Category: PM News

The Conference of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) has stated that the outcome of Saturday, July 11 local government elections in Edo State was not the expression of the will of the people.

CRPP in a statement on Wednesday, signed by Dr Samson Isibor and Hon Nkama Waribe, its National Chairman and National Secretary respectively, described the celebration of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)’s victory as an attempt to legitimise what it called manufactured figures rather than a genuine expression of the people.

It would be recalled that the APC had won in all the 18 local government areas and the 192 wards in the election.

The Coalition said it was surprising that the APC was celebrating claims of over two million votes in an election that was characterised by widespread voter apathy and extremely low turnout across the 18 local government areas of the state.

It noted that the election failed to generate public enthusiasm despite the APC being virtually the only political party that fielded candidates for the exercise.

The coalition noted that the poor turnout clearly reflected the growing disenchantment of Edo people with the APC administration at both the state and federal levels, citing worsening insecurity, hunger, unemployment, poverty and the rising cost of living as major factors responsible for the electorate’s loss of confidence in the ruling party.

CRPP maintained that no amount of inflated or manufactured figures could conceal what it described as the obvious rejection of the APC by the people of Edo State, insisting that the reality witnessed at polling units across the state was at variance with the impressive figures being publicised by the ruling party.

The coalition further alleged that the huge vote figures being brandished by the APC were intended to create a false impression before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that Edo State remained firmly under the party’s control and that he could expect similar electoral support in the 2027 general election.

According to the CRPP, ‘The figures being celebrated are clearly designed to hoodwink President Bola Ahmed Tinubu into believing that the APC still enjoys overwhelming grassroots support in Edo State.

‘However, the reality on the ground tells a different story, as the empty polling units and low voter participation exposed the true mood of the people.’

The Coalition warned that the APC should not mistake questionable and unrealistic election statistics for genuine popularity, stressing that the hardship confronting Nigerians had fundamentally altered the political mood of the electorate.

Meanwhile, the CRPP has challenged the Chairman of Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), Jonathan Aifuobhokhan, to disclose where he deployed the 10,000 ad hoc staff he announced to the world on July 9, that were recruited for the purpose of the election.

‘We make bold to say that the APC connived with the EDSIEC chairman to defraud Edo people by inventing such factitious figures of ad hoc staff that were never seen on ground. So, they should tell us how they used our money,’ the statement said.

CRPP, however, expressed confidence that the 2027 general election would present Edo people with an opportunity to freely express their democratic choice, adding that the APC would receive the ‘shock of its political life’ as voters had resolved to democratically reject the party through the ballot.

The Coalition therefore urged political leaders to focus on addressing the challenges confronting citizens rather than celebrating what it described as questionable electoral statistics, insisting that only good governance, transparency and accountability could restore public confidence in the nation’s democratic process.

Renewed Hope Ambassadors and members of the Presidential Communications team on Wednesday inspected a number of strategic federal and state government projects in Imo State.

The inspection was in continuation of the National Media Tour to showcase the federal and state governments’ landmark projects across the South-East geo-political zone, Tunde Rahman, Director of Media and Publicity, Renewed Hope Ambassadors said in a statement.

The National Media Tour, an initiative of the Governor Hope Uzodimma-led Renewed Hope Ambassadors in collaboration with the Presidential Media Team, is aimed at providing Nigerians with firsthand information on the implementation of key federal and state governments’ infrastructure projects across the country, while promoting transparency, accountability and public awareness of ongoing development initiatives.

The delegation, which included members of the Presidential Communications Team and over 40 senior journalists, toured the completed 56-kilometre Okigwe-Owerri Road, the 36-kilometre Owerri-Obowo-Umuahia Road, the ongoing upgrade and construction of the standard runway at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport.

Other projects inspected were the newly-upgraded Alvan Ikoku College of Education, Owerri now upgraded to Federal University of Technology as well as the Federal Medical Centre Owerri upgraded to a Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital Owerri.

