On Sunday, Vice President Kamala Harris initiated her fundraising campaign for the U.S. presidency following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race earlier that morning.

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Harris, now the Democratic Party’s presidential hopeful and Biden’s endorsed candidate, reached out to Americans for donations to support her campaign.

In her message, Harris confirmed her candidacy and expressed her deep honor in serving alongside Biden, whom she praised as “one of the finest public servants we will ever know.”

She acknowledged Biden’s endorsement and support, stating, “I am honored to have Biden’s support and endorsement. And I am eager to run on the record of what Joe and I have accomplished together. We built our country back after our predecessor left it in shambles — making historic progress in reducing prescription drug costs, upgrading our nation’s infrastructure, fighting climate change, and more. We are stronger today because we took action — together — to invest in America’s future.”

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Harris concluded by expressing her excitement to continue working toward their vision for a better future for all Americans, urging supporters to make their first donation to her campaign.

Saleh Mamman, a former Minister of Power, remains in Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja nine days after being granted N10 billion bail.

Mamman, who faces charges of N33 billion fraud, was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on July 12 and received bail from Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

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Despite the bail decision, Mamman has not met the conditions required for his release.

Adamu Duza, spokesman for the Nigeria Correctional Service in the Federal Capital Territory, confirmed to our correspondent that the former minister is still in custody as of Sunday evening.

“He has yet to meet his bail conditions, hence, he’s still in custody,” Duza stated.

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Mamman, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, appeared before Justice Omotosho on July 12 in drenched clothes.

His lawyer, Femi Ate (SAN), informed the judge that Mamman had collapsed on the court premises and was revived by medical personnel shortly before the hearing.

Upon hearing the 12 counts against him, Mamman pleaded not guilty.

Justice Omotosho granted him N10 billion bail with the condition of providing two sureties in the same amount.

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The sureties must own property worth N750 million within the court’s jurisdiction, present an affidavit of means, and show three years of tax evidence, which the court registrar will verify.

Additionally, the sureties must provide passport photographs, and Mamman must submit his passport to the court registry.

Until Mamman fulfills these conditions, he will remain in Kuje Correctional Centre. His trial is set to continue on September 25.

Hon Yusuf Gagdi, a House of Representatives member from Plateau State, has sparked significant backlash after gifting his teenage daughter, Aisha, a brand-new Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) to celebrate her graduation from Lead British International School in Abuja.

The gesture comes at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with severe economic hardships.

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Aisha, who recently excelled in her Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME), received the luxury vehicle as a reward for her academic achievements.

Hon Gagdi shared photos from the graduation ceremony on Instagram, expressing his pride and joy.

He wrote, “Today, I attended my amazing daughter’s graduation ceremony. Watching you, my dear daughter, walk across that stage fills my heart with immense pride and love. I celebrate your achievements and the strength you’ve shown. Here’s to a future filled with endless possibilities and happiness. Congratulations, my shining star!”

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The timing of the gift has drawn ire from many Nigerians, who view it as an extravagant display of wealth amidst widespread poverty and economic struggle. Critics took to social media to voice their discontent.

On X (formerly Twitter), @BigBash4ks commented, “Nigerian politics is the most lucrative business in the whole world. Imagine a secondary school leaver driving an SUV worth more than 30 million naira…”

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@mefarukh added, “Can you imagine, when she graduates from university, is he going to buy her a private jet? This is taxpayers’ money.”

@EINaseem4 criticized, “He can’t vindicate himself even if it’s with his hard-earned money. A misplaced priority at this crucial time in the country.”

Other social media users echoed similar sentiments, with @realadnantweet noting, “These are the people who refused to give the poor man an opportunity to have a decent life. They awarded themselves fat salaries and allowances to live a luxurious life.”

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On Facebook, reactions were equally heated. Al-amin Shuayb wrote, “This gift at this trying moment to fellow masses is a protest trigger.”

Abdlqader Mayner commented, “So happy for her… This is called motivation… But hiding it would have been better considering the current hardship of the populace.”

Thomas Goji expressed frustration, “Nigeria, the poverty capital of the world, with the world’s most highly paid legislator. Gagdi has displayed the highest level of insensitivity by buying his secondary school daughter a brand-new SUV while many people in his constituency are dying of hunger.”

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Despite some defending the lawmaker’s actions as a demonstration of parental love and motivation, the consensus among the public remains largely critical, highlighting the growing discontent over the disparity between the political elite and the struggling masses.

Despite significant constitutional challenges, advocates for the creation of new states in Nigeria are undeterred, leading to a surge in demands and bills in the National Assembly.

Nigeria’s history of state creation dates back to 1967 when Gen. Yakubu Gowon created 12 states from the existing four regions.

Successive military rulers further increased the number of states to 36 by 1996.

However, no new states have been created under civilian rule since 1999, largely due to the stringent requirements of the 1999 Constitution.

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Section 8(1) of the Constitution outlines a complex process for creating new states, involving a series of approvals and referendums.

Despite these hurdles, there are at least nine requests for state creation in the National Assembly.

Notable among them is a bill for the creation of Etiti State, which has passed the second reading in the House of Representatives.

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Other proposed states include Okura from Kogi State, Orlu from Imo State, Oke-Ogun from Oyo State, and three states in the South West proposed by Hon. Oluwole Oke.

In the Senate, bills for the creation of Adada State from Enugu State and Anioma State from Delta State have passed the first reading.

The push for state creation is also supported by socio-cultural groups like Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, which has threatened legal action for the creation of an additional state in the South East.

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Proponents argue that new states will promote development, economic prosperity, and equity.

Hon. Ogah of Abia, lead sponsor for Etiti State, asserts that it would ensure balanced regional development and effective governance. Senator Nwoko, advocating for Anioma State, cites the region’s oil and gas resources and significant human capital.

However, experts and civil society leaders question the economic viability of new states. Dr. Vincent Terna Tavershima from Federal University Gombe and Samson Itodo of Yiaga Africa argue for focusing on true federalism and making existing states more functional before creating new ones.

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They emphasize the need for regions like the South East to achieve parity with others in terms of state numbers but stress the importance of economic sustainability.

In the South East, the proposed creation of Adada State from Enugu State enjoys significant support.

Promoters highlight its historical, cultural, and widespread acceptance.

The bill for Adada State has passed the first reading in the Senate, and its advocates argue it is the most qualified for creation based on past recommendations and the need for equity and fairness.

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In contrast, the proposals for Orlu, Etiti, and Anioma states face opposition from various quarters.

The Ohanaeze Youth Council supports Anioma but opposes Orlu and Etiti, while Ndokwa and Ukwuani communities in Delta North reject the inclusion of Anioma in the South East.

As the debate continues, the constitutional challenges remain a significant barrier, but the promoters of new states remain optimistic about achieving their goals.