The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a stern warning to members contemplating defection, vowing to take decisive action against those undermining the party.
The Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, made this declaration during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, following the meeting of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
Addressing journalists alongside other NWC members, Damagum emphasised the PDP’s unity and resilience ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He stressed that the party remains strong and intact despite internal challenges, urging members to remain loyal and avoid actions that could weaken the PDP from within.
“If you are a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, we are drawing a line for those who go out to demarket the party. We are watching, and we will take appropriate action at the right time,” Damagum warned.
The Acting National Chairman also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to lure PDP members through intimidation and inducements. He asserted that the 2027 elections would be decided by Nigerians, not by the APC’s tactics.
“To the APC, I send a clear message: you may continue to harass and attempt to lure our members, but the 2027 election will be determined by the Nigerian people, not by your manoeuvres,” he said.
Damagum criticised the APC-led government for its failure to address key national issues such as hunger, insecurity, and the arbitrary expulsion of citizens. He urged the ruling party to reflect on its actions and correct course.
“It is time for you to reflect and correct your ways. The issues of hunger, insecurity, and the arbitrary treatment of Nigerians are overwhelming and unacceptable,” he stated.
He highlighted the PDP’s commitment to democratic principles, adding that its policies are people-centred and not designed to benefit a privileged few. He further described the PDP as the only political party in Nigeria with the resilience and structure to withstand turbulent times.
“We are in a democracy, and the voices of the people must be heard. As I’ve said before, we are not a conquered people. We are law-abiding citizens who deserve to be listened to,” Damagum added.
He called on PDP members to serve as ambassadors of the party and reflect on its long-standing contributions to national development. While acknowledging that some members may be tempted to leave, he expressed confidence they would eventually return.
“To those contemplating leaving, I advise against it. There is no party as accommodating as ours. But if they choose to go, I wish them well, though I am confident they will return,” he said.
Damagum reaffirmed the PDP’s readiness to provide leadership and work towards a better future for Nigeria.
The party’s next National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting is scheduled for 23–25 July, where strategies for the 2027 elections are expected to be further deliberated.
A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected the adoption of the party by the opposition coalition.
In a statement signed by Musa Isa Matara, national publicity secretary of the faction of the group said the party is not a “private coalition platform” that should be hijacked by elite individuals.
Matara said the party’s stakeholders, including state executives, youth and women leaders, and ward coordinators, were not consulted before the decision.
“We warn those coming into the ADC as part of this imposed arrangement to tread carefully. Be mindful that some few individuals are attempting to sell out the soul of our party for personal gain,” the statement reads.
“The ADC is not for sale. It belongs to its members, not political merchants or elite dealmakers.”
Background On Tuesday, opposition politicians and some ADC leaders met in Abuja, the country’s capital, for a meeting.
The meeting was attended by ex-Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, David Mark, former senate president; Sule Lamido, ex-governor of Jigawa; Uche Secondus, former PDP national chairman; Babangida Aliyu, former governor of Niger; Sam Egwu, former governor of Ebonyi; Aminu Tambuwal, former governor of Sokoto; and Liyel Imoke, former governor of Cross River.
After the meeting, the opposition politicians adopted ADC as the coalition platform and appointed Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, former Osun governor, as interim national chairman and secretary respectively.
Bolaji Abdullahi, a former minister of sports, was appointed as the coalition’s spokesperson.
The ADC national publicity secretary said the party’s stakeholders are not opposed to a coalition of parties but will reject “hijack and imposition”.
He added that the national executive committee (NEC) or national convention did not ratify recent appointments into the party.
“The claim that the ADC has become the ‘platform of the National Opposition Coalition Group’ is misleading,” the statement added.
“Our millions of members have not been informed or carried along in this so-called coalition.
“If anyone is attempting to force an opposition merger without grassroots consent, they are trampling on democratic ethics and party sovereignty.
“Let it be known to those who are trooping into our party under this chaotic coalition arrangement that the ADC has been battling unresolved legal crises since the 2023 general elections.
