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Religion has played a pivotal role in shaping the beliefs, values, and cultures of societies around the world.

A recent 2025 study, MyCross analysed the common faiths in the world to identify which religions are most popular in 2025.

The research used 5 visibility factors: total religion demographics, Google queries regarding religion in one month, Instagram hashtags, Google queries related to holy texts, as well as the YouTube Visibility Index (calculated based on the number of YouTube channels and videos with related hashtags).

The final score takes into account all indicators, ranking the faiths with the highest visibility on social media and online.

Islam ranks first as the most popular religion on social media in 2025. Over 36M people look up Muslim teachings monthly, while 9.4M Instagram photos document daily prayers and Ramadan celebrations.

Islamic videos are also the most widespread on YouTube, as creators share content ranging from Quran interpretations to educational resources about the religion’s history.

Christianity is second among popular religions on social media. Believers share over 11M pictures with Christianity-related hashtags on Instagram, capturing church services and other rituals. When people have questions about faith, 21M turn to the internet for answers about Christianity each month.

The Bible also remains the world’s most-researched religious text by far, with 47M people looking up verses, stories, and teachings online

Next on the list is Hinduism. The Hindu faith has over a billion followers in the world, and 3.4M people explore its practices and philosophies online each month.

That curiosity carries over to YouTube, where Hindu creators have built strong communities, making Hinduism the second most visible religion on the platform. On Instagram too, over 200K posts show scenes from Hindu festivals and daily worship.

Buddhism comes in fourth place. More than 530M people follow Buddhist teachings globally, and they’ve shared over 436K posts about their meditation and spiritual practices on Instagram. Interest in Buddhism also remains high online, with about 7.7M people learning about its philosophy every month, more than Hinduism.

Sikhism ranks fifth among the most influential religions on social media. Around 5.7M people explore Sikh history online, a high level of interest for a faith with just 29M followers. On Instagram, there are also more than 1.9M posts that depict Sikh turbans and festival celebrations. Each month, about 185K people read or learn about Sikh scriptures, over five times more than for Buddhism.

Judaism lands in sixth place. There are 14.8M followers of Judaism, and 4.9M people turn to the internet with questions about Jewish holidays and traditions each month. An additional 434K people specifically research the Torah and other Jewish writings. Jewish Instagram also features 1M photos documenting everything from Shabbat dinners to bar mitzvahs.

Jainism takes seventh position. Each month, almost a million people go online to learn about this faith and its teachings, including over 91K who look for Jain holy texts. Despite being one of the smaller faiths, there are about 1.3M Jainism-themed photos on Instagram, as its 6.34M followers actively share content about non-violence and spiritual discipline.

Spiritism and Spiritualism are next on the list. This movement attracts 14.8M followers globally (matching Judaism in size), and there are 500K photos on Instagram that depict their rituals, such as séances, spiritual healing, and mediumship experiences. Around 1.6M people show interest in questions about connecting with the spiritual realm and life after death. Another 381K people look up writings about spiritual communication and psychic phenomena each month.

Shinto takes ninth position. Japan’s indigenous faith counts 2.7M believers. Despite being a smaller religious group, Shinto followers are quite active on social media, sharing 500K Instagram photos showing torii gates, purification rituals, and shrine visits during cherry blossom season.

Zoroastrianism rounds up the top 10 of the most influential faiths on social media. This is the smallest religion in the ranking, with only 205K followers. At the same time, there are over 1.1 million questions asked about it monthly, 5 times more than there are total believers.

The 15th of October 2025 marked a watershed in the political history of Bayelsa State when Governor Douye Diri announced his bold and historic decision to switch political allegiance from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All-Progressives Congress (APC).

The announcement, made during an expanded State Executive Council meeting at the Government House in Yenagoa, was witnessed by the Speaker and majority members of the State House of Assembly, Commissioners, Special Advisers, and Local Government Chairmen. It was the culmination of an extensive period of consultation aimed at charting a new political course for Bayelsa and, by extension the Ijaw Nation , particularly a state that had remained under PDP control for 26 years since the return of democracy in 1999.

Governor Diri’s decision was not a personal whim, but one rooted in collective interest. It reflects a strategic understanding of the historical and political realities of the old Rivers State, from which Bayelsa was carved. The region has always maintained strong connections to politics at the national level, championed by visionary leaders such as late Chief Harold Dappa Biriye and late Chief Melford Okilo of blessed memory who recognized the importance of ‘handshakes across the Niger’, alliances that once led to the establishment of the 13% derivation for oil-producing states.

