel growth, its impact is only positive when managed prudently and used effectively.


The Sun Nigeria

EmekaA125:
So can Nigeria kindly let Igbos go and have a country of their own??
You are just crying and wailing in vain.

You are just scratching the surface,you guys ain't ready to leave yet.

All Ndigbo should relinquish all federal positions and relocate back to their region.

By then, everyone will know that you're ready not all these second fiddle games

A fresh wave of political uncertainty has hit Delta State as cracks emerge within the ranks of the recently defected PDP leaders now aligned with the APC. Sources close to the situation reveal that former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has directed ex-PDP State Chairman, Olorogun Kingsley Esiso, to swiftly reclaim the PDP’s structure across the state’s 25 local government areas amid growing fears of political isolation.

Despite publicly declaring their defection to the APC, many former PDP stalwarts have reportedly refused to register as APC members — a move raising eyebrows and fueling speculation about their true intentions. This hesitation, insiders say, has reignited internal power plays within both parties.

In a calculated move to secure future influence, Okowa is said to be positioning Esiso as the APC’s Delta Central senatorial candidate for 2027. With Delta Central long known as an opposition stronghold, securing the PDP structure there is seen as crucial to that plan.

Speaking anonymously from Abraka, a former PDP chieftain and close ally of Esiso, confirmed that groundwork is already being laid:

“Yes, Okowa has instructed Esiso to take back control of PDP structures statewide. We can’t leave things to chance. We’re reactivating our grassroots network as we speak.”

The source disclosed that Okowa’s original plan involved entrusting the PDP structure to Elder Emma Ogidi. However, escalating political tension and Ogidi’s advanced age have prompted a shift in strategy.

“With Ibori’s loyalists lurking and yet to make their intentions clear, leaving the party structure in limbo is too risky. We’re moving quickly to stabilise our base.”

He added that former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege still holds significant sway over APC ward and LGA structures, making it difficult for new defectors to gain a foothold.


“Omo-Agege won’t fold easily. Until there’s clarity on power-sharing within the APC, we’re keeping our options open.”

Meanwhile, discontent is simmering within the APC. The Chairman of APC in Ika South, Hon. Hilary Fada Ibude, revealed that a staggering 99.5% of PDP defectors have failed to register with the APC weeks after their dramatic defection.

“They made a big show of joining us, but only 0.5% have actually registered. Apart from the Delta Unity Group (DUG), most are still sitting on the fence,” he told journalists in Agbor.

Ibude warned that without formal registration, these defectors won’t be recognised as legitimate party members.

“If you’re not holding an APC membership card, you’re not part of this party. Registration is open to all, but seriousness must be proven — some may even need to surrender their former party ID cards.”

He stressed that while APC welcomes new members, no special treatment will be given:

“There are no guaranteed positions for newcomers. What we value is commitment. Only those ready to work will earn a place at the table.”

As 2027 draws closer, both the PDP and the APC appear to be locked in a high-stakes chess game, with loyalty, structure, and grassroots control as the key pieces on the board.

Source
rewards

gidgiddy:
The number one position that has only increased everyone's suffering. We have no business being together in a failed British colonial contraption called Nigeria

If you're given your Biafra today, you will still display that greed and lack of contentment amongst yourself.

The south east states are cases in point.

No amount soap can wash out the black spots from the skin of a leopard.

Biafra is a self destruct agenda

Of what value are they celebrating Biafra heroes and heroines if not to further disrupt an destroy the economic activities in the entire south east.

No wonder our founding fathers saw these overzealousness in them, hence they were never allowed to attain the number one position in the country

If a crocodile can eat it's own eggs what will he do to the eggs of a fowl.

Ndigbo has failed on all sides,

Even the western world has distance themselves from them, because they lacked sincerity and integrity.

Stealing is a spirit,it habitate anywhere,and it causes a lot of embarrassment and disgrace.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has declared a sit-at-home on Friday, May 30, 2025, to honour Biafran men and women who died during the Biafran War.

IPOB spokesperson, Emma Powerful, in a statement on Monday, said the day would include lectures in honour of Biafran heroes, both in Nigeria and abroad.

According to IPOB, the sit-at-home is a yearly memorial, noting that it was a way to remember Biafra heroes and heroines.


The group said it informed the South East and South South governors about the plan. The lockdown will last from
The statement reads, “The peak of the yearly memorial and remembrance event will occur on May 30th, 2025, known as the Biafra Heroes Memorial Day. It is a day designated by IPOB for Biafrans to commemorate and pay tribute to our heroes, heroines, and those who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for Biafra’s liberation and independence. The IPOB leadership has announced that May 30, 2025, will be a free day, marking a total lockdown for Biafrans residing in Biafran Land.

