GANUX, Author at SocietyGazette.com

PDP moves to flush out disloyal members

The Peoples Democratic Party is set to overhaul its South-South zonal and state structures in a sweeping move aimed at flushing out disloyal members and forestalling further defections.

A member of the PDP’s National Working Committee, who spoke to Sunday PUNCH on condition of anonymity, said the planned restructuring was part of renewed efforts to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the source, the party is “clearly displeased” with the spate of defections in recent weeks and is ready to take firm action.

“This will not be business as usual. When the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and former governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, left, the NWC met and resolved to challenge their defection in court. That process is ongoing. As for Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, who defected on Saturday, the party will act after the Sallah break,” the source said.

“These defections damage the party’s internal structure because most of these leaders have their loyalists occupying key positions at state and zonal levels. The party must now clean the house. We will overhaul the South-South leadership to ensure only committed members remain in charge. No more space for political opportunists who will jump ship at the slightest discomfort.”

The PDP has faced internal turbulence since the 2023 general elections.

With no clear resolution in sight, the party has continued to lose high-profile members to the ruling All Progressives Congress.

On April 23, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, and other key party leaders dumped the party.

After months of behind-the-scenes talks with APC leaders, Governor Eno and several officials also formally defected last weekend.

The wave of defections has dealt a major blow to the party’s image and weakened its electoral base ahead of the 2027 polls.

Reacting to Eno’s defection, the PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, urged disloyal members planning to jump ship to do so quickly, so loyalists could focus on rebuilding the party.

“No political party, whether big or small, will be happy to lose assets, especially priced assets like a sitting governor from a critical state such as Akwa Ibom. So yes, the PDP received the news with mixed feelings,” Osadolor said.

“But at this stage in our national life, what Nigeria needs are sincere patriots committed to nation-building, not political merchants chasing personal gains. It is sad that the men we once looked up to as beacons of integrity have turned out to be nothing but overhyped figures, big men in oversized shoes and garments who cannot meet the basic standards of integrity.”

Osadolor criticised Eno, a cleric, for prioritising political survival over public welfare.

“The truth is, given his background, many had hoped his worldview on governance would be shaped by compassion, service, and truth. But it appears the welfare of Nigerians is not his concern. His focus, clearly, is securing a second term,” he said.

The PDP deputy national youth leader, however, expressed optimism that the defections would make it easier for Nigerians to reject the APC in 2027.

“In an interview earlier this year, I said those looking for transport fare to leave should hurry up. And if they need help, they can come to Wadata Plaza, we’ll be glad to escort them out. Let them go quickly so the party can heal and rebuild.

“It’s better they leave now than linger as saboteurs. Those of us who truly believe in this party are ready to reposition it. All hope is not lost.”

Culture Minister Joins Ojude Oba Festival in Stunning Traditional Wear

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, adorned in beautiful cultural attire and headgear, has stepped out for the popular Ojude Oba festival in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

In a video shared by an X (formerly Twitter) user, #Theresa Tekenah, on Sunday, the minister, in the company of two other women, marched elegantly side by side.

PUNCH ONLINE reports that the popular Ojude Oba festival is held annually on the third day after Eid-al-Adha.

The festival is a revered celebration in honour of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.

The roots of the festival can be traced back to the 19th century when Islam began spreading among the Ijebu people.

The festival is a vibrant showcase of Ijebu culture and Yoruba traditions where thousands gather to witness the elegantly dressed attendees in traditional outfits such as Agbada, Iro, and Buba, made from exquisite fabrics like Aso Oke, Sanyan, and Adire.

Horse riding, musical performances, cultural dances, and intermittent gun salutes are all part of the festivities, reflecting the community’s pride in its heritage.

Watch video here;

𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐎: 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐎𝐣𝐮𝐝𝐞 𝐎𝐛𝐚 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐫

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, adorned in beautiful cultural attire and headgear, has… pic.twitter.com/2SEpXjjYuN

— Punch Newspapers (@MobilePunch) June 8, 2025

Tinubu to address NASS joint session on Democracy day 8th Ju

President Bola Tinubu will address a joint session of the Senate and the House of Representatives on Thursday, June 12, at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.

Democracy Day is observed in Nigeria on June 12 in honour of the June 12,1993 presidential election seen by many as the most credible poll ever conducted in the history of post independent Nigeria.

