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Members of the House of Representatives will this week debate a motion seeking urgent medical intervention for the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

The resolution followed an intervention during Tuesday’s plenary by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu who in reaction to a point of order raised on the subject matter by the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha, notified the House that it will be properly presented for hearing within the week.

Hon. Aguocha had raised a point of order, (Order 6 Rule 2 on matters of privilege), stating that he’s yet to get a response to the letter dated 27th August, 2025 he wrote to the Speaker, President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) for urgent medical intervention for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu whose health is reportedly deteriorating.

Hon. Aguocha who was visibly angered by the development, explained that the lawmakers who authored the letter ‘requested for a certain action, which was to intervene in the medical condition of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.’

When asked to take down the motion, Hon. Aguocha maintained that the issue at stake ‘is a matter of life and death.’

He explained that: ‘A letter to Mr. President for an urgent intervention request to the deteriorating health conditions of my constituent, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Up until today, Mr. Speaker, I have yet to receive any response from Mr. Speaker, from Mr. President, and from the Attorney General despite the deteriorating health of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who has been evaluated by his own team of doctors and came up with a report which was attached to the letter that was submitted to Mr. Speaker, to the President, and as well to the Attorney General.

‘A second evaluation has been conducted by the Nigerian Medical Association, and the results even further confirms.

‘The deteriorating health of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, he has organ deficiencies, low potassium, and that he is, as we speak, on the verge of death.

‘Mr. Speaker, at the instruction of the court, the court instructed in eight days for the Nigerian Medical Association to also do their own assessment.

‘So there are three reports now, Mr. Speaker. All leading to the same direction. I quote the judge. The judge says, only a man who is alive and living can stand trial. Mr. Speaker, this is not politics or any other thing, but it is a fundamental human right that should be ascribed to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

‘Most other people in that gap have been given opportunities to even travel overseas to seek medical attention.

‘Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is neither convicted of any crimes in Nigeria. I must be protected under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. So, Mr. Speaker, a lot of progress has been made in order to see that the government does the right thing to be able to afford Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the urgent treatment that he needs. It’s significant, Mr. Speaker.

In his reaction, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen urged Hon. Aguocha to step it down, and present the matter properly another legislative day, as he came under the wrong House Rules.

Corroborating, the Deputy Speaker while noting that the subject matter presented is important, assured the Speaker that the motion will be presented properly before the House in the course of the week.

Hon. Kalu said: ‘Mr Speaker, I’m also from Abia State. On the issue that is being raised by my Colleague, we will present it before the House properly in the course of the week.

‘We will come properly before the House so that proper hearing will be given to it. I beg that you will give us the audience maybe tomorrow or next tomorrow.’

While ruling on the issue, Speaker Tajudeen said: ‘No problem, it’s just the procedure that I was challenging not the substance of the issue. We will be willing and ready to give you all the time to present.’

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has once again assured Nigerians that the 10th Senate under his leadership will remain open, accountable, and responsive.

Akpabio gave the assurance on Tuesday in his address to welcome his colleagues back to plenary after about ten weeks of annual recess.

In the welcome address titled ‘Steady Hands for a Great Nation,’ Akpabio said: ‘To the citizens of Nigeria, we say this: we hear you. We know your expectations. You ask not for excuses but for results; not for noise but for substance.

‘This Senate will remain open, accountable, and responsive. We will not shrink from scrutiny – indeed, we welcome it, for accountability is the lifeblood of democracy.

‘But it must be clearly understood: the foundation of every democracy is its legislature. Those who seek to weaken the legislature, in truth, seek to wreck the substructure of democracy itself.’

The Senate President commiserated with compatriots across the flood-ravaged states and extended a hand of fellowship and prayers of comfort to every home affected by other disasters, insecurity, hunger, and hardship.

Akpabio urged his fellow lawmakers to resume work with fresh vigour and legislate for future generations.

He said: ‘Our people do not look to us for lamentations; they look to us for action. The banners of terrorism and banditry still threaten the countryside.

‘The cost of living weighs upon the family table like an iron chain. The flickering of our national grid leaves cities in darkness and commerce in paralysis.

‘These trials summon us to service of uncommon urgency – and to partnership with the Executive Arm, that together we rewrite the story of our nation.

