GANUX, Author at SocietyGazette.com

Buhari labour-friendly president, health workers’ union mourns

The Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria has expressed grief over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a labour-friendly president.

In a press statement on Tuesday, signed by the National President, Dr. Kabiru Minjibir, and the Secretary General, Auwalu Kiyawa, the union extended condolences to the late president’s widow, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, the entire Buhari family, and Nigerians.

“Late President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR was not only a patriot but also a visionary leader, a selfless elder statesman, a man with inner strength, and dedication to serve Nigeria dutifully,” the union stated.

The union noted that Buhari was admired and trusted by Nigerians who believed in him as a democrat.

The union also pointed to Buhari’s policies aimed at supporting the poor and vulnerable in society, including the school feeding programme, which it said drastically reduced the number of out-of-school children. It also cited social investment and poverty alleviation programmes that provided stipends to families.

According to the statement, Buhari resisted calls from the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and their leaders for a sudden removal of fuel and electricity subsidies, opting instead for a gradual approach to protect ordinary Nigerians.

MHWUN acknowledged the former president’s role in initiating the Anchor Borrowers Programme for farmers, describing it as a master stroke to boost food production.

The statement read, “The late President will always be on our minds as a labour-friendly president. He unprecedentedly increased the retirement age for teachers from 60 to 65 years and 35 years of service to 40 years, with a new teachers’ salary structure. The health sector and other sectors of the civil service have recently also benefited from this bureaucratic structural innovation.

“Without hassles, late President Buhari signed into law the N30,000 (Thirty Thousand) Naira minimum wage. His fight against the global health dragon called COVID-19, which claimed millions of lives in more civilised climes but with little impact in Nigeria, is very much commended to this day. He built the Second Niger Bridge. He also revived and brought to life and light our once abandoned railway system. He maintained infrastructures around the country — the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, the Abuja-Kaduna expressway, etc.

“Most importantly, he was a military governor of North Eastern State, a former Minister) Federal Commissioner of Petroleum, he built the Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries, a former military Head of State and an Executive President of the country for eight years. Yet, an iota of corruption was not found in him.”

The health union workers further said, “In fact, his death is an unimaginable colossal loss not only to Nigeria as a country, but Africa as a continent. He did everything possible within his power to touch positively the lives of Nigerians and Africans, especially those within our sub-region — ECOWAS.”

Ondo vows to eradicate cultism, calls for collective action

The Ondo State Government has declared that it would ensure that cultism and other social vices, particularly among the youths, are eradicated in the state.

To this end, the government has called on parents, traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders to join hands in fighting against the scourge.

This was contained in a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku, made available to our correspondent on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the government said it had reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the cherished ‘Omoluabi’ values that define the people of the state, in the areas of respect, hard work, value for life, and a strong stance against social vices such as cultism, thuggery, and civil unrest.

The commissioner also noted that the ongoing administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had zero tolerance for any form of criminal activity that could tarnish the state’s reputation or hinder its development.

He said, ” the ‘Omoluabi’ values rooted in Yoruba tradition remain the bedrock of a peaceful and progressive society and we are calling on traditional rulers, politicians, student leaders, market women, religious leaders, and the general public to join hands with the government in rejecting cultism, political violence, kidnapping, and other destabilising behaviours.

“The rise in social vices is alarming and unacceptable. As a people known for dignity, discipline, and hard work, we must all rise to defend our values.

“Ondo State cannot afford to be dragged into the mud of lawlessness.”

Ajanaku stressed that development and investors’ confidence could thrive in a climate of insecurity, urging citizens to see the fight against crime as a collective responsibility.

“The orientation must begin now. Every citizen has a role to play in upholding the ethics of good behaviour.

“Report crimes in your communities. Be ambassadors of peace and order.

“That is the way to build a safe, attractive and economically vibrant Ondo State,” Ajanaku added.

Global markets brace for Trump’s August 1 tariff deadline

Asian markets were mixed Tuesday as traders kept an eye on earnings from Wall Street titans this week while tracking US trade talks just over a week before the deadline for a deal.

Japanese stocks edged up and the yen held gains after Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said he will stay in power despite the weekend election debacle.

Investors took a more cautious path after a largely positive day on Wall Street, where the S&P ended above 6,300 points for the first time and the Nasdaq chalked up yet another record.

