Connect with us

Uncategorized

What President Buhari told me about Biafra agitation – Gov. Umahi reveals 

Published

on


Recently, Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi state and Chairman, South East Governors’ Forum, travelled with President Buhari to New York to attend the UN General Assembly. In this interaction covered by our correspondent, OBINNA ODOGWU, the Governor revealed the details of his private discussions with Buhari on Biafra agitation as well as the President’s response.


Hate speeches seem to be the order of the day in Nigeria. What is the Ebonyi State Government doing to curb the menace?

We have a very important law we are going to make and that will be on hate speeches. You will have to prove henceforth whatever allegations you put forward, whether it is on the social media or on the pages of newspaper. We are going to make the law so that when you are accusing anybody you will have to prove it. We will create a department that will be in charge of that so that we regulate hate speeches in the state.

Already, Kaduna state did it and I told the Governor, please export whatever you have in Kaduna and bring here. What is pulling this country down is our mouths and mindset. People just sit down at one corner and start to destroy people and cook up all kinds of things you cannot prove. We know that this is democracy but he that comments must prove his or her point and we must insist on that. The courts are there to prove our points and strengthen democracy. Anybody who stays at the corners of his/her house to accuse you, that person must be fished out to prove it.

From all indications, the country will soon be restructured in view of the clamour all over the nation. How prepared are South East states?

Very soon, there will be no more money coming from Abuja, it will happen just suddenly. If they just say okay let us do restructuring and of course the North is doing greatly very well, how do we survive? North has a lot of opportunities, they are moving into agriculture.

And so some people see restructuring as a dream that may not come to pass. If they say we must restructure and let every region harness its resources and keep it, bring 50% of it to the centre, 30% to common pocket to be redistributed and 20% to the federal government. The question is: what are we going to bring to the centre? But this is one of the aspects of restructuring and so we must wake up. I will continue to shout it, we must hear that and I am happy the President commended Ebonyi state in agriculture and fertilizer. One of my fights in this state is such that the Abakaliki rice would not be dimmed because it is known all over the world. But we have to do different things if we must excel. We have improved in agriculture actually but we have not reached our destination and we must get to the destination in rice production in this country.

What can you say about the ongoing agitations in the South-East region for the actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra and the recent proscription of IPOB?

I want to thank the Governors of South-East and the North for their efforts in ending the ugly incident that occurred recently. Let me assure Nigerians that Mr. President has heard you and he is going to address all the issues raised. There is no need to continue insulting our leaders and abusing other tribes. No need trying to pose danger to the existence of our people. We are not untrustworthy people. We are very, very trustworthy. We are hardworking and well cultured people and so, we have made our points.

I had private discussion with Mr. President in New York and I want to assure the South-Easterners that the President will address all our problems. Nigeria is going to see peace. We are stronger when we are bigger. Let me also tell our people that we are playing too much politics. It is only in the South-East that you see petitions that they are piling in the EFCC. Everything is now about politics and we left our hard work for politics.

As the incumbent and 3rd civilian Governor of Ebonyi State since its creation 21 years ago, what efforts have you made in living up to the dreams of the founding fathers?

In our efforts to create a new Ebonyi State of the dreams of our founding fathers, we christened the platform upon which God brought us to leadership and raised us so high above distractions through the divine mandate. We remain grateful to God. We can humbly say that we have achieved a lot through God’s divine mandate within the two years of our administration. We have kept hope alive and delivered on our campaign promises despite obstacles that have stirred us and still stirring us in the face, but we are surmounting most of them.

Undoubtedly, this year’s celebration for us as a people is an important juncture in the annals of our statehood; because, we have worked hard to bring development to our state.

In the previous years, we have devoted this celebration to enumerating our collective challenges in which insecurity had formed the major challenge. But today, we have modified this annual event such that it has become a convention for our collective achievements. We have kept hope alive and tackled our challenges as a people who are destined to succeed.

Let me emphasize that the dream of our founding fathers was that should Ebonyi State be created; it will survive based on the human and mineral resources that God endowed us with. It is important that we know how far we have harnessed these resources that God gave to us.

Uncategorized

CRG: Politicians Must Stop Witch-Hunting, Focus on Nation Building — Says NYSC Cleared Deputy Speaker Since 2023 

Published

on

CRG: Politicians Must Stop Witch-Hunting, Focus on Nation Building — Says NYSC Cleared Deputy Speaker Since 2023

By: Boye Ola 

 

The Centre for Responsible Governance (CRG) has called on political actors and interest groups to desist from what it described as needless witch-hunting of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, following renewed controversies surrounding his National Youth Service Corps records.

 

The organisation noted that the clarification by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) regarding the matter is not a recent development, as a formal verification letter had already been issued as far back as May 23, 2023.

 

 

The letter, referenced NYSC/CCD/VER/10/5.1/VOL1/02, had already addressed and cleared the questions surrounding the Deputy Speaker’s NYSC records.

Reacting to the renewed debate, the spokesman of the Centre,

 

Obande George, said it was troubling that issues which had already been clarified by a competent national institution were being resurrected for political purposes.

According to him, the time has come for political actors to move away from destructive engagements and concentrate on building the nation.

 

“It is important to note that the NYSC had already issued a verification letter dated May 23, 2023 addressing the matter.

Reopening issues that have already been clarified by a competent authority suggests that some individuals are more interested in political witch-hunting than in national progress,” George said.