‘We must legislate with boldness. We must press forward with reforms to steady our economy, draw investment, broaden the tax base, and nurture growth.

‘We must strike hard at the enemies of ignorance and disease by strengthening education and healthcare. We must give the youths of Nigeria not only hope but opportunity.

‘We must revisit the Constitution – to make our federalism stronger, our governance more efficient, and our democracy more inclusive.

‘Above all, we must wield our power of oversight with vigilance, so that the people’s money is spent for the people’s good.

‘Our relations with the Executive shall remain frank and firm – neither obsequious nor obstructive. Where policies raise our people, we shall lend our strength; where they imperil them, we shall speak on their behalf.

‘We must continue to uphold the independence of this Senate, the dignity of this chamber, and the majesty of the Constitution which governs us all.

‘Distinguished colleagues, let history record that in our time, we did not shirk from truth, nor flinch from responsibility, but urged our people toward leaders worthy of their trust.

‘Let us resume our work with fresh vigour and steadfast resolve. Let us legislate not only for the Nigeria of today but for the generations whose faces we shall never see.

‘Let this Senate be remembered as an instrument of national transformation, a citadel of democracy, and a beacon of hope.’

A Nigerian-Canada based cleric and endtime preacher, Pastor Olumide Akinrinlola, has sparked intense debate among Christian faithful after declaring that people do not go to hell because of their sins but because they reject the gospel and refuse to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and personal saviour.

In a sermon that has since gone viral online, the preacher challenged the long-held belief that sin is the principal reason people face eternal damnation. According to him, the true cause of condemnation is the rejection of God’s offer of salvation through Jesus Christ.

‘People are not going to hell because they are fornicators, adulterers, liars, or killers. The reason they are going to hell is because they refused to accept the gospel – the salvation of their soul. Jesus Christ is the salvation of our soul. People are going to hell because they refused to accept Him as their Lord and Saviour,’ the cleric said.

Quoting from the Bible, specifically 2 Corinthians 5:17, he explained that accepting Christ leads to total transformation and the abandonment of sinful lifestyles.

‘When a man is born again, old things are passed away and all things become new. When a fornicator accepts Jesus, he will stop fornicating. When an adulterer accepts Jesus, he will stop adultery. When an evil man accepts Jesus, he will stop the evil,’ he stated.

He further noted that repentance and faith in Christ produce genuine change, emphasising that the gospel is not about condemnation but transformation.

‘Somebody consuming excessive alcohol, when you accept Jesus, you will live a new life. When a witch or someone involved in sorcery accepts Jesus, they will stop those practices and ask God for deliverance,’ he said.

The preacher, who said he was inspired by divine instruction to share the message, maintained that no sin is too great for God to forgive if a sinner genuinely repents.

‘There’s no sin you’ve committed that God will not forgive you if you decide to repent. The reason people are going to hell is because they refuse to repent and forsake their sins,’ he added.

For many who listened to the sermon, the takeaway was clear: hell, according to the preacher, is not a destination reserved for sinners by nature, but for those who reject the gift of salvation offered freely through Jesus Christ.

‘The reason people are in hell today is because they refused the gift of salvation. That is what God asked me to tell you.’

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) have declared a one-day protest for Thursday, October 9, over what they described as the Federal Government’s persistent failure to address their long-standing demands.

The two unions, operating under the Joint Action Committee (JAC), have directed all their branches across the country to convene emergency joint congresses on Wednesday, October 8, to mobilise members for the nationwide protest.

The action, according to the unions, will feature protest marches within campuses, the display of placards conveying their grievances, and press briefings to highlight their plight.

The decision to embark on the protest was reached by JAC at its meeting held on October 6, following a comprehensive review of the government’s response to several ultimatums earlier issued by the unions. According to the unions, the Federal Government has failed to act decisively on critical issues, including what they termed the unjust disbursement of N50 billion earned allowances, the delay in the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/NASU-SSANU Agreements, and the non-payment of two months’ outstanding salaries. They also accused the government of failing to pay arrears of 25 and 35 percent salary adjustments, as well as third-party deductions for May and June 2022.

It will be recalled that JAC had initially issued a seven-day ultimatum to the government on September 15, 2025, demanding urgent action on the issues. The ultimatum was later extended by another fourteen days, which expired on Monday, October 6, without any meaningful progress.

In a memo addressed to all NASU and SSANU branch chairmen in universities and inter-university centres nationwide, titled ‘Commencement of Protest Actions’ and dated October 6, the unions emphasised the need for full participation and commitment from all members. The circular was jointly signed by NASU General Secretary, Prince Peters Adeyemi, and SSANU National President, Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim.

It reads: ‘The last circular of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) Titled ‘Current Status of Our Agitations’ referenced JAC/NS/Vol. III/55 dated 22nd September, 2025 refers. As referenced in the circular, the Federal Government was granted a 14-day extension, following the lapse of the initial 7-days to address our concerns vis-à-vis: Unjust Disbursement of N50 Billion Earned Allowances; Delay in Renegotiation of Year 2009 FGN and NASU/SSANU Agreements; Non-payment of Outstanding Two (2) Months Salaries; Non-payment of Arrears of 25% / 30% Salary Arrears; Non-payment of 3rd Party Deductions of the Two Months Salaries (May and June, 2022) etc.’

The unions noted that although the Federal Ministry of Education had inaugurated a Joint Consultative Committee to deliberate on their demands, very little progress had been made. According to the circular, ‘Following the inauguration of the Joint Consultative Committee by the Honourable Minister of Education to look into the demands of JAC of NASU and SSANU, the Committee met twice on Friday, 19th September, 2025 and Monday, 6th October, 2025 at the Permanent Secretary’s Conference Room, Abuja with little progress as our demands remain unresolved despite extension of the ultimatum.’

‘In light of this development,’ the memo continued, ‘the National JAC at its meeting held on Monday, 6th October, 2025 hereby directs Branch leadership in the Universities and Inter-University Centres throughout the country to convene a Joint Congress in their respective campuses on Wednesday, 8th October, 2025 to mobilize and prepare for a massive and effective ONE-DAY Protest on Thursday, 9th October, 2025.’

The unions stressed that the protest is a clear message of frustration over the government’s nonchalance toward issues affecting non-teaching staff in universities. They called on all members in both federal and state-owned universities to strictly comply with the directive, stating: ‘All members of NASU and SSANU in both Federal and State Owned Universities are expected to strictly comply with this directive. Your cooperation and strict adherence are essential to achieving success in our demands.’

Former Senate President and interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has said the party was determined to restore the confidence of Nigerians in the democratic process and its institutions.

The APC national chairman gave the pledge on Tuesday in his opening remarks at the National Working Committee (NWC) meeting of his party in Abuja.

The former Senate President decried what he called the surrender of authority of institutions of the parliament and the judiciary to the executive arm of government.

He said, ‘As a former President of the Senate, I am alarmed by attempts-subtle and crude-to bend the legislature and judiciary to the will of the executive.

‘The ADC will defend the separation of powers, restore legislative and judicial independence, and strengthen oversight so that budgets serve the public interest, not private appetites. We will end the culture of parallel budgets and extra-budgetary maneuvers by enforcing strict and transparent planning, timely appropriations, and rigorous auditing.

‘The judiciary must again be a refuge for every citizen. We will back an independent, efficient, and trusted bench-appointments on merit, transparent case management, time-bound rulings, and a bias for justice over empty technicalities.’

He further assured the electorate that a ruling government under the ADC would walks its talks on its electoral promises to Nigerians.

To achieve its dreams, Mark urged stakeholders in the opposition party to be willing to subordinate their interests for the collective good of the party and ultimately the larger interest of Nigerians.

‘Nigerians are tired of slogans and statistics that do not translate into their welfare: food, power, jobs, and safety. We will focus on what works. We will pursue price stability and productivity through credible, rules-based coordination of fiscal and monetary policy. We will deliver reliable power supply by expanding power generation, fixing transmission bottlenecks, and rewarding distribution performance.

‘We will secure our food supply by supporting farmers and agricultural value chains from inputs and storage to processing and markets. We will back small businesses and industry with affordable, performance-tied credit and local content that creates jobs, not rent. And we will shine a bright light on every naira-no parallel budgets, no black-box spending, no sacred cows. Judge us by what Nigerians feel in their daily lives, rhetorics and bland statistics: lower volatility, more reliable power, visible projects, and decent work.