The election was won by the late Moshood Abiola but was annulled by the military regime of Gen Ibrahim Babangida (retd).

In a statement issued on Sunday by the House of Representatives Spokesman, Akin Rotimi, noted that the event was formally conveyed to members via an internal memorandum issued by the House Clerk, Yahaya Danzaria.

“The Special joint sitting is scheduled to hold at the House of Representatives Chamber, National Assembly Complex, commencing at 11:00 AM, with preliminary proceedings ahead of the arrival of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at 12:00 noon.

“The theme for this year’s celebration is: ’26 years of democracy: Renewing our commitment to national development.” President Tinubu is expected to attend the occasion as Special Guest of Honour and will deliver a presidential address to the joint sitting,” the statement read in part.

It also noted that the programme will feature goodwill messages from former presiding officers of the National Assembly and the conferment of National Honours on select legislators by the President.

It further stated that,”This joint sitting represents a significant moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

“It underscores the pivotal role of the National Assembly in safeguarding democratic values, fostering accountability, and advancing national development over the past 26 years of uninterrupted civil rule.”

The House of Representatives in the statement urges all Nigerians to embrace the spirit of Democracy Day as a time for “reflection, renewed patriotism, and commitment to building a more inclusive, prosperous, and united nation.”

Computer-based examinations not solution to malpractices — NUT

The Nigeria Union of Teachers has said that a shift to computer-based examinations by West African Examinations Council and the National Examinations Council will not eliminate malpractices.

The NUT National President, Audu Amba, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Abuja.

Amba was reacting to the recent directive by the Federal Government that WAEC and NECO should fully transit to Computer-Based Testing for their examinations by 2026.

NAN reports that by the directive, both multiple-choice and essay papers by the two bodies would be administered via computer, starting with the May/June 2026 examination cycle.

Specifically, WAEC is expected to begin conducting objective exams via CBT starting in November 2025.

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, who announced the federal government’s decision, had said that switching to CBT for WAEC and NECO examinations would enhance efficiency and reduce malpractices.

Amba, however, said that the major challenge with the nation’s education system, which is encouraging malpractices, is the priority placed on paper qualifications.

According to him, because the society only recognises certificates and grades, the students will go the extra miles, some times, with the support of their parents to acquire them, even when they cannot be defended.

“We have placed more emphasis on certificate. What is your grade? What is your scores?

“Not minding the intellectual intelligence of that student.

“The students will go out of their ways to make sure that they get the marks that will give them the certificate,” he said

Amba also underscored the need to address the digital literacy gap among students and teachers before implementing such policy, adding that this may require additional training programmes and resources.

“We are talking about CBT exams. Where is the light, manpower and network? You see, we have a long way to go.

“How many of our teachers in our localities are even computer literate? We don’t sit down within the city and give a directive that cannot be implemented.

“In my village, for instance, network ceases. You can’t get it until you get to a particular place, and so it is in many of our villages.

‘There are also some of our students that have not seen a computer before not to talk of operating it,” he said

The NUT president reiterated that many things needed to be addressed first and and in time, before it could get to a level of CBT introduction.

According to him, there is need for relevant stakeholders to work together to improve the education sector for the betterment of the students and the nation.

Lagos APC members protest imposition in council 8th June 2025

Some members of the All Progressives Congress in Yaba Local Council Development Area of Lagos State have kicked against the alleged imposition of a chairmanship candidate for the upcoming July 12 local government elections.

They accused a member of the Governor’s Advisory Council, Senator Anthony Adefuye, of imposing his son, Bayo Adefuye, on them as the flagbearer of the APC in the LCDA.

In separate petitions addressed to President Bola Tinubu and the Chairman of GAC, Tajudeen Olusi, the aggrieved members lamented what they called an “undemocratic” and “unacceptable” attempt to sideline grassroots aspirants.

The petitions were signed by Domingo Babajide from Ward A, Kemi Aboyarin (Ward B), Adediran Olorunnimbe (Ward C), Taoreed Abiona (Ward D), and Alani Ifatokun (Ward E).

Others are: Oladunjoye Omoniyi (Ward F), Olaofe Fatai (Ward G), Idayat AbdulRasaq (Ward H), and Shakiru Adebowale (Ward I).

