NEWS

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Hails Obasanjo For Rejecting Igbo Must Go From Lagos Campaign

Published

2 years ago

August 18, 2024

Aproko

File Photo: Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has commended former President Olusegun Obasanjo for condemning the “persistent” aversion to people of southeastern extraction.

In a statement on Sunday by its spokesperson, Alex Ogbonnia, Ohanaeze hailed Obasanjo for maintaining that ‘those saying that the Igbo must go from Lagos should be the ones to leave”.

The full statement below

OHANAEZE NDIGBO PRESS RELEASE

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide joins millions of patriotic Nigerians and all the members of the civilized community to commend His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, PhD, GCFR, the former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on his recent remarks about the Igbo Must Go hashtag. Obasanjo in a press release, admonished that ‘those saying that the Igbo must go from Lagos will be the ones to leave”. The former president added that “he doesn’t believe that anybody in Nigeria should be driven away from any part of the country, asserting that, we own this country together”.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo notes with grave concern the orchestrated ethnic profiling, hate speech, incendiary and inflammatory rhetoric and outright demolition of Igbo properties and liquidation of their sources of income in Lagos State since a few years now.

1. The most recent recrudescence is that the “Lagosians and every South-West stakeholder should prepare for the massive protest of #IgboMustGo on the 20th – 30th of August, 2024. An X handle named ‘LagosPedia’ had recently demanded for “the forced relocation of Igbo people from Lagos and other South West states within one month”. The hashtag #Igbomustgo also called on all “the Yoruba living in the South East to return to the South West”.

2. In June 2023, a few days before the March 18, 2023 gubernatorial elections, a video went viral on social media showing Alh. Musiliu Akinsanya, commonly known as ‘MC Oluomo’, where he issued a threat to the Igbo residents of Lagos to “either vote for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or stay at home”.

3. Based on the Oluoma doltish tantrums, political thugs went on a rampage carrying out civil-war-era-style eye tests to determine who was an Igbo and who was not. According to the report, “those they deemed to be Igbo were violently deprived of their rights to vote. In some cases, people of other ethnic groups who did not pass the eye tests were also beaten and forced out of polling units. A This Day columnist, Paul Nwachukwu quoted Bolarinwa Iyanuoluwa: “I was told to go back to Anambra! How does Bolarinwa sound like an Igbo name? I was rough handled, beaten and sent out because I look Igbo? Because I was not going to vote APC? This evil fire will burn you and your generation!” Another victim, Dr Olawale Ogunlana was also quoted “I was harassed today at the polling unit, told that I looked like an Igbo person. It’s obvious that the ruling party plans to use intimidation, tactical disenfranchisement, violence, thuggery and tribal bigotry to hold on to power. This is not an election. This is a crime scene”. Yet, Sisi Yemmie lamented: “I was born in Lagos. I’m a Lagos woman. This is my “village” but I was not allowed to vote because I don’t look like Yoruba?”

4. Earlier in 2015, the Oba of Lagos, Alh. Rilwan Akiolu had isuued a threat to the Igbo living in Lagos State “to either vote for the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, or else they will die in the lagoon”, The Oba was further quoted: “On Saturday, if anyone of you goes against Ambode who I picked, that is your end. If it doesn’t happen within seven days, just know that I am a bastard and it is not my father who gave birth to me. If anyone of you, I swear in the name of God, goes against my wish that Ambode will be the next governor of Lagos State, the person is going to die inside this water”

5. Following the same trend, on March 19, 2023, Bayo Onanuga, now the Special Adviser to the President on Communications and Strategy, was reported by several news media to have issued a serious warning to the Igbo stating, ‘Let 2023 be the last time of Igbo interference in Lagos politics. Let there be no repeat in 2027.’ When many well-meaning Nigerians including Mr. Festus Keyamo cautioned Onanuga on the ignoble path he has chosen for himself, he was quoted to have stated: ‘I owe no one apology for ethnic slur against the Igbo.’

6. On March 8, 2023, it was widely reported that political thugs had set Igbo-majority market, the Akere Spare Parts Market, on fire. The Igbo leaders in the market confirmed that they were told “that they would burn our markets, and they have called some of us to their meetings where they threatened to wipe the Igbo out”. It added “they are on social media, even making videos with their face and names on the video, yet security agencies didn’t do anything to caution them or bring them to book”

7. Within the same period, it was also reported that the political thugs also destroyed goods and properties belonging to the Igbo at Ikotun, Abaranje, and Ijegun markets.

8. In June 2023, several buildings belonging to the Igbo were demolished at the Alaba International Market. The President of the Alaba International Market (AIM), Chief Camilus Amajuoyi, expressed surprise that soon after their supports to His Excellency, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on his re-election for a second term in Office, the authorities of the Lagos State have served them with a calamity that can only be contemplated on an enemy zone in a war time. He decried the ordeals of the over one million Igbo traders in Alaba International Market, lamenting that despite their contributions to the economy of the state, they were being paid back with persecutions”. The late President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Engr. Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu CFR, OFR, MFR, GCSI, FNSE, FNIST, FNICE, KSC (Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo) could not withhold his sorrow when he led the Ohanaeze leadership to the scene of the demolished buildings.

9. In Novemeber 2023, there were again the demolition of buildings belonging to the Igbo at Abule Ado in Amuwo Odofin local government area (LGA) of Lagos state. Again, Chief Iwuanyanwu led the leadership of Ohanaeze to the scene. It was so sad.

10. The points raised above is but a tip of the iceberg of what the Igbo encounter in Lagos on a daily basis.

11. The Governor of Lagos State Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has condemned the Igbo Must Go mis-adventurers. A press release by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor, Mr. Gbenga Akosile, stated that “the Governor of Lagos State and indeed, Lagos State Government wish to distance themselves from the reckless, divisive and dangerous rhetoric”, adding that “Lagos remains home to every Nigerian citizen regardless of their ethnic nationality”. Sanwo-Olu views the post as “not only reckless and divisive but an attempt to sow a seed of discord between the Yoruba in the South-west and other tribes, especially those who have made Lagos their permanent place of abode”.

12. We commend the Afenifere for living up to expectations. The Afenifere, through their National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, called on “all Nigerians living legitimately in any part of Yorubaland to entertain no fear about their safety or be afraid of being forced out of the area”.

13. The Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Ambassador Okey Emuchay, MFR was highly elated by the intervention made by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. He recalled the Obasanjo dispositions to equity and fairness in all matters affecting Nigeria is very legendary. It was Obasanjo who insisted that the presidency of Nigeria should move to the North after his tenure, as a southerner. It was again, Chief Obasanjo who insisted that Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan from the South South of Nigeria should become the President of Nigeria. When it mattered most, it was Obasanjo who lent full weight that the presidency of Nigeria should go to the South East of Nigeria in 2023. It was Obasanjo who handed over power to Alh. Shehu Shagari with Dr Alex Ekwueme, an Igbo as a Vice President, nine years after the Nigerian civil war. It was Obasanjo who condemned the persistent aversion to the Igbo, which he described as Igbophobia. It was Obasanjo who posited that unless “Nigeria throws its doors open to merit, competence and full inclusion of the Igbo in national affairs, the country will continue to flounder and grope in the dark”. The Obasanjo presidency was very blind to ethnicity. The Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government under Obasanjo were presided by qualified eminent technocrats with track records of accomplishments. All the federal boards were brought to the table and maximum prudence and equity were applied in the distribution to the six geo-political zones of the country. The above qualities and more stand Chief Olusegun Obasanjo out as the conscience of the nation.

14. Ohanaeze Ndigbo commends the press release by the government of Lagos State. It is indeed very reassuring. However, it is certain that such reckless, provocative, divisive, instigative and inflammatory dispositions towards the Igbo in Lagos State, will remain unabated, except of course, there are manifest consequences for such vexatious, unscrupulous loose –cannons and hate-mongers.
E-Sign

Dr, Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, the National Publicity Secretary, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide

Related Topics:Igbo Must Go From Lagos Ndigbo Obasanjo Ohanaeze

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HEALTH

After Oko Hostel Tragedy, Sen. Uche Ekwunife Calls for Tougher Building Safety Enforcement (See details)

Published

9 hours ago

July 29, 2026

Vincent Okoye

The Most Distinguished Senator Uche Ekwunife, CON, has expressed deep sadness over the tragic collapse of a student hostel in Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, which claimed lives and left several others injured.

In a statement issued following the incident, Senator Ekwunife extended her heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, describing the loss of lives as a painful tragedy for the bereaved families, the Oko community, and Anambra State as a whole.

She also expressed concern for those who survived the collapse and are currently receiving medical treatment, praying for their quick and complete recovery.

