Television Nigerian

Ohanaeze Ndigbo, an Igbo sociocultural organization, has pledged to protect Works Minister David Umahi from plots hatched by President Bola Tinubu’s supporters.

According to a statement released on Monday by Chinyereze Thompson Ohia and Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the faction’s Deputy President-General, Umahi is a great gift from Tinubu to the Igbo people.

As the first Igbo person to occupy this esteemed position since 1947, Ohanaeze said that Umahi’s recent nomination as Minister of Works breaks a 74-year-old jinx and goes beyond simple political symbolism.

According to the statement, which was based on reliable intelligence, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has learned of plans to launch a distraction and blackmail campaign against three of President Tinubu’s most capable cabinet ministers, with Senator Umahi unfairly placed as the main target on their list.

Part of the statement says, “It is important to recognize that there are malicious plans to defame and undermine Senator Umahi in his role as Minister of Works. But those who oppose democracy and support good administration will not be comforted since the Nigerian people are still supporting Senator Umahi in his efforts to fulfill his constitutional obligations.

The minister’s admirable accomplishments in just 25 months have won him the respect of millions of Nigerians, especially as evidence of the federal roads being built shows that they are more than 80% guaranteed to last thanks to excellent cement technology.

The combination of Senator Umahi’s disciplined Igbo character and his unwavering allegiance as a supporter of President Tinubu is the source of his political persecution. In carrying out his responsibilities as Minister of Works, his unrelenting commitment guarantees that he upholds the highest standards of ethics and governance.

In addition to commemorating the historic achievement of having a Grade A Minister of Works—the first of his kind since the ministry’s founding under Abubakar Tafawa Balewa between 1951 and 1954—Ndigbo promises to continue to support President Tinubu’s leadership for a full, uninterrupted term until 2031.

Evans, a convicted wealthy kidnapper, was re-arraigned by the Lagos State Government on Monday at the Lagos High Court in Ikeja for the alleged murder of two police officers.

Evans and his co-defendant Joseph Emeka appeared in court together and were charged with five counts of attempted murder, murder, and conspiracy to conduct kidnapping.

Following the reading of the allegations before Justice A.O. Ogala, both defendants entered not guilty pleas.

Renowned for his high-profile kidnapping operations, Evans is presently on trial in five different criminal charges involving murder and kidnapping.

Of those, he has already been found guilty in two trials.

President Bola Tinubu extended presidential mercy to a number of condemned offenders nationwide just days prior to the re-arraignment.

Details will be revealed soon.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Youth Leader Sunday Udeh-Okoye has officially resigned from the party.

According to reports, Udeh-Okoye stated he was disappointed with the PDP and that the party had strayed from the principles and goals of its founders.

A letter containing his resignation was sent to the PDP Ward Chairman of Agbogugu Ward, located in the Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

According to the letter, “I would like to formally submit my resignation as a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member.”

“This was not an easy decision to make. My political career would not have been the same without the PDP, which gave me the priceless chance to run for office and hold the positions of National Youth Leader, Member of the Enugu State House of Assembly, and, most recently, National Secretary.

“The party, its lenders, and members at all levels continue to have my sincere gratitude for these privileges of service and confidence.

But over time, I have become more and more concerned as the PDP’s founding fathers’ vision and ideals—which were based on the concepts of equity, justice, and unity—have been undermined.

The PDP, which was once a ray of hope for democratic administration, has unfortunately lost its ideological focus and moral compass.

“After giving it some serious thought, I have decided that I can no longer stay in a system that has deviated so greatly from its original intent in good conscience.

As I set out on a progressive journey aimed at reestablishing the principles of democracy, accountability, and public service—values that the PDP has regrettably abandoned—I am therefore forced to cut company with the party.

*Accuse her of defamation, seek 20m damages

The Administrator of the Estate of late Mrs Esther Ibeto, has dragged
Jigida singer, Uche Ibeto, before a High Court of Justice of Lagos state, over unlawful possession of the deceased property.

Uche is known for her popular music hit album, Jigida Dance in the 80s.

Led by the Administrator of the Estate, Mrs. Laura Chinyelu Okoh, in a suit filed through her Counsel, Barrister E. Omoijiade, dated October 2, 2025, accused their sister of unlawfully taking possession of cash, valuables, property title documents, and rental income belonging to the Estate after their mother’s death.

They also accused Uche of sponsoring defamatory publications in the media against the Administrator and other members of the family.

Specifically, they mentioned a publication in Sahara Reporters, dated September 9, 2025, where she accused Mrs Okoh of conniving with a judicial officer to eject her from her home at 36, Ibezim Obianulu. street, Lagos, where she had lived.

But the Estate Administrator on behalf of the family prayed the court for an order of the court for Uche, who is the sole defendant in the matter to return all assets belonging to the Estate, provide a full account of the Estate’s finances, and publish a retraction and apology for the defamatory statements.

The, plaintiff also asked the court to order monetary compensation of N10,000,000 for defamation and N10,000,000 for the cost of the legal action.

She further prayed the court for an order for Uche Ibeto to account for £10,000 (Ten thousand Pounds) allegedly withdrawn from their deceased mother’s Barclays Bank account and a perpetual injunction restraining the Uche Ibeto from interfering with the Estate or publishing further defamatory statements.

In the statement of claim, deposed to, by the Estate Administrator, the Claimant in the matter, Mrs Okoh, avers that the Uche Ibeto without lawful authority from the administrators of the estate rented out various portions of the deceased’s property, including the boys’ quarters, garages, and flats, and converted rental income of more than N25,000,000 (Twenty-Five Million Naira) to her personal use.

The Claimant further said despite repeated requests and demands, Uche Ibeto has persistently refused, neglected, and failed to provide an account for or retum the monies, valuables, and documents that were unlawtully removed from the deceased and the Estate.

“These assets, which are rightfully part of the Estate of the late Mrs. Esther Ibeto, remain in the Defendant’s possession without lawful justification or explanation. In support of these claims, the Claimant will rely, at the trial of this suit, on a formal letter dated 20th August 2025, which was issued to the Defendant demanding the immediate retum of the Estate assets still held by her”, she said.

The Claimant further stated that, following the Defendant’s persistent refusal and neglect to account for the estate assets in her possession, as weil as her ongoing dissipation of the remaining assets, it became necessary to sell the house, in the best interest of the estate.

She said, “Considering these circumstances, and to protect and preserve the interests of all beneficiaries, the Claimant made the decision to sell the one-storey building situated at No. 36 Ibezim Obiajulu Street, Surulere, Lagos and share the proceeds realised among the beneficiaries of the estate, ensuring that each party received their rightful entitlement in accordance with the duties of the Administrator.

“Rather than providing a proper account of the estate properties in her custody, the Defendant responded by threatening to harass and embarrass the Claimant. The Defendant subsequently acted upon these threats by colluding with certain unscrupulous police officers to intimidate and arrest staff and employees of the Estate.

“The Claimant avers that on or about 2025, the Defendant caused and/or sponsored the publication of malicious, false and defamatory statements in the press, wherein she falsely represented herself (Uche Ibeto) as the owner of the Estate property, maliciously disparaged the Claimant in her capacity as Administrator, and misled the public as to the true ownership of the Estate’s
assets.

“The said defamatory publications have lowered the Claimant in the estimation of right-thinking members of society, brought the administration of the Estate into disrepute, and injured the Estate’s reputation.

The Administrator sought an order of the court restraining the defendant from further publishing defamatory statements in the media.

She prayed the court for N20m damages against the defendant.

As at the time of filing this report, Counsel to the Administrator said the Bailiff has been to her (Uche’s) house at 21/25 Allen Avenue, Ikeja, but she refused service of the court papers.

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the case

The rumored plan by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri and Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been denounced by former PDP Deputy National Chairman Bode George.

The move is an insult to the people who trusted them with their mandates on the PDP platform, George said, calling it “shameless, shambolic, annoying, and disgraceful.”

Although the party leadership in both states has remained silent on the matter, it is generally believed that Mbah and Diri would publicly switch to the APC on October 14.

In an interview with Vanguard, George responded to rumors that the governors and other PDP officials would be under pressure to join the ruling party, saying there was no reason to be concerned.

