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Plot to remove reps minority leader thickens

A crisis is brewing in the House of Representatives over alleged moves by members of opposition political parties to remove the House Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, amid growing discontent within the ranks of the minority caucus.

This development comes as the National Assembly prepares to resume tomorrow from its over two-month annual recess, barring any last-minute change. The resumption had been earlier scheduled for September 23 but was later postponed to October 7 by the leadership of both chambers of parliament.

Sources told Daily Trust yesterday that the planned reopening of plenary is expected to rekindle power tussles within the opposition bloc, which comprises lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party (LP), the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the Young Progressives Party (YPP).

Chinda, who represents Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency of Rivers State under the PDP platform, has been at the centre of the storm. The ranking lawmaker and lawyer is widely seen as a strong ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. He has, however, approached the Federal High Court in Abuja to obtain an interim injunction stopping any attempt to remove him from office.

According to sources, the major grievance against Chinda is his alleged failure to convene a formal meeting of all minority members in nearly two years. Lawmakers across opposition parties reportedly view this as a deliberate attempt to centralise decision-making and shut out other caucus members from collective deliberations.

‘Since the House was inaugurated, he has not called any meeting,’ one opposition member told Daily Trust. ‘He runs a one-man show. Nobody knows what is happening. We only read things in the media.’

‘The minority caucus is supposed to be vibrant and united, but that unity is being eroded,’ another lawmaker said. ‘People are leaving the opposition almost every week, and yet no meeting has been called to address it. That’s not leadership,’ one of the lawmakers told Daily Trust anonymously.

Efforts by Daily Trust to get Chinda’s reaction yesterday proved abortive, as he neither answered calls nor replied to a WhatsApp message sent to his mobile line.

Chinda asks court to stop removal as Minority Leader

Chinda had approached a Federal High Court in Abuja seeking protection from what he described as an illegal plot to remove him as Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.

In his suit, Chinda alleged that some lawmakers were plotting to remove him because of his association with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, a fellow PDP member.

He argued that such a move violated his constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of association under Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The lawmaker joined multiple parties as defendants in the case: the House of Representatives, the National Assembly, the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Speaker of the House, the Clerk of the House of Representatives, and seven political parties-PDP, LP, NNPP, APGA, SDP, ADC, and YPP-reflecting the breadth of opposition interest in the leadership issue.

In the suit filed by his counsel, J.Y. Musa (SAN), Chinda asked the court to declare that the defendants lacked the authority to remove him arbitrarily from his position without adhering to the due process stipulated under Order 7, Rule 14 of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives (Eleventh Edition). He said any attempt to do so outside the provisions of the Standing Orders and democratic norms would be unlawful.

He prayed the court to grant an injunction restraining all defendants-from the PDP to the YPP-from ‘further proceeding with any act or exercise purportedly aimed at removing the plaintiff from his position as Minority Leader of the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in violation of the sacred provisions of the Constitution. and without compliance with the provisions of the extant Standing Orders of the House.’

In his statement of claim, Chinda explained that Wike was his constituent and that their political relationship was both natural and legitimate. He recounted that on August 25, 2025, while the PDP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting was ongoing, some lawmakers held a parallel meeting where his removal was discussed and postponed for further deliberation the following week.

Our grouse with Chinda – PDP caucus leader

The leader of the PDP caucus in the House of Representatives, Fred Agbedi, who spoke to Daily Trust, said: ‘Our leader is in court against us, so that makes it impossible for me to start talking because the matter is in court. I’m not aware of any removal plot. Me, as a person and as leader of the caucus, I am not aware.

‘If he feels that there is a special plot against him, what some of us will try to do is to report back to our party and see how we can join him in court and all that. But as for any plot to remove him, I’m not aware.

‘The only concern we have is that we have not held minority meetings for two years, and that we are worried about it. We are only talking to our leader to convene a meeting. That is all. That is what we had told the speaker.

According to him, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen had recently intervened in the matter after receiving reports of internal unease within the opposition ranks.

