2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has urged President Bola Tinubu to show more compassion to Nigerians.
This is as he said that the office of the Nigerian president requires sacrifice and compassion, not detachment, luxury, or fear.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Obi said the Tinubu administration is disconnected from the suffering of ordinary Nigerians.
He said, ”If I become president, I will use resources effectively. I cannot say, ‘buy a new jet.
“I don’t need one because I can go anywhere without a jet.
“I will not use N150 billion to buy a jet when 80 per cent of primary healthcare centres are not functioning.”
The former Anambra State governor said his time in office was marked by modest living and responsible governance.
“I was a governor, and for my first four years, I drove 406.
“For the rest of it, I didn’t drive bulletproof cars.
“Nobody will try to kill you if you do the right thing.
“It is when you do the wrong thing that you fear death.
“If your people are dying, you should be ready to die.
“The president should also be ready to die,” Obi said.
The former governor faulted Tinubu’s response to major tragedies in 2024, including the stampede at a Christmas party in Ibadan, Oyo State, which led to the death of several children.
According to him, Tinubu opted to remain in Lagos for the holidays instead of visiting grieving families.
“There is no compassion; people lost their children who will lead this country in the future, and he went on a Christmas holiday,” he said.
He also criticised Tinubu for failing to visit Yelwata in Benue State, where suspected herdsmen attacked and displaced thousands.
Obi said, ”People want to get up and see a president that cares, a president that shows compassion.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has passed away.
Olakulehin died at the age of 90.
The PUNCH Online learnt that the monarch died in the early hours of Monday.
Olakulehin died during the ongoing 90th birthday and first anniversary coronation celebrations.
He succeeded the late Oba Lekan Balogun.
A source close to the Olubadan-In-Council confided in our correspondent in Ibadan, the state capital, that “we received the message that the paramount ruler passed away this morning. He has joined his forefathers. Though it has to be officially announced by the state government.”
Another palace source, who confirmed the news, said the Otun Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, who is the next in line to become Olubadan, is currently out of the country and he is expected back.
“We are expecting a former Governor of the State and the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, who is currently out of the country, to come back home.
Former National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Ralph Nwosu, has disclosed that at least seven prominent figures in the coalition movement are being pushed by supporters to contest the 2027 presidential election against President Bola Tinubu.
Nwosu stated this amid growing speculation that some northern power blocs within the coalition movement are already backing the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate for a one-term deal.
The opposition coalition, led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, on Wednesday, adopted the ADC as its platform for the 2027 presidential contest.
Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, Nwosu said there were seven coalition leaders being tipped to replace Tinubu in 2027, but the ADC would embrace an open selection process.
Aside from Obi, he said supporters of Atiku, former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, ex-Kaduna and Osun states governors, Nasir El-Rufai, Rauf Aregbesola, and those of the Oyo State 2023 ADC governorship candidate, Bamidele Ajadi, were all rooting for their respective leaders to succeed Tinubu.
“We all have the right of expression. And as far as the coalition is concerned, everybody is important, and that is the beauty of the new party we are growing.
“There are some people who want Aregbesola to run. There are also people who are rooting for Dr Ganiyu Bamidele Ajadi to run. There are also people rooting for Amaechi to run. There are also those calling for Atiku to run.
“El-Rufai also has his own plan. Even Sule Lamido is also running. I have been part of the coalition conversations, and I know the personalities that are interested in running. So, I am telling you from the inside. Even the old ADC may be backing Ajadi. That tells you it is free, and that is democracy. But the selection process will be open and transparent,” Nwosu said.
He explained that as the coalition movement gathers momentum, supporters of the presidential hopefuls were holding engagements, even as the Peoples Democratic Party, and the All Progressives Congress continue to lose their membership base to the ADC.
“People are working together and having conversations. So, we will gradually start to see the leadership in each person. The real model will start to create the new Nigeria and the African renaissance that all of us are interested in. As I have said, it’s beyond politics and power. It is to rescue Nigeria from ICU to global reckoning.
“This is a big coalition. What we have built within this short time of coming together is bigger than any political party in Nigeria. Already, 95 percent of the PDP has collapsed into our party with all their networks and grassroots stuff. For the APC, over 35 percent of their membership is collapsing into this movement. The Labour Party is seeing over 80 percent coming to us,” he revealed.
Ondo State Governor Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa has called on the stakeholders to come together and give more support to the Niger Delta Development Commission in order to address the challenges facing the Niger Delta region of the country.
The governor also commended the ongoing President Bola Tinubu administration for its commitment to the development of the region by ensuring that the NDDC received the needed support to deliver its mandate.