They claimed that Adefuye hailed from Somolu LCDA and had no prior political affiliation with Yaba LCDA until his brief appointment as Sole Administrator, which lasted less than a year.

The aggrieved APC members insisted that there was no primary election in the LCDA, just as no consensus meeting was held among all aspirants.

This, according to them, directly contradicts both the letter and spirit of APC’s internal democratic principles.

“The attitude of Senator Adefuye to impose his son on us in Yaba at all costs is not only worrisome but also amounts to selfishness. While we have more than 12 aspirants jostling for the seat of Yaba LCDA, Senator Adefuye suddenly encouraged his son to come and indicate his interest to contest the seat.

“We embrace APC, we love our President, but we will not accept Adebayo Adefuye in this local government (Yaba LCDA),” the petitioners said.

They appealed to Tinubu and the GAC chairman to intervene in the matter before it degenerates into a crisis that might cost the party victory in the election.

Reacting, Adefuye dismissed the allegations, describing the petitioners as “losers” with no political relevance.

In an interview with Sunday PUNCH, Adefuye insisted that his son hailed from Yaba LCDA and had been politically active in the area, saying, “This is not the first time he (Bayo) will be contesting in that local government area, and the leaders in Yaba are all behind him.

“I don’t want to be involved in the issue. Anybody is free to write a petition; they have written petitions in nearly all the local government areas. Until will go back to doing it the way it should be done, there won’t be petitions again, but as long as we continue to do it this way, there will always be petitions.

“What we did was to try and choose the best candidate by whatever method, without fighting. They said if we conduct a primary election, there will be a fight, but that fight will only last for a day because everybody will know who won.

“All these people writing petitions, can they win in that local government, can they defeat him (Bayo)? He defeated them during the House of Assembly primaries, but it was Asiwaju (Tinubu) who appealed to him to forgo the ticket, and he was compensated with the position he is today.”

Biafra civil war, most difficult period of my life – Gowon 8th J

Former military Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd.), has said the Biafra civil war was never his choice.

Gowon was presiding over the affairs of Nigeria during the civil war from July 6, 1967 to January 15, 1970.

He described the civil war as the most difficult period of his life.

The former ruler spoke after he was honoured with a Life Time Integrity and Achievement Award at the fifth convention of the Christian Men’s Fellowship, Abuja Anglican Diocese on Saturday in Abuja.

He also disclosed that his decision to prosecute the Biafra civil war was never born out of hatred.

Gowon explained that he prosecuted the civil war due to the urgency to preserve national unity.

The former Nigerian ruler called for forgiveness, reconciliation and unity across faiths and ethnicities.

He said, “I always remember the civil war. It was the most difficult period of my life.

“It was not my choice, but I had to be there, and had to do what I did in order to keep this country together.

“It was never a hatred against any people, I can assure you.”

Reflecting on life after that period, the former Head of State stressed that his decisions had often been guided by prayers and a desire to act with integrity and compassion.

“As far as this heart is concerned, everything that I do, it is through prayers.

“I ask God to help me to do the right thing the way He thinks it should be done, with love and respect for all the people.

“That is why at the end, what do we have to say? As they say: no victor, no vanquished,” he added

Pray for our leaders, NAHCON chair urges Nigerian pilgrims

The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Professor Abdullahi Usman, has urged Nigerian pilgrims to pray for the nation and seek divine guidance for leaders to deliver good governance.

Usman gave the advice during his visit to Nigerian pilgrims from North-West states’ tents in Mina, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday.

According to him, Allah’s divine guidance is essential for effective governance and national progress.

The NAHCON chairman urged Nigerians to borrow a leaf from Saudi Arabia, where clerics consistently pray for their leaders.

He said that such spiritual support played a role in the country’s development.

“The success of our leaders is tied to our nation’s success. We must pray for them, and if you wish them good or bad, it befalls the nation,” he said.

Usman said that the visit was aimed at assessing the welfare of pilgrims, gathering firsthand feedback, and making necessary interventions.

He also urged pilgrims to be good ambassadors of Nigeria by obeying the host country’s laws, adding that they should always be with their identification cards.

He commended the 2025 Hajj operations, attributing the success to collaboration among stakeholders.

Meanwhile, the Amirul Hajj of Katsina State and Deputy Governor, Faruk Lawal, praised NAHCON’s efforts.