Since the fall of the PDP from power at the centre in 2015, Bayelsa had found itself in the opposition. Many Bayelsans have been worried and argued that remaining isolated from the ruling party has deprived the state of vital opportunities for development and integration. With all major South-South states now aligned with the APC, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu a Southerner seeking re-election, it became imperative for Bayelsa not to be left behind. Yes, some claim he was the mastermind behind the ouster of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and are now urging Jonathan to return the favour by challenging President Tinubu in a bid for revenge. Fascinating as it is perhaps; but where then lies our sense of providence which once smiled on the people of the state? Also, where is the place of forgiveness?

While a few diehard PDP loyalists may resist change, clinging to a party now gasping for political survival, the vast majority have no hesitation in seeing the wisdom in aligning with the centre. Governor Diri’s move is not about personal gain but the future of the Ijaw Nation over the benefits of national political integration. After all , Senator Diri as a second-term governor, has nothing to lose politically. Rather, it is an act of statesmanship; a forward-looking decision intended to reposition the Ijaw Nation within the framework of national integration and progressive politics.

From a broader perspective, Diri’s realignment reflects the collective aspirations of the Ijaw people spread across Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Ondo, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom States , being the governor of the Ijaw capital, he bears the responsibility of steering the Ijaw Nation into a new era of constructive engagement with the centre politics which is not defined by partisanship, but by development purposes.

Critics may however differ, but the majority of Ijaw stakeholders stand firmly behind this vision. The Diri administration is currently undertaking audacious infrastructural projects across all three senatorial districts, many of which require federal partnership. Encouragingly, President Tinubu had already demonstrated goodwill by supporting the completion of the long-awaited Nembe-Ogbia Road, a project that had lingered on the drawing board for over four decades.

Other critical roads such as the Sagbama-Ekeremor-Agge Road, the Yenagoa-Oporoma-Ukubie Road, and the Polaku-Sabagreia Road, all demand federal intervention due to their capital-intensive nature. These projects are vital arteries of economic growth for the state.

Clearly, Bayelsa cannot afford to remain on an island of opposition while development beckons on the mainland of collaboration. As former Military President Ibrahim Babangida once said, ‘Do not be afraid of taking a decision; history will forgive you for taking a wrong decision but history will never forgive you for not taking any decision at all.’

Governor Douye Diri’s decision to steer Bayelsa out of the straitjacket of partisan rigidity into a new era of progressive partnership is courageous, selfless, and timely. Having been a prominent voice in the Ijaw National Congress and a committed advocate of pan-Ijaw unity, his move reflects a deep understanding of what is best for his people. This is not merely a change of political platform, but a defining statement of purpose that politics must transcend personal ambition and serve the collective good. In doing so, Governor Diri has etched his name in the annals of progressive politics, thereby giving the Ijaw Nation a renewed sense of pride in the unfolding ‘national handshake’ across the Niger and beyond.

This is not just a political shift, it is a defining moment of purpose. It reaffirms that politics must be about the collective good, not personal ambition. In doing so, Governor Diri has etched his name in the annals of progressive politics and has given the Ijaw Nation a renewed sense of pride in the unfolding ‘national handshake’ across the Niger, and indeed, across the Sahara. As it is always said,

History will always remember those who saw beyond party lines to place their people on the path of national relevance. That is certainly the judgement of history beckoning on governor Douye Diri.

The China International Business and Development Corporation (CIBDC) yesterday signed a strategic partnership agreement with some firms to strengthen and improve the eligibility of the companies to access investments in projects and develop the country’s economic sectors.

The agreement was facilitated by the Nigeria-China Investment Club (NCIC). Through this partnership, CIBDC will fast track investment by supporting the firms in accessing the resources they need to grow, create jobs and drive long term economic growth.

In his brief remark during the event held at the Kings Court in Ikeja GRA, Lagos, the president of the Nigeria-China Investment Club (NCIC), Dr. Chidi Ulelu, explained that the signing of agreement was the first phase of the strategic collaboration and investment on development projects in the critical sectors of the Nigerian economy which China is more than ready to support.

”NCIC is powered by NCIBD. We have millions of entities backed by the China government. Our objective is to attract investment opportunities from China to Nigeria in various sectors such as health, education, agriculture, banking, among others.