Equities continue to rally on expectations that key trading partners will strike agreements with Washington before August 1 to avoid Donald Trump’s sky-high tariffs, with the US president stating that several deals are close. Just three have been struck so far.

His press secretary Karoline Leavitt, said more could be reached before next Friday, but also warned the president could unveil fresh unilateral tolls in that time.

While Trump’s initial tariff bombshell on April 2 rattled global markets before he delayed introducing the measures twice, they have seen more muted reactions to successive threats as traders expect him to eventually row back again.

That optimism has been helped by data indicating the US economy remained healthy despite the imposition of other levies that are beginning to be felt on Main Street.

And SPI Asset Management’s Stephen Innes warned traders could be in for a shock next week.

“The new tariff regime isn’t being priced — full stop,” he wrote.

“Markets have seen this movie before: tough talk, last-minute extensions, and deal-making in overtime. But this time, Trump isn’t bluffing. He’s already posted ‘No extensions will be granted’.

“The new rates — 30 per cent on the EU, 35 per cent on Canada, 50 per cent on Brazil — are politically loaded and economically radioactive. If they go live, there’s no soft landing.”

Hong Kong has been the standout in Asia this year, adding around a quarter thanks to a rally in Chinese tech firms and a fresh influx of cash from mainland investors.

And the Hang Seng Index continued its advance Tuesday, with Shanghai, Sydney and Taipei also up.

There were losses in Singapore, Seoul, Wellington and Manila.

Tokyo rose as investors returned from a long weekend to news that Ishiba would remain in power even after his ruling coalition lost its majority in Japan’s lower house elections Sunday, months after it suffered a similar fate in the upper house.

His refusal to leave helped the yen push higher against the dollar and other peers, though observers warned the government’s tenure remained fragile and investors remained nervous.

The yen strengthened to 147.08 Tuesday before paring some of the gains. That compares with 148.80 Friday.

But Franklin Templeton Institute’s Christy Tan said that “Ishiba now faces heightened political headwinds, including pressure over inflation, taxes, and US trade talks”.

Focus also turns this week to earnings from some of the world’s biggest names, including Tesla, Google-parent Alphabet, General Motors, Intel and Coca-Cola.

While there will be plenty of attention given to the results, the firms’ guidance will be key as investors try to gauge companies’ pulses in light of Trump’s trade war.

– Key figures at around 0230 GMT –

Tokyo – Nikkei 225: UP 0.2 per cent at 39,892.81 (break)

Hong Kong – Hang Seng Index: UP 0.3 per cent at 25,074.15

Shanghai – Composite: UP 0.1 per cent at 3,563.59

Dollar/yen: UP at 147.50 yen from 147.42 yen on Monday

Euro/dollar: UP at $1.1690 from $1.1688

Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.3484 from $1.3485

Euro/pound: UP at 86.69 pence from 86.68 pence

West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 0.7 per cent at $66.70 per barrel

Brent North Sea Crude: DOWN 0.9 per cent at $68.62 per barrel

New York – Dow: FLAT at 44,323.07 (close)

London – FTSE 100: UP 0.2 per cent at 9,012.99 (close)

AFP

I didn’t hate Buhari, Ortom defends stance on Benue insecurity

Olugbenga Ige

A former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has dismissed claims that he hated the late ex-President Muhammadu Buhari over his government’s handling of the security in the North Central state.

The chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party stated this on Monday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

Ortom stated that he only criticised Buhari’s government for not doing enough to address the security challenges in his state at the time.

The former Benue governor defended his actions, saying he had to speak out to protect his people.

He said, “I didn’t hate Buhari, I didn’t hate his government, I didn’t hate any Fulani man. All I was standing for was that I was elected to provide security and provide for the welfare of my own people.

“I was just doing my job, and I did accuse the last government for not doing enough to curb the security challenges that we had.

“I couldn’t just watch and continue to bury people, and I had to voice out but I did not stop at that. My government was able to provide a solution that, in our thought, we felt would solve this problem.”

The former governor said the insecurity problem still persisting in Benue State wouldn’t have existed if the Buhari administration had cooperated with him and adopted the solution he proposed to end it.

Ortom said he was frustrated under the Buhari administration and raised the alarm several times, stating that the Ruga ranching programme and similar ones proposed by the government to end the problem were merely a camouflage.