Aiyedatiwa stated this on Sunday, at the Thanksgiving service to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the commission, held at St. Thomas Anglican Church, Akure, the Ondo State capital.
According to the governor, the NDDC had made significant impacts in the development of the mandate areas, but said much still needed to be done, hence the call for more collaboration.
He said, “Let me use this opportunity to express my profound gratitude to Mr. President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his unwavering commitment to the development of the Niger Delta region. His interest in the NDDC and its activities has been more than passing, and we appreciate his leadership in ensuring that the commission receives the support it needs to deliver on its mandate.
“As we celebrate the silver jubilee of the NDDC, it is imperative that we acknowledge the progress we have made and also recognise that there is still much work to be done as the Niger Delta region continues to face significant development challenges and we must work together to address these issues.
“I urge the NDDC to continue to improve on its activities, ensuring that projects are tailored to the needs of the communities we serve. Let us work together to unlock the potential of our region, promote economic growth and enhance the lives of our people. We are partners in progress, unity and development.”
The governor also commended the NDDC board and management for their outstanding work. He lauded the representatives of the state on the board of commission for their dedication, saying, “I look forward to continued collaboration and progress in the years ahead.”
In his remark, the Managing Director of the DDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, stated that the commission had undertaken major road construction and rehabilitation projects to improve connectivity and accessibility in the Niger Delta region.
He noted that the commission had prioritised youth empowerment through training programs, educational scholarships, and capacity-building workshops to equip the local workforce with necessary skills.
“Ondo State was chosen for the anniversary because of its principle, which believes that ‘Work is the Antidote for Poverty’. We are also here to spread the dividends of renewed hope. We have been accountable and we will be accountable at the end of our tenure,” the MD said.
The Edo State Chapter of the Social Democratic Party has suspended four members indefinitely for conduct deemed detrimental to the unity, integrity, and orderly functioning of the party.
Party members affected by the suspension are Organising Secretary, Tony Alile, Publicity Secretary, Chris Ojiekere, Youth Leader, Benjamin Omonzokpia, and Woman Leader, Yami Jatto.
The decision was contained in a communique released on Sunday after the meeting of the party in Benin, Edo State, on Saturday.
In the communique signed by state party chairman, Elder Felix Obayagbon, the secretary, Hyacinth Esangbedo, and 10 others, the party said it took the decisive disciplinary action against the members whose conducts constitute gross violations of Article 19, Sections 19.1, 19.2, and 19.3 of the party’s constitution.
The statement read, “The Edo State Chapter of the Social Democratic Party has suspended four members indefinitely for conduct deemed detrimental to the unity, integrity, and orderly functioning of the party.
“The party has taken decisive disciplinary action against four members whose actions constitute gross violations of Article 19, Sections 19.1, 19.2, and 19.3 of the Party’s Constitution.
” Their conduct has been deemed detrimental to the unity, integrity, and orderly functioning of the party.
“Effective immediately, Organising Secretary, Tony Alile, Publicity Secretary, Chris Ojiekere, Youth Leader, Benjamin Omonzokpia, and Woman leader, Yami Jatto have been suspended indefinitely from the party.
“Their infractions include, but are not limited to, convening unauthorised meetings in defiance of established party protocols, making disparaging and inflammatory remarks against the party and its leadership.”
Other violations committed by them also include illegally claiming to suspend the duly recognised state chairman and secretary, attempting to relocate the state secretariat without approval, thereby undermining the party’s operational structure.
“Others are using the state chairman’s name to issue a condolence message without his knowledge or consent and travelling to Abuja without obtaining the necessary approval from the state chairman,” It added.
The party said it was disturbing that Alile and Ojiekere, who only joined the party in April 2025, have quickly embraced a path of insubordination and anti-party activities, thereby tarnishing the image of the party and attempting to undermine its constitutionally established leadership.
According to the communique, these individuals are acting in open connivance with a group of well-known transactional politicians and opportunists who resurface during every election cycle to negotiate self-serving deals at the expense of the party’s integrity and mission.
This alliance has been rekindled ahead of the upcoming bye-election scheduled for August 2025, with the sole aim of hijacking the party structure for selfish political gain.
It also said, “Such actions represent egregious violations of the SDP constitution and are entirely incompatible with the party’s foundational principles.
“The SDP, Edo State Chapter, remains unwavering in its commitment to internal democracy, discipline, and unity.
“The party will not tolerate actions that jeopardise its integrity, legality, or collective vision.”