Speaking during the inspection, the Imo State Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Mr. Declan Emelumba, said the projects were the dividends of the strong partnership between the Federal Government and the Imo State Government.

He noted that the expansion of the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport is designed to transform the facility into a major logistics and export hub, with eight modern warehouses for storage and cargo handling expected to boost agricultural exports, commerce and investment in the South-East.

According to the Commissioner, several of the landmark projects were financed by the Imo State Government through the expanded fiscal space available to subnational governments following the economic reforms of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

‘This is Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education. This place used to be Alvan Ikoku College of Education Owerri, previously owned by the state. Now, the Federal Government has upgraded it to a university less than a year ago.

‘What is important here is not just that it has been upgraded, it’s a project that has been dear to every government that has ruled Imo State, but none was able to accomplish it because this is one of the oldest Federal Government Colleges of Education in Nigeria.

‘I think they said there were about six in the country. Almost all of them had been converted to Federal University of Education. So, every government in Imo struggled to get it converted but couldn’t realize it until the coming of Governor Hope Uzodimma. And this was realized less than a year ago,’ he said.

Emelumba said the project had generated significant employment opportunities for Imo people and had also attracted TETFUND projects.

The Commissioner also explained that the enhanced funding has enabled Governor Hope Uzodinma’s administration to accelerate infrastructure development while complementing federal interventions across critical sectors, including transportation, healthcare and education.

He pointed out that the achievements also demonstrated the shared development vision of President Tinubu and Governor Uzodimma, whose administrations are working in synergy to deliver sustainable development and improve the quality of life for Nigerians.

Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Special Duties, Mr. Tunde Rahman, emphasized that the successful execution of projects in Imo State, including the university upgrade and improvements to a federal teaching hospital, demonstrates the ‘beauty and significance’ of a state aligning with the federal government for development purposes.

Rahman commended Governor Uzodimma for undertaking projects that support the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, especially the educational initiatives like ‘NELFUND’ which ensures indigent students have access to affordable education, preventing them from abandoning school due to financial constraints.

Members of the media team commended the pace and quality of work on the projects inspected so far, describing them as visible evidence of the positive impact of collaborative governance between the Federal Government and the subnationals under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

For many of her followers, Emmauella Ifeoma Okafor is a familiar-and often controversial-face on social media. She was the woman behind the ‘Ezenwanyi’ character. This larger-than-life persona projected the image of a powerful traditional priestess and generated thousands of reactions, debates, and criticisms online.

Armed with a striking figure that invites comparisons with American country music legend Dolly Parton and Nollywood actress Cossy Orjiakor, Emmauella has long been a magnet for trolls. Much of the attention stems from her revealing red-and-white flowing costume and her unapologetic display of her cleavage as part of the Ezenwanyi character.

But behind the dramatic performances, the provocative costumes, and the viral content was a woman whose life was quietly taking an unexpected turn.

Today, Emmauella is telling a very different story-one of faith, reinvention and love. The content creator recently revealed how what began as a social media gimmick to boost engagement unexpectedly led her to the man she would eventually marry.

It was a love story she never planned. Last year, Emmauella launched a playful online campaign announcing that she was ‘looking for a husband.’ Carrying cardboard placards bearing the message, she visited markets and other public places, creating humorous content around the search.

The objective, she said, was never marriage. ‘It started like a joke,’ she recalled. ‘Those of you who have been consistent on this page know that last year I posted a series of content saying I was looking for a husband.’

The strategy worked. Her videos generated massive engagement, and her inbox was soon flooded with marriage proposals. ‘I was just doing it to gather engagement and traffic on my page and make money. I wasn’t looking for a husband,’ she admitted. Thousands of men expressed interest in marrying her. ‘There were thousands of texts from men wanting to marry me. I was surprised, but I wasn’t interested.’

To Emmauella, the messages all sounded alike. She had seen countless attempts by men trying to impress women online, and none of them stood out. Then one message changed everything.

Buba Galadima has acknowledged the strong resistance confronting efforts to sell Peter Obi’s presidential candidacy to voters in northern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 election.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress chieftain said promoters of the Peter Obi-Rabiu Kwankwaso ticket had been called several names and accused of attempting to bring an Igbo man into power.

Galadima, a close political ally of Kwankwaso, made the remarks during an exclusive interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Wednesday.

He described the proposed partnership as Nigeria’s ‘healing ticket,’ claiming it was designed to reconcile the North and the South-East and address longstanding mistrust between both regions.

‘It is our belief that this is the only ticket that can salvage Nigeria,’ Galadima said.

He disclosed that he and other supporters had been working for more than two years to improve relations between northern and South-East political leaders.

According to him, their goal is to convince Nigerians to see Obi as a national candidate rather than an ethnic choice.

‘We are making Peter Obi a Nigerian president, not an Igbo president,’ he declared.

Galadima admitted that the campaign had attracted hostility from both the ruling All Progressives Congress and rival opposition parties.

‘We have been called several names: ‘Oh, you are bringing an Igbo man,” he said.

‘Unfortunately, it’s not only the ruling APC government criticising us, but even some opposition political parties.’

He accused opposition figures of fighting among themselves instead of concentrating on their efforts to defeat the APC.

Galadima also challenged supporters of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar who criticised the ticket, reminding them that Obi was Atiku’s running mate during the 2019 presidential election.

He noted that Atiku had previously selected Ben Obi, Peter Obi and Ifeanyi Okowa as running mates during his different presidential campaigns.

Galadima said the proposed Obi-Kwankwaso government would prioritise insecurity, agriculture and education, particularly in northern Nigeria.

He claimed Obi had agreed to personally address the three sectors and involve northern stakeholders in developing solutions if elected.

The NDC chieftain also acknowledged that politicians of his generation contributed to the ethnic and religious divisions now confronting the country.

‘Of course, we did create this problem. We were part of it,’ he admitted.

Galadima further accused the APC administration of neglecting agriculture and pursuing food-importation policies that he claimed had harmed local farmers, although he presented no supporting figures during the interview.

He said the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket would invest in agriculture, local manufacturing and practical skills to tackle unemployment.

Despite the resistance confronting the campaign in the North, Galadima maintained that the alliance was not built around ethnic or religious interests.

‘This ticket is not about Igbos, Hausas, Yorubas, Islam or Christianity. This ticket is about Nigeria,’ he said.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is now down to its final match after exciting semifinal clashes involving Spain, France, Argentina and England.

After more than five weeks of football, fans will witness a historic final between defending world champions Argentina and European champions Spain.

It is the first World Cup final between two Spanish-speaking nations since the inaugural tournament in 1930.

Spain dominate France

Spain secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over France and looked superior in almost every department.

A day after celebrating his 19th birthday, Lamine Yamal won an early penalty after being fouled by France defender Lucas Digne. Mikel Oyarzabal converted from the spot in the 22nd minute to give Spain the lead.

Spain’s midfield trio of Dani Olmo, Rodri and Fabian Ruiz controlled possession throughout the game, while defenders Marc Cucurella and Pedro Porro limited France’s attacking threats.

Porro doubled Spain’s lead in the 58th minute, and from then on Spain comfortably managed the game. Their ability to keep possession made life difficult for the French side.

Spain have improved significantly since their opening goalless draw against Cape Verde. The introduction of Olmo into the starting lineup has added creativity and balance to the team.

France’s problems exposed

It was a disappointing night for France coach Didier Deschamps, whose side struggled to cope with Spain’s intensity and organisation.

The French midfield failed to gain control, while several attacking players were unable to make a significant impact.

Michael Olise dropped deeper in search of space but became less effective in attack. Bradley Barcola found it difficult to get past Spain’s defence, while Desire Doue missed one of France’s best chances when he shot directly at goalkeeper Unai Simon.