He insisted that there is no such thing as a herders-farmers crisis in Nigeria, saying that, instead, the intruding herders storm villages to kill, destroy farms, rape women, and commit other atrocities.

US Immigration hikes fees for asylum, work permit

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services has announced a new set of immigration-related fees following the implementation of the H.R. 1 Reconciliation Bill, with changes set to take effect from July 22, 2025.

According to a Federal Register Notice issued on July 18, 2025, applications postmarked on or after that date must include the updated fees.

USCIS said it will reject any submissions made on or after August 21, 2025, if the proper H.R. 1-mandated fees are not included.

Among the major changes, a $100 fee will now be charged for filing Form I-589 (Asylum and Withholding of Removal).

An Annual Asylum Fee of $100, payable online, will also be required for each calendar year an asylum application remains pending.

New fees have been established for specific applications of the Form I-765 Employment Authorisation Document (EAD):

$550 for initial applications

$275 for renewals or extensions

A reduced fee of $275 applies for EADs filed after approval of re-parole using Form I-131.

In addition, a $250 Special Immigrant Juvenile fee now applies to Form I-360 applications under that category.

Temporary Protected Status registration fees using Form I-821 have increased from $50 to $500.

USCIS clarified that the new H.R. 1 fees are in addition to current fees under its existing rule and cannot be waived or reduced, even if applicants are eligible for a regular USCIS fee waiver.

“Any alien who filed or files a Form I-589 after October 1, 2024, that remains pending with USCIS for 365 days must pay the AAF is of the one-year anniversary of his or her filing date and each year thereafter that the application remains pending on such day of the calendar year,” the notice read.

The new rule also shortens the validity period for work permits in certain categories.

Parolees will get EADs valid for no more than one year or the duration of parole, whichever is shorter.

TPS beneficiaries will have EADs valid for a maximum of one year or t

he length of TPS, whichever comes first.

USCIS said additional fee adjustments for other forms, such as Form I-131 (Travel Documents) and Form I-102 (Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Replacement), will be announced later.

Kaduna LG to make health insurance mandatory for intending couples, aspirants

The Chairman of Kudan Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Dauda Abba, has proposed a requirement for would-be couples to present the Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Authority enrollment card before getting married.

Ensuring this, he said, would increase enrollment into the scheme.

Abba made the proposal on Monday in Kudan LGA Secretariat at the KADCHMA’s inauguration of the informal sector enrollment campaign into the scheme.

The chairman said the proposal aimed to ensure that couples have access to quality healthcare services.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the exercise, which would also be inaugurated at Kagarko and Chikun LGAs, is expected to be carried out across all the 23 LGAs of the state.

It was supported by EngerderHealth Consortium, International Society for Media in Public Health, Centre for Communication and Social Impact and Legislative Advocacy Initiative for Sustainable Development Goals.

Abba stated that pregnant women would particularly benefit from the scheme’s coverage of antenatal care, delivery and postnatal care.

The chairman also added that the health scheme provides financial protection against unexpected medical expenses, enabling pregnant women to access quality healthcare without financial hardship.

He added that the scheme also provides access to quality healthcare services, including antenatal care, delivery, and postnatal care, with or without complications, reducing maternal mortality rates.

Abba said, “The N10,650 annual charge fee covers numerous diseases and services, including antenatal care and delivery, making it a comprehensive healthcare solution for pregnant women.”

By making KADCHMA enrollment a requirement for marriage, the chairman believed that awareness and uptake of the scheme would increase, ultimately improving the health and wellbeing of citizens.

He, therefore, said that he would push an Executive Order to the LGA legislative arm for inputs to make by-laws that would require intending couples to present KADCHMA enrollment cards before wedding.

Abba added that the by-law would also ensure that KADCHMA enrollment cards were required for political office aspirants in the LGA in order to support the scheme’s implementation.

“The by-law will require individuals to have a KADCHMA cards before getting married, and individuals before contesting for political positions.

“We are optimistic that the by-law will be ready within two to three weeks, and forward a copy to relevant stakeholders,” he said.

The chaiman pledged to enroll 1,000 people in the scheme, with plans to add another 1,000 after successful enrollment.

He, therefore, urged traditional, religious leaders and all other stakeholders to circulate information about the scheme to households and support its implementation.

Earlier, the Director-General of KADCHMA, Abubakar Hassan, emphasised that the scheme’s goal was to ensure that all the residents have access to quality and affordable health services without financial hardship.

Hassan explained that the authority rolled out the campaign to educate grassroot communities on the benefits of enrolling in the health scheme, targeting local stakeholders and traditional leaders to champion the initiative.

He also explained that the meeting aimed to secure the endorsement of local government authorities, identify context-specific barriers, and foster ownership and shared responsibility for improving community health outcomes.

The director-general lamented the high rate of maternal mortality, saying that the N10,650 annual charge fee covers numerous diseases including services such as antenatal till birth, with or without complications.

He said that over 50 women enrollees in the scheme had given birth through cesarean section.

“KADCHMA’s goal is to ensure all residents have access to quality and affordable health services without financial hardship, aligning with the vision of Universal Health Coverage,” he said.

According to him, the initiative promises improved access to quality health services, financial protection, and reduced maternal and child mortality.

This is with the ultimate goal of making Kaduna state a model for Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria.

Hassan said that the initiative was part of Gov. Uba Sani’s Rural Transformation Agenda, which aims to cater to the needs of underserved and unserved people, particularly in rural areas.

Hassan said that the scheme would provide financial protection and access to quality healthcare for its citizens.

“Health is no longer a previlege in Kaduna state, but a right,”he said.

He, therefore, urged the stakeholders to become enrollment ambassadors, with traditional rulers and council members supporting the scheme through community development plans and sensitisation efforts.

Halliru Mahmood, the District Head of Kudan, commended Sani for initiating the scheme, adding that it would provide financial protection and access to quality healthcare for citizens.

He emphasised that enrollment into the scheme, which required a registration fee of N10,650, was a small price to pay considering the benefits it provides.

Mahmood stated that the programme would help reduce maternal and child mortality rates, which were significant concerns in Nigeria.

He highlighted the importance of the scheme in providing financial protection for families, particularly those who cannot afford to pay for healthcare services.

The district head believed that the programme was beneficial to the people and would make a significant impact in improving their health and wellbeing.

The News Agency of Nigeria, reports that stakeholders were community volunteers, ward development committees, traditional and religious leaders, among others.

(NAN)

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, ‘Cosby Show’ Star, Dies at 54 in Costa Rica Drowning

Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who became a household name as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, has died at age 54 after an accidental drowning off Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, officials and multiple news sources report.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner at the Deadline Contenders Television event at Directors Guild Of America on April 16, 2023 in Los Angeles | Credit: PEOPLE

Warner was on a family trip when the incident occurred, AP News, Reuters among many others reported on Monday.

Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Department (OIJ) said Warner was swimming at Playa Cocles in Limón Province on Sunday afternoon, July 20, when a strong current pulled him out to sea.

Beachgoers brought him to shore; first responders from the Costa Rican Red Cross attempted lifesaving measures but he was pronounced dead at the scene, CBS News also reported.

The Red Cross said it was alerted at about 2:10 p.m. local time and treated two adult men, transporting one in critical condition.

Local authorities subsequently listed the official cause of death as “asphyxia by submersion,” language echoed in statements provided to U.S. media outlets.

Police told ABC News that Warner had been caught in a rip current; Entertainment Weekly and PEOPLE likewise reported that preliminary findings pointed to asphyxiation following submersion.

In a statement, the OIJ said the victim “appears to have entered the sea and was apparently swept away by a current… [and] was declared lifeless at the scene” after treatment by the Costa Rican Red Cross.

Fox Entertainment, which worked with Warner during his run as cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. AJ Austin on the network drama The Resident, called the loss “tragic.”

“Everyone at FOX is heartbroken by the tragic loss of our friend and colleague, the extraordinary Malcolm-Jamal Warner,” the company said in a statement.

Theo Huxtable OR Malcolm-Jamal Warner?

Born August 18, 1970, in Jersey City, New Jersey, and named after Malcolm X and jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal, Warner pursued performance from an early age and attended the Professional Children’s School in New York.

He broke out as the witty, vulnerable Theo in The Cosby Show (1984–1992), earning an Emmy nomination in 1986.

He later starred in Malcolm & Eddie, appeared in Reed Between the Lines, and had a prominent turn in The Resident.

Tributes Pour In

Tributes have poured in from across the entertainment world, AP, CBS News and Reuters all reported.

Viola Davis remembered the actor’s cultural impact, writing that “Theo was OUR son, OUR brother, OUR friend… we are gutted by this loss.”

Actor Morris Chestnut, who appeared with Warner on The Resident, told PEOPLE, “He was just a really, really good, genuine guy,” adding that Warner welcomed him warmly and even took him to dinner early in their working relationship. Author-activist Kevin Powell told CBS News that Warner “was never someone who was into the celebrity of it… He literally was America’s son.”

A spokesperson for Bill Cosby said the comedian found the news “devastating,” likening the shock to the 1997 killing of his own son Ennis.

The NAACP also honored Warner on social media, writing “#RestinPower… Your talent and spirit touched many lives, and your legacy will continue to inspire.”

Warner’s talents extended beyond acting: he directed episodes of hit television series, recorded spoken-word and music projects, and won a Grammy Award in 2015 for his contribution to a cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Jesus Children of America.”

He kept his personal life largely private, but is survived by his wife and daughter, whom he rarely discussed publicly.

NSCDC drags woman in ₦159m visa scam to court in Ekiti 20th July 2025

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ekiti State Command, has arrested and arraigned a suspect, Abigail Timothy, over an alleged ₦159 million visa fraud.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Tolulope Afolabi, said the suspect was taken into custody and charged following allegations of defrauding one Pastor Adewusi Tibatope Samuel and other victims of a total sum of ₦159,108,364.00.

Afolabi, in a statement issued in Ado Ekiti on Saturday evening, said that after completing preliminary investigations, the matter was formally brought before the court.

According to him, “The case is currently before a competent court of jurisdiction in Ado Ekiti, which gave an order for the detention of the suspect at the Correctional Centre pending the continuation of the trial.”

The spokesperson added that the NSCDC would continue to pursue diligent prosecution in line with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, while treating suspects in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution and international best practices.

While giving details of the case, Afolabi said, “The suspect, Abigail Brains Timothy, allegedly deceived Pastor Adewusi by falsely claiming that she had the capacity and connection to procure visas and work permits for 65 persons who the pastor introduced to her as his clients.

“Under this false representation, she induced him to release the aforementioned sum to her over a period of time which was meant to cover the visa fee and work permit.

“On the 25th of May, 2025, operatives of the NSCDC, Ekiti State Command, acting on a formal complaint and diligent intelligence gathering, arrested the suspect in Benin City after rigorous manhunt for her, having fled from Lagos and later to Benin, Edo state where she was tracked and arrested.“

He said that upon her arrest, the NSCDC’s State Intelligence and Investigation Department conducted a thorough inquiry.

“Findings confirmed that the suspect acted with intent to defraud and had no genuine means or intention of fulfilling the visa and employment arrangements she promised,” he stated.

Afolabi reiterated the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, protecting critical national assets and infrastructure, and prosecuting all forms of economic sabotage such as illegal mining and pipeline vandalism, in line with its mandate.

He also noted that the NSCDC remained open to resolving disputes through its trained Peace and Conflict Resolution experts, for members of the public who are willing to engage peacefully.

The NSCDC State Commandant, Mr Toma Enya, urged members of the public to be wary of fraudulent visa agents and to promptly report any suspicious activity to the appropriate law enforcement agencies, rather than taking the law into their own hands.

CAC defends new AI portal amidst complaints 20th July 20

The Corporate Affairs Commission has said its newly deployed Artificial Intelligence-driven registration platform, the Intelligent Companies Registration Portal, now handles over 11,000 company registration and compliance cases daily.

According to the commission, the portal recently processed 8,000 name reservation requests in a single day.

It noted that this same task used to take at least two weeks to complete under the old manual process.

The commission clarified in response to complaints of poor service delivery and technical hitches on its newly launched Artificial Intelligence-powered registration portal.

A statement signed by the management of the Corporate Affairs Commission and sent to our correspondent on Sunday pleaded for patience in direct response to teething challenges and complaints from users, particularly legal practitioners and business owners, over alleged glitches and delays on the agency’s newly deployed online registration portal.

However, the commission dismissed claims

insinuating poor service delivery and falsely portraying it as a threat to the ease of doing business in Nigeria.

The statement said, “In accordance with provisions of the Data Protection Act,2023, the Commission in its newly deployed Intelligent Companies Registration Portal, introduced additional security checks to, amongst others, prevent users from surrendering their access to third parties or operating multiple suspicious accounts.

“The ICRP requires that for each transaction with the CAC, a One Time Passcode, OTP must be generated, and it goes straight to the email or phone number of the original account holder.

“The newly deployed ICRP is no doubt a cost-effective system for our valued customers, as they no longer lose money on checking availability.

“The innovation has ensured that customers only proceed to payment after securing the name.

“The ICRP has so far been speedily responding to applications as it now treats over 11,000 cases per day.

“Interestingly, as of Friday, 16th July, 2025, 8,000 Name Reservation requests were received and processed.

“This is no doubt a feat that hitherto requires a minimum of 2 weeks to complete.”

Defending the portal’s performance, the CAC said the system had “greatly improved service delivery” and noted that over 3,000 emails are now handled daily, a volume that necessitated its automation drive.

Although the Commission admitted the transition phase came with “some expected teething challenges,” it assured customers that feedback from stakeholders was being integrated.

“We are not unmindful of complaints, but we are fully committed to delivering better quality services.

“The portal will soon perform optimally as a true champion of service excellence,” it said.

On the issue of registration delays due to data verification, the CAC clarified that glitches from the National Identity Management Commission had prompted it to adopt alternative technology to verify users’ details, while also ensuring real-time payments through expanded gateway options.

“The Commission already forwarded a request for additional payment gateways, and it is receiving due attention,” it noted, adding that the ICRP integrates with trusted partners such as Remita for stamp duty and service payments.

To enhance data privacy and curb abuse, the CAC said its new portal complies with the Data Protection Act 2023, introducing stricter access controls including mandatory OTP authentication per transaction.

“This ensures users do not surrender access to third parties or operate suspicious accounts,” CAC said.

Reaffirming its stance on reform, the CAC described the AI portal as a “customer-centric innovation” built to align with global best practices and improve Nigeria’s ease of doing business rankings.

“Our goal remains simple: to emplace processes and frameworks that will stand the test of time in corporate service delivery,” the Commission stated.

Olisa Metuh condemns Edo gov ban on Peter Obi

The former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Olisa Metuh, has called on President Bola Tinubu to caution state governors over what he described as undemocratic restrictions on the constitutional rights of citizens.

Metuh made the call in a Facebook post on Sunday, reacting to the statement by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, that Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, must obtain security clearance before entering the state.

PUNCH Online had reported that Okpebholo made the comment while receiving a former federal lawmaker, Marcus Onobun, into the All Progressives Congress.

The governor had linked Obi’s recent visit to Benin, where he donated N15m to a nursing school, with renewed violence in the state.

“That man who says he has no ‘shishi’ came and dropped N15m. Where did he get it from?

“After he left, three people were killed.

“For this reason, Obi must not come to Edo without security clearance,” Okpebholo had said.

Reacting on Sunday, Metuh described the governor’s position as a threat to democratic values and individual freedoms.

“I have been recuperating from a spinal procedure, but have just read the disturbing news that the elected Governor of Edo State, who is otherwise a decent and distinguished senator, has banned a fellow Nigerian from visiting his state,” Metuh wrote.

He noted that a similar precedent had earlier been set by another governor from the North Central zone and cautioned against normalising what he called unconstitutional practices.

“Whilst one understands the zeal to prove wholesome support and loyalty to our president, it is incontrovertible that these acts, completely go against the bedrock and grundnorm of democratic governance, and are antithetical to the constitutionally guaranteed inalienable right to freedom and liberty irrespective of political beliefs or associations,” he said.

Metuh urged President Tinubu to distance himself from such practices and uphold the inclusive values he was known for during his tenure as Lagos State governor.

“We remember the Governor Bola Tinubu who ran a widely acclaimed all-inclusive cabinet/government, and made Lagos home for all Nigerians then,” he said.

He warned that continued silence from political elites may harm the country’s democratic fabric.

“Sadly, so many of our leaders have kept mute either on account of political correctness or for fear of personal reprisals or possible exclusion in the sharing of political appointments or perhaps in their quest for plain material benefits,” he added.

Metuh concluded by appealing to President Tinubu to “check this very disturbing trend by calling these governors to order.”

“Let Nigeria truly belong to all citizens and may all persons be accorded their freedom and liberties across the land,” he wrote.