President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Nigerian Armed Forces and security agencies to decisively confront terrorists, bandits, insurgents, and separatist agitators threatening the nation’s unity and peace.
Delivering the president’s message at the grand finale of the 2025 Nigerian Army Day Celebration held on Sunday at Murtala Square, Kaduna on Sunday, Vice President, Shettima declared that the military had the full backing of the Presidency to act without fear or hesitation.
“To the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, I say this with absolute clarity: the time to rise is now.
“You have my full authorisation and the trust of the Nigerian people to confront and defeat those who seek to undermine our nation.
“You are my confidence, my support, and my prayers,” Tinubu said.
The president described terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and separatist movements as grave existential threats, warning that they must no longer be seen as minor disturbances.
“These evils do not discriminate, they destroy churches and mosques alike and orphan children without asking their tribe or faith,” he said.
Tinubu pledged unwavering federal support for the military, promising sustained investments in modern weaponry, intelligence, and manpower to ensure Nigeria’s sovereignty and security are protected.
“We are not oblivious to the challenges confronting our nation.
“But let it be said plainly: our response must be united, calm, and uncompromising.
” I assure you that this administration stands firmly with you on that path,” he added.
Paying emotional tribute to fallen heroes and wounded soldiers, the president vowed that their sacrifices would never be forgotten.
“Many of our finest have fallen in the line of duty.
“Some now lie in silence beneath the soil of a grateful nation, others carry the wounds of oath as living reminders of sacrifices made in our name.
“Their blood will not be shed in vain; their memory will endure through generations,” he stated.
Tinubu also acknowledged the critical support provided by the families of servicemen and women, especially through the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association and Nigerian Army Soldiers’ Wives Association, for sustaining morale on the home front.
“We have no other country but Nigeria. We must not mortgage our future to division, indifference, or delay.
“Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and long live our Armed Forces,” Tinubu added.
Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, highlighted the evolution of the Nigerian Army since its founding in 1863, noting that while structures and technologies have changed, the essence of the Army remains constant.
He explained that the theme of this year’s NADCEL: “Developing the Soldier First Concept: Imperative for the Nigerian Army Transformation Drive,” placed troop welfare and professionalism at the heart of reforms.
“The most enduring legacy of the Nigerian Army is the indomitable spirit, valour, and unwavering commitment of the Nigerian soldier.
“We cannot build a great army without well-motivated and well-trained soldiers.
“Their willpower, morale, and sense of purpose are the bedrock of national security,” Oluyede said.
Oluyede assured Nigerians that the Army, in coordination with the Navy, Air Force, and other security agencies, would continue to deny criminal groups any foothold in the country.
The grand ceremony featured military parades, tactical drills, and exhibitions of cutting-edge hardware, drawing cheers from dignitaries, traditional rulers, diplomats, and thousands of Kaduna residents.
Among the distinguished guests at the colourful event, included former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Minister of State Bello Matawalle, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, former Army Chiefs Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya, service chiefs, federal lawmakers, and royal fathers
The Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Justice Matilda Abrakasa Ayemieye, has commended the collaborative efforts of security agencies and the Bayelsa State Government in the rescue of Justice Ebiyerin Omukoro from the hands of kidnappers.
Omukoro, who was kidnapped on Saturday, June 21 and regained freedom on Thursday, July 3, spent 12 days in captivity.
Justice Ayemieye expressed gratitude for his safe rescue.
A statement by the Head of Media and Information of the Bayelsa State Judiciary, Mr Julius Nyananyo, on Saturday stated, “The successful outcome is attributed to the tireless efforts of the Government of Bayelsa State, security agencies, the Nigerian Bar Association, organisations, community leaders, and the Judiciary family.
“The Chief Judge extends her gratitude to everyone involved in securing Hon. Justice Omukoro’s safe return. Special commendation goes to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, GCON, and members of the National Judicial Council. Senator Douye Diri, Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, the State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and Rt. Hon. Ingobere Abraham, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, for their pivotal role. The security agencies, particularly the DSS, the Nigeria Police Force, among others, for their strategic operations, synergy, and dedication.”
The Chief Judge also expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Bar Association led by Mazi Afam Osigwe, the Yenagoa and Sagbama branches of the NBA, and the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria for their contributions.
She thanked various organisations and respected community leaders for their support while expressing deep gratitude to the “family and loved ones of Justice Omukoro, whose strength, patience, and cooperation remain deeply valued.”
According to her, the rescue operation underscored the power of collaboration, patience, and professionalism in resolving such delicate situations.
“The Chief Judge noted that the operation underscores the power of collaboration, patience, and professionalism in resolving such delicate situations,” the statement read.