”Everyone that signs an agreement becomes a member of the club automatically and by November, all the firms or people whose projects have been approved will visit China to consummate the agreement.

‘In addition, we are offering 30 to 50 percent reduction in prices of goods and items from China through the entities involved in our club.

‘We need you (CIDC) to build capacity, because we need to re-invent Nigeria and we have been more than impressed with your sincerity of purpose and initiatives toward providing strategic investment that can aid growth and advancement in the projects approved notable sectors of Nigeria’s economy, ‘ Ulelu said.

HFZ Group is involved in the Itowolo Smart City project in Ikorodu, Lagos, the 2,000 electric buses and Eko Ferry projects.

On the other hand, CIBDC Group is behind the Lagos-Abuja Rail project and the construction of the 4th Mainland Bridge in Lagos.

Responding, the Chairman of HFZ, Chief Remi Folorunsho said that he was more than happy about with NCIBD on strategic investment partnership saying: ” We are going to work with you hence we are signing the agreement today. There is no regret’.

In his words, the chairman of CIBDC, Chief Kenny Martins said: ‘We are also nation builders just like China.

I am impressed with your capability and capacity to work for the growth of investment with a view to building legacy projects in Nigeria.”

In her speech, the chairperson of CIBDC, Sarah Lee said: ‘We are here to work in concert with our partners to collaborate not only on project investment but also to help in developing medical treatment, electricity infrastructure, education , agriculture digitization, shelter through eco-friendly building materials among others.

”Also, we are bringing almost the entire companies in China to build trust and teach people with skills to become entrepreneurs,” she added.

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a 53-year-old man, identified as Kareem Fatia, for allegedly operating an illegal gun-manufacturing factory in the Eyingun-Owode area of Ile-Oluji, Ondo State.

The arrest followed credible intelligence received by detectives attached to the Yaba Divisional Headquarters in Ondo City, which led to a coordinated raid on the suspect’s residence on October 15, 2025.

During the operation, police recovered three single-barrel guns, three Dane guns, and one unfinished gun barrel concealed behind the building.

Two other individuals were also apprehended in connection with the operation and are currently assisting police investigations.

The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Olusola Ayanlade, who confirmed the development in a statement on Saturday, said the main suspect had been transferred to the Monitoring Unit for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Ayanlade added that the arrest was part of ongoing efforts by the Command to curb the proliferation of illegal firearms and reduce criminal activities across communities in the state.

He urged residents to support security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious activities that could aid the fight against illegal arms production and trafficking.

The Grassroots Movement for Tinubu 2027 has commended President Bola Tinubu for steering Nigeria through a complex economic landscape with courage, innovation, and a firm commitment to national renewal.

The organisation noted that under president Tinubu’s leadership, the nation has witnessed unprecedented strides across the key pillars of economic stability, infrastructural growth, youth empowerment, and national security.

It noted that two years of Tinubu’s administration has enthroned purposeful and progressive governance, characterised by bold reforms, infrastructural expansion, and renewed national confidence.

National Coordinator, Grassroots Movement for Tinubu 2027, Dr. Sani Zangina, in a statement on Saturday applauded the administration’s sweeping economic reforms that have repositioned Nigeria as a strong and competitive player in the global market.

The statement read: ‘President Tinubu’s bold decision to clear over $10 billion in foreign exchange liabilities has restored investor confidence and contributed significantly to the stabilisation of the naira.

‘As a direct result of these policy initiatives, Net Foreign Exchange Reserves have grown from $3.99 billion in 2023 to $23.11 billion by 2024, signaling restored fiscal discipline and confidence in Nigeria’s macroeconomic management.

‘Furthermore, the administration has successfully attracted over $50 billion in new Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) commitments and unlocked more than $8 billion in oil and gas investments. The mining sector has also seen renewed vibrancy, with over $800 million in solid mineral processing investments realized in 2024 alone.

‘These milestones are a testament to the President’s strategic vision and unwavering focus on rebuilding Nigeria’s economic foundation.’

On infrastructure, the group said that President Tinubu’s administration has embarked on one of the most ambitious infrastructure development drives in Nigeria’s history.

‘Over 440 road projects are currently ongoing nationwide, including the construction of more than 2,700 kilometers of modern superhighways that connect states, foster trade, and enhance national unity.

‘The administration has also championed critical legislative milestones, such as the passage of four landmark Tax Bills, and the establishment of five new Regional Development Commissions, designed to accelerate growth in historically underdeveloped regions of the country.

