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The former southeast spokesman to President Bola Tinubu, Denge. Josef Onoh has told former vice President Atiku Abubakar his commentary on the resigned minister for Innovation Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji was a hypothetical outburst lacing in morality.

Atiku had condemned the Federal Government over the certificate forgery allegation against Nnaji, saying that what should have been a national shame was disguised as voluntary resig­nation.

Onoh in a statement in Abuja said Atiku’s statement was a tirade against President Tinubu and his administration, adding that Atiku exhibits desperate political ploy and grotesque display of hypocrisy.

He accused Atiku of an ugly past and ethical lapses that would make any true patriot recoil in disgust.

‘How dare you pontificate on moral crises, while your past reeks of scandals that have repeatedly stained Nigeria’s public trust? The audacity is breathtaking. As a private citizen with no stake in the corridors of power you invited moral burden, you lack the moral authority, nay, the basic integrity, to lecture anyone on deception or accountability. Your words are not a clarion call for justice; they are the hollow echoes of a perennial loser grasping at straws to distract from his own irrelevance.

‘Let us dissect your sanctimonious statement with the cold precision it deserves, grounded firmly in the immutable provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). You feign outrage over Mr. Nnaji’s voluntary resignation, claiming it masks a national shame and that he should have been summarily dismissed and prosecuted, yet, you conveniently ignore that President Tinubu’s swift acceptance of the resignation barely 72 hours after credible investigative reports surfaced, demonstrates precisely the accountability you pretend to champion,’ Onoh admonished.

He stated that under Section 147(1) of the Constitution, the President has the unfettered discretion to appoint and remove ministers at his pleasure, subject only to Senate confirmation for appointments,, which placed no constitutional bar against resignation as a dignified exit.

He said that the President’s action aligns with the ethical imperatives of public service outlined in the Fifth Schedule, Part I (Code of Conduct for Public Officers), which emphasizes integrity and avoidance of conflicts that erode public confidence.

He stressed that Nnaji’s prompt exit, prompted by a thorough media investigation, revealing discrepancies in his University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) degree and NYSC certificate, upholds the public service code which the University of Nigeria confirmed that Nnaji never graduated, and NYSC disavowed his discharge certificate-facts that triggered his resignation on October 7, 2025, without the need for protracted drama.

‘You demand prosecution? Fine, let the wheels of justice turn. The Criminal Code Act (applicable in southern Nigeria, including Enugu where Mr. Nnaji hails from) under Sections 465-467 criminalizes forgery of official documents, punishable by up to 14 years imprisonment. The Penal Code (northern equivalent) mirrors this in Sections 362-366. Additionally, the Fifth Schedule, Part I, Paragraph 11 mandates asset and credential declarations, with breaches constituting ‘misconduct’ under Paragraph 3(d), including false declaration of assets and liabilities.

‘If investigations by the EFCC or ICPC-agencies you once undermined-uncover intent, prosecution will follow, as it should for any public officer. But your selective amnesia is telling: Where was this zeal when your own allies forged paths through similar shadows? President Tinubu’s administration has not condoned forgery as state policy. It has enforced accountability, unlike the Obasanjo era you helped orchestrate, where scandals festered under your watch.

‘Now, to the heart of your hypocrisy: You smear President Tinubu as a man of questionable identity and alleged forgery, dredging up the Chicago State University (CSU) saga as if it were unresolved. The facts bury you here. In October 2023, following a U.S. court order you yourself petitioned for, CSU released President Tinubu’s full academic records, confirming he enrolled in August 1977, majored in Accounting, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in June 1979.

‘The university’s registrar, Caleb Westberg, deposed under oath that the replacement certificate Tinubu submitted to INEC matches CSU’s 1979 format, as verified against seven contemporaneous diplomas. Section 131(1)(d) of the Constitution requires presidential candidates to be educated up to at least School Certificate level or its equivalent-a threshold Tinubu not only meets but exceeds, as affirmed by CSU’s official transcripts and the Supreme Court’s dismissal of your petition in October 2023.