France also suffered a setback when defender William Saliba was forced off with a back injury.

The defeat marked the end of an era for Deschamps, who is expected to step aside after the tournament, with former France legend Zinedine Zidane set to take charge.

Messi inspires Argentina again

Lionel Messi once again proved decisive as Argentina defeated England 2-1 to reach a second consecutive World Cup final.

Although Messi did not score, he provided two crucial assists that helped Argentina complete a dramatic comeback.

England looked set for victory after taking the lead, but Enzo Fernandez equalised in the 85th minute with a powerful long-range strike after receiving a pass from Messi.

As England focused on stopping Messi in the closing minutes, the Argentine captain delivered another dangerous cross that Lautaro Martinez converted for the winning goal.

Messi’s performance extended his remarkable record of scoring or assisting in 11 consecutive World Cup matches dating back to the 2022 tournament.

Emotional night for Argentina

Argentina’s victory produced emotional scenes after the match.

Match winner Lautaro Martinez said he had dreamed of scoring such a goal since childhood, recalling when his father bought him his first pair of football boots.

Giuliano Simeone, who made only his second World Cup appearance, admitted he was surprised to learn he would start such an important match.

Tuchel’s tactics questioned

England manager Thomas Tuchel came under criticism following the defeat.

After taking the lead, England switched to a more defensive approach by introducing extra defenders. The strategy had worked in previous matches against Mexico and Norway, but Argentina eventually found a way through.

Fernandez’s long-range equaliser exposed the risks of sitting too deep, while England struggled to create attacking opportunities after Anthony Gordon was substituted.

Many observers also questioned Tuchel’s decision not to bring on Marcus Rashford earlier and to leave Bukayo Saka unused, arguing that both players could have helped England relieve pressure and create chances on the counterattack.

Final showdown awaits

The semifinals delivered drama, emotion and tactical battles, setting up a blockbuster final between Argentina and Spain.

Argentina will be aiming to defend their World Cup crown, while Spain will seek to add a second World Cup title to their growing list of achievements.

With Messi chasing another piece of history and Spain looking like the tournament’s most complete team, Sunday’s final promises to be a memorable contest.

Aloy Ejimakor, lawyer to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has said that many young people from the South-East do not join the Nigerian Army because they do not trust the military, not because they lack courage.

Ejimakor made the statement on Thursday while reacting to comments by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.

The army chief had expressed concern over the low number of South-East youths joining the military during a passing-out parade at the Nigerian Army Recruits Training Depot in Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State.

According to Ejimakor, many Igbo youths feel excluded from the country’s security leadership and believe the military has often been used against people from the South-East during times of crisis.

He said the hesitation to join the armed forces is linked to what many see as long-standing marginalisation and a lack of trust in the institution.

Ejimakor referred to the killings of Igbos during the 1967 crisis in Northern Nigeria and said memories of such events remain painful. He also mentioned more recent incidents involving people suspected of having links to IPOB, including events in Nkpor, Aba, Obigbo and Port Harcourt.

He further argued that some South-East youths are uncomfortable with the government’s rehabilitation and reintegration of former Boko Haram fighters.

According to him, many are unwilling to serve in a military structure they do not trust alongside former insurgents.

Ejimakor said the low number of recruits from the region should be seen as a form of protest rather than a lack of patriotism.

He maintained that many young people from the South-East do not want to risk their lives under a command they believe does not treat them fairly.

The Army has repeatedly encouraged youths from the region to enlist, noting that South-East states often record some of the lowest recruitment figures in the country. Military authorities have said any recruitment slots not filled in the region are usually reassigned to other parts of Nigeria.

The Nigerian Army has also insisted that its recruitment process is transparent, fair and based on merit. Officials have blamed the low turnout partly on misinformation about military enlistment.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has overturned a Federal High Court judgment that invalidated key provisions of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s electoral guidelines for the 2027 general elections.