“These matters remain in court and unresolved. Any coalition attempt built on such shaky legal ground is irresponsible and potentially self-destructive.”
Peter Obi’s Alleged Role in Abacha’s Military Administration
Tin-Can Island Port Appointment: In a 2023 interview, Peter Obi confirmed that he was appointed chairman of Tin-Can Island Port in Lagos by General Sani Abacha. The appointment followed Obi’s petition to the regime over persistent port congestion.
During a meeting with traders, Abacha reportedly made the appointment on the spot. Obi, however, emphasized that the role was ad hoc, non-political, and lasted less than four months.
He clarified that he was never part of Abacha’s administration and had not held any public office prior to becoming Governor of Anambra State.
The brief appointment took place in the mid-1990s. Notably, Obi stated that he was not in Nigeria during the height of the June 12 crisis (1993–1994), having relocated to the United Kingdom after the 1993 elections to concentrate on his business activities.
Human rights lawyer, Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has condemned the gruesome killing of Ebonyi State indigenes in Ogboji Town, Anambra State, describing the act as “senseless, cold-blooded, and a direct assault on the conscience of the nation.”
However, while Ejiofor alleged that 13 people were killed in the attack, the police confirmed 10 fatalities and nine others injured.
The incident occurred on Monday evening when the gunmen, who arrived in two sports utility vehicles, attacked a community meeting of people from Ebonyi State.
"The armed criminals came in two Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV) and attacked the gathering of a group unprovokedly, shooting sporadically," said SP Tochukwu Ikenga, Anambra Police Command Public Relations Officer.
“The victims were rushed to the hospital and regrettably, 10 (ten) people were confirmed dead. The bodies have been deposited in the morgue.”
In a statement released on Tuesday, Ejiofor expressed deep outrage over the incident.
The lawyer demanded swift action from both the Anambra State Government and national security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“This reprehensible and cowardly act, targeted at innocent citizens who merely assembled for a lawful meeting, constitutes not only a direct affront to their fundamental human rights but an assault on the collective conscience of our nation,” Ejiofor stated.
“It is a grim reminder of the deteriorating state of security across the country and a further indictment of the prevailing failure to guarantee the sanctity of human life.”
While the motive behind the killings remains unclear, the brutality of the assault has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s security architecture.
Ejiofor, who has been vocal on issues of state violence, extrajudicial killings, and the rights of marginalised communities, described the massacre as a violation of several constitutional rights, including the right to life, freedom of movement, and peaceful assembly, guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The right to life, freedom of movement, peaceful assembly and the liberty to reside and engage in lawful activities in any part of the country are constitutional guarantees enshrined under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended),” he said.
“The heinous killing of these harmless individuals is, therefore, a grievous violation of these sacred rights and an intolerable affront to the principles of justice, unity, and peaceful co-existence.”
He called for a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into the incident, stressing that no individual or group, regardless of influence or political connections, should be shielded from justice.
“I unequivocally condemn this dastardly act in the strongest possible terms and demand that the Anambra State Government, alongside all relevant security agencies, immediately commence a thorough, transparent, and independent investigation into this tragic incident,” Ejiofor stated.
“The perpetrators of this barbaric crime must be identified, apprehended, and subjected to the full weight of the law, no matter how highly placed or shielded they may appear to be,” he demanded.
Ejiofor said “the findings of the investigations must not be shrouded in secrecy”.
“Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done, as this incident, if left unaddressed, will further erode public confidence in the ability of the State to protect its citizens, regardless of their ethnicity or state of origin,” Ejiofor added, warning that failure to act decisively would further erode public trust in state institutions.
The lawyer also extended his condolences to the bereaved families and urged residents of Ebonyi State to remain calm and law-abiding.
He cautioned against reprisals, warning that retaliation would only worsen tensions and complicate efforts to achieve justice.
abysirius: Is Hyundai that bad that it doesn'teven make the list?