‘Our foreign policy will be Pan-African-rooted in regional integration and international peace. We will champion trade within Africa, harmonize standards that open markets for Nigerian goods and services, leverage diaspora capital, and build coalitions that keep our sub-region stable and prosperous.

‘This National Working Committee has urgent tasks. We must review our constitution to reflect the new order, develop a code of ethics, financing rules, and compliance systems. We must establish functional ward, local government, and state structures with trained organizers, digital registers, and service desks. We will build a leadership pipeline through a merit-based academy-policy, ethics, communications, and delivery.

‘We will receive reports from the Secretariat and zones and prepare for regular and off-cycle elections well in advance. And we will field only credible and viable candidates who meet the 4-pillar standard-Character, Competence, Courage, and Discipline.

‘Nigeria and Nigerians-will accept nothing less. The political class has too often served itself. We must change this outdated pattern. We must model a new attitude to leadership across every sphere-public, private, and civic. Let it be said of the ADC that we kept faith with the people, that we were steady under pressure, honest in our dealings, and relentless in delivery. We do not seek power for its own sake; we seek it to build a legacy worthy of our children.

‘A new tomorrow is achievable-if we start the work today,’ Mark stated.

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, for what it described as a hypocritical comment on the demolition of structures at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex.

Obi had asked the Lagos State Government to ‘temper law with compassion’ in the demolition.

But in a statement on Tuesday, Lagos APC spokesman, Mogaji Seye Oladejo, said Obi was not being sincere.

‘The same Peter Obi, when he was governor of Anambra, pulled down shops, markets and houses without showing mercy. Now he wants to act like a saint in Lagos,’ he said.

Oladejo explained that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s government had already warned people and talked to stakeholders before starting the demolition.

‘No serious government will keep quiet while illegal buildings put lives in danger and block development,’ he added.

He also accused Obi of using the issue for politics. ‘His attempt to politicise this matter is shameful and unbecoming of a former governor,’ Oladejo said.

According to him, Lagos will not be taught governance by ‘political drifters who mistake noise for substance.’

The APC advised Obi to focus on ‘fixing his political image’ and leave Lagos to continue enforcing its laws ‘without fear or favour.’

A medical helicopter crashed onto a busy highway in Sacramento, California, United States (US), on Monday, leaving three people critically injured.

The aircraft had just transported a patient to a hospital and was returning to base when it began losing altitude before crashing onto Highway 50. One of the victims was trapped under the helicopter following the impact.

A small crew from the local fire department and several bystanders on the highway worked together to lift the aircraft off the trapped woman, allowing her to be rescued and taken to an ambulance.

No motorists were injured in the incident, which Sacramento Fire Department Captain Justin Sylvia described as ‘mind-blowing’ considering the helicopter went down in the middle of the road, blocking both eastbound lanes.

He explained, ‘People reported that they basically saw the helicopter kind of going down quickly. So all the traffic slowed down.’

The pilot, nurse, and paramedic on board were all hospitalised after the crash, while the cause of the incident remains under investigation.

REACH Air Medical, the company that owns the helicopter, stated in a press release that it is ‘keeping all those impacted in our thoughts and prayers.’

The company added, ‘We are in the process of determining the details of this situation, as well as the condition of the REACH crew involved, who were all taken to area hospitals.’

Sacramento city councillor Lisa Kaplan, who was on a police ride-along responding to the crash, said plumes of white smoke were rising from the wreckage.

She commented, ‘It’s really sombering and sobering. I am up flying with sheriff pilots that do this day in and day out. And it really makes you grateful for every day and grateful for our officers and our medical pilots.’

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, on resumption from the 10-week annual recess, swore in three newly elected lawmakers.

They are Hon. Omosede Igbinedion (Edo), Hon. Felix Bagudu (Kaduna State), and Hon. Mukhtar Rabiu (Jigawa).

Administering the oath of office to the new members, the Clerk of the House ushered the three APC lawmakers into the Green Chamber under the Speaker’s supervision.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Hon. Omosede Igbinedion of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the recent by-election held in Ovia Federal Constituency, Edo State, after polling a total of 77,053 votes to emerge victorious.

The seat in the National Assembly became vacant in September 2024 after Dennis Idahosa, who represented Ovia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, emerged as Deputy Governor.