‘Your contradictory claims under oath are fiction; the records show consistency in identity (Bola A. Tinubu) and attendance. The U.S. Supreme Court denied your appeal in 2024, closing this chapter. To persist is not advocacy-it’s defamation, prosecutable under Section 375 of the Criminal Code for false statements calculated to injure reputation.

‘But oh, Atiku, the mirror you shatter reflects your own fractured visage far more cruelly. You, who accuse others of institutionalizing falsehood, stand as a monument to corruption that the Constitution abhors. Recall the Fifth Schedule, Part I, Paragraph 2: ‘A public officer shall not put himself in a position where his personal interest conflicts with his duties. You embodied this breach repeatedly. In 2006, as Vice President, a Senate ad-hoc committee indicted you for diverting over $145 million from PTDF funds to private interests, recommending prosecution-a grave violation of Paragraph 3(c) on bribery and corruption.

‘The EFCC, under Nuhu Ribadu, declared you unfit for public office, echoing the Code of Conduct Tribunal’s mandate under Paragraph 18(1) to punish such ‘misconduct’ with dismissal or bans. You fled to Dubai, only returning when political winds shifted.

‘Fast-forward to 2010: A U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations report exposed how your wife, Jennifer Douglas, laundered over $40 million in suspect funds into U.S. banks during your VP tenure-funds traced to Nigerian public coffers.

‘This implicated you in money laundering, contravening Section 15(1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act and the Constitution’s anti-corruption ethos in Section 15(5). You were even linked to a bribery scandal that imprisoned U.S. Congressman William Jefferson, per the same report.

‘Your 2023 presidential bid unearthed more rot: Whistleblower Michael Achimugu’s recordings revealed you boasting of siphoning N100 million from the Ecological Fund Office via Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) like Marine Float Limited-classic embezzlement under Section 308 of the Penal Code. HEDA petitioned the EFCC and CCB for probe; Festus Keyamo sued you at the Federal High Court (FHC/ABJ/CS/84/2023) to compel investigation. Even your son-in-law, Abdullahi Babalele, dodged money laundering charges in 2020 for funneling $140,000 to influence elections-echoes of your playbook. And let’s not forget the 1984 suitcases scandal: As Customs Area Comptroller, you waved through 53 undeclared suitcases of cash at Murtala Muhammed Airport, a blatant breach of fiduciary duty under the Code of Conduct.

‘These are not whispers; they are documented indictments, Atiku. The Constitution’s Fifth Schedule, Paragraph 12, requires allegations of such breaches to go to the Code of Conduct Bureau-yet you evaded scrutiny time and again, shielded by political patronage. You call for an independent investigation into the FEC’s credentials, starting with Tinubu? Pot, meet kettle. The DSS’s clearance of nominees, including Nnaji, is a procedural lapse we own and have corrected-but your demand reeks of sabotage, not sincerity. Section 146(b) allows the President to fill vacancies swiftly; Tinubu has, appointing a substantive replacement without delay. Your pattern of sour grapes- from 2007 (when EFCC barred you) to 2023 (when you lost fairly)-exposes this as electioneering theater, not statesmanship.

‘Nigerians see through you, Atiku. While President Tinubu builds on his verified credentials to steer Nigeria toward renewed hope, you peddle division from the sidelines. Retract your baseless smears, or better yet, submit yourself to the EFCC for the probes you dodged. Only then might your voice on morality ring less like a forgery itself. The Constitution demands better-from all of us. It starts with silencing hypocrites and statesman turned salesman like you,’ Onoh berated.

The Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, has called for collaboration to mitigate the impact of floods, fire outbreaks and other disasters across the country.

She also charged the agency’s staff across the country to create trust, restore dignity, and save lives while discharging their duties.

Umar urged them to uphold the values of empathy, professionalism, and accountability, which are the true hallmarks of excellent service.