Its consumer report (American). American still dont really trust Hyundai/Kia. Many got burnt by Hyundai in the past. Engine goining on fire and carbon build up in it's GDI engines.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons on Monday said it has tightened the net around Nigerian entertainer, Darlington Okoye (a.k.a. Speed Darlington), adding his name to an international watch list.
It also said it had alerted Interpol after he ignored multiple summonses over an online confession to having sex with a 15-year-old girl.
According to sources who spoke to one of our correspondents, the agency was also mulling a N50m bounty on the entertainer after the gestational period of the wanted status.
“We are collaborating with the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Police, the DSS, and even the Interpol.
“We have put all of them on procedural notice so that wherever they see him, they can take action.
“The reason we did this is because we have given him enough opportunity,” NAPTIP’s Chief Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye, confirmed in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH on Monday.
On Friday, June 27, NAPTIP declared Okoye wanted in connection with alleged offences including r@pe, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking.
On its official Instagram handle @officialnaptip, it wrote, “WANTED BY NAPTIP. Darlington Okoye, aka Speed Darlington, is wanted in connection with alleged offences including rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking. Anyone with credible information on his whereabouts is urged to contact NAPTIP immediately. Call: 07030000203, info@naptip.gov.ng.”
However, the singer has since responded defiantly to the development.
In a video shared online via YouTube on Monday, the controversial musician insisted he had committed no crime and dismissed the allegations as baseless.
He accused officials of seeking “social-media clout” and demanded a N2.5m “appearance fee,” insisting the allegations were a publicity stunt.
“I’m not coming. You hear me? I’m not coming. I have not committed any crime. All I did was speak,” he said.
Okoye accused NAPTIP of using him to gain “social media clout,” questioning the basis for the agency’s action.
“Where is your evidence? Who is the complainant? Do you want to use me to collect social media clout? Hey, look at us. We are doing our job. We summoned a celebrity and he came,” he said.
He went on to describe the invitation as an attempt at psychological manipulation and demanded payment if the agency wanted him to appear.
“N2.5 million is what I charge for my appearance. You want to pay me 2.5 million plus? Round-trip tickets for me and my PA to come. Because I call that appearance,” he added.
Referring to his controversial Instagram livestream, Okoye maintained that there was no evidence against him.
“There is no crime. All I did was try to claim it. You have no evidence. You have nothing. So, my coming here is a waste of my time,” he said.
Last Friday’s notice came a month after Okoye failed to honour the agency’s invitation for questioning over his claim of having sex with a 15-year-old girl during a live Instagram video.
In the now-viral video, Okoye described “blood coming out” of a minor during intercourse, sparking public outrage.
The agency’s first summons went unheeded on May 30; a second deadline of June 2 also passed without an appearance, and a proposed self-selected date of June 26 was rejected.
A letter, signed by the agency’s Head of Cybercrime Response Team, Ngamaraju Mangzha, was addressed to Okoye on May 28, 2025.
It asked the singer to appear at its Abuja head office at 09:00 am on May 30, 2025.
However, one of our correspondents who visited the agency’s headquarters at the time confirmed that the singer did not show up at NAPTIP’s Wuse Zone 5 office. Later, NAPTIP stated that Okoye insisted on appearing on June 26.
In his response, Okoye said, “Hello, I will not be able to come in today. This is very sudden and urgent for me. I already have commitments and responsibilities. I suggest you reschedule for next month, June 26. I will be in Abuja that day.”
In a letter signed by its Director of Information and Communications Technology & Coordinator, Cybercrime Response Team, Hakeem Lawal, NAPTIP replied, “The issue at hand is of urgent National importance and requires an urgent response.
“As such, NAPTIP will not be able to work with your schedule as stated in your response. However, you are further given till Monday, June 2, 2025, at 1:00 pm, to appear in person at the NAPTIP’s Headquarters…your cooperation is very critical in this matter.”
However, The PUNCH observed that Okoye did not appear on June 2. He also failed to turn up on his preferred date of June 26.