Lawal, however, called for a unified visa process to reduce the delay and improve efficiency.

The NAHCON Commissioner for Operations, Inspectorate, and Licensing, Anofiu Elegushi, advised pilgrims to avoid excess luggage.

Elegushi said that each pilgrim would receive five litres of Zamzam water, adding that they had no need to carry it with their luggage.

Speaking on the recent fire incident in a pilgrims’ hotel in Makkah, he confirmed that no casualties were recorded and all affected pilgrims had been relocated to new accommodations.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Olanrewaju Layode, pledged continued collaboration with NAHCON and encouraged pilgrims to maintain tolerance and unity during and after the pilgrimage.

Kano sympathises with GSM market fire victims, promises support

The Kano State Government has expressed sympathy to traders affected by the fire that gutted parts of the Farm Centre GSM Market on Sallah day, pledging its commitment to support them in recovering their losses.

The state Deputy Governor, Aminu Gwarzo, said this in a a statement issued by his spokesperson, Ibrahim Shuaibu, on Saturday.

He described the incident as devastating, not only to the affected traders but also to the wider economic fabric of the state.

The inferno, which occurred at Dan Sulaika Plaza—one of the busiest sections of the market—destroyed several shops and merchandise worth millions of naira, affecting traders who deal in mobile phones, accessories, and computer gadgets.

“This is a deeply saddening event.

“Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is extremely concerned, and we stand in solidarity with those who have lost their means of livelihood.

“The state government is committed and shall explore ways to support the victims to mitigate their loss,” the deputy governor said.

Gwarzo noted that the incident struck at the heart of Kano’s commercial life, particularly as it happened during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations when business activities typically peak.

He assured the victims that the government would not abandon them in their time of need.

“The government will provide the necessary support to ensure our traders bounce back.

“We share in their pain and understand the critical role this market plays in the economy of Kano State,” he added.

He further disclosed that the Yusuf-led administration is working on sustainable strategies to prevent similar disasters in the future, particularly in markets across the state.

“The government is actively reviewing fire safety measures, building standards, and emergency preparedness protocols to enhance resilience in our commercial centres.

“We will continue to engage stakeholders to ensure a safer trading environment,” Gwarzo said.

He also urged market unions, traders’ associations, and other stakeholders to partner with the government in implementing safety guidelines and enhancing awareness on fire prevention.

The Farm Centre GSM Market, situated in Tarauni Local Government Area, is a major hub for technology and communication gadgets in Kano, serving buyers from within and outside the state.

“It’s over: Trump cuts ties with Musk, threatens ‘serious consequences’

Donald Trump said on Saturday that his relationship with his billionaire donor Elon Musk is over and warned there would be “serious consequences” if Musk funds U.S. Democrats running against Republicans who vote for the president’s sweeping tax and spending bill.

In a telephone interview with NBC News, Trump declined to say what those consequences would be, and went on to add that he had not had discussions about whether to investigate Musk.

Asked if he thought his relationship with the Tesla and SpaceX CEO was over, Trump said, “I would assume so, yeah.”

“No,” Trump told NBC when asked if he had any desire to repair his relationship with Musk.

“I have no intention of speaking to him,” Trump said.

However, Trump said he had not thought about terminating U.S. government contracts with Musk’s StarLink satellite internet or SpaceX rocket launch companies.

Musk and Trump began exchanging insults this week, as Musk denounced Trump’s bill as a “disgusting abomination”.

Musk’s opposition to the measure complicated efforts to pass the legislation in Congress, where Republicans hold only slim majorities in the House of Representatives and Senate.

The bill narrowly passed the House last month and is now before the Senate, where Trump’s fellow Republicans are considering making changes.

Nonpartisan analysts estimate the measure would add $2.4 trillion to the $36.2 trillion U.S. debt over 10 years, which worries many lawmakers, including some Republicans who are fiscal hawks.

Musk also declared it was time for a new political party in the United States “to represent the 80 per cent in the middle!”

Trump said on Saturday he is confident the bill would get passed by the U.S. July 4 Independence Day holiday.

“In fact, yeah, people that were, were going to vote for it are now enthusiastically going to vote for it, and we expect it to pass,” Trump told NBC.

Republicans have strongly backed Trump’s initiatives since he began his second term as president on Jan. 20.