She made the call in Abuja on Thursday during the Agency’s celebration of 2025 Customer Service Week with the theme, ‘Mission: Possible’.

Umar noted that the theme was a reminder that no challenge was insurmountable when service is driven by purpose and passion.

She said, ‘As the nation’s apex disaster management agency, our customers are the millions of Nigerians whose lives and livelihoods depend on our efficiency, empathy, and professionalism. Whether we are responding to disasters, coordinating humanitarian relief, managing internally displaced persons’ camps, or strengthening community resilience, our success is measured by the trust and satisfaction of the people we serve.

‘Disasters do not give notice. In times of crisis, a kind word, a timely update, a listening ear, or a swift response can make the difference between despair and hope. That is why customer care in NEMA is not a department but the heart of our mandate.

‘At NEMA, our mandate demands more than just coordination of emergency response – it demands excellence in every action and integrity in every process. Quality assurance ensures that every relief effort reaches the right people, at the right time, with the right resources. Compliance strengthens public trust and aligns our humanitarian interventions with national policies and international standards.

‘To our partners and stakeholders, we invite you to join us in strengthening a service culture where every Nigerian, no matter their circumstance, feels heard, valued, and supported.’

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has approved the appointment of new members into the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) and the Governing Council of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.

According to appointment letters signed by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, eight persons were named to serve on OYSIEC, while seven others were appointed to the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital governing council.

Comrade Adeniyi Afeez Babatunde was appointed as the new Chairman of OYSIEC. Other members include Olatunde Akintunde Theophilus, Mrs. Adebayo Mariam Adepeju, Mr. Olanrewaju Emmanuel, Chief Kunmi Agboola, Mr. Remi Ayoade, Mr. Sunday Falana, and Mr. Babatunde Ige.

The newly appointed members of the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Governing Council are Prof. Banji Oyeyinka Oyelaran (Chairman), Mr. Olatunde Gabriel Oyelade, Dr. Bello Adebayo Taiwo, Mrs. Isola Agnes Bolanle, Dr. Akintunde Kehinde Ayinde, Prof. Olawale Adebayo Olakulehin, and Prof. Adenike Olugbenga-Bello.

Governor Makinde charged all appointees to perform their duties with diligence, dedication, and loyalty to the state, noting that the appointments take immediate effect.

As part of its renewed commitment to tackling preventable blindness, the federal government plans to distribute five million pairs of free reading glasses within the next three years, it emerged on Thursday.

In addition, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation to strengthen comprehensive eye health services in Nigeria.

The MoU focuses particularly on refractive error treatment and capacity building to improve nationwide access to quality eye care.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Adekunle Salako, revealed these during the 2025 World Sight Day commemoration in Abuja, where he reaffirmed government’s determination to improve eye health and reduce preventable blindness across Nigeria through the integration of Primary Eye Care (PEC) into the Primary Health Care (PHC) system and other targeted interventions.

The initiative, launched under the Effective Spectacle Coverage Initiative Nigeria (ESCIN), also known as Jigibola 2.0, aims to reduce visual impairment caused by uncorrected refractive errors.

Salako explained that refractive errors such as presbyopia remain the most common causes of visual impairment in Nigeria.

He added that ESCIN aligns with the 74th World Health Assembly’s target of increasing global refractive error coverage by 40 percent by 2030, saying, ‘Investing in eye health today is an investment in Nigeria’s future.

‘By prioritizing eye health, we are building a brighter, more productive, and more prosperous nation’d.

Salako, who was represented by the Ministry’s Director of Hospital Services, Dr. Jimoh Salaudeen, emphasized that good vision is central to national development and individual productivity, noting that impaired sight can hinder education, reduce workplace efficiency, and slow economic growth.

Highlighting Nigeria’s global commitments, he recalled that the country joined other UN member states in adopting the General Assembly resolution ‘Vision for Everyone: Accelerating Action to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,’ which seeks to end preventable sight loss by 2030.

