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In the lengthy post, Chikwere accused the Governor and his administration of poor image management, dwindling goodwill, policy inconsistencies, and failure to address issues affecting the state. He lamented that the perception of Ebonyi State “within and outside the state is low and dwindling daily at a very embarrassing level.”

Mr. Odo Godfrey Chikwere

Addressing the Governor directly, Chikwere wrote:

> “Your Excellency, in the first six months in office, no Ebonyi Governor enjoyed the love and goodwill you did. Today, everything is going negative… Your lovers can no longer find the courage to profess love publicly because each time you raise your hand to discipline, you end up endorsing the negative you once preached against.”

The radio host also alleged that some of the Governor’s appointees were “injuring” his administration by neglecting their duties, engaging in sporting activities during work hours, and mishandling communication to the public.

He further accused the government of failing to act on abandoned projects, mishandled committees, and corruption allegations, while warning that the Governor’s “legacy will determine how Izzi as a whole will be perceived in terms of goodwill after your time in office.”

Quoting the Bible, Chikwere urged Nwifuru to “step on toes” and take decisive action, likening underused political power to “wasted power.”

The suspension has sparked mixed reactions across Ebonyi State, with some defending Chikwere’s right to free expression, while others argue that his comments were disrespectful to the office of the Governor.

As of press time, neither Legacy FM management nor the Ebonyi State Government had issued an official statement explaining the grounds for the suspension.

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Speaking during a session on an X (formerly Twitter) space titled Weekend Politics on Saturday, Amaechi said:

 “Fayemi and I began the coalition discussion, and we subsequently agreed to broaden it so that it would involve more than just the two of us talking about starting a new party.”

Amaechi, who is also a former governor of Rivers State, explained that the move was aimed at uniting various political interests under a new platform to strengthen opposition politics in the country.

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He made this revelation during preparation of his white wedding with his wife, Chioma Rowland in Miami, United States.

In the now-viral video, Davido said, “I spent $3.7m cash, so we should know what we are doing here.”

PUNCH Online reports that the couple arrived in style for their pre-wedding party in Miami.

This white wedding follows their traditional wedding which was held in June, 2024 in Lagos.

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The unveiling took place on Friday at the Eko Convention Centre, Lagos, a year after LH Telecommunication Limited acquired a 95.5% majority stake in the network provider, taking over control from previous owners.

This marks the second rebrand in the company’s history, following its transition from Etisalat to 9mobile in 2017.

Speaking at the launch, Femi Banigbe, Chief Executive Officer of Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services Limited (EMTS), said the rebrand signifies more than a change of name or logo, but a renewed mission to meet the evolving demands of customers.

 “This is not just a brand unveiling, it is the beginning of a bold new chapter in our history,” Banigbe said. “We are no longer who we were – we are becoming something greater, something more ambitious.”

Banigbe emphasized that technology is now deeply intertwined with business, culture, and human connection, with Nigerians seeking greater speed, access, and relevance.

 “We see it in the rising tide of the youth, the boldness of our startups, the resilience of our SMEs, and the desires of our families to stay connected and entertained anytime, anywhere,” he said.

The EMTS boss noted that the brand is “proudly Nigerian” and inspired by the country’s spirit of resilience and tenacity.

Banigbe acknowledged that the company has faced challenges and setbacks in the past, but like Nigeria, it has consistently rebounded with renewed determination.

 “In the face of overwhelming odds, we always come back stronger,” he said.

The rebrand to T2 is expected to usher in new strategies, innovations, and customer-focused services aimed at strengthening the company’s position in Nigeria’s competitive telecom market.

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The incident happened around 4:10 a.m. on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, after a distress call alerted the Independence Layout Police Division to the ongoing attack. The Divisional Police Officer quickly mobilised his men and members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group to the scene.

On arrival, the hoodlums opened fire on the security team, prompting a gun battle. Police returned fire, killing one of the suspects, whose identity is yet to be established, while others escaped.