While some Republican lawmakers have made comments to the news media expressing concern about some of Trump’s choices, they have yet to vote down any of his policies or nominations.

Musk has deleted some social media posts critical of Trump, including one that signaled support for impeaching the president, appearing to seek a de-escalation of their public feud which exploded on Thursday.

During his first term as president, the House, then controlled by Democrats, twice voted to impeach Trump but the Senate both times acquitted him.

The White House and Musk did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Saturday on the deleted posts.

People who have spoken to Musk said his anger has begun to recede and they thought he would want to repair his relationship with Trump.

One of the X posts that Musk appeared to have deleted was a response to another user posting: “President vs Elon. Who wins? My money’s on Elon. Trump should be impeached and (Vice President) JD Vance should replace him.” Musk had written “yes.”

On Theo Von’s “This Past Weekend” podcast – recorded on Thursday as the feud between Trump and Musk unfolded and released on Saturday – Vance called Musk’s criticism of Trump a “huge mistake.”

“I’m always going to be loyal to the president, and I hope that eventually Elon kind of comes back into the fold. Maybe that’s not possible now because he’s gone so nuclear.

But I hope it is,” said Vance, describing Musk as an “incredible entrepreneur.”

Trump is due to attend an Ultimate Fighting Championship fight card on Saturday in New Jersey.

Since his second election win, he has attended two previous UFC mixed martial arts fight cards with Musk. Musk is not expected to attend on Saturday.

Musk, the world’s richest man, bankrolled a large part of Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, spending nearly 300 million dollars in last year’s U.S. elections and taking credit for Republicans retaining a majority of seats in the House and retaking a majority in the Senate.

Trump named Musk to head an effort to downsize the federal workforce and slash spending, lauding him at the White House only about a week ago for his work as head of the Department of Government Efficiency.

Musk cut only about half of one per cent of total spending, far short of his brash plans to axe two trillion dollars from the federal budget.

Group debunks claim Queen Elizabeth slept in Ijebu

The popular Ijebu age grade, Egbe Bobakeye Okunrin Akile Ijebu, on Saturday, lamented the wrong narrative being circulated on social media about the visit of the late Queen Elizabeth II of England to Nigeria, particularly, Ijebu land in 1956.

While addressing journalists at Ijebu Ode on Saturday, Abiodun Onanuga, the Giwa of the age-grade, said that the narrative being pushed around that the late Queen Elizabeth II slept in the house of the late Ogbeni Oja of Ijebu land and famous industrialist, Chief Timothy Adeola Odutola, during her visit was an outright falsehood.

The group stated that the late monarch was received at Itoro by the late Awujale, Oba Daniel Adesanya, then she moved to the GRA residence of the colonial head of the old Ijebu Province, now housing the Egbe Bobakeye.

According to the group, they said she had her lunch there and left for Lagos.

Onanuga said that the foremost age grade decided to take it upon itself to clear the air about this unnecessary distortion of history, and the dissemination of untrue news to preserve the integrity of highly diligent and resourceful people.

He explained that the age group, about a year ago, commissioned two of its members, Kayode Adesanya and Lekan Odufunlade, to approach the British National Archives to research this controversial history and investigate the truth.

He stated that “The duo painstakingly checked through volumes of documents for several months and succeeded in obtaining a well compiled information on Her Majesty’s travel, meticulously detailing every point of her official visit to a few parts of the old Western Region of Nigeria, including where she had lunch.

“They ultimately obtained incontrovertible documentary evidence from the British Government on the itinerary of Her Majesty, Elizabeth II, the late Queen of England’s visit to Ijebu-Ode and our Ule Egbe in 1956.

“On behalf of Egbe Bobakeye, I can now state categorically and indisputably that our own Ule Egbe, which used to be the residence of the British resident in ljebu-Ode, was the venue where the Queen had her lunch.

“This record unequivocally debunks any claim that her Majesty spent the night in Ijebu-Ode because she left for Lagos after visiting the Awujale at Itoro and having lunch at our present Ule Egbe, which at that time was housing the colonials”.

Odunfunlade, one of the researchers commissioned for the research, said that the researcher got the truth from some documents obtained at the British National Archive.

Odunfunlade, however, called on the federal government to intensify efforts at preservation and documentation of the country’s history, such that it will be available for the yet unborn generation.