 

The CRG stressed that democracy thrives when institutions are respected and their determinations are accepted in good faith rather than constantly questioned for political advantage.

George also commended the Deputy Speaker for demonstrating maturity and composure throughout the controversy, despite what he described as sustained provocations.

 

“Honourable Benjamin Kalu has shown remarkable calm and maturity in the face of intense public scrutiny and political provocation.

 

Instead of engaging in unnecessary public confrontation, he allowed institutions to speak through their records.”

 

The Centre warned that Nigeria’s political culture must evolve beyond constant character attacks and sensational allegations, which often distract public officials from their responsibilities.

 

According to the organisation, the country’s development requires constructive engagement among political actors rather than continuous attempts to discredit opponents.

 

“Nigeria cannot move forward if political energy is constantly spent on digging up allegations and amplifying rumours. Our leaders and political actors must redirect their focus to governance, policy and nation building.”

 

CRG therefore urged Nigerians to rely on verified information from credible institutions and avoid spreading speculative claims that could damage reputations or destabilise public discourse.

 

The organisation reiterated that respect for due process and institutional integrity remains essential for strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

 

@The Centre for Responsible Governance, Email: [email protected], Instagram: crgngo6, Twitter: crgng06, Threads: crgngo6

Continue Reading

Uncategorized

IWD 2026: Ajadi Celebrates Women, Urges Them To Seek More Elective Positions In Future Elections

Published

on

IWD 2026: Ajadi Celebrates Women, Urges Them To Seek More Elective Positions In Future Elections

 

A Leading People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) Governorship Aspirant in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo has felicitates with women in the country on the occasion of this year’s International Women’s Day.

 

The international Women’s Day is celebrated on 8 March, commemorating women’s fight for equality and liberation along with the women right’s movement. It gives focus to issues such as gender equality and reproductive rights. International Women’s Day originated from labour movements in Europe and North America during the early 20th century.

 

In a statement issued on Sunday to commemorate this year’s edition of the International Women’s Day, Ajadi said the role of the women in nation building cannot be over emphasised.

 

He recalled the role played by prominent Nigerian women like Mrs Funmilayo Ransome- Kuti, Margaret Ekpo and Wuraola Esan towards the liberalization and the growth of the country and urges women to follow their footsteps by not only participate in the political process but seek more elective positions.

 

He urges the political leaders to encourage and give more chances to women for them to contest and occupy elective positions in the country.

 

Ajadi also called for more respect for women, saying they are definitely behind whatever success recorded by the menfolk.

 

He said domestic violence against women should be stopped, saying they deserves respect for their role in moulding the future leaders.

 

According to the statement, “I celebrate and congratulate our women on this year’s occasion of International Women’s Day. We cannot underestimate the role played by our women both at home, in the social circle and in politics. They deserve more respect.

 

“I equally called on them not only to be a passive participants in politics but to determine to seek more elected positions in future elections. They should aspire more from the position of dancing and singing at campaigns to seek more elective positions. The ratio of men to women in elective positions in the country is embarrassing. Women should stand up and fight for more elective positions.

 

“I also use the occasion of this year’s Women’s Day to appeal to Nigerians to stop domestic violence against the women. If we treat our women well, our country will witness unprecedented developments”.

Continue Reading

Uncategorized

International Women’s Day 2026: Adron Homes Champions Women’s Leadership and Inclusive Growth

Published

on

International Women’s Day 2026: Adron Homes Champions Women’s Leadership and Inclusive Growth

 

As the world marks International Women’s Day 2026, Adron Homes and Properties has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women with meaningful opportunities to serve, lead, and shape the future of Nigeria’s real estate landscape.

 

Observed globally on March 8, this year’s theme, “Give To Gain,” calls for intentional investment in women through access to resources, education, mentorship, and leadership platforms. The message is clear: when women are empowered, organizations prosper, communities flourish, and nations grow stronger.

 

In line with this vision, Adron Homes highlighted its people-first culture, which promotes gender inclusion at all operational levels. From executive management and regional administration to marketing leadership, client experience, and field operations, women continue to play strategic roles in driving the company’s growth and service excellence.

 

According to the company, creating pathways for women to lead is not just a policy direction but a proven strategy that fuels innovation, strengthens decision-making, and deepens stakeholder trust.

 

Adron Homes also highlighted its internal capacity-building initiatives designed to equip female professionals with the skills and confidence needed for greater responsibility. Through structured mentorship, leadership exposure, and performance-based advancement systems, the organization continues to raise a new generation of women leaders within the property sector.

 

Delivering a message to commemorate the day, the Executive Vice Chairman, Olori Aderonke Emmanuelking, emphasized the company’s enduring commitment to inclusive progress:

 

“The theme ‘Give To Gain’ speaks to a principle we strongly believe in at Adron Homes, empowering women is an investment with lasting returns. When women are supported to lead and succeed, the impact goes beyond the workplace; it transforms families, industries, and society at large. We remain committed to building systems that help women rise and thrive.”

 

The company noted that its celebration of International Women’s Day reflects a broader mission, developing not only thriving residential communities but also a workplace culture where talent is recognized without bias and leadership opportunities are accessible to all.

 

As Adron Homes continues its expansion drive, it remains steadfast in fostering an environment where women are encouraged to contribute meaningfully, lead confidently, and grow sustainably.

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending