Author: Editor
By Chidi Anselm Odinkalu An unlikely coincidence of ballots in a forty-five day period from the middle of September to the end of October 2025 has cast a new light on the state of democratic governance in Africa and now threatens to unscramble the ritual hollowness that has become the fate of elections on the continent under the indifferent watch of the African Union and other regional institutions in Africa. How the continent’s leaders and institutions handle the aftermath could have serious implications for the stability of the continent. On 16 September, Malawi went to the polls to elect their…
By Chinenye Nwaogu The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) once styled itself as the largest political party in Africa. For 16 uninterrupted years, it governed Nigeria and boasted confidently that it would remain in power for 60 years. Its national spread, electoral dominance, and financial strength created the illusion of invincibility. But beneath the surface, the roots of its decline were already taking hold. Today, the PDP ship appears to be drifting steadily toward a long-predicted collapse—fulfilling a doomsday prophecy the party never believed could come true. The PDP grew too big, too fast. With every electoral victory came layers of…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expelled the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, alongside several other prominent members, over alleged anti-party activities. Also expelled were the party’s factional Chairman, AbdulRahman Mohammed; embattled National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu; former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose; Senator Mao Ohuabunwa; and Elder Amah Abraham. Others removed from the party include the National Legal Adviser, Adeyemi Ajibade (SAN); Umar Bature; George Turner; Austin Nwachukwu; and Dan Orbih. The expulsions were approved unanimously by delegates at the ongoing PDP National Convention in Ibadan. The motion was moved by party…
By Vitus Ozoke The recent confrontation between Minister Nyesom Wike and Lt. A.M. Yerima, which has gone viral in the Nigerian cyber orbit, has triggered a flurry of commentary, including a bold and forceful essay by one Prof. Sebastine Hon, SAN. According to the learned professor, the young officer “obstructed” the FCT Minister, thereby violating Nigerian law and military discipline. With utmost respect, however, the professor is irredeemably wrong as his position rests on a series of legal assumptions which, when subjected to calm constitutional scrutiny, including the Nigerian Constitution, the Armed Forces Act, and relevant judicial precedents, cannot stand.…
Ben Ezechime, Enugu Governor Peter Mbah has inaugurated the Enugu State Persons with Disabilities (PwD) Commission Board, aimed at ensuring the full integration of persons with disabilities into society. Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, the governor said the commission is saddled with responsibilities that include enhancing the education, healthcare, and economic well-being of persons with disabilities in the state. He disclosed that members of the board will serve a four-year tenure, adding that they were carefully selected to provide strategic guidance and oversight in implementing the commission’s mandate to promote and protect the rights…
Ben Ezechime, Enugu The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday commenced a public hearing on the amendment of its constitution for the South-East zone in Enugu. According to the organisers, the exercise is aimed at strengthening internal democracy and, among other goals, increasing women’s representation in party politics. The hearing is also designed to gather input from stakeholders on proposed amendments. Chairman of the South-East Constitution Review Committee, Princess Miriam Onuoha, said the review seeks to promote gender inclusivity and diversity within Nigeria’s political system. She added that the APC intends to expand its internal structure to admit more members…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia On a day Nigeria’s former ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gathered in the ancient city of Ibadan for its controversial national convention, former Governor of Abia State, Senator Theodore Orji, resigned from the party. Orji, popularly known as Ochendo Global, announced his resignation in a letter addressed to the PDP Chairman of his Umuahia Urban Ward 1. The letter was made available to journalists on Saturday. The former governor, who represented Abia Central in the 8th and 9th Senate, first won the Abia governorship election in 2007 on the platform of the Progressive Peoples Alliance…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia The National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, has concluded a one-week intensive training for Abia farmers on best agronomic practices for sustainable production and value addition in roots and tuber crops. The programme featured advanced cultivation techniques from land preparation to harvesting, as well as indigenous seed systems aimed at reducing Abia’s dependence on external food sources, some of which pose health risks. Farmers were also trained on value addition, including processing cassava, yam, sweet potato, cocoyam, ginger and other crops to boost income and market competitiveness. Chairperson of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN),…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Chief of Staff to the Abia State Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, says Governor Alex Otti is more interested in creating wealth and enabling businesses to thrive than distributing money to individuals. Ajagba stated this while receiving the new leadership of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abia State chapter, led by Chairman, Deacon Steve Oko. He said past administrations relied on handouts, but the current government is focused on building a productive and self-reliant population. “The Governor has not come to share money but to create prosperity. True empowerment helps people become productive,…
Our Reporter, New York A professor of Electrical and Electronics Engineering at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Dr. Micheal Ndinechi, has criticised the inability of Nigerian universities to update their academic curriculum in line with modern global trends. Speaking in an interview with Rudolf Okonkwo on 90Minutes Africa, the former Director of the Electronic Development Institute, Awka, said no Nigerian university is leading in artificial intelligence research because the Nigerian University Commission (NUC) imposes a uniform curriculum on all institutions. “The university system in Nigeria runs a rigid curriculum,” he said. “For instance, the Core Curriculum Minimum Academic…