The appellate court in a unanimous decision delivered on Thursday, held that the Youth Party, which instituted the suit against the electoral guidelines, lacked the legal standing to challenge them.

The lead judgment, prepared by Justice Adebukola Banjoko and delivered by Justice Okon Abang, held that the party failed to show how the disputed guidelines affected either its primary election process or the submission of its candidates for the 2027 elections.

The court stated that the Youth Party did not establish any injury arising from the guidelines that would justify bringing the action before the court.

The three-member panel also faulted the earlier decision of Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court, who on 20 May declared parts of the guidelines invalid for allegedly conflicting with provisions of the Electoral Act.

According to the appellate court, that ruling amounted to a miscarriage of justice.

Justice Umar had ruled that INEC had neither constitutional nor statutory authority to compel political parties to conduct their primaries within timelines set by the commission.

The trial court also struck down provisions of the commission’s timetable requiring political parties to submit membership registers and candidates’ particulars before the deadlines contained in the Electoral Act, holding that INEC could not lawfully shorten statutory timelines.

INEC challenged the judgment at the Court of Appeal arguing that the trial court failed to determine its preliminary objection that the case was hypothetical and academic, thereby denying it a fair hearing.

The Court of Appeal agreed with the commission, allowed the appeal and set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court.

The decision restores the validity of INEC’s electoral guidelines for the conduct of the 2027 general elections.

Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has urged African Pentecostal leaders and scholars to develop practical solutions to Nigeria’s insecurity.

Adeboye, represented by his Special Adviser on Administration, Prof. Dele Balogun, stated this on Thursday, while declaring open the International Conference on African Pentecostalism 2026, at the Redemption city on Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

The conference, themed ‘African Pentecostalism and the Politics of Insecurity in Nigeria’, attracted participants from within and outside the country.

He described Nigeria as a blessed nation facing a defining moment, but expressed confidence that the country would fulfill its destiny through God’s help and citizens’ cooperation.

The RCCG General Overseer listed kidnapping, insurgency, farmer-herder clashes and communal violence among the nation’s major security challenges requiring urgent collective attention.

Adeboye said African Pentecostalism had continued to play significant roles in Nigeria’s religious, political, economic and social development despite prevailing challenges.

He urged participants to use the conference to critically examine the causes of insecurity and develop practical, implementable solutions rooted in Christian ethics and theology.

According to him, pentecostalism should go beyond preaching peace by promoting actions capable of producing lasting security and national transformation.

Adeboye cautioned participants against treating the conference as merely an academic exercise, urging them to ensure that deliberations translate into policies and practical interventions.

He expressed optimism that the conference would produce robust recommendations capable of strengthening the role of African Pentecostalism in addressing Nigeria’s insecurity.

‘You will agree with me that we are at a defining moment in the history of our nation, Nigeria. By the special grace of God, Nigeria is a blessed country. But whether the enemy is happy or not, as we cooperate with God, I believe that Nigeria will fulfill her divine destiny. Today, Nigeria is confronted with numerous security challenges, including kidnapping, insurgency, farmer-herder conflicts, communal violence, and many other forms of insecurity. Yet, despite these challenges, one major force that has continued to play a pivotal role in the nation’s economic, political, and religious spheres is African Pentecostalism. You will agree with me that African Pentecostalism does not merely preach peace or simply spiritualise every issue. Rather, it seeks to translate faith into practical action so that, in our time, tangible solutions can emerge to address the problem of insecurity,’ he said.

In his remarks , Pastor Sunday Akande, National Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), says African Pentecostalism can provide solutions to Nigeria’s insecurity and governance challenges.

Akande, represented by Dr Josiah Bolarinwa, Assistant Continental Overseer, Research and Development RCCG, urged Nigerians to embrace truth, faith and divine guidance as pathways to freedom, deliverance and national transformation.