While commending the efforts of rescue workers, security personnel, healthcare providers, volunteers, and community members involved in the emergency response, the former senator urged them to sustain the search-and-rescue operation until every missing person is accounted for.

Senator Ekwunife further called on the appropriate authorities to conduct a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation into the cause of the building collapse. She stressed that establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident is crucial not only for ensuring accountability but also for preventing similar tragedies in the future.

She also advocated stricter monitoring and enforcement of building regulations across Anambra State, emphasizing that adherence to approved construction standards and professional guidelines must be treated as a critical public safety responsibility rather than a mere administrative requirement.

According to her, stronger enforcement by relevant regulatory agencies would significantly reduce the risk of building failures and help safeguard lives and property.

Senator Ekwunife concluded by praying for the peaceful repose of the souls of those who lost their lives, divine comfort for their grieving families, and speedy healing for those injured in the unfortunate incident.

The statement was signed by Tony Ezike, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Senator Uche Ekwunife.

FOREIGN NEWS

Boat Trip Ends in Horror as 20 Die, Majority Nigerians

Published

7 days ago

July 23, 2026

Aprokorepublic

A boat accident in the Republic of Cameroon has claimed at least 20 lives, including 18 Nigerians travelling to a community in Adamawa
State.

The boat, said to have been travelling from Garoua in Cameroon to Yola in Nigeria, capsized after encountering a violent storm late
Monday night, it was learnt on Tuesday evening.

Witnesses said the boat, which was carrying more than 50 passengers, was also heavily loaded with iron rods and other building materials
meant for Dasin, a village in Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

They recounted that the boat was caught in a severe storm around midnight, causing it to overturn. Initial estimates indicated that about
30 people might have died, but local authorities have so far confirmed that about 20 victims have been killed.

Among the deceased, the 18 identified as Nigerians have been buried in Wuro Bokki community in Fufore LGA, according to reliable sources,
while search and rescue operations continue for passengers who are yet to be accounted for.

Divers from both Cameroon and Nigeria are said to be involved in the search, while many survivors are receiving treatment at hospitals in border communities.

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NEWS

“I Pray For It” — Gov. Sule Drops Bombshell on 2027 Ticket

Published

7 days ago

July 23, 2026

Godwin Chi

Nasarawa Governor Backs Christian-Christian Presidential Ticket governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has expressed hope that Nigeria will one day produce a Christian-Christian presidential ticket that can win at the polls.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, Sule dismissed claims that the ruling APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket amounted to religious exclusion.

He argued that Nigeria was overdue for a Christian-Christian pairing, noting that past Muslim-Muslim tickets had succeeded electorally.

“I pray that one day Nigeria will have a Christian-Christian ticket, and it will win. That’s what I pray to see,” Sule said.

He recalled the 1993 election in which Chief Moshood Abiola ran on a Muslim-Muslim ticket, stressing that such arrangements had historically delivered victory.

Sule added that opposition voices like Rabiu Kwankwaso’s concerns were expected, but insisted no APC governor had ever described the party’s ticket as divisive.

Citing Sections 14 and 15 of the constitution, Sule emphasized that federal character provisions guarantee inclusiveness across ethnicity and geography, but do not reference religion.

He highlighted his own deputy, Emmanuel Akabe, a Christian, as evidence that competence, not religious balancing, guided his choice.

“Our state is different from Nigeria. You cannot take a particular state. Take Enugu, for instance, it has a Christian-Christian arrangement. Take Bayelsa, it’s Christian-Christian,” he explained.

Sule maintained that political arrangements vary by state realities, but reiterated his belief that a Christian-Christian presidential ticket could succeed nationally.

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Gbasgbos

Shock Proposal? Senator Pushes Bill to Recognize Native Doctors’ Role in Connecting With Ancestors

Published

7 days ago

July 23, 2026

Aprokorepublic

Garba Maidoki, senator representing Kebbi south, has called for the inclusion of traditional medicine in a bill seeking to overhaul
Nigeria’s food and drug regulatory framework.

He argues that indigenous healing practices remain relevant, particularly in rural communities.

The senator spoke on Tuesday during debate on a bill seeking to repeal the Food, Drug and Related Products (Registration, Etc.) Act and the
Food and Drug Act, and replace them with a single legal framework for regulating food, medicines and other products that affect public health.

‘MOST RURAL DWELLERS RELY ON TRADITIONAL MEDICINE’

Speaking in support of the bill sponsored by Sadiq Umar, senator representing Kwara north, Maidoki said the legislation should also
recognise traditional medicine.