‘Evidence shows that blindness prevention contributes directly to poverty reduction. Following successful cataract surgery, 46 percent of households move up the economic ladder, improving food security and livelihoods,’ Salako said.

The Minister outlined key government efforts to strengthen eye health services nationwide, including the development of the National Eye Health Policy (2019) and the National Eye Health Strategic Development Plan (2023-2027), which together provide a framework for expanding eye care delivery at all health levels.

According to him, integrating PEC into PHC services will make eye care more accessible to Nigerians in rural and low-income areas, especially women and the elderly.

‘We have trained 12 master trainers across the six geopolitical zones, developed data collection tools for PHC facilities, and enhanced the capacity of primary healthcare workers to manage simple eye conditions and improve referrals,’ Salako said.

While presenting the details of the MoU, Raphael Okumu, Associate Director of Partnerships at the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, Africa Chapter, said the collaboration reflects a shared goal to reduce preventable vision loss through sustainable, community-based eye health programs.

‘A pilot phase involving at least three vision centers will assess progress and guide future expansion,’ Okumu explained.

Under the MoU, the Foundation will provide equipment, training, and infrastructure support, while the Ministry will offer health facility space, personnel, and regulatory oversight.

The partnership, he said, aims to establish self-sustaining vision centers nationwide and expand access to affordable eye care.

Earlier in her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Kachollom Daju, commended eye health professionals and development partners for their dedication and contribution to reducing visual impairment in Nigeria.

Represented by the National Coordinator, National Eye Health Programme at the Federal Ministry of Health Abuja, Dr Oteri Okolo, the Permanent Secretary urged Nigerians to prioritize regular eye check-ups and early detection, warning that vision loss carries serious economic and social consequences, particularly in a youthful and rapidly growing nation like Nigeria.

‘I therefore want to use this opportunity to advocate for routine eye exams and greater public awareness on early detection,’ she said.

Also speaking at the event, renowned musician and producer, Cobhams Asuquo, advised Nigerians, especially young people to take their eye health seriously, noting that good vision is vital for personal development and societal progress.

World Sight Day, celebrated annually under the auspices of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), aims to raise global awareness about the importance of eye health.

The House of Representatives has called for strict enforcement of compliance with the provisions of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act, 2022, particularly as it concerns the participation of private companies in the mandatory health insurance scheme for employees.

This followed the adoption of a motion titled ‘Need to Enforce the Compliance of the Provision of Health Maintenance Organisations (HMO) in Private Companies,’ sponsored by Hon. Felix Uche Nwaeke during Thursday’s plenary.

Presenting the motion, Hon. Nwaeke expressed concern over the widespread refusal of many private companies across the country to comply with the law mandating them to enroll their staff in accredited Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs).

He noted that the National Health Insurance Act, 2022, makes health insurance compulsory for all Nigerian employees in private establishments with more than five staff members, in addition to those in the public sector.

According to him, the NHIA is empowered to grant accreditation and regulate the operations of HMOs in the country to ensure that both employers and employees have access to suitable and sustainable healthcare plans.

Nwaeke further explained that under the Act, private companies and employers are required to contribute 10 percent of an employee’s basic salary, while the employee contributes 5 percent, making a total of 15 percent, meant to guarantee access to healthcare services.

However, he lamented that ‘most private companies have totally refused to enroll their staff or make the mandatory contributions to the scheme,’ thereby exposing employees to severe health risks and financial hardship during medical emergencies.

He warned that the non-compliance by private companies not only undermines the intent of the NHIA Act but also deprives workers of the health benefits and protections guaranteed by law.

‘The refusal of employers to enroll staff into any healthcare plan leaves many workers to their fate in times of sickness, with no form of institutional support,’ he said. ‘This defeats the essence of the health insurance reform, which was designed to make healthcare accessible and affordable to all Nigerians.’