Speaking to one of our correspondents on Monday, Adekoye said, “We have followed the normal legal procedure involved in declaring somebody wanted. We got a court order to watchlist him. When you watchlist someone, you have designated the person as a Person of Concern because of the allegation against him. We have contacted our various partners, all Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
“And if he sees it and refuses to respond, he is doing so at his peril. If someone is declared wanted, they become a target even outside the shores of Nigeria. Our advice is, wherever he is, he should turn himself in.”
An official who spoke on condition of anonymity said, “If he has nothing to hide, let him come and meet us. If his hands are clean as he said, why is he running? And the places he is running to still have zero tolerance for that kind of misconduct. If he has good advisers, they should tell him to turn himself in and let’s discuss with him.”
Meanwhile, another official familiar with the matter said NAPTIP is preparing a financial incentive for tip-offs.
“We are looking at the possibility of putting a bounty on his head. We are working with our legal department to look into it. We are considering N50m".
“But we want to follow due process. We have given him enough opportunity to decide when to come and we’ve been very civil even though he confessed to a grievous offence,” the official stated.
FACT CHECK: Is it true that Tinubu has not slept in any other state apart from Lagos as Peter Obi claimed?
The back and forth between Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, and the Presidency over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s trip to Saint Lucia has been trending for days. Obi had accused the president of holidaying abroad amid the multiple challenges back home.
“I didn’t want to believe that anybody in the position of authority, more so the President, on whose table the buck stops in this country, with all the myriad problems in virtually all areas of governance, would contemplate a leisure trip at this time. This is a President going for leisure when he couldn’t visit Minna, Niger state where over two hundred lives were lost and over 700 persons still missing in a flood natural disaster. I wonder which type of incident will happen before a President is attracted to show physical sympathy to the distressed citizens,” he had said.
Presidential spokesmen, Bayo Onanuga and Frederick Nwabufo, had hit back at Obi whom they accused of mischief.
While Onanuga said the visit aligns with Nigeria’s Four D’s foreign policy framework: Democracy, Development, Diaspora, and Demography, Nwabufo described Obi as the figure of a “tragedy connoisseur, consistently fouling this space with lamentations vacant of substance and facts”.
But not done, Obi fired another salvo, insisting that the trip was needless.
During an X Space session with his supporters on Sunday night, Obi had alleged that while Tinubu had not spent a single night in any Nigerian state aside from Lagos since assuming office, he opted to spend eight nights in the Caribbean nation of Saint Lucia.
“In two years, Tinubu has not spent one night in any state in Nigeria apart from Lagos, yet he is going to spend eight nights in St Lucia, a place smaller than Ajegunle,” he had said.
Obi’s remark drew attention across media and political circles, sought to contrast the president’s foreign engagements with what he described as domestic neglect.
However, a careful review of Tinubu’s travel history and official engagements reveals that the claim is false.
For instance, in Katsina State, Tinubu was on a two-day official visit around May 4 to 6, 2025, during which he assessed security operations and interacted with troops.
The extended nature of the visit, alongside engagements spread across days, indicates that he stayed in the state overnight.
It is also important to note that Tinubu resides primarily in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, where the seat of government is located.
As president, he performs most of his duties from Aso Rock Villa, which also serves as his official residence.
To exclude Abuja from the narrative, as the claim seems to do, undermines the basic constitutional reality of presidential residency and governance.
While there are states Tinubu has visited for brief events or ceremonies such as Anambra, Benue, and Ondo, clear confirmations of overnight stays in Katsina especially is sufficient to invalidate Obi’s sweeping claim.
Therefore, the suggestion that President Tinubu has not slept in any Nigerian state apart from Lagos is factually inaccurate.
Evidence clearly shows that the president has undertaken overnight visits in at least one different state, in addition to his routine stays in the nation’s capital, Abuja.
Verdict: False. Tinubu has spent a night in at least one Nigerian state aside from Lagos during his presidency.
State governments and the Federal Capital Territory received a total sum of N1.6tn from the Federal Government between March 2024 and May 2025 as financial support for infrastructure and security projects, official records from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation have shown.