‘Mr Speaker invited me last week Friday-either on the 26th of September or thereabout. He said there were issues, and he needed to intervene to resolve them. He promised that at resumption, he was going to convene a meeting,’ Agbedi said.

The Bayelsa-born lawmaker disclosed that he had personally advised Chinda

‘to convene a meeting. We can’t be operating here without coming together. And our numbers are also depleting,’ he noted.

‘He (Chinda) invited me and said some of us were doing things against him. I told him I was not aware of all these things. People may express anger and frustration, but there is no action towards removing you from office. I said, please, people are agitated because there is no meeting-so convene a meeting.

‘My utmost surprise and shock was that while myself and my leader were discussing one-on-one, from the court records, even before I met with him, this matter had been filed and served,’ he revealed.

‘So apparently, even when Mr Speaker invited us to talk, this matter had already been filed. I told the Speaker we don’t have any issue of welfare. You are doing your best, we support you, we are loyal to your leadership. The only thing that bothers us is that there have been no meetings.’

Lawmakers summon emergency meeting

Meanwhile, an emergency meeting of all minority members of the House of Representatives has been slated for today following the development.

A notice of the meeting, a copy of which was seen by Daily Trust, indicates that the meeting will hold in Abuja.

The notice was jointly signed by Hon Fred Agbedi, Leader of the PDP Caucus; Hon Afam Ogene, Leader of the LP Caucus; Hon Muktar Umar-Zakari for the NNPP Caucus; and Hon Peter Uzokwe for the YPP.

The notice reads: ‘You are hereby invited to an emergency meeting to discuss recent developments in the minority leadership, particularly to review the lawsuit instituted by the Minority Leader, Hon Kingsley Chinda, against all members of minority parties in the 10th House of Representatives.’a

It’s time to save the teaching profession

Each year on October 5, the world marks Teachers’ Day with a theme that reflects pressing issues in the teaching profession and encourages policies aimed at advancing the education sector or addressing its persistent challenges. It is a moment not just for celebration, but for sober reflection on the state of education and the welfare of teachers.

This year’s World Teachers’ Day is anchored on the theme: ‘Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession.’ The theme underscores the transformative power of collaboration in education. It calls for a paradigm shift from the traditional, solitary model of one teacher per classroom to a more dynamic, team-based approach. Collaboration, as the theme argues, is the engine of educational transformation that fosters peer networks, shared planning time, and collective problem-solving tools that can reinvigorate teaching and learning.

This approach sounds promising, and globally, it is gaining momentum, especially in the face of a growing teacher shortage. However, in Nigeria, where teachers often lack even the most basic resources, collaboration feels more like a distant aspiration than an immediate reality.

It doesn’t take much digging to uncover the deep-rooted problems plaguing Nigeria’s teaching profession. These issues have lingered for decades, becoming more entrenched with passing administrations. They are glaring, nagging, and yet, disturbingly ignored. Overcrowded classrooms, crumbling infrastructure, poor remuneration, and a lack of professional development opportunities have turned teaching into a burden rather than a calling. Teachers in Nigeria are not only overworked and underpaid, they are undervalued and frequently cast aside. Many operate in environments devoid of basic teaching aids, personal security and even sanitary conditions.

The erosion of respect for the profession is perhaps one of the most damaging trends. Teaching, once revered as a noble and dignified profession, is now viewed by many as a stopgap, a temporary job or a stepping stone to something better. For graduates with poor academic records, it has become the default fallback, a kind of last resort rather than a first choice. This perception not only undermines the profession but also contributes to the chronic shortage of qualified teachers across the country.

A 2024 survey conducted by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) revealed a staggering deficit of 194,876 teachers in public primary schools nationwide. This figure is not just alarming; it is a national emergency. Yet, many state governors continue to drag their feet in recruiting teachers; an action that continues to widen equal access to education by denying millions of children their rights to quality education. This lack of political will, mostly at the state level is a reflection of how little value is placed on education.

Yet at the national level, the Nigerian government has pledged to introduce improved welfare packages for teachers. As part of the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebrations, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, acknowledged the critical role teachers play in nation-building and assured that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, efforts would be made to ensure every Nigerian child receives high-quality education.

Alausa’s words were encouraging as he emphasized that well-trained and supported teachers are the bedrock of any successful education system. But Nigerians have heard such promises before. The real question remains whether these pledges will translate into action. To move beyond declarations, perhaps Nigeria needs to look externally to countries such as Singapore, South Korea and Finland that have elevated teaching to a high-status profession with rigorous training and attractive incentives.

No doubt, improving welfare packages is a start, but it must be accompanied by systemic reforms. Recruitment must be prioritised and training must be continuous. Infrastructure must be upgraded and the safety of teachers must be guaranteed. Most importantly, teachers must be respected not just in words, but in deeds. This should reflect in enhancing their welfare packages to include competitive salaries, decent housing, and accessible healthcare benefits. It also means initiating a cultural shift that repositions teaching as a prestigious and impactful career.

We at Daily Trust maintain that Nigerian teachers have for decades carried the weight of the nation’s progress, shaping young minds and nurturing big dreams. Now is the time to repay that debt; their reward is not in heaven. Like everyone, their sacrifices should be honoured with dignity, support, and respect while they live to see it.

We call for regular training programmes to be institutionalized to keep teachers updated, motivated, and equipped to meet the evolving demands of the classroom. Classrooms must also be equipped with modern teaching aids and facilities that support collaborative learning if the vision of team-based teaching is to be realized.

We understand that reforms like this must take time to mature but they must also start now. We call on stakeholders in the education sector to look beyond World Teachers’ Day as a one-day affair but a project that should serve as a catalyst for year-round advocacy, investment, and reform. State governments must not just embrace these reforms but drive them as these structures cannot work without massive recruitment to bring qualified teachers into the education system and bridge the existing gap.

Anthony Joshua targets Tyson Fury showdown in 2026

British heavyweight Anthony Joshua is eyeing a blockbuster showdown with Tyson Fury next summer, according to his promoter Eddie Hearn, who confirmed that talks are progressing positively.

Hearn revealed that discussions with Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority and head of Riyadh Season, are centered on staging the long-awaited all-British heavyweight clash.

The Matchroom Boxing boss shared a photo alongside Alalshikh in Riyadh following extensive talks covering multiple sports, including boxing. Speaking to The Ring’s Louis Hart, Hearn confirmed that the Joshua-Fury fight was a top priority in their discussions.

‘He wants to make AJ against Fury – that’s no secret,’ Hearn said of Alalshikh. ‘He wants to make the biggest fights in the sport, and that is the biggest fight in boxing right now. We’ve got to agree our end and then it’s up to Turki whether he can get Fury in the ring.’

Hearn noted that the negotiation process has been simplified with Alalshikh’s involvement.

‘The best thing about these situations now is that it’s not me speaking to Frank Warren or Spencer Brown or Tyson Fury trying to do a deal. We just have to do our deal, and if Turki can make the fight, then it’s on. If he can’t, it’s not on.’

The promoter also outlined Joshua’s roadmap back to the ring: ‘We are focusing on that side. We have a plan for AJ to get him back in the ring as soon as possible and then lead up to a huge fight against Tyson Fury in 2026. We will do our deal with Turki, and he will try to do his deal with Tyson Fury. Fingers crossed we can make it happen.’

Joshua, who last fought in September 2024, suffering a fifth-round knockout loss to Daniel Dubois, has since fallen out of The Ring’s heavyweight rankings due to inactivity.

Despite Fury, 37, repeatedly announcing his retirement, Hearn remains confident the Gypsy King could be lured back with the right offer. Meanwhile, Joshua – a two-time world heavyweight champion – is already in training camp, preparing for his long-awaited return to the ring.

Reno Omokri sparks debate with comments on virginity, marriage values

Social commentator and influencer Reno Omokri has sparked mixed reactions online after asserting that the greatest gift a wife can offer her husband is her virginity.