Adopting the motion, the House urged the National Health Insurance Authority to immediately begin compiling data on defaulting private companies and to sanction those found to be violating the law.

It also mandated the House Committee on Healthcare Services to ensure full compliance with the provisions of the Act and to report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

Lawmakers emphasized that enforcing compliance would not only promote the health and well-being of Nigerian workers but also strengthen the country’s health insurance system and reduce the burden on public hospitals.

The motion was widely supported by members who described it as timely and necessary to ensure accountability in the private sector’s role in national healthcare delivery.

With the House resolution, attention is now on the NHIA to act decisively against erring companies and ensure that every eligible employee in the private sector is enrolled in a certified health insurance scheme as stipulated by law.

The Northern Ethnic Nationalities Forum (NENF) has expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointment of Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN) as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would restore public confidence in the electoral process.

The group also described his historic appointment as a significant step toward strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

A statement on Thursday in Abuja by the Chairman of NENF, Dr. Dominic Alancha, said the appointment reflects a commitment to meritocracy and national inclusiveness.

The statement reads: ‘As a Forum believes he will steer the Commission with independence, transparency, and excellence at a time when our democracy requires bold, ethical, and visionary leadership.

‘The Northern Ethnic Nationalities Forum also wishes to express profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for making this strategic and commendable choice, as well as to the Council of State for their endorsement and support of Prof. Amupitan’s nomination.

‘This decision demonstrates a clear commitment by the current administration to electoral reform, national unity, and competent leadership across all arms of governance.

‘We believe this appointment will inspire confidence among Nigerians, particularly the youth, and the organised civil society and serve as a catalyst for a more credible, technologically advanced, and peaceful electoral process in the years to come.

‘We are especially proud that this appointment reflects the Federal Government’s recognition of the deep well-being of talent and integrity that exists within the North-central region and among its diverse ethnic nationalities. Prof. Amupitan stands as a shining example of the excellence that our region contributes to national development.

‘As stakeholders in the democratic project, we call on all Nigerians-regardless of region, ethnicity, or political affiliation-to support Prof. Amupitan, as he embarks on this crucial national assignment.

‘Once again, we congratulate Prof. Joash Amupitan, and we assure him of our prayers and unwavering support in his quest to reposition INEC as a truly independent and trusted institution.’

Nigerian film of the year, ‘Thicker Than Water,’ a psychological drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat is set for release.

Directed by Yomi E. Adejumo and produced by Joshua Enakarhire, this film promises to deliver a thrilling narrative that explores the complexities of human relationships and the depths of sisterhood.

The film follows Ese, a photojournalist who embarks on a journey to find her long-estranged sister, only to discover that her sister’s disappearance is linked to a dark and sinister plot. As Ese delves deeper into the mystery, she finds herself entangled in a web of secrets and lies that threaten to destroy everything she holds dear.

‘Thicker Than Water’ is a psychological drama, romance, mystery, and thriller set to premiere on Amazon Prime Video on October 10, 2025.

The film features Adaobi L. Dibor as Ese, a determined photojournalist, alongside Bimbo Ademoye as Onome, Taye Arimoro as Kazeem, and Damilola Ogunsi as Ola. The supporting cast includes Toyosi Benjamin, Mawuyon Ogun, Pamilerin Ayodeji, Diana Egwuatu, Jemima Adelekan, and Chikere Bright in various roles.

A notable northern policy group, the Arewa Think Tank (ATT), has concluded arrangements to hold its Nigeria Independence Day Anniversary Lecture on October 30, 2025, in Kaduna.

Among the prominent personalities expected at the event is Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, who will deliver the keynote address on the theme: ’65 Years of Nigeria’s Independence: The Journey So Far with the Renewed Hope Agenda in View.’

Other dignitaries expected to grace the occasion include the Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, and several serving ministers from the Federal Executive Council.

According to a statement by the Convener of ATT, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, northern elders, technocrats, and captains of industry will also be in attendance.

