Politics
TRIBUTE TO CHIEF AYO ADEBANJO

By Chief Chekwas Okorie
The news that death of the irrepressible champion of true federalism in Nigeria took the public by surprise. There was no tell tale hint that the great Nigerian icon was seriously ill, although he died, at the ripe age of 96 years old. Chief Ayo Adebanjo was a Nigerian statesman and a quintessential nationalist. His kind, who are still alive in Nigeria, can be counted on the fingertips. I have always been enamored by his courage, forthrightness, sincerity, and the power of his convictions. I remember with nostalgia, the epic presidential media chat we had with President Olusegun Obasanjo in the year 2000 at the Asorok presidential villa. Chief Ayo Adebanjo represented the Afenifere on the panel, Dr. Paul Unongo represented the Arewa Consultative Assembly, and l was nominated by the Imeobi to represent the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. President Olusegun Obasanjo was the host, while Prof Tonnie Osa Iredia anchored the chat. Top executives of major media organizations were among the audience, including Dr. Eddie Okechukwu Iroh, the Director General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, and Sen. Ben Bruce. The 2-hour program was extensively promoted by the NTA, which attracted a nationwide audience. It was watched in the manner of a typical World Cup match. That was my first personal encounter with Chief Ayo Adebanjo. Coincidentally, Chief Adebanjo and I were on the same page on the national issues that came up during the chat. It will be recalled that it was Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu that first promoted the idea of a “Handshake Across The Niger” to encourage Igbo-Yoruba rapprochement. Chief Ayo Adebanjo and other Afenifere leaders queued into it. When Chief Solomon Asemota SAN came up with an expanded version called Nigerian Ethnic Nationalities Forum, it was promptly embraced by the leaders of Igbo, Yoruba, Middlebelt, and South-South. Chief Ayo Adebanjo was a strong pillar of this national initiative to unit all the Ethnic Nationalities in Nigeria in the noble pursuit of true federalism and the self-determination of ethnic nationalities within the context of one Nigeria. Meetings were held in Lagos most of the time. But in 2004, a historic meeting of the Forum took place at Dim Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s residence, which attracted for the first time in recent history the first-eleven Yoruba leaders to Enugu to meet on matters of National unity. Yoruba leaders who attended the Enugu meeting included Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Fasoranti, Chief Adefarasin, Chief Ajayi, Senator Femi Okorunmu, and Chief Supo Shonibare. Dim Odumegwu-Ojukwu (host), Dr. Offia Nwali and my humble self were also in attendance, including Chief Solomon Asemota and the General Secretary of the Ijaw National Congress who stood in for Prof. Kimse Okoko. Commodore Dan Suleiman rtd, the leader of the Middlebelt Forum, was also in attendance. Over the years, my respect for Chief Ayo Adebanjo grew to the point that I began to admire him as a role model. This was a man who never held an elective office in Nigeria but remained most prominent and highly respected nationwide for his nationalism, consistency in the pursuit of a restructured Nigeria, equity, justice, and fairness as the panacea for national development and unity. The Almighty God blessed him with sound mind such that he remained articulate and outspoken till the very end.The greatest honor we owe Chief Ayo Adebanjo is to sustain the struggle for true federalism, which he fought for until the end and until it is achieved in the interest of present and future generations of Nigerians.Farewell, the Field Marshall of the struggle for the liberty of Nigerian Ethnic Nationalities.
Chief Dr. Chekwas Okorie
Ojeozi Ndigbo.
Politics
Senator Yar’Adua dumps APC …says party derails from original ideals,selfish, corrupt

By Our Correspondent
Senator Abubakar Sadiq Yar’adua has formally resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress ( APC ), citing the party’s departure from its founding ideals and describing the current administration as “selfish and stinkingly corrupt.”
In a strongly worded resignation letter addressed to his colleagues and the Nigerian public, Yar’adua, a founding member of both the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and the APC, accused the ruling party of betraying the masses and abandoning its original mission of service to the people.
“I can not remain in a party or support a government that unashamedly watches its citizens being maimed, intimidated, sexually-harassed, assaulted, killed and displaced… while the government, its leadership and organs… remain aloof and unconcerned,” Yar’adua stated.
He further criticized the economic policies of the APC-led government, labeling them “destructive” and targeted at the “welfare, dignity, lands and livelihood” of Nigerians . He likened those in power to “urban bandits” and declared his intention to work with other like-minded individuals to democratically oust the current administration.
His exit marks a significant development in Katsina State politics and could trigger more defections, especially among disillusioned party loyalists.
Yar’adua concluded his statement with a call to action: “I, therefore, have no option other than to join hands with like-minds to democratically remove this bad, selfish and stinkingly corrupt administration.”
Politics
Senator Yar’Adua dumps APC …Says its derails from its original ideals, selfish, stinkingly corrupt

By Our Correspondent
Senator Abubakar Sadiq Yar’adua has formally resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress ( APC ), citing the party’s departure from its founding ideals and describing the current administration as “selfish and stinkingly corrupt
In a strongly worded resignation letter addressed to his colleagues and the Nigerian public, Yar’adua, a founding member of both the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and the APC, accused the ruling party of betraying the masses and abandoning its original mission of service to the people.
“I can not remain in a party or support a government that unashamedly watches its citizens being maimed, intimidated, sexually-harassed, assaulted, killed and displaced… while the government, its leadership and organs… remain aloof and unconcerned,” Yar’adua stated.
He further criticized the economic policies of the APC-led government, labeling them “destructive” and targeted at the “welfare, dignity, lands and livelihood” of Nigerians . He likened those in power to “urban bandits” and declared his intention to work with other like-minded individuals to democratically oust the current administration.
His exit marks a significant development in Katsina State politics and could trigger more defections, especially among disillusioned party loyalists.
Yar’adua concluded his statement with a call to action: “I, therefore, have no option other than to join hands with like-minds to democratically remove this bad, selfish and stinkingly corrupt administration.”
Politics
Akpabio bags prestigious international Peace award

By George Mgbeleke
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has been honoured with the International Peace Award by the Global Peace Movement International
The international recognition, it was gathered, is in recognition of Akpabio’s outstanding contributions to global diplomacy and parliamentary excellence.
According to Global Peace organisation, “Global Peace Movement International is delighted to announce that Senator Godswill Akpabio, the esteemed Senate President of Nigeria, has been honored with the prestigious International Peace Award.
“This distinction is a testament to his exceptional leadership and vision as an Executive Member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and one of the esteemed Commissioners worldwide. His pivotal role in restoring Nigeria’s IPU membership, a distinction lost over five decades ago, is a monumental achievement that showcases his dedication to reinstating Nigeria’s prominent position on the global stage.
” This feat has not only elevated Nigeria’s international stature but also underscored Senator Akpabio’s unwavering commitment to fostering global cooperation and understanding.
“The Global Peace Movement International takes great pride in recognizing and honoring Akpabio’s remarkable achievements, celebrating his profound impact on Nigeria’s diplomatic landscape and his tireless efforts in promoting peace, unity, and cooperation. His exemplary leadership and enduring legacy are shaping a brighter future for our beloved nation, Nigeria.
“In light of these extraordinary accomplishments, the Global Peace Movement International will present the International Peace Award to Senator Godswill Akpabio in August 2025. This award serves as a testament to his outstanding contributions to global peace and diplomacy, and we are confident that his leadership will continue to inspire a new generation of leaders and citizens alike.”
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