‘These projects are not merely physical constructions, but symbols of a nation on the rise, a Nigeria being rebuilt with purpose and inclusion,’ the statement said.

The organisation also commended the president for prioritising youth empowerment and education.

‘Under the Presidential Loan and Grant Scheme, over 900,000 Nigerians have directly benefited from access to capital and support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), while another 300,000 students have accessed the Students’ Loan Scheme, enabling greater participation in tertiary education and entrepreneurial ventures.

‘These initiatives have reignited hope among millions of young Nigerians. They represent the President’s enduring belief in the creativity and resilience of Nigeria’s next generation,’ the statement added.

The Movement described President Tinubu’s two-year performance as a blueprint for transformative governance, urging Nigerians to remain steadfast and supportive as the administration continues to consolidate the gains achieved so far.

Filindabo community in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) came alive with excitement and cultural display as the Founder and CEO of Sagesse College of Traditional Carpentry (SCTC), Mr. Musa Moses Amiebenomo, popularly known as Celebrity Carpenter, tied the knot with Princess Aishatu Mamman Daksiri, from the royal dynasty of Adamawa State.

The royal Nikah ceremony began with the wedding Fatiha at the Central Mosque, Abuja, presided over by Imam Prof. Luqman Zakariya and His Royal Highness Edris Musa, the Emir of Giwa.

The solemn ceremony was witnessed by the Hakimi of Filindabo (Dekashi) Muhammed Sani Paga, Chief Abubarka Hassan, community leaders, friends, associates, and other dignitaries from across the country.

His Royal Highness Dr. Idris Musa (MFR), Emir of Jiwa, represented the groom and accepted the marriage on his behalf, while former Minister of Health (State) and former Minister of Foreign Affairs (State), Dr. Aliyu Idi Hong, served as the bride’s guardian (Wali), giving her out in marriage. Their distinguished presence added prestige to the royal occasion.

After the mosque ceremony, a colorful convoy accompanied by a herd of horses moved to Filindabo for the grand reception, where guests were treated to a vibrant celebration of cultural diversity.

Various ethnic groups showcased traditional dances, songs, wrestling, and other cultural exhibitions in honor of the couple.

The reception, hosted by Abuja’s renowned Master of Ceremony, Sarkin Dariya, was graced by several traditional and community leaders, including the Emir of Giwa, H.R.H. Edris Musa; the Hakimi of Filindabo, H.R.H. Muhammed Sani Paga; Oba Tajudeen Kolawole, the Yoruba community leader; Chief Tochukwu Nzegbo, the Igbo community leader; and other local chiefs and youth leaders.

The visibly elated bride, Princess Aishatu Daksiri Musa, expressed her joy, saying:

‘I’m so elated with what I saw here today. The love shown to me and my husband is overwhelming. I will never forget this day.’

She described her husband as ‘a strong, compassionate, and caring man.’

In his remarks, the groom, Mr. Musa Moses, expressed gratitude to the Emir, traditional rulers, friends, associates, and community members for honoring the occasion.

Widely known as Celebrity Carpenter within Abuja’s entertainment and traditional circles, Mr. Musa is also the traditional titleholder of Garkuwan Matasa of Fillin-Dabo Dei-Dei in the FCT.

Through his institution, the Sagesse College of Traditional Carpentry, he has empowered many young Nigerians, providing them with practical skills and sustainable livelihoods.

The attention of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has been drawn to The Nation’s SUNDAY PARADE feature of Sunday, October 12, 2025, titled ‘Fear of Epidemic as Refuse Takes Over Lagos’, which raises some public-health concerns and posits that Lagos may be returning to the old bad and inglorious days of mountains of refuse.

While the State Government, through the Lagos Waste Management Authority, takes those concerns seriously, it is, however, very inaccurate and fallacious to suggest that the city’s waste-management system has ‘collapsed.’ As of today, Lagos generates roughly 13,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste every day-which ranks among the highest in sub-Saharan Africa-and the system in place continues to collect and dispose of the vast majority of it daily through LAWMA’s public-private model with licensed PSP operators.

The pertinent question that the report failed to highlight and which should agitate the minds of everyone is: ‘What could be driving the recent nuisance spots along Apapa-Mile 2-Oshodi, Ikotun-Ejigbo-Egbeda, Iyana Ipaja, LASU-Iyana Iba, and around large markets in the state?’