The disbursement, which spanned over 15 months, was aimed at bolstering infrastructure development and strengthening security operations at the subnational level, as part of ongoing efforts to address widespread insecurity and bridge critical infrastructure gaps across the country.
These details were contained in internal documents from the OAGF, submitted at the May 2025 Federal Accounts Allocation Committee meeting, obtained on Sunday.
During the meeting, the committee distributed a total of N1.659tn to the Federal Government, state governments, and local councils, a decrease of N22bn compared to the N1.681tn shared in April.
The disbursements were made under a special intervention programme funded through non-oil revenue savings, as part of efforts to ease fiscal pressure on subnational governments and accelerate project execution at the grassroots.
The document, titled “Ledger of Savings on Intervention to States Infrastructure and Security,” showed that the payments were drawn from non-oil revenue savings, totalling N1.7tn within the 15 months.
However, the document did not disclose how much each state received or whether the funds were disbursed separately from the monthly revenue allocation.
Details of the transactions indicated that the total receipts by the Federal Government over the period stood at N1.7tn, from which N1.6tn was paid out to state governments and the Federal Capital Territory, leaving a balance of N100bn as of 16 May 2025.
Each payment is recorded as a “Payment for Intervention to States and FCT”, while corresponding inflows are titled “Transfer from Non-Oil Savings.”
The cumulative breakdown shows that 21 separate payments were made during the period, amounting to N1.6tn, with a remaining balance of N100bn in the account as at 15 May 2025.
The first tranche of N200bn was transferred on 20 March 2024, covering January and February 2024. From then on, disbursements of N100bn or more were made almost every month. A peak payment of N222bn was recorded in May 2024.
Recall that on July 20, 2023, President Bola Tinubu approved the establishment of the Infrastructure Support Fund for the 36 states of the federation as part of measures to cushion the effects of the petrol subsidy removal on the people.
Shedding more light on the establishment of the ISF for the 36 states, the then Special Adviser to the President, Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, Dele Alake, said, in a statement, “The new infrastructure fund will enable the states to intervene and invest in the critical areas of transportation, including farm to market road improvements; agriculture, encompassing livestock and ranching solutions; health, with a focus on basic healthcare; education, especially basic education; power and water resources, that will improve economic competitiveness, create jobs and deliver economic prosperity for Nigerians.
“The committee also resolved to save a portion of the monthly distributable proceeds to minimise the impact of the increased revenues, occasioned by the subsidy removal and exchange rate unification, on money supply, as well as inflation and the exchange rate.”
He added, “These savings will complement the efforts of the ISF and other existing and planned fiscal measures, all aimed at ensuring that the subsidy removal translates into tangible improvements in the lives and living standards of Nigerians.”
A breakdown of the transactions reveals that the monthly receipts and payments followed a consistent pattern, with a few spikes indicating exceptional disbursements. In March 2024, the FG received N300bn in non-oil savings and paid out N100bn to states. In April 2024, N100bn was received and N100bn was disbursed.
In May 2025, no new receipt was recorded, but N100bn was paid out, likely for April obligations. By May 2025, the Federal Government had disbursed N1.6tn out of the N1.7tn saved, leaving a balance of N100bn in the intervention account.
The regular monthly payments, typically N100bn, reflect a structured intervention strategy by the FG to provide fiscal support to subnational governments.
The payments, made monthly under the Federation Account framework, are aimed at supporting subnational governments to address pressing infrastructure gaps and security-related challenges. However, questions remain over how the funds are being utilised by states, especially given rising public concern about transparency in state-level spending.
The Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, Auwal Rafsanjani, criticised the Federal Government and state governors over what he described as the poor and unaccountable use of the N1.6tn disbursed for infrastructure and security between March 2024 and May 2025.
Rafsanjani, speaking in an interview with The PUNCH, said the funds, which were meant to address critical developmental challenges across the country, have not achieved their objective, considering the level of insecurity in the country.
He noted that with political actors already preoccupied with the 2027 elections, public spending has become more about power retention than people-oriented development.