A search of the scene and the suspect’s body led to the recovery of a cut-to-size locally made single-barrel gun with one live cartridge, a locally fabricated Beretta pistol with one live round of ammunition, a Nokia torchlight phone belonging to the suspect, two iPhones believed to have been stolen from victims, a small red bag, a red-and-black torchlight, and ₦9,000 in ₦1,000 notes.

Further investigation on August 8 resulted in the recovery of a pump-action gun loaded with four live cartridges, suspected to have been abandoned nearby by the fleeing gang members.

Enugu State Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, commended the operatives for their bravery and professionalism, reaffirming the Command’s determination to tackle violent crimes. He urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information to aid proactive crime prevention.

The police advised the public to report security concerns or distress situations to the nearest police station, the Command’s Control Room via 08032003702 or 08086671202, or the Enugu State Command-and-Control Centre by dialling 112.

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During Thursday’s plenary, presided over by Speaker Rt. Hon. Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh, lawmakers refused to act on the governor’s letter requesting legislative clearance for the nominees.

The decision stemmed from a motion of urgent public importance moved by Hon. Shimapever Jiji, who accused Governor Alia of ignoring all Assembly resolutions and treating members with “total disregard.”

Hon. Pharm. Thomas Dugeri, backing the motion, faulted the governor for failing to address earlier issues raised by the legislature, describing his approach as disrespectful to the Assembly’s authority.

According to Terver Zamber, Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, lawmakers stressed that their stance was not aimed at crippling governance but at compelling the executive to respect legislative independence and honour prior agreements.

The Assembly’s conditions for proceeding with the screening include:

1. Provision of official vehicles to affected members.

2. Enforcement of the suspension of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Chairman.

3. Enforcement of the suspension of the Otukpo Local Government Council Chairman.

4. Enforcement of the suspension of the Executive Secretary, Benue State Sports Lottery and Marketing Board.

Until these demands are met, the House resolved it would not entertain any correspondence from the executive, including the commissioner nominees’ screening request.

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Kachikwu, speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, claimed that northern political interests had drafted Jonathan into the race to weaken the South ahead of the polls.

“In order to weaken the South, they have now drafted in former President Jonathan into the race, who is alleged to be offering Peter Obi the position of Coordinating Minister of the Economy for him to support his ambition,” Kachikwu said.

The ADC chieftain further alleged that Obi had been told he would not secure northern votes “because he is an Ibo man,” adding that there was a push for him to accept a vice-presidential slot under former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

He accused Atiku and other northern elites of monopolising political power for decades without alleviating poverty and illiteracy in the region. According to him, such leaders have weaponised “region, religion, tongue, tribe and poverty” to maintain control, while spreading “deliberate falsehoods” against President Bola Tinubu and potential southern presidential aspirants.

Kachikwu urged Nigerians to “resist former Vice President Atiku and his co-travellers who don’t believe in an equitable Nigeria,” stressing that the country must be governed with “clean hands and sincerity of purpose.”

“We don’t burn our houses because we want to kill rats and cockroaches; sometimes we just need to make our houses clean so that rats and cockroaches leave on their own,” he said.

“My earnest prayer is that Nigeria will soon work for every one of us,” Kachikwu added.

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Sowore, in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, accused the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the IGP of acting unlawfully, alleging that they “capitulated” to demands from the revolutionary movement pushing for his freedom.

“I have been released from unjust, unwarranted and unlawful detention,” he wrote.

Earlier, Abayomi Shogunle, commissioner of police in charge of the special intervention squad, explained that Sowore was arrested for allegedly refusing to make a statement during police interrogation.

Shogunle said two petitions were filed against him — one over the alleged forgery of a police document he published online, and the other over alleged cyberbullying.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) had earlier joined calls for Sowore’s immediate and unconditional release. NLC president Joe Ajaero described Sowore as a “moral compass” whose treatment should be taken seriously, regardless of differing personal opinions about him.