Speaking on the value of virginity in relationships, Omokri highlighted its significance in building strong and enduring marriages.

He dismissed public ridicule as trivial, referencing the Yoruba concept of ‘Erin Ika’, and emphasized that maintaining moral integrity outweighs the pursuit of fleeting social approval.

He said: ‘As long as a woman brings virginity to the table, she does not have to bring anything else physically to that relationship to make it stable. You, as a man, should bring the rest.’

He emphasised that a woman’s virginity is the greatest gift she can offer her husband, noting that entering marriage with such purity enhances the bond between them physically, spiritually, and emotionally creating an almost mystical connection.

He further said: ‘So, my counsel to young people out there, especially, but not exclusively, to females, is this: Keep your virginity until marriage. Your friends may laugh at you, but that laughter is without mirth. It is what the Lukumi Yoruba call ‘Erin Ika’.

‘You can be like them in one minute. But they can never be like you in one million light-years!’ He added .

Omokri’s remarks have ignited widespread discussion online, with many praising his moral stance while others criticised his views as outdated and gender biased.

’Cocoa processing more profitable than exporting raw beans’

The Founder and Group Managing Director of CapitalSage Holdings, John Alamu, has disclosed that processing cocoa into finished products for export is now far more profitable to Nigeria’s economy than exporting raw cocoa beans.

Alamu, who spoke on Monday while giving insights into his business journey, revealed that while an exporter of raw cocoa earns about $8,000 per tonne, the value could rise up to 30 times more when processed into finished products like chocolate.

‘Export raw cocoa, and you make $8,000 per tonne. Turn it into butter, and you earn six times more. Make chocolate, and the value rises up to 30 times,’ Alamu said.

He explained that this philosophy of value addition has been the driving force behind CapitalSage’s evolution into a fully integrated conglomerate.

Founded in 2014 with a startup capital of ?100,000, Alamu said his venture has grown into a diversified business group with interests spanning agribusiness, finance, technology, healthcare, and manufacturing.

Under the CapitalSage umbrella is Johnvents Group, which has become a major player in Africa’s agricultural value chain.

The company operates across multiple commodities, including cocoa, sesame, legumes, cashew, soya, edible nuts, rice, and rubber, generating millions of dollars in annual revenue.

He noted that the cocoa division anchors exports of butter, liquor, cake, and powder, while the sesame and legumes unit sources premium-grade sesame, soya, and grains from across Africa.

The cashew and edible nuts division, he added, expands Africa’s footprint in the global nut value chain.

Similarly, the edible oil, feed, and water unit powers agro-industrial complexes, employing hundreds of women, while the rice and rubber segment contributes to food and industrial crop security.

Speaking in a recent Forbes Africa Independence Day Edition, Alamu recalled how his entrepreneurial journey began:

‘We started with ?100,000 in 2014, offering small loans to farmers and market women in rural Nigeria. Today, we’re building global businesses from Africa.’

He disclosed that CapitalSage Holdings now employs over 2,000 people directly and supports more than 10,000 farmers, with operations spanning Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Alamu emphasized that, beyond corporate success, his mission is economic independence for Africa.

‘The next struggle, like independence, is economic freedom. That requires courage, disruption, and African confidence,’ he said.

In recognition of his contributions to Nigeria’s economy, Alamu recently received the Business Conglomerate Leadership Award at the Marketing Edge Awards.

His achievements, industry analysts say, underscore a vital lesson for Africa’s growth that the continent’s economic future lies not in raw exports, but in value addition, transformation, and visionary leadership.

Osun deputy speaker visits families of victims killed by Amotekun corps

The Deputy Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Akinyode Oyewusi, has led a government delegation to commiserate with the families of those killed by operatives of the Amotekun Corps in Akinlalu community, Ife North Local Government Area of the state.

The Nation reported that the incident occurred last week when members of the Amotekun Corps invaded the community, killing four people at the market square near the town’s palace after a rifle was allegedly snatched by a suspected thief. Among the victims were three members of the same family.

The incident sparked widespread outrage, prompting the Osun State Police Command and the state government to launch investigations. Governor Ademola Adeleke also dispatched a delegation to visit the affected families and ensure justice is served.

During the visit to the palace of the Alakinlalu, Oyewusi, who represents the Ife North State Constituency, assured the community that the government would not allow the matter to be swept under the carpet.

‘We are here to commiserate with the families and the town over what happened. We also want to beg the youth of Akinlalu to allow peace to reign,’ Oyewusi said. ‘The government and the police have already started investigations, and I assure you that justice will be served. The perpetrators will not go free.’

He urged the youth not to take the law into their own hands while promising that the government would support the victims’ families.

Addressing the bereaved families, the Deputy Speaker said, ‘My message to you is to accept this as fate. I pray God will comfort you, and I want to assure you that the government will do everything necessary to support these families.’

The youth leader of Akinlalu, Musibau Adeboye, also appealed to the state government to ensure that those responsible for the killings face the full wrath of the law.

UNIUYO unveils policy against sexual harassment

The University of Uyo has formally launched its institutional policy against sexual harassment, warning that defaulters will face stiff penalties.

The unveiling ceremony, which drew dignitaries from diverse sectors, was held at the 1000 Capacity TETFund Hall on the university’s main campus.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Nyaudoh Ndaeyo, said that the policy of the University has declared zero tolerance for all forms of sexual molestation.

Prof Ndaeyo stressed that the policy would serve as a deterrent to potential offenders and a commitment to justice for victims.

He reaffirmed the university’s dedication to accountability, transparency, and the protection of all members of the academic community.

Wife of the VC, Mrs. Uduakabasi Ndaeyo, lauded the initiative as a necessary step in confronting a societal evil that has lingered for too long, stating that such efforts will help address the scourge of sexual harassment in Nigerian institutions.

The Chairperson of the Board of the Centre for Gender Studies, Prof. Valerie Asanwana, reiterated the University’s commitment to equity, excellence, and respect for all.

She said the policy represents a significant step towards creating a campus culture where sexual misconduct is neither tolerated nor ignored.

She emphasised that the policy outlines clear procedures for reporting, investigating, and resolving cases of sexual harassment in a transparent and victim-centered manner.

Providing a detailed overview of the new policy, Prof. Luke Eyo, a member of the University’s Gender Advisory Board, while an overview of the Policy on Sexual Harassment, said that its content and operational framework, underscoring its role in ensuring justice and institutional integrity.

Summer Walker apologises to fans after show cut short

American R and B star Summer Walker has apologised to fans after her highly anticipated performance at the Back to the City concert in Tshwane was cut short, expressing regret for disappointing those who came out to see her live.

Thousands of fans filled the SunBet Arena on Sunday, October 5, hoping to enjoy a full set from the Grammy-nominated singer. However, significant delays earlier in the event left Walker with limited time on stage.

Despite energetic opening performances from Lordkez, who brought out Cassper Nyovest for their hit Aweh, and Jessie Reyez, who thrilled the audience with her high-energy set, tensions rose when organisers announced that Summer Walker would be ‘a bit late.’

When she finally appeared, Walker delivered soulful renditions of fan favourites including Body, Girls Need Love, and Session 32, but performed for less than an hour – prompting disappointment among fans.

Following the event, Walker took to Instagram to issue a heartfelt apology and explain the circumstances behind the disruptions, assuring fans that the situation was beyond her control and thanking them for their understanding and continued support.

‘South Africa, I’m so sorry. I literally don’t understand what happened. I got kicked off the stage. This whole thing was really unprofessional. They changed my time three times, and when I got on stage, I was thinking I’m going to do my full set.’

She continued, ‘They were yelling in my ear to cut my whole set. I didn’t even get to get down and get in the crowd like I usually do because they were telling me to hurry up,’ she said.

She emphasised that the situation was beyond her control.