Hon. Felix Bagudu replaced the late Labour Party member, Hon. Ekene Adams, for the Chikun-Kajuru Federal Constituency, Kaduna State, after polling a total of 34,580 votes to secure victory.

The third new member, Hon. Mukhtar Rabiu, representing Garki/Babura Federal Constituency, Jigawa State, polled 38,449 votes to emerge victorious in the by-election.

Former Deputy Governor of Osun State and former National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Iyiola Omisore, on Tuesday declared his intention to contest the 2026 governorship election in Osun State under the platform of the APC.

Speaking after his declaration at the party secretariat in Osogbo, Senator Omisore said, ‘If we go to the primaries today, I’ll win more than 90 per cent. By God’s grace, I shall emerge and deliver the APC government by next year, August.’

‘My declaration is to show the preparedness of core APC members in the state, to show how ready we are to ensure that I become the party candidate by God’s grace in December, and to further strengthen the belief of the people in the coming APC government in Osun State.’

‘APC’s chance in 2026 is 100 per cent. These are volunteers from the nooks and crannies of the state. This is just within the party and not the public – this is internal politics, preparing us for the forthcoming primaries in December.’

‘This is also to show the strength of the rescue mission to ensure that we get the party ticket by God’s grace and win the governorship election.’

‘I am optimistic. You know, if we go to the primaries today, I’ll win more than 90 per cent. By God’s grace, I shall emerge and deliver the APC government by next year, August.’

‘People are expecting mature governance, educational improvement, agricultural advancement, rural capital development, structural adjustment of the state, capital development, impartial policies, among others.’

‘Most importantly, a very serious government – governance is not a dancing matter; it’s a serious business and must be taken seriously by serious people.’

‘Going forward, I am expecting the people of Osun State to vote for the APC en masse come August 8, 2026,’ he concluded.

In his own remarks at the event, Hon. Ajibola Famurewa, a former member of the Federal House of Representatives representing Atakunmosa East/Atakunmosa West/Ijesa constituency of Osun State in the 8th National Assembly, said, ‘The people here today are members of the APC from all the wards across the state. These are the people who asked Omisore to come out and vie for the ticket of the party. We are sure that with their support, Omisore will emerge as the party’s candidate.’

‘Governance is a serious business, and as a former deputy governor, he is the most experienced among other good aspirants of the party to fly the ticket and deliver.’

Kaduna State has been honoured with the Best Government Supporting Women and Their Families award at the 9th edition of the Voice of Women Conference and Awards (VOW 2025) held in Abuja.

The national recognition celebrates subnational governments and institutions demonstrating exceptional commitment to women’s empowerment through progressive policies and programmes.

Kaduna’s selection reflects its pioneering steps in institutionalising gender-responsive governance under the leadership of Governor Senator Uba Sani.

Among the landmark initiatives highlighted by the organisers were the approval of a Women Affirmative Procurement Policy, the implementation of Gender-Responsive Procurement, and the establishment of a Gender-Responsive Department at the Kaduna State Public Procurement Authority (KADPPA).

In addition, a Gender Desk was created within KADPPA to ensure the consistent enforcement of inclusivity standards across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

Delivering her goodwill remarks at the event, Dr Nita Byack George – a renowned administrator and advocate for women’s empowerment – commended Governor Uba Sani for his visionary leadership in mainstreaming gender inclusivity into governance.

‘As someone who has dedicated years to advocating for women’s health, empowerment, and leadership inclusion at both national and international levels, I am heartened to see the real impact of deliberate, gender-responsive governance,’ she said.

Dr George lauded Kaduna’s gender-focused reforms, noting that they serve as a model for other states across Nigeria.

‘These initiatives show that Kaduna is not just talking about inclusivity – it is institutionalising it. Governor Uba Sani’s administration is setting a model for others across Nigeria to emulate,’ she remarked.

The Voice of Women (VOW) Conference and Awards, a flagship national platform for advancing gender equity and social inclusion, drew participants from government, civil society, development partners, and the private sector.

Kaduna’s recognition reinforces its reputation as a progressive, people-centred state government that prioritises women’s empowerment, inclusive economic participation, and family welfare through deliberate policy action and institutional reform while setting a national benchmark in gender-responsive governance.