“I don’t know if they are being blackmailed, but that shouldn’t be a problem,” George stated. What is causing them fear? You have to work for the government. They ought to think about the voters who supported them. There is no way that their secret won’t be revealed if they have done something in secret. That shouldn’t frighten them.

The PDP mainstay cautioned that if the defections persisted, Nigeria may potentially descend into a one-party system, which he called intolerable.

“That will be this country’s biggest failure,” he added. We can’t all be in the same situation. Nigerians probably wouldn’t be complaining if their (APC) administration was doing well. It is vile.

There is a lot of resentment and hunger in the country, and some governors are defecting to the APC. As we say in the Navy, you have to make sure the rope around your waist is good and tight if you are jumping ship.

George said that the governors had to give Nigerians an explanation for their decision to leave the party they were voted to.

“Did they return and inform the people who gave them their mandate of their intention?” he asked. Because they supported the party’s agenda, the voters granted them their mandate. It’s shambolic and shameless. We need to know what drew them to the APC.

The PDP chairman insisted that Nigerians will vote in 2027 and that no number of defections would ensure the APC’s political supremacy.

“They cannot make Nigeria a one-party state,” he continued. It isn’t feasible. The APC will be startled by what Nigerians would do to them in 2027, even though they don’t do what we do in the PDP.

The well-known writer Wole Soyinka has been criticized by Rev. Fr. Kelvin Ugwu, a Catholic missionary priest in the Gambia, for his perceived silence during President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

In “Prof Soyinka then vs. Prof Soyinka now,” a Facebook post, he accused the Nobel laureate of being less vocal under President Muhammadu Buhari’s leadership and of remaining utterly mute throughout Tinubu’s administration.

According to Ugwu, Soyinka was outspoken under the administrations of former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, calling himself a “social crusader” and “movement” who openly denounced injustices by the government.

“Then came Tinubu, a man whose academic records are in doubt and whose identity is unclear,” he went on. In his two years in government, he has led Nigeria to accumulate more debt and its people to live in various forms of hardship.

He asked what would have led Soyinka, who was once a well-known spokesperson for the people, to “suddenly become deaf and dumb” while Tinubu was in power.

Furthermore, Ugwu disagreed that Soyinka’s silence was driven by ethnic allegiance, stating that the Nobel laureate has attacked other Yoruba leaders, like as Obasanjo.

He also joked that “if this is what people mean by juju, then juju is powerful,” suggesting that Tinubu’s capacity to influence detractors would be inexplicable.

Following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent appointment of Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, as the new chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, or INEC, civil society organizations, or CSOs, have urged the Senate to be open and honest in its selection process.

Newsmen were reportedly given access to the CSOs’ statement by Yiaga Africa on Saturday.

Amupitan’s candidacy, which was apparently approved unanimously by the Council of State, does not take the place of the Nigerian Senate’s obligation to carry out a thorough, exacting, and open vetting procedure, the civic organizations pointed out.

Yiaga Africa, Women Rights Advancement Protection Alternative, WRAPA, International Press Center, IPC, the Kukah Center, Center for Media and Society, TAF Africa, African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD), Nigeria Women Trust Fund, Accountability Lab, Nigeria, and YERP Naija Campaign have all signed the statement together.

The organizations believed the only way the Senate could inspire public trust was through a thorough, stringent, and transparent screening procedure.

Along with guaranteeing transparency, they also tasked the Senate with making sure the process is broadcast on television and incorporates citizen and civil society engagement in the confirmation hearings, memoranda, and petitions.

The CSOs also demanded that the Senate conduct a thorough investigation of his qualifications, public records, electoral reform vision, INEC’s institutional strengthening, and ability to maintain electoral integrity and withstand political meddling.

The Senate should also question the nominee’s strategies for resolving systemic issues, such as voter registration, transmission of results, and adherence to INEC’s rules and policies.

“In accordance with the Framework for Citizens Engagement in the INEC Appointment Process, which was previously provided to the Senate by the undersigned civil society organizations, Nigerians anticipate that the Senate confirmation process will be accessible to the public.

“This includes complete disclosure of the nominee’s qualifications, history of public service, and ability to conduct elections free from political meddling,” the statement said.

Despite stating that they recognized Amupitan’s academic and professional achievements and therefore had no objections to his nomination in principle, the groups pointed out that the current electoral situation in Nigeria necessitates an INEC that is fiercely independent, impervious to political manipulation, and steadfast in its commitment to holding credible elections.

They conjectured that the future INEC chairman, should the Senate confirm him, should have moral courage, oppose political meddling, and function better when free from political influence.

Following the end of Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s term, the Presidency announced that Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, would be the new chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, or INEC. We, the undersigned civil society organizations that work on democracy and elections in Nigeria and throughout Africa, acknowledge this announcement.

The Council of State, which apparently unanimously approved his candidacy, was consulted before this. It is important to remember that the Nigerian Senate’s responsibility to perform due diligence through a thorough and open screening procedure that fosters public confidence is not superseded by the Council of State’s ratification.

The Justice Uwais Report, the Ken Nnamani Committee Report, and the Citizens Memorandum on Electoral Reforms are just a few of the important electoral reform initiatives that support our long-standing demand for an open, inclusive, and citizen-centered appointment process.

According to the statement, “Yiaga Africa and other Civil Society Organizations are urging the Senate to make sure that Prof. Amupitan exhibits moral courage and resistance to political interference.”

Hon. Muhammad Lawal Kuryar Madaro, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate who narrowly lost the Kaura Namoda South State House of Assembly election, has switched to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a dramatic change in Zamfara State politics.

At a high-profile event hosted by Hon. Yazeed Shehu Danfulani Projects at Gusau’s Taula Arena today, the decision was made.

Shortly after Kamilu Sa’idu of the APC was proclaimed the winner of the August supplementary election for the Kaura Namoda South constituency by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the defection occurred.

Sa’idu’s victory was certified by Federal University Gusau Returning Officer Lawal Sa’adu, who reported that the APC candidate received 1,181 votes in the runoff, compared to Kurya’s 194.

In the constituency as a whole, the APC received 8,182 votes to the PDP’s 5,544, demonstrating the APC’s power in spite of the fierce competition that was purportedly supported by a multibillion-naira war chest from PDP Governor Dauda Lawal.

Kurya apparently received billions of dollars in sponsorship from Governor Dauda Lawal during the most recent election, but the governor’s shortcomings caused Kurya to be rejected.

He joined the APC after becoming disenchanted with the leadership of Governor Lawal and the direction of his previous party.

In particular, he blamed his electoral failure and the wider unrest in Zamfara on the Lawal administration’s lack of focus on security.

But in an attempt to bring peace and advancement back, he called on his supporters to stand with APC leader Dr. Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defense.

Kurya’s decision may be a precursor of more defections in Zamfara’s divisive political environment, where banditry and inter-party rivalry are still prevalent.

Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has been supported by Hon. Philip Agbese, the Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, who has stated that he will come out stronger from the ongoing accusations of money laundering made against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Agbese expressed support for Bello yesterday outside the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja, calling the trial a test of a patriot’s fortitude rather than proof of misconduct.

In a passionate speech to reporters and supporters following Thursday’s court proceedings, the member for the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency called Bello a leader with unwavering integrity.

He firmly asserted that Yahaya Bello is one Nigerian who cannot and would never embezzle any money from the public coffers.

I’ve known Yahaya for more than 20 years, and I can attest to his integrity as a nationalist, patriot, and a man who is passionate about his people’s advancement.

“This is the trial of a patriot who, after dedicating his heart and resources to changing Kogi State, left Lugard House [the Kogi State Government House] in a worse state than when he arrived. It is not the trial of a corrupt politician.”

The former governor’s dedication to public service and selflessness were highlighted by Agbese.

He claimed to have known Yahaya Bello for more than 20 years and to have witnessed a man who constantly put the needs of his people before his own interests.

When Kogi took office in 2016, he was facing economic stagnation, insecurity, and deteriorating infrastructure.