She continued, ‘I was prepared to do my full hour. The police, the fire marshal, and the promoter were like they were going to get fired if I didn’t hurry up and get off. I got off the stage, and they could’ve just paid the fine’.

She further explained, ‘They know you guys spent your hard-earned money, you drove far, and I saw someone said they sold their house to come here,’ she said.

The singer also clarified that she was on time and ready to perform.

‘I was dressed, ready, and they kicked your girl off, and I couldn’t do anything about that. I don’t want you to think it was on me. They could’ve paid the fine and respected our time, but they didn’t give a damn,’ she said.

She said she’s being unfairly blamed.

She further said that South Africa has been her favourite place in the world.

‘This is my favourite place in the world, I like y’all a lot, don’t do me like that. I will come back and hopefully they will let me do my whole show,’ she said.

Students challenged to embrace role as nation builders at Independence Day Conference

In commemoration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, secondary school students across Osun State gathered at the Winners Embassy Arena, Ogooluwa, Osogbo, for the Independence Day Secondary School Students’ Conference, themed ‘Students as Builders of a Greater Nigeria.’

The conference, held on Wednesday, October 1st, 2025, was convened by Precious Ibuoye, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member serving in Osun State, as part of his Community Development Service (CDS) project.

According to Ibuoye, the initiative was inspired by his passion to contribute to nation-building by investing in the next generation of Nigerian leaders.

‘I believe in the power of young people. True greatness is not measured by what you own, but by the lives you touch,’ he said. ‘Change begins with small actions that improve our communities.’

During the event, participating students received learning materials such as books, pens, bags, and other educational resources. The conference attracted students, teachers, corps members, and government officials from across the state.

In his keynote address, Hon. Segun Oyewole, Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Mobilisation, stressed the need for young people to take responsibility for national transformation. ‘Nigeria’s dream can never happen by chance but by choice. We must be bold enough to become the change we desire and start thinking like leaders,’ he said.

Also speaking, Professor Chinwe Obiaku, Director-General and Special Envoy to Governor Ademola Adeleke on Climate Change and Renewable Energy, reminded the students that nation-building starts early. ‘Students are not just the future; they are important today. Corruption is not only political – examination malpractice is part of it. Every Nigerian student must be ready to lead by example,’ she cautioned.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of Dr. Femi Bello of Redeemer’s University, Mr. Bolatito called on students to demonstrate consistency and integrity in leadership. ‘Nigeria has never happened to Nigerians except Nigerians happen to Nigeria. Nation-building is an ongoing process, and students must pledge to lead faithfully, diligently, and with integrity,’ he stated.

The conference featured interactive sessions, panel discussions, and school presentations, where students engaged in conversations on independence, governance, and national unity.

The event concluded with a collective call for Nigerian youths to see themselves not as passive observers but as active participants in building a greater and more prosperous nation.

Tinubu celebrates Alake at 69, describes him as loyal ally, patriot

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Dele Alake, on his 69th birthday, describing him as a dependable ally, consummate strategist, and a loyal patriot whose contributions to national development span decades.

In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu extolled Dr Alake’s long-standing record of excellence in journalism, public service, and strategic communication.

The President said the Minister remains one of the most accomplished professionals of his generation, noting their long years of friendship and partnership anchored on shared values of service, integrity, and commitment to Nigeria’s progress.

‘Dr Dele Alake has remained a committed, loyal, and outstanding ally for several decades. His steadfastness and unyielding commitment to national development and progress stand him out as a patriot,’ the President said.

Tinubu also commended the Minister’s ongoing efforts to reposition the solid minerals sector as a major revenue earner for the country.

He said Alake’s reforms – including investment promotion, policy innovation, and the integration of artisanal miners into the formal economy – align with the goals of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

‘On this special day, I pray that Almighty God will continue to bless Dele with good health, wisdom, and strength,’ President Tinubu added.

Dr Alake, a veteran journalist and former Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos State, has been a long-time associate of President Tinubu since the 1990s and currently leads the administration’s drive to harness Nigeria’s mineral wealth for sustainable development.