He said, “First and foremost, we are in the era of financial recklessness. We are in the era of collapse of responsible governance, accountability, and a collapse in poor projects and programmes that would impact the Nigerian people. So we are not surprised to see this level of lack of poor utilisation of this saving to ameliorate the suffering of Nigerians in terms of infrastructure, insecurity, healthcare, education, and basic amenities that are needed for the society or for the people to be productive and protected in Nigeria.
“Instead, we are seeing democratic scrambling of public resources without accountability for personal use. This is what we are experiencing, and unfortunately, this is what public officials and political officials are doing in the country. Right now, the only preoccupation is 2027, so wherever they can make money to invest in the 2027 election at the expense of development in Nigeria. This is why you can’t have any accountable public spending in Nigeria.”
When asked if the ₦1.6tn intervention fund was judiciously spent, Rafsanjani responded bluntly, saying it was not.
“No, this can’t be judiciously spent, because if it were, we would have seen the positive impact on the nation. But because it is not judiciously spent, that’s why you can’t see any manifestation of benefits to the Nigerian people.
“The whole idea was probably not to allow the public to know these things, where questions would be asked. We need to make a serious issue, it would continue, and this is happening at all levels.”
Blue Origin today successfully launched its 13th human spaceflight, the NS-33 mission, marking another milestone in commercial space travel. The flight, which carried six passengers, including Chief Owolabi Salis, the first Nigerian, soared past the Kármán line (100 km / 62 miles) to reach an apogee of 105.2 km (345,044 feet), offering the crew a breathtaking view of Earth and a life-changing experience of weightlessness.
Mission Highlights Historic Achievement: Salis, a U.S.-based Nigerian lawyer, politician, and spiritual leader, became the first Nigerian to journey into space, inspiring a wave of pride across Africa.
Diverse Crew: The six passengers, who dubbed themselves “The Solstice 33” (after their original June 21 launch target), included Allie and Carl Kuehner, Leland Larson, Freddie Rescigno Jr., and Jim Sitkin.
Flawless Flight: The 10-minute suborbital mission saw the RSS Kármán Line crew capsule and Tail 5 propulsion module complete a safe return, landing near the launch site in West Texas. Global Impact: With this flight, 123 people have now flown on suborbital missions, as tracked by the Association of Space Explorers.
A Historic First for Nigeria Hailing from Ikorodu, Lagos, Salis described his journey as a “convergence of science and spirit.”
“This mission is more than just a trip into space, it’s a spiritual journey, a call to inspire future generations,” he said before liftoff. A champion of community development and youth empowerment, Salis hopes his historic flight will ignite interest in space exploration across Africa.
Furthermore, Salis’ flight marks a key moment for Nigeria and Africa, demonstrating growing participation in space endeavours. His safe return sparked celebrations in Nigeria, with many hailing him as a national hero.
The NS-33 mission patch featured green rings symbolising Earth’s horizon and the Kármán line, reflecting humanity’s quest to push boundaries. Blue Origin’s New Shepard programme continues to advance private spaceflight, offering research opportunities and citizen astronaut experiences. With 33 successful flights, the company remains a leader in reusable rocket technology and commercial space tourism.
As interest in space grows across Africa, Salis’ journey may pave the way for more Africans, ushering in a new chapter of global inclusivity in space exploration.
Peter Obi has said that if the coalition gives him their Presidential ticket, he will honour their conditions and do one term, then hand over power to the North.
I have a question for the North. Which promise has Peter Obi ever kept in his life?
Did he keep his promise not to leave APGA? Did he keep his word to be loyal to Waziri Atiku? Did he stand by his vow to sue Peoples Gazette over the Yes Daddy audio in which he threatened 'Religious War' against the Muslim ummah? Did he
If Peter Obi has not kept past promises, why would Mutanen Arewa believe him when he says he will keep future pledges?
The best predictor of the future is the past. Peter Obi swore to Dim Emeka Ojukwu, the reverted Igbo leader, not to leave APGA. Today, he has left APGA for PDP, left PDP for Labour, and is about to leave Labour for the coalition.