These pile-ups reflect localized pressure points, not a system-wide or state-wide failure. Some major reasons stick out as being responsible for this increased pile up and include, but are not limited to: Night-time illegal dumping on medians and setbacks by residents or unlicensed collectors trying to avoid PSP service fees. The Lagos State Government has responsively tightened penalties to ?250,000 fine or up to three months’ imprisonment for illegal dumping and littering, while enforcement is active and ongoing.

There has also been a Market-area surge in waste, which comes in the form of high, continuous inflows from traders and non-traders who bring street waste to market frontages, overwhelming daytime loading windows amidst heavy traffic. (Lagos Waste Management Authority LAWMA ) has repeatedly cautioned against using medians as collection points and back up PSPs with targeted ‘intervention’ clearances.)

Also noticeable is the return of banned, illegal collectors (‘cart pushers’) in some districts, who typically dump refuse at night into canals and road medians, creating the very eyesores residents decry. Authorities have renewed crackdowns with LAWMA and partner agencies undertaking arrests and prosecutions for these offences-with over 300 persons arrested and prosecuted by April 2025 alone-through day/night surveillance with KAI/LAGESC.

As a responsible and responsive organisation, LAWMA is responding to the new challenges by undertaking hotspot clearance and night operations through intensified ‘intervention’ sweeps on the named corridors (including Apapa-Mile 2-Oshodi; Ikotun-Jakande Gate; LASU-Iyana Iba), with night evacuations to prevent daytime re-accumulation, paired with targeted enforcement.

The organization is also undertaking PSP performance management through ongoing route reviews, backup services where private capacity is thin, and directory transparency so that residents can reach assigned PSP operators.

Public reporting channels have also been provided so that residents can report black spots and service gaps via 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020, or the short code 617, or email [email protected]. which are all LAWMA’s official, published hotlines.

The government is also embarking upon structural system upgrades that come with structural fixes. These include decommissioning legacy landfills and building modern infrastructure through which Lagos is transitioning Olusosun (Ojota) and Solous III (Igando) away from open dumping towards a network built around Transfer Loading Stations (TLS) and Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs)-with timelines publicly stated and preparatory works ongoing. This shift shortens haulage, speeds turnaround for PSP trucks, and keeps markets and highways clear.

Also part of the structural upgrade is the Waste-to-Energy pathway, where, as part of the end-state system, the state has outlined waste-to-energy capacity (e.g., Epe) to handle residuals after recycling/composting, reducing landfill reliance and methane emissions. There are also plans to introduce Compact/Mobile TLS at pressure points to stop medians from becoming de facto dumps. LAWMA has advanced plans to introduce compact/mobile TLS that will relocate loading off the roadway and into controlled nodes-especially around large markets and dense corridors.

We are also undertaking organic management and biogas at source: roughly 6,500 tonnes of Lagos’ waste stream is organic. LAWMA’s Ketu-Ikosi market biogas project pilots on-site treatment that will cut odour, reduce bulk, and generate useful energy-an approach now being scaled through training and partnerships.

While LAWMA’s marine unit continues clean-ups around Five Cowries Creek and related in-water interventions, working to prevent canal outfalls from pushing litter into the lagoon system. The agency recently screened off 22 canal outlets along Five Cowries Creek to prevent waste from ever entering the canal. This will be extended to other canal outfalls throughout the state.

LAWMA is also in the process of procuring additional compactor trucks for PSP waste collectors, which will improve service delivery and reliability statewide when coupled with the introduction of the new Transfer Loading Stations (TLS) that will reduce turnaround time, enabling the PSP operators to evacuate waste more rapidly from the doorsteps of Lagosians.

It must be stressed that Lagos’ scale is unique, with the capacity to manage 13,000 tonnes/day in a megacity of 20M+ people that requires continuous upgrading of assets and rules-not a one-time fix with that upgrade already underway and publicly documented. Eyesores are preventable: Where residents must bag waste, keep bins, pay their assigned PSPs, and avoid illegal collectors, medians do not become loading points-and enforcement will continue against violators under the updated penalty regime. Enforcement is real, as arrests and prosecutions of offenders have increased; penalties are stiffer; and surveillance now targets nighttime dumping, when most infractions occur.

It is, however, expected that residents and businesses play their part by effectively ensuring that they use only the assigned PSP operator (door-to-door collection) and keep a covered bin-never use the median-as your staging point. Residents are to report black spots or service failures to LAWMA via 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020, 617, or [email protected] for rapid intervention.