While the Constitution and pertinent legislative frameworks serve as the foundational legal documents governing the nation, ensuring justice, equity, accountability, and the protection of fundamental rights for all citizens, societal advancement nonetheless implies evolving democratic values and emerging challenges that necessitate periodic reviews and reforms of constitutional provisions to ensure their sustained relevance, efficacy, and responsiveness to the collective good of the populace.

It thus necessitates extensive consultations, deliberations, and incisive analyses to identify areas critically in need of refinement to enhance governance, maximize accountability, safeguard civil liberties, and promote inclusive development.

The proposed policy seeks to address gaps, ambiguities, and antiquated provisions while reinforcing democratic principles, the rule of law, and the separation of powers.

Moreover, these proposed policies are propelled by the collective will of the populace, as articulated through public discourse, stakeholder engagements, and legislative scrutiny, ensuring that the proposed reforms align with the aspirations of a modern and progressive society.

Now, therefore, in acknowledgment of the necessity to adapt our legal framework to contemporary realities while preserving the core values enshrined in the Constitution, the following amendments are hereby proposed for consideration and enactment:

1. Amendment to Section 65(2)(b)

Substitute the existing paragraph (b) with a new paragraph (b) to read:

“(b) He is a member of a political party for the last four years and is sponsored by that party, except where a party is defunct and he joins another or where the party is newly formed”

2. Amendment to Section 106(d)

Substitute the existing paragraph (d) with a new paragraph (d) to read:

“(d) He is a member of a political party for the last four years and is sponsored by that party, except where a party is defunct and he joins another or where the party is newly formed”

3. Amendment to Section 131(c)

Substitute the existing paragraph (c) with a new paragraph (c) to read:

“(c) He is a member of a political party for the last four years and is sponsored by that party, except where a party is defunct and he joins another or where the party is newly formed”

4. Amendment to Section 177(c)

Substitute the existing paragraph (c) with a new paragraph (c) to read:

“(c) He is a member of a political party for the last four years and is sponsored by that party, except where a party is defunct and he joins another or where the party is newly formed”

The overarching proposed amendments to Sections 65(2)(b), 106(d), 131(c), and 177(c) of the Nigerian Constitution are meticulously designed to ensure that candidates vying for legislative and executive offices are rigorously vetted by their political parties in alignment with a system where parties, not “strongmen,”drive national development. This will ensure the:

• Fortification of fundamental rights, broadening protections against discrimination and fostering greater participation in an increasingly evolving democracy.

• Enhancement of Institutional Accountability, reshaping judicial, electoral, and oversight mechanisms to reinforce transparency and public trust in governance.

• Amplification of local governance structures to encourage equitable resource distribution and participatory decision-making.

• Promotion of economic and social justice, incorporating provisions that guarantee equitable access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.

• Recognition of the right to a clean and sustainable environment as a constitutional imperative.

These proposed amendments are presented with a solemn commitment to uphold the sovereignty of the people, the integrity of the nation, and the enduring principles of democracy, justice, and progress for generations to come.

Let this endeavor reflect the collective resolve to construct a more just, inclusive, and resilient society under the rule of law.

Objectives:

• Institutionalize Party Supremacy;

Replace personality-driven politics with party-based governance, ensuring candidates are accountable to their parties’ ideologies and manifestos.

• Eradicate Cross-Carpeting;

Mandate a four-year party membership and sponsorship requirement for eligibility, thereby discouraging defections for personal gain.

• Promote Internal Democracy;

Strengthen party structures to ensure transparent candidate selection and ideological coherence.

• Enhance Electoral Credibility;

Diminish electoral volatility by ensuring candidates have long-term commitments to their parties.

Key Policy Provisions –

Amendments to Eligibility Criteria:

Sections 65(2)(b), 106(d), 131(c), 177(c): Candidates running for elective public offices must:

• Be registered members of their political party for a minimum of four years preceding the election.

• Be officially sponsored by their party, subject to internal democratic processes.