“I rise to also support this motion ably sponsored by Senator Suleiman Sadiq. This motion, as my colleague said, is apt, is timely,
and is in good faith to modernise the practice of food and drug registration in Nigeria,” he said.

“But Mr. President, I want to bring to your attention that even though this is modernised, we have not seen anything on this bill
concerning traditional medicine.

“Concerning traditional medicine, sir, most of our rural dwellers, most of them rely mostly on this traditional medicine.

“And I think it is high time that we have a law that also allows traditional medicine to be implemented.

“Holistically, if this is done, we will also reduce the cost of importation of drugs from foreign nations, and we will rely mostly on our
own indigenous herbs and medication by our own native doctors.”

Maidoki said incorporating traditional medicine into the legal framework would reduce dependence on imported medicines.

He added that the bill’s sponsor, a pharmacist, should work towards integrating traditional practitioners into the country’s healthcare
system.

“I think if this is done, the pharmacist Senator Suleiman will be able to incorporate these people and make this holistic,” he said.

The lawmaker said some ailments are better treated with herbal remedies than orthodox medicine.

“Even some of us that are senators, sometimes we rely, we go to herbal medicine to help us with one ailment or the other, which sometimes
the modern medicine has no answer. Like if your ancestors decide to talk to you, you need a native doctor to intercede on your behalf,” he added.

Maidoki’s remarks elicited laughter in the senate chamber.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio responded in a light-hearted manner.

“Thank you, Distinguished Senator Garba. The native doctor will intercede between you and the ancestor,” he said.

“It’s actually baffling that this was part of the African religion, but when the white people came, they now told us that we don’t need
our ancestors, but I think from what you are saying, you are still using your ancestors.”

The bill later passed second reading after receiving the support of lawmakers.

If enacted, the legislation will repeal two existing food and drug laws and establish a unified regulatory framework covering food,
medicines, vaccines, medical devices and other products that affect public health.

Aprokorepublic

NEWS

One Condition: Oluremi Reveals What She’ll Wear If Husband Is Re-Elected

Published

1 week ago

July 22, 2026

Godwin Chi

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has promised to embrace traditional Igbo attire by wearing an Akwete wrapper if her husband, President Bola Tinubu, secures a second term in office.

She made the remark during her maiden visit to the Akwete Weaving Cooperative Village in Abia State on Tuesday, where she also announced a ₦2 billion donation to support the revitalisation of the weaving industry.

“If God brings my husband in a second time, I’ll be wearing a buba and wrapper made from Akwete. I am going to be wearing that because it is very soft breathable cotton,” she said, praising the generational skill transfer among local weavers.

The First Lady commended the women of the cooperative for preserving the craft and urged Nigerians to patronise locally made textiles as a way of boosting indigenous craftsmanship and rural livelihoods.

She explained that her visit was informal, aimed at spending time with the women rather than delivering a scripted speech.

Tinubu also expressed gratitude to Abia State Governor Alex Otti, describing him as “a good man,” and recalled her earlier efforts to connect with his wife to learn more about the weaving tradition.

Her pledge highlights the administration’s broader push to promote Nigerian-made products and preserve cultural heritage, while offering direct financial support to strengthen the weaving industry.

Aprokorepublic

FOREIGN NEWS

A New Era? US and Saudi Arabia Near Landmark 30-Year Nuclear Agreement

Published

1 week ago

July 22, 2026

Aprokorepublic

The United States is set to announce a landmark 30-year nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia, aimed at establishing a civilian nuclear program in the kingdom, according to reports from US media outlets.

The deal, expected to be unveiled Wednesday, comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

The New York Times cited US officials confirming that the Trump administration would formally sign and announce the agreement, which is projected to generate billions of dollars for the US nuclear industry.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the pact could allow US companies to build a uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia.

However, the proposal has drawn opposition from US lawmakers across party lines and Israeli officials, who fear the program could be diverted toward developing nuclear weapons.

While the deal will be submitted to Congress, its approval is not required for implementation. Washington has also sought to link the nuclear agreement to broader strategic goals, including Saudi Arabia’s potential normalization of ties with Israel and a US-Saudi defense pact.

Saudi Arabia has long insisted on its right to pursue a civilian nuclear program, similar to the UAE, which signed a nuclear deal with Washington in 2009 but does not enrich uranium.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking in Manila, declined to confirm the deal but assured that Washington would not enter any agreement that risks nuclear proliferation.