Bold reforms, youth empowerment initiatives, and significant investments in roads, healthcare, and education were some of the ways that Bello altered that narrative. Instead of accumulating fortune for himself, he departed office with a richer legacy of service but a smaller wallet. Nigerians need to understand that what we are seeing is a strategically planned effort to damage the reputation of a guy who dared to put government ahead of personal gain.

Nigerians should look past the EFCC’s accusations, the congressman said, calling them “a smokescreen designed to distract from Bello’s transformative achievements.”

He emphasized Bello’s administration’s transparency and financial restraint. Agbese said, “Unprecedented development occurred in Kogi State during Bello’s tenure.”

From building the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Center to establishing the Kogi State University Teaching Hospital in Anyigba, Bello’s initiatives were concrete and focused on the needs of the local population. Kogi became safer as a result of his introduction of free education policies, empowerment of women and youth, and direct combat of insecurity.

“This is not the behavior of a man who embezzles public funds. When all is said and done, I have no doubt that Yahaya Bello will emerge from this trial stronger and with his name as a patriot intact.

Agbese urged Nigerians to assess the EFCC’s pursuit’s motivations thoroughly as well. “This case is more about settling political scores than it is about accountability,” he claimed.

People who feel threatened by Bello’s influence have targeted him because of his growing reputation as a youthful, effective leader.

Nigerians ought to wonder why a man who resigned from office without owning an offshore account or a personal residence is being pursued. The politics of envy and vendetta hold the key to the solution. However, Yahaya Bello’s truth will win out because truth is tenacious.

Agbese added, “Yahaya Bello is the hope of a new generation of leaders who put service before self.”

“This trial will only make him more determined and give him more visibility as a people’s advocate. Nigerians ought to join him in supporting Bello because doing so upholds the fundamental principle of patriotic governance.

The appointment of Professor Joash Amupitan as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has drawn criticism from Sam Amadi, the Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts.

He expressed his regret that Nigerians are not aware of the risks they currently face as a result of Amupitan’s appointment in a post on 𝕏 on Saturday.

He criticized the populace for applauding Amupitan’s legal prowess rather than presenting him with a plan and warning him to steer clear of the purported blunders of his predecessor, Professor Mahmood Yakubu.

In his view, Nigerians are trivializing important national issues rather than holding their leaders responsible.

“People from Nigeria,” Amadi stated. Rather than giving him a fixed agenda and cautioning him against following Mahmud’s path, they are lauding his litigation abilities. What connection exist? People in Nigeria are not quite aware of the peril they are in. Everything they do is being trivialized.

According to Babatunde Ogala, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Professor Joash Amupitan, the recently appointed chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), was a member of the legal team that represented President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 election tribunal.

Earlier this week, President Tinubu selected Amupitan to take over as INEC’s head. Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s ten-year term concluded on Tuesday. The Senate has yet to accept his nomination, which was overwhelmingly approved by the Council of State on Thursday.

Amupitan, 58, is a law professor at the University of Jos (UNIJOS) and functions as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), according to what was understood.

Reports surfaced shortly after his nomination, claiming that Amupitan was one of the attorneys who represented Tinubu at the tribunal. Ogala, who oversaw Tinubu’s legal staff, however, called the assertion untrue.

SAN claimed that Amupitan’s name was never on the list of 123 attorneys who represented the president in a statement released on Friday.

“As the former coordinator of that legal team, I feel compelled, not as a rejoinder, but in service to truth and public interest, to set the records straight and allay any concerns these malicious fabrications may have caused among well-meaning Nigerians,” the statement is written.

Prof. Amupitan SAN was never a part of the Tinubu Presidential Legal Team, just to be clear.

The more than 123 lawyers who were officially hired for that task, sixty (60) of them were renowned Senior Advocates of Nigeria, do not have his name on them.

“No professional service, advice, or opinion was ever requested or provided throughout the entire process.

Consequently, I urge anyone spreading this myth to provide concrete proof to the contrary. As a matter of fact, anyone can verify the veracity of this statement by requesting Certified True Copies of all court documents submitted on behalf of the president-elect (as he was at the time).

Even while political speech is unavoidable in democracies, it is crucial that our participation is grounded in morality, truth, and national stability. The deliberate falsification of facts to stir up public opinion is counterproductive and only jeopardizes our peace as a nation.