He described religion and governance as inseparable in African society, saying pentecostalism promoted spiritual values that could positively influence politics, security and community development.

He said African Pentecostals should actively support community security, encourage members to serve in security agencies and uphold ethical leadership through Christian values and spiritual commitment.

In his welcome address, the Provost of Redeemed Christian Theological College (RCTC), Dr Rotimi Oti, called on scholars and church leaders to provide practical solutions to Nigeria’s security challenges through research and collaboration.

The provost said the gathering was a partnership with the Department of Religious Studies, University of Ibadan, and Redeemers University, Ede.

Delivering his keynote address, Prof. Afe Adogame, Princeton Theological Seminary, U.S.A, urged churches and other faith-based organisations to complement prayers with practical actions to address insecurity in Nigeria.

Adogame said that insecurity required the collective efforts of government, religious bodies and citizens. The guest lecturer argued that excessive attention to national security had overshadowed human security, including poverty reduction, job creation, economic empowerment and improved welfare for citizens.

According to him, churches and other religious organisations have focused more on spiritual security while paying insufficient attention to tackling poverty and other socio-economic conditions fueling insecurity.

He maintained that prayer alone would not solve Nigeria’s security challenges, stressing that meaningful change would come through prayer backed by deliberate action and collective responsibility.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, to step aside pending the outcome of investigations into the death of 26-year-old Mary Habila, who reportedly died at the minister’s private residence in Ebonyi State.

In a statement on Thursday, Atiku said the move was necessary to ensure public confidence in the investigation, stressing that his call should not be interpreted as a declaration of guilt against the minister.

‘I make no pronouncement on anyone’s guilt or innocence,’ Atiku said. ‘Only a credible, independent, and transparent investigation can establish the truth.’

Mary Habila, a native of Nok in Southern Kaduna, reportedly died on June 27, 2026, at Senator Umahi’s private residence in Uburu, Ebonyi State.

Atiku expressed condolences to Habila’s family, describing her death as a tragedy.

‘No family should have to mourn a daughter taken in the prime of her life while also fighting simply to learn the truth of how she died,’ he said.

The former vice president criticised what he described as the Federal Government’s handling of the matter, alleging that there had been insufficient public communication since the incident became known.

According to him, the circumstances surrounding the death have generated public concern, particularly following reports that an autopsy had yet to be conducted and that the investigation remains with the Ebonyi State Police Command.

He also noted that the case first gained public attention following media reports.

Atiku questioned what he described as the silence of key government institutions, including the Presidency, the Federal Executive Council, the Inspector-General of Police and the National Assembly.

He further expressed concern that the minister had continued to perform his official duties while the investigation was ongoing.

According to Atiku, public confidence would be strengthened if the Federal Government ensured that the investigation was independent and transparent.

He therefore called on President Tinubu to direct Umahi to temporarily step aside while investigations continue.

‘This is not a punishment; it is the minimum standard of public accountability in any serious democracy,’ Atiku said. ‘No official under this cloud should preside over a federal ministry as though it were business as usual.’

The former vice president also urged the Inspector-General of Police to transfer the investigation from the Ebonyi State Police Command to the Force Headquarters and involve independent forensic experts.

According to him, such a move would help enhance public confidence in the outcome of the investigation.

Atiku further called for what he described as a full, independent and internationally credible autopsy to be conducted without further delay, with the findings made public.

In addition, he urged authorities to ensure that Mary Habila’s family is protected from any form of pressure, intimidation or inducement and granted full access to information relating to the investigation.

PM News reports that Senator Umahi has previously denied wrongdoing and has publicly supported calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mary Habila’s death.

Authorities have not announced any findings regarding the cause of death, and investigations are ongoing.

Below is the full statement by Atiku Abubakar:

I have followed with deep sorrow and mounting concern the reports surrounding the death of Miss Mary Habila, a 26-year-old Nigerian from Nok, Southern Kaduna, who died on June 27, 2026, within the private residence of the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, in Uburu, Ebonyi State.

First, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Habila family. No family should have to mourn a daughter taken in the prime of her life while also fighting simply to learn the truth of how she died.

But condolences are not enough. Nigerians deserve answers, and it is on this score that the Tinubu administration has failed, comprehensively and disgracefully.

Consider the facts that are not in dispute.

A young woman died in the residence of a serving Federal Minister.

For nearly two weeks, neither the Minister, nor the police, nor any arm of government said a word to the Nigerian people.

It took the courage of Sahara Reporters to bring this death into public view.

Three weeks after her death, no autopsy has been performed.

No cause of death has been established.

The investigation remains domiciled in the very state where the Minister served two terms as Governor and where his influence is beyond question.

And through all of this, silence from the Presidency.

Silence from the Federal Executive Council.

Silence from the Inspector-General of Police.

Silence from the National Assembly.

Not one word.

Not one directive.

Not one gesture to assure Nigerians that the life of Mary Habila matters to this government.

Instead, the Minister has been permitted to manage the narrative of a death that occurred under his own roof: issuing statements through his personal aides, deploying his private lawyers to correspond with the police, and continuing his official duties as though nothing has happened, while civil society groups, youth organisations, and the family’s own community cry out for an independent inquiry.

Let me be clear: I make no pronouncement on anyone’s guilt or innocence. That is precisely the point.

Only a credible, independent, and transparent investigation can establish the truth, and it is the refusal of the Federal Government to guarantee such an investigation that constitutes the scandal before us.

A government’s first duty is the protection of life.

Where a life is lost in circumstances touching a high official of state, the burden on government to act transparently is at its heaviest.

President Tinubu’s administration has instead treated this tragedy as an inconvenience to be waited out.

If the death of a young Nigerian woman in a Minister’s residence cannot stir this government to act, then Nigerians must ask: whose life, exactly, does this government value?

I therefore demand the following:

One, President Bola Tinubu must direct the Honourable Minister of Works to step aside immediately, pending the conclusion of investigations. This is not a punishment; it is the minimum standard of public accountability in any serious democracy. No official under this cloud should preside over a federal ministry as though it were business as usual.

Two, the Inspector-General of Police must immediately transfer the investigation from the Ebonyi State Command to Force Headquarters, with the involvement of independent forensic experts. No investigation conducted in the shadow of the Minister’s home-state influence can command public confidence.

Three, a full, independent, and internationally credible autopsy must be conducted without further delay, with the findings made public. The stalemate over the post-mortem, three weeks after this young woman’s death is an indictment of every institution involved.

Four, the family of Mary Habila must be protected from any pressure, inducement, or intimidation, and must be guaranteed unfettered access to the facts of their daughter’s death.

The Children, Sexual and Gender-based Violence Offences Court sitting in Awka on Thursday ordered the remand of a 45-year-old bricklayer, Ikenna Muojekwu, for allegedly defiling his 14-year-old daughter.

The defendant, who resides at Nduana village, Aguluzigbo in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra, is facing a charge of defilement.

The prosecutor, Insp Chinyere Okechukwu, told the court that the offence was committed sometime in March at Nduana village, Aguluzigbo.

Okechukwu said the girl moved in with her father in 2025 after separating from her mother.

She said the girl told police that the defendant, who often returned home drunk, had been sleeping with her until she could no longer bear it and reported the matter to a tenant in the house, who alerted the police.

The prosecutor said a medical examination conducted at the Ntasi Sexual Assault Referral Centre, General Hospital, Enugu-Ukwu, confirmed that the girl had been defiled.

She said the offence contravened Section 3(2) of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law of Anambra State, 2017.

Okechukwu prayed the court to remand the defendant in a correctional facility, in line with Section 130(2)(a)(b) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2022.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs U.E. Onochie, ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Awka Correctional Centre.

Onochie adjourned the case until Aug. 12 for further hearing.