She further said that “As we celebrate this positive outcome, we remain committed to addressing the root causes of such incidents and further ensuring the safety of all judicial officers in the state.
“We are happy to state that Justice Omukoro is now receiving medical and psychological support and requests privacy during this period of recovery.”
The Bayelsa State Judiciary further expressed profound appreciation for the outpouring of support from the public.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has described permanent secretaries as the “backbone” of any government.
According to him, they play critical roles in the smooth running of the government.
Edun spoke on Saturday at a retirement dinner held in Abuja in honour of the former Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Nnamdi Mbaeri.
He said, “Anybody that wants to succeed in government must not joke with the perm sec; otherwise, he is going to have the kind of experience that you are not having.
“You must be in sync with your permanent secretary. Their knowledge is so deep, their understanding so profound, and their experience so widespread that, on almost any topic, if you talk to them, they can help you. They are the backbone of government.”
Reflecting on his relationship with the retired permanent secretary, Edun said he worked closely with Mbaeri even before he assumed his current ministerial role.
He recalled their collaboration on the Presidential Transition Committee ahead of the 2023 general elections.
“I met him even before I came into government—first as Special Adviser on Monetary Policy and later in my current position.
“He was kind, diligent, helpful, understanding, and very knowledgeable. At every turn, he was ever ready to impart that knowledge.”
The minister praised Mbaeri for an outstanding public service career, describing his exit from service as “splendid and worthy of emulation.
“You started well, you did well, and you are exiting the service in a splendid manner that is worthy of emulation and which I’m sure others will aspire to,” he added.
Speaking, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, represented by Permanent Secretary, Ecological Fund Office, Aishetu Ndayako, praised Mbaeri for his exceptional service to the federal civil service, describing his tenure as impactful and worthy of emulation.
He said, “Today, we gather not only to bid farewell to a man who has contributed immensely to the federal civil service, but also to celebrate a life that has reached a significant and honourable milestone.
“A well-lived life is not measured solely by the number of years, but by the impact one has made.”
The SGF described Mbaeri’s support to the Office of the Secretary to the Government as “tremendous,” highlighting his “quiet yet firm leadership” and commitment to public service values.
“In your years of service, especially since I assumed office, I observed in you an uncommon commitment to duty.
“Your tenure established a legacy that will live on,” the SGF said.
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, is engaging with Anambra indigenes in the United States and North America as part of his tour on accountability and inclusive governance and his administration’s progress report to professionals and business leaders and other citizens of the state living in those countries.
In a statement released on Saturday, Soludo’s Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, said the US/North America meeting is a continuation of the governor’s noble tradition, which demonstrates that he sees governance as a continuous contract with the people, not just a seasonal obligation tied to election cycles.
Aburime said the Diaspora meeting is a strategic engagement that reinforces Soludo’s belief in participatory governance, adding that Anambra’s global citizens deserve to be carried along in the state’s progress, and this meeting ensures they remain stakeholders, not just spectators from afar.
He said that as the 2025 Anambra State governorship election draws closer, while opposition candidates are deep in campaign mode, Soludo is taking a different approach, one that demonstrates his commitment to good governance over routine politics.
This, he said, demonstrates how statesmen and visionary leaders are separated from politicians, adding that visionary leaders are mindful of leaving an enduring positive impact while politicians are desperate to just win the next election.
The statement read in part, “On Sunday, July 6, the governor will engage with the Anambra Diaspora community in the US and North America at a town hall meeting in Maryland. This is not an election campaign stop; it is another chapter in his administration’s untiring dedication to accountability and inclusive governance that has been the trend in the past three years.
“Soludo’s decision to embark on this Diaspora engagement at a time when others would be focusing solely on the upcoming election speaks volumes about his leadership philosophy.
“Unlike typical politicians who flood the airwaves with their usual empty promises as elections approach, Soludo is choosing to let his record speak for itself. His administration has held similar town hall meetings this year: first in Lagos, then Abuja, and later in the UK/Europe, where he presented his achievements, addressed concerns, and outlined his vision for the future of Anambra State.
“This upcoming US/North America meeting is a continuation of that noble tradition. It demonstrates that Prof. Soludo sees governance as a continuous contract with the people, not just a seasonal obligation tied to election cycles. While his opponents are busy making grand declarations or criticising his government, Governor Soludo is busy reporting back to the people, proving that his administration values transparency and performance over political theatrics.”
According to Aburime, since the assuming office, Soludo has pursued an ambitious “Solution agenda” anchored on economic transformation, security, infrastructure, and human capital development.