We must also segregate organics (especially in markets) and support on-site solutions, such as the Ketu-Ikosi biogas initiative, as they scale. We should not patronise illegal cart pushers-they are a proven source of median dumps and canal blockages.

The bottom line is that Lagos is not returning to ‘the bad old days.’ The city is tightening enforcement against illegal dumping, clearing hotspots, and, most importantly, building the next-generation system-Transfer Loading System + Material Recovery Facilities + market-area compact Transfer Loading System + organics/biogas + Waste To Energy-that will keep refuse off our roads and medians while creating jobs and cleaner neighbourhoods.

It must, however, be stressed that environmental protection ought to be the duty of everyone, and not simply that of the government. Therefore, we all need to embrace a positive attitude towards the environment.

With a global upsurge in the occurrence of natural disasters, partly caused by abuse of the environment, a collective approach to the protection of the environment is, without doubt, the best way to protect the city against diseases and other harmful environmental hazards.

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has warned against any form of protest near its facilities across the country, saying that they are red zones for would-be protesters.

The Service, in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Umar Abubakar, said the FreeNnamdiKanuNow movement should steer clear of its facilities.

The NCoS said: ‘In light of the planned nationwide protest scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025, calling for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the public is hereby informed that all correctional centres are declared as RED ZONES.

‘The Nigerian Correctional Service reiterates that correctional centres are restricted areas and anyone who has no official business therein should stay off to avoid any untoward incidents or security breaches.

‘The Service urges all citizens to exercise caution and cooperate with security agencies to ensure a peaceful and safe environment for everyone. it is equally important to respect restricted areas such as correctional facilities. ‘

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has expressed reservations over the seven days warning strike action declared by the Edo State Council of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN).

Governor Okpebholo said the strike action was ill-timed, unpatriotic, and wholly unjustified.

He said the warning strike began at a time when meaningful negotiations between the Union and the government were ongoing.

The governor who spoke in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, said leadership of the Union has been in constant engagement with his administration on their demands.

He said issues raised by the Union were largely inherited from the past administration of Godwin Obaseki.

Governor Okpebholo said his administration has shown genuine commitment to addressing these inherited concerns in a phased, transparent, and responsible manner.

Okpebholo noted that one of the demands of the Union was the renovation of the Doctors’ Quarters, which was already receiving the attention of the state government, alongside other welfare-related matters.

According to him, ‘It is therefore shocking and disappointing that the leadership of the union would hastily declare a strike, claiming government insensitivity, when, in fact, the present administration has demonstrated open-mindedness, good faith, and a proactive resolve to improve the health sector.

‘This abrupt decision by the Union leadership does not only undermine ongoing dialogue but also exposes a lack of sincerity and respect for the negotiation process.

‘The Edo state government finds no merit in the call for this strike. The action appears driven by ulterior motives and extra financial demands known only to a few individuals in the Union’s leadership, to the detriment of the general membership.

‘Failure to yield to these unlawful financial demands from officials of the state government by a few greedy members of the leadership of the Union, birt less Edo citizens-especially those in need of urgent medical attention-at grave risk.

‘Such actions amount to a betrayal of the noble principles and ethics of the medical profession, particularly the Hippocratic Oath, which places the preservation of human life above all else. No responsible government can fold its arms while a few individuals hold the lives of its citizens hostage for personal gratification.

‘The Edo state government remains committed to dialogue and partnership with all stakeholders in the health sector to ensure industrial harmony and better service delivery to the people. However, it will not condone any act that jeopardizes the health and wellbeing of its citizens under any guise.’

In politics, as in business, there is no such thing as eternal friendship or enemy. Relationship changes, depending on potential benefits. Furthermore, lying is the second nature of spies, just as changing camps is the second nature of Nigerian politicians. The latest political developments in Enugu State vis-a-vis the political recalibration with the state governor as the major gladiator captured the political twists and turns in the state.

In the build up to the 2023 general elections, there were fragmentations among the two major political parties (APC and PDP). The state governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi PDP, collaborating with the Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike under the aegis of G-5 Governors worked against PDP Presidential candidate in favour of APC Presidential candidate. Some notable PDP figures in the state also worked against the PDP Presidential candidate in favour of APC Presidential candidate. At the time of the governorship election, notable APC members worked against the APC governorship candidate, Chief Uche Nnaji in favour of PDP candidate, Dr. Peter Mbah. The APC group that worked against the APC governorship candidate were labeled renegades and ostracized from the party. However, the renegades were unperturbed, maintaining their resolve as members of APC, running a parallel administration to Ugochukwu Agballah lead APC.