“Biafrans residing in Biafra land should observe a lockdown to pay tribute to those who battled and perished in the Nigerian genocidal war against Biafra, while Biafrans fought for our independence.

“We need to commemorate them by spending one day indoors. We urge all Biafrans and every advocate of freedom in Biafra Land to comply with this one-day lockdown directive on May 30, 2025.


“All IPOB family members in their various countries must organise and obtain permits to demonstrate against the unlawful imprisonment of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the illegal detention of Nnamdi Kanu in Nigeria.”

It added, “There will be no school, no community meetings, no religious services, no opening of markets and stores, and no public assemblies of any kind. Simply stay inside and enjoy television and videos with your family while contemplating the memories and the genocide inflicted upon Biafrans from 1967 to the present day.

“It is a day for families to recount their experiences of the Biafran genocidal war from 1967 to 1970 and the ongoing victimisation, destruction, and marginalisation of the Ndigbo within Nigeria.


“IPOB has contacted the West African Examination Council, WAEC, to inform them of the lockdown directive on the 30th of May, so they can modify the May/June SSCE exams schedule to serve all students. Messages have also been dispatched to the Governors in the South East and South-South Regions to notify them that we will remember and pay tribute to our heroes and heroines who sacrificed everything for us with a lockdown mandate on May 30, 2025.”

The group said there will be no protests in Biafra land or any part of Nigeria to avoid violence from security forces.

“Notice. No protests will take place in Biafra or anywhere in Nigeria to prevent being harmed by the lethal Nigerian Security Forces. Biafrans abroad will gather in the streets of their host countries or organize town hall meetings to express their support in honoring our fallen heroes and advocating for the restoration of Biafra.

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“IPOB and Ndigbo across the globe will pay tribute to all our fallen heroes and heroines, including our everlasting leader, the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Gen Phillip Efiong, Chief Dr Frank Opigo, Commander Ikonso, and numerous others who significantly contributed and fought to avert the genocide and destruction of Biafrans by the Nigerian and British governments along with their allied forces.

“Every year on May 30th is a significant day for all Biafrans. It is a public holiday for every citizen and non-citizen of Biafra living in the Biafra territory.

“IPOB prioritises the well-being of Ndigbo and has discovered methods to prevent the Nigerian State from killing our people as we continue to remember and celebrate our heroes.”

© 2024 All right reserved. New Telegraph, Nigeria

On May 8, 2025, President Bola Tinubu nominated Miss Usoro Offiong Akpabio as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the newly created South-South Development Commission (SSDC). Her appointment is subject to confirmation by the National Assembly.

Akpabio’s nomination positions her at the forefront of efforts to tackle the developmental and environmental challenges in the Niger Delta, a region long plagued by underdevelopment despite its oil wealth.

However, the announcement sparked public curiosity, largely due to her shared surname with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, a political heavyweight and former Governor of Akwa Ibom State (2007–2015). While Usoro Akpabio’s name was relatively unknown in national politics until her recent nomination, reports suggest her family maintains close political ties with the Senate President. According to sources, her mother, Magdalene Akpabio, is a grassroots politician who has worked closely with the Senate President in recent years.


Background story

The South-South Development Commission (SSDC) is a newly established federal agency aimed at accelerating development in Nigeria’s South-South geopolitical zone. It was created in response to the perceived failure of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to deliver on its mandate.

The SSDC was established through a bill sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South) and signed into law by President Tinubu in March 2025. The commission is expected to address issues such as infrastructure deficit, environmental degradation, and youth unemployment in the oil-rich region.


What you should know about Usoro Akpabio?
Usoro Offiong Akpabio hails from Mbiaya Uruan in Uruan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. She belongs to the Ibibio ethnic group, whose people are predominantly found in Akwa Ibom and Cross River states. They speak dialects of the Ibibio-Efik language, part of the Niger-Congo linguistic family.

There are conflicting reports regarding her date of birth. Some sources indicate that she was born on June 10, 1983, making her 42 years old. However, the Usoro Akpabio Educational Foundation Facebook page states she was born on June 5, 1980, which would make her 45 years old as of June 2025. Previous posts on the same page corroborate the 1980 birth date.