He pointed out that the governor’s administration has made a significant impact in areas such as security, massive road construction and urban renewal projects, education, overhauling the public school system, economic growth, empowering youths, among others.
“These achievements are tangible results that directly impact the lives of Anambra citizens. By engaging the Diaspora, Soludo recognises their critical role in the state’s development. In fact, many Ndi Anambra in the US and Canada are key investors, professionals, and philanthropists whose contributions can further accelerate the state’s growth.
“This town hall is an opportunity to align their expertise and resources with the state’s developmental goals. Moreover, it sends a powerful message that Governor Soludo is not a leader who governs in isolation. He listens, he reports, and he collaborates.
“While opposition candidates scramble for attention with their usual empty promises, Governor Soludo’s confidence in his performance allows him to focus on governance. He understands that true leadership is not about loud campaigns but about measurable impact.
“As he meets with Ndi Anambra in Maryland with his scorecard, the message will be ringing loud and clear: performance will always outweigh propaganda. It is also a reaffirmation that accountability should never take a back seat, even in an election season. In the end, that is what will matter most to the people of Anambra State,” the statement added.
BRICS leaders meeting in Rio de Janeiro from Sunday are expected to decry Donald Trump’s hardline trade policies, but are struggling to bridge divides over crises roiling the Middle East.
Emerging nations representing about half the world’s population and 40 per cent of global economic output are set to unite over what they see as unfair US import tariffs, according to sources familiar with summit negotiations.
Since coming to office in January, Trump has threatened allies and rivals alike with a slew of punitive tariffs.
His latest salvo comes in the form of letters due to be sent starting Friday informing trading partners of new tariff rates expected next week on July 9.
Diplomats from 11 emerging nations, including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, have been busy drafting a statement condemning the economic uncertainty.
Any final summit declaration is not expected to mention the United States or its president by name. But it is expected to be a clear political shot directed at Washington.
“We’re anticipating a summit with a cautious tone: it will be difficult to mention the United States by name in the final declaration,” Marta Fernandez, director of the BRICS Policy Center at Rio’s Pontifical Catholic University said.
This is particularly the case for China, which has only recently negotiated with the US to lower steep tit-for-tat levies.
“This doesn’t seem to be the right time to provoke further friction” between the world’s two leading economies, Fernandez said.
– Xi no show –
Conceived two decades ago as a forum for fast-growing economies, the BRICS have come to be seen as a Chinese-driven counterbalance to Western power.
But the summit’s political punch will be depleted by the absence of China’s Xi Jinping, who is skipping the annual meeting for the first time in his 12 years as president.
“I expect there will be speculation about the reasons for Xi’s absence,” said Ryan Hass, a former China director at the US National Security Council who is now with the Brookings Institution think tank.
“The simplest explanation may hold the most explanatory power. Xi recently hosted Lula in Beijing,” said Hass.
The Chinese leader will not be the only notable absentee. War crime-indicted Russian President Vladimir Putin is also opting to stay away, but will participate via video link, according to the Kremlin.
Hass said Putin’s non-attendance and the fact that India’s prime minister will be a guest of honor in Brazil could also be factors in Xi’s absence.
“Xi does not want to appear upstaged by Modi,” who will receive a state lunch, he said.
“I expect Xi’s decision to delegate attendance to Premier Li (Qiang) rests amidst these factors.”
Still, the Xi no-show is a blow to host President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who wants Brazil to play a bigger role on the world stage.
In the year to November 2025, Brazil will have hosted a G20 summit, a BRICS summit, and COP30 international climate talks, all before heading into fiercely contested presidential elections next year, in which he is expected to run.
– Middle path –
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, whose nation is still reeling from a 12-day conflict with Israel is also skipping the meeting.
A source familiar with the negotiations said the BRICS countries were still in disagreement over how to respond to the wars in Gaza and between Iran and Israel.
Iranian negotiators are pushing for a tougher collective stance that goes beyond referencing the need for the creation of a Palestinian state and for disputes to be resolved peacefully.
Artificial intelligence and health will also be on the agenda at the summit.
Original members of the bloc Brazil, Russia, India, and China have been joined by South Africa and, more recently, by Saudi Arabia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Ethiopia and Indonesia.
Analysts say that it has given the grouping more potential international punch.
But it has also opened many new fault lines.
Brazil hopes that countries can take a common stand at the summit, including on the most sensitive issues.
“BRICS (countries), throughout their history, have managed to speak with one voice on major international issues, and there’s no reason why that shouldn’t be the case this time on the subject of the Middle East,” Brazil’s Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira told AFP.