This justifies the prevention of political tourists and ensures candidates are ideologically driven and aligned with their respective parties.

Anti-Defection Measures:

• Automatic Vacancy; Any elected official who defects from their sponsoring party shall forfeit their seat, thereby triggering a by-election to fill the vacancy.

• Moratorium on Re-Election; Defectors shall be barred from contesting under another party for a minimum of one electoral cycle (four years).

Party Institutionalization Framework:

Political parties must mandatorily personalize their constitutions with explicit ideological principles and provisions.

All parties must adopt constitutions delineating their ideological pillars.

Candidate nomination processes, which include consensus, direct, or indirect primaries, should be entirely transparent and devoid of imposition.

Funding Accountability: Parties must disclose sources of funding and undergo annual audits to mitigate godfatherism.

Civic Education and Enforcement:

INEC Oversight; The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) shall:

• Verify party membership duration via centralized biometric registers.

• Enforce penalties for non-compliance (disqualification).

Public Awareness: Launch nationwide campaigns to educate voters on party ideologies over personality hijacking.

Expected Outcomes:

• Stable Party Systems; This policy will significantly reduce factionalism and promote coherent policy implementation.

• Accountability; Elected officials will remain answerable to party manifestos rather than personal, self-serving interests.

• Reduced Electoral Violence; Fewer defections will minimize post-election litigation, curb unnecessary violence, and increase stability in the political landscape.

• Ideological Clarity; Voters will find it easier to align with parties based on policies rather than patronage.

Safeguards and Review:

Sunset Clause; A 12-year review to assess policy impact on democracy.

Conclusion:

The emphasis on party institutionalization will facilitate Nigeria’s transition from a “strongman”democracy to one anchored in robust, ideologically rooted parties. These policy frameworks will effectively curb the destabilizing effects of cross-carpeting, foster policy continuity, and align Nigeria with global best practices in party-driven democracies.

This policy document aspires to create an enduring legacy as it balances legal precision with strategic vision, ensuring Nigeria’s democracy is resilient against the whims of individuals and firmly rooted in enduring institutional structures.

Otunba Segun Showunmi 

Convener The Alternative.

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Speaking on the fourth day of the church’s ongoing International Convention themed “The Overcomers”, Adeboye said death does not always come through prolonged illness and that his departure would be sudden and painless.

“I will die on a Sunday after attending service, eat my beloved pounded yam, and then pass on without any sickness,” he declared.

The cleric noted that he first shared this vision two years ago and was repeating it to reassure believers that death can be peaceful for those in Christ.

Delivering a sermon titled “Possess Your Possessions”, Adeboye urged Christians to actively claim what is rightfully theirs in Christ, warning that spiritual blessings often have to be fought for.

Drawing from the biblical story of the Israelites taking the Promised Land, he said:

“In many cases, you may have to fight for things that are already yours.”

He listed healing, prosperity, fruitfulness, and long life as areas where believers must resist spiritual opposition.

“Your greatest friend, Jesus Christ, paid a great price to purchase your healing. Yet there is a thief who comes to steal, kill, and destroy,” he said, citing John 10:10. “Long life is yours, but the devil wants to kill you with all he has. You must fight to live.”

On prosperity, Adeboye declared:

“The One who owns the earth and its fullness, and owns all the silver and gold, paid a terrible price so that you wouldn’t be poor. As long as you want to remain poor, you will remain poor.”

He criticised the double standard faced by successful Christians:

“If you make it as a Christian, they criticise you. If you die poor, they say, ‘Where’s your God?’”

Referencing biblical figures like Rachel and Hannah, who overcame barrenness through persistent prayer, he urged believers to reject all forms of spiritual oppression.

Concluding his message, Adeboye used the story of Jacob wrestling with an angel as a call to spiritual perseverance:

“It is what we tolerate that disturbs us. Stop tolerating sickness, poverty, barrenness, or premature death. Fight to possess your possessions, it’s your spiritual duty, made possible by Christ’s sacrifice.”