Nigerian democracy has witnessed a series of indiscriminate political defections, with politicians criss-crossing from one political party to another. There is nothing wrong with cross carpeting, simpliciter, if predicated upon well-articulated principles and unimpeachable political ideology. In fact, cross carpeting-within certain precincts-is a fundamental and constitutional right. Nevertheless, with the current trend of cross carpeting being enacted in the Nigerian political landscape, principles, scruples, ideology, and the like, have all been jettisoned for greed, self-interest, and opportunism. Though the legality of the current Nigerian species of cross carpeting may be entrenched, the morality is not. The current spate of cross carpeting, that has become commonplace, whittles down the respected concept of trust; reveals the abject dearth of political ideology; and impinges the entire society negatively. When morality is lost, in a society like Nigeria, then the fabrics of the law and its enforceability are grossly weakened.

The latest political shenanigan in Enugu State was precipitated by the state governor’s bid to join the APC, while the state chapter of the APC stood against that, insisting the governor should remain in PDP. However, the national leadership of APC wanted Governor Mbah in the party, and were therefore, at cross purposes with the state executive. Though the disagreement between the state and national executive of the APC in respect of Governor Mbah’s move was not in the public domain, the torrent of events in the past two weeks confirmed the cold war was on.

The PDP intra-party crisis which started after the Presidential primaries of 2022, escalated, becoming a hydra-headed monster, threatening the ambitions of the party members including Peter Mbah’s second term ambition. In that vein, members including Governor Peter Mbah choose to decamp, abandoning the crisis-laden PDP. He set his sights on APC, notwithstanding the fact that Enugu State APC is equally experiencing turbulence, as there are two camps. Going by the unwritten codes of Nigerian political parties, the highest ranking political office holder in any state is automatically the Party leader. So, Chief Uche Nnaji, the Honourable Minister of Innovation Science and Technology was the APC leader in Enugu State and his camp is chaired by Ugochukwu Agballah, and supported by the national executive. Chief Uche Nnaji who lost to Peter Mbah in the 2023 election has the intention of contesting again in 2027 on the platform of APC. On that note, the expectation was that Peter Mbah and Uche Nnaji will engage in political negotiations to decide who flies the party flag in 2027 or contest the party primaries to choose the gubernatorial candidate of the party in the state. However, events of the past two weeks changed the political configuration in the state; as Uche Nnaji was thrown under the bus and the APC structure handed over to the opposing camp, through the formation of a caretaker committee headed by Dr. Ben Nwonye, former chairman of the state executive and key figure in the anti-Uche Nnaji camp.

One thing is certain, Uche Nnaji, Peter Mbah and Ben Nwonye are Nkanu men, so their rivalry could be described as sibling squabble. Do I hear you say, I’m trivializing a serious issue? Remember, the positions they are contesting are transient and there is life after politics. Do I hear you, again, saying the actions were unfair? Sometimes, discussing equity and fairness with Nigerian politicians seems like discussing law and order with a crime boss. My advice, therefore, is that the political game should be played with caution, making provision for the morning after. Their followers should be cautious, avoiding actions and utterances capable of complicating matters. We are all people of Enugu State and should be our brother’s keeper. Say No to politics of bitterness.

Political parties in this Republic are besieged with the crisis of internal management. Parties are run by ‘Big Men’, godfathers or in most instances holders of executive power at both central and state levels. The parties, which are important instruments of democracy, are themselves undemocratic. The principles of fairness, transparency and internal democracy, which are core in the evolution and development of political parties, are flagrantly undermined by party leaders and their collaborators. In particular, party conventions and candidate selection processes are characterized with corruption, imposition and confrontations of various sorts. In essence, candidates for both party positions and general elections are not allowed to compete freely and fairly as provided for even in the constitutions of the parties. This trend makes parties in Nigeria a major source of confrontational politics.

Richard Vengrolf (1993) asserted that: Whether or not a party system significantly contributes to the political process of a country is linked to the several factors, including the development and the maintenance of strong party organization with the depth and breadth necessary for their operations, and the degree of the institutionalization of the party as indicated by its historical roots, longevity, and survival and continuing support. The ability to meet these conditions is indicative of their strength, their future survival and success and their potential contribution to the institutionalization of democratic government.