The announcement comes as the US war with Iran continues to destabilize the region, with Yemen’s Houthi rebels threatening to blockade Saudi ports, a move that could disrupt global oil supplies.

Aprokorepublic

Gbasgbos

Nigeria Remains Africa’s Population Giant as New 2026 Figures Emerge

Published

1 week ago

July 22, 2026

Aprokorepublic

Nigeria has retained its position as Africa’s most populous country, with an estimated population of 242.4 million people in 2026, according to new figures from Worldometer.

The estimate places Nigeria ahead of Ethiopia (138.9 million) and Egypt (120.1 million), which rank second and third respectively.

Africa as a whole remains the world’s fastest-growing continent, with its population projected to surpass 2.5 billion by 2050, driven by youthful demographics, high fertility rates, and improved healthcare.

Nigeria’s last official census was conducted in 2006, when the population stood at 140.4 million. Since then, growth has been tracked through projections, with the World Bank estimating a 2.1% growth rate in 2025.

The country’s median age of 18 years and fertility rate of 4.2 children per woman continue to fuel rapid expansion.

Africa’s Top 10 Most Populous Countries (2026)Nigeria – 242.4 million, Ethiopia -138.9 million, Egypt, 120.1 million, Democratic Republic of Congo, — 116.5 million,Tanzania — 72.6 million, South Africa — 65.5 million, Kenya — 58.6 million, Sudan — 53.3 million, Uganda — 52.8 million, Algeria — 48 million.

Experts say Africa’s rising population will reshape markets, investment flows, and labour dynamics, with Nigeria expected to remain a central driver of the continent’s economic growth in the coming decades.

Aprokorepublic

Gbasgbos

ICPC Uncovers 908 Ghost Workers — Guess Which Agency Tops the Fraud List

Published

1 week ago

July 22, 2026

Aprokorepublic

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it has uncovered 908 ghost workers across several federal ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), recovering about ₦942 million allegedly siphoned through fraudulent payroll schemes.

ICPC Chairman Musa Aliyu disclosed that the discovery followed a probe launched in 2024 after irregularities were detected in pension payments.

The investigation revealed widespread payroll manipulation, with fictitious names inserted into salary systems to divert public funds.Aliyu alleged that some senior officials enrolled relatives and associates on government payrolls, pocketing their salaries.

In one case, a suspect reportedly placed his wife, son, and mother-in-law on the payroll while also collecting salaries of 12 other workers.

The investigation covered at least 50 federal MDAs, with the Nigeria Police Force recording the highest number of ghost workers at 570.

Other affected institutions include:

National Water Resources Authority — 80 ghost workersFederal Ministry of Works — 56

Ministry of Foreign Affairs — 24

Ministry of Defence — 19

Ministry of Power — 17Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment — 17

Federal Ministry of Health — 15

Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation — 12

Aliyu added that the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Ministry of Interior were also implicated, though the number of ghost workers in those institutions is still under review.

The ICPC says investigations are ongoing, with efforts focused on strengthening payroll integrity and ensuring accountability across government agencies.

Aprokorepublic

Gbasgbos

After Weeks of Speculation, Ogun Assembly Reaches Verdict on Oluomo

Published

1 week ago

July 22, 2026

Aprokorepublic

The Ogun State House of Assembly has officially exonerated former Speaker Olakunle Oluomo of embezzlement allegations tied to his removal from office in 2024.

During Wednesday’s plenary at the Assembly Complex in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, lawmakers adopted a resolution that commuted Oluomo’s impeachment to a resignation.

The decision followed the presentation of a report by the Committee of the Whole House, delivered by Deputy Speaker Mrs. Lateefat Ajayi.

The report stemmed from a motion Oluomo submitted on March 31, requesting either exoneration or evidence to substantiate the allegation.

After reviewing available records, the House concluded that embezzlement was not part of the removal notice served on him and could not be proven.

Ajayi’s motion for adoption was seconded by Mr. Yusuf Amosun and unanimously approved by voice vote.

The Assembly cited Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), affirming Oluomo’s right to fair hearing.In its resolution, the House withdrew the embezzlement allegation, stating it would no longer form part of the reasons for his removal.

Lawmakers further resolved to overturn the impeachment and record his exit as a resignation, describing the move as necessary for unity and harmony among members.

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