If the North believes Peter Obi will do one term and hand over to them, then the North is indeed more gullible than anyone thought.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the only candidate GUARANTEED to hand over to the North in 2031. Arewa should vote for him in 2027, and the Southwest and South-South will overwhelmingly vote for Arewa in 2031.
Reno Omokri
Gospeller. Deep Thinker. #TableShaker. Ruffler of the Feathers of Obidents. #1 Bestselling author of Facts Versus Fiction: The True Story of the Jonathan Years. Hodophile. Hollywood Magazine Humanitarian of the Year, 2019. Business Insider Influencer of the Year 2022. 21st Most Talked About Person in Africa, 2024.
The situation has been described as a disaster, with severe environmental degradation and economic hardship becoming the new normal for the affected families.
The escalating erosion crisis in Ebem Ohafia, Abia State, has reached catastrophic proportions, posing significant threats to the lives and properties of residents in the area.
The situation has been described as a disaster, with severe environmental degradation and economic hardship becoming the new normal for the affected families.
According to Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, Executive Director of the Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD), the erosion in Ebem Ohafia has intensified over the past 10 years, resulting in devastating damages and impacts.
"The situation is dire, and it requires immediate attention from the government," Nwafor said. "The people of Ebem Ohafia are suffering, and it's imperative that we act swiftly to prevent further catastrophe."
The erosion has caused widespread destruction, with properties damaged, families displaced, and the very existence of the community under threat. The residents of Ebem Ohafia are struggling to cope with the situation, and many have lost hope.
"I've lost my farm, my home, and my livelihood," said Mrs. Nneoma Okoro, a resident of Ebem Ohafia, tears streaming down her face. "I don't know what the future holds for me and my family. The government needs to help us before it's too late."
Chief Uchenna Okoroafor, a community leader in Ebem Ohafia, echoed Mrs. Okoro's sentiments. "We've been crying out for help for years, but nobody seems to be listening," he said. "We're tired of living in fear of when the next erosion will occur. We need the government to take immediate action to protect us."
The erosion has also had a significant impact on the community's economy.
"Our businesses are suffering because of the erosion," said Mr. Chukwuemeka Onyeji, a local business owner. "We need the government to help us find a way to mitigate the effects of the erosion so we can rebuild our lives and our businesses."
FENRAD has sounded the alarm, calling on the Abia State Government to take immediate action to mitigate further damage and protect the affected families. The organisation has outlined a four-point plan for the government to address the crisis.
"We urge the Abia State Government to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the erosion-affected areas in Ebem Ohafia, implement urgent erosion control measures, provide immediate relief and support to affected residents, and develop a sustainable long-term plan for erosion management and environmental conservation," Nwafor said.
The situation in Ebem Ohafia is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of environmental degradation on communities. It is imperative that the Abia State Government takes immediate action to address the crisis and protect the lives and properties of its citizens.
"We're not just fighting for our homes; we're fighting for our lives," said Mrs. Okoro. "We need the government to take us seriously and provide us with the help we need to survive."
The Secretary Ebem Ohafia Development Union, Elder Idika Kalu Uche, echoes the plight of the people of his community, begging government to intervene.
He said: "Erosion sites abound in Ebem Ohafia community, it has rendered so many families homeless. As I speak with you, part of ‘Ebem Ujuruezie Palace’ is under serious threat.
"If nothing is done in the nearest possible time, we will lose the palace. We call on the federal, state and Ohafia local governments and other public spirited individuals to come to our rescue."
As the erosion crisis in Ebem Ohafia continues to worsen, the need for urgent action becomes more pressing. The Abia State Government must take immediate steps to address the situation and prevent further damage.
The people of Ebem Ohafia deserve a safe and secure living environment, and it's the government's responsibility to ensure that.
As it should be. States in the US and provinces in Canada handle their own electric power. Hence names like Florida Light and Power, Manitoba Hydro e.t.c
Politics › Re: Malami, Oyegun, Senators, Ex-Governors Spotted At Coalition’s Unveiling by Slytiger: 4:09pm On Jul 02, 2025