Yakubu explained that the event, earlier scheduled for October 9, 2025, was postponed due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of the planning committee.

‘We have now reached a concrete conclusion that the lecture will hold on the new date, October 30, 2025, at the same venue, the Auditorium Hall of Arewa House, Kaduna,’ he said.

‘We are grateful to our supporters and partners who have stood by us this far, and we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience the change of date might have caused our esteemed guests.’

Yakubu noted that President Bola Tinubu’s Independence Day address served as a clarion call for Nigerians to rekindle faith in the nation’s limitless potential.

He said the group aligns with the President’s message of hope, unity, and national rebirth, describing it as the moral compass needed to drive Nigeria’s development at this critical juncture.

The ATT, he added, firmly believes that national unity remains the foundation for Nigeria’s progress and collective advancement.

Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday, admitted additional evidence in the ongoing trial of the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, who is facing charges over an alleged $4.5 billion fraud.

Emefiele is standing trial on a 19-count charge bordering on receiving gratification and corrupt demand, filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

His co-defendant, Henry Omoile, is facing a separate three-count charge relating to unlawful acceptance of gifts by agents. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to all charges.

At the resumed hearing, Justice Oshodi overruled the objections of the defence counsel, led by Senior Advocates of Nigeria Olalekan Ojo and Kazeem Gbadamosi, and admitted as evidence a bundle of documents extracted from the mobile phone of John Adetola, a former Executive Assistant to Emefiele.

Ruling on the admissibility of the materials, Justice Oshodi stated, ‘The court overrules the objection of the defence counsel and admits the documents as Exhibit G.’

Following the court’s ruling, the prosecution’s witness, Alvan Gurumnaan, continued his testimony and read out WhatsApp conversations contained in Exhibit G. The chats allegedly revealed that Omoile instructed Adetola to deliver $400,000 to ‘Oga,’ a term the witness said referred to Emefiele.

Led in evidence by EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), Gurumnaan testified that Adetola had confirmed during interrogation that the $400,000 was handed to a CBN official named Ayo, who served as Emefiele’s personal assistant.

‘John Adetola confirmed that he went to Lekki, Lagos, where he met Ayo and delivered the $400,000. He later proceeded to the CBN office in Lagos, where he handed the money over to Mr. Emefiele,’ Gurumnaan told the court.

He further alleged that another $200,000 was delivered through the same channel. ‘This time, Ayo personally handed the money to Emefiele in his office,’ the witness added.

According to Gurumnaan, a CBN contractor, Victor Oyedua, confirmed providing the $400,000 and $200,000 to Ayo as part of an arrangement to ‘settle management’ to facilitate payment for pending contracts with the CBN.

The prosecution also tendered additional documents obtained from the apex bank and a company letter dated February 24, 2024, which Justice Oshodi admitted as Exhibit H despite objections from the defence.

A Mi 10T smartphone belonging to Adetola, which was reportedly seized while still powered and in flight mode, was admitted as Exhibit I.

The EFCC further sought to tender statements allegedly made by Emefiele during investigation. However, the defence objected, claiming the statements were obtained under duress.

Following the objection, Justice Oshodi ordered a trial-within-trial to determine the voluntariness of the statements. He directed both parties to report on the progress of forensic inspection by November 21, 2025.

The case was subsequently adjourned till December 2 and 3, 2025, for continuation of trial.

Nigerian track and field star Blessing Okagbare had double reasons to celebrate as she turned 37.

The former Olympic medalist welcomed the arrival of her baby on her birthday, October 9, 2025.

Taking to her official X (formerly Twitter) page, Okagbare expressed her joy, describing it as her best birthday yet.

‘Best birthday ever. I get to celebrate it with my Oreofe. A very blessed 37th birthday indeed. Lord, you have always done it for me,’ she wrote.

Okagbare, who has long been celebrated for her achievements in athletics, now adds motherhood to her milestones, with fans and fellow athletes flooding her page with congratulatory messages.