Is She Related to Senate President Godswill Akpabio?
Although both individuals are from Akwa Ibom State—Usoro from Uruan LGA and Godswill from Ukana Ikot Ntuen in Essien Udim LGA—there is no confirmed evidence of a familial relationship between them. Nonetheless, political observers note the two families are allies, with reports suggesting that Usoro’s mother, Magdalene Akpabio, played a role in Godswill Akpabio’s political rise.


Who is Magdalene Akpabio?
Magdalene Akpabio, Usoro’s mother, is a former South-South PDP National Women Leader. She has been active in grassroots mobilisation and regional politics for over two decades, particularly in mobilising women during elections. Despite her past ties with opposition elements, her daughter’s appointment has drawn criticism from some All Progressives Congress (APC) members in Akwa Ibom, who question her political loyalty given her alleged support for Tinubu’s opponents in the 2023 presidential election.


Education and Career
Usoro Akpabio completed her primary and secondary education in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital. She holds a degree in Political Science, although the details of her tertiary institution and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) posting remain unclear.

She began her career as a policy analyst in a government ministry in Akwa Ibom State. Over the years, she has built a profile as a political strategist and community development advocate. Her early political involvement began with student union activism during her undergraduate days.


Through the Usoro Akpabio Educational Foundation, she has been active in grassroots mobilisation, educational support, and project execution across local communities.

Awards and Recognition
In 2019, Usoro Akpabio received the African Achievers Award in recognition of her impact in the fields of energy and education.

As she awaits confirmation by the National Assembly, many will be watching closely to see how Usoro Akpabio steers the SSDC in a region where previous agencies have failed to deliver lasting change.

© BUSINESSDAY MEDIA LTD 2025.

The governors of the states in the Northwest, on Friday, came together to discuss issues affecting the region, such as insecurity, excessive use of drugs by youths, and other criminal matters.

The emergency meeting was held at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House, Kaduna.

Chairman of the Northwest Governors’ Forum and Governor of Katsina State, Dr. Umar Dikko Radda, told Journalists on Saturday morning that the states have agreed to work together in tackling all the issues raised.

He said, “We just concluded our meeting and the deliberation was very fruitful.

“We had a long discussion on issues bothering challenges affecting our region and we had presentations from Northwest Development Commission, as well as the Federal Medical University, Funtua, concerning the region.

“We also discussed on issues of drug abuse in the region. We all agreed to work together on the issues raised, in order to bring the necessary development
that is needed in the region,” he added.

Earlier the host Governor, Senator Uba Sani, said they were working together to tackle the issues affecting the region, and were in close collaboration with development partners to find solutions to the issues of poverty, and unemployment, among others.

© 2025 GUARDIAN Newspapers. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Willie2015:
Download the Vest App on Google play store
Follow the instruction by filling ur profile
Attach your ID Card.....and Take a Selfie....
I started the process Mar 12 and completed it by first week of April...
But urs may be fasters as I have some issues I had to clarify along the way.
Just stay with their support on the App and follow up with them...
Foreign brokers are far better....with zero commission...
Naija brokers will reap u off with their buy and sell commission.....

Is vest a foreign broker

TheExchanger:
I have some USDT I want to sell

convert to naira and send the proceeds to your account

mayor1814:
Love and happiness can be found in any place. I don't discriminate against any tribe. As long as the two partners understand each other and have that chemistry , I doubt if there is any force that can stop that

Marriage is beyond the two partners involved,you are getting married to the family as well.

Let us not pretend,or paint black with white colour,every ethnic group have their own shortcomings.

It depends if it can be endured or tolerated by both parties and their respective families.

There is no perfection in marriage.

Meti99:
Are you aware buhari tried to win presidency for 4 times and failed. He even cried on the national television. Until Tinubu helped him.
We thought he had something special not knowing he was a disaster to nigeria

The fact that Buhari,a northerner failed to secure the post of
the president after four attempts doesn't change the fact that northern votes is very critical in a presidential election in Nigeria.

Those failures might be caused by his unpularity at that time, incumbency power or election rigging and not the voting power of the north

Love800:
Thunder arrestor wey no dey work!

It was not properly installed by an experts

gtassure:
How about amps and watt

Amp measure the flow of electrical current through a circuit (a circuit is a complete circular path that electricity flows through).

Watts measures the rate of energy consumption or generation also known as power.

NinjaMetahuman:
thunder carries high voltage.

High voltage kills.

It's the lightening that discharges electric current (electricity)through a CONDUCTOR e.g metal,humans, earth.

The flow of electrons in a conductor is known as ELECTRIC CURRENT while the force required to make that current flow through the conductor is known as VOLTAGE.

Love800:
So how can a building be protected from lighting?

They will install a thunder arrestor in the building.