In every age, bold visions of progress have faced a predictable obstacle. This obstacle is called cynicism. Cynicism is easy; it requires neither sacrifice nor imagination.

Today, Governor Peter Mbah’s new development narrative for Enugu is confronting this age-old resistance. Some critics dismiss it as elitist, while others oppose it simply for mischief’s sake. But facts are stubborn things: in education and health, the two pillars of human capital development, Mbah is rewriting the story of Enugu State with uncommon courage.

Consider education. For decades, our schools have been plagued by infrastructural decay, rote learning, and outdated teaching methods that left our children poorly prepared for a competitive world. Mbah’s Smart Green Schools initiative is not a cosmetic renovation of dilapidated school buildings; it is a revolutionary leap.

By infusing digital learning, environmental consciousness, and skills for the workplace of tomorrow, Enugu State is saying that her children will not be trapped in the shadows of yesterday.

Critics who call this elitist should ask themselves: is it elitist to insist that every child, from Udenu to Awgu, from Isi-Uzo to Owo and Amagunze deserves access to 21st-century learning tools? Is it elitist to replace chalk-and-talk stagnation with critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving? If it is, then Enugu must proudly wear the badge of “elitism in excellence.”

The story is the same in health. From strengthening primary healthcare centers to deploying technology for better patient management, the administration is refusing to gamble with the most sacred asset of society—life itself.

Preventive medicine, maternal care, and access to quality services in rural communities are no longer distant promises but realities in the making.

To trivialize these efforts as “elitist” is to trivialize the lives of ordinary citizens whose only demand is to live healthy, dignified lives.

The hypocrisy of cynicism lies in its double standards. Those who sneer at Smart Schools would, without hesitation, send their own children to private institutions that already embody these same ideals.

Those who pour scorn on health reforms would, in private moments, travel abroad or patronize high-end hospitals while denying the poor the right to comparable services at home. Such cynicism is not principled opposition; it is sabotage by envy, inertia, and fear of change.

Governor Mbah’s mission is not to pamper elites, but to democratize access to excellence. His vision is clear: to lift Enugu out of mediocrity and place it on the path of knowledge-driven, health-secured, and globally competitive growth.

What he asks of Ndi Enugu is simple: faith, patience, and collective ownership of this new narrative.

No society has ever leapt into modernity without confronting resistance. The choice before Ndi Enugu is stark and simple: to wallow in cynicism and stagnation, or to buy into a vision that promises their children the skills to thrive, their families the healthcare to live, and their communities the dignity to flourish.

The call, therefore, is urgent: let cynicism give way to courage, let mischief bow before reason, and let all Enugu people rally behind Governor Peter Mbah’s transformative agenda.

The future belongs not to skeptics, but to builders. Enugu State cannot afford to stand still. Governor Peter Mba’s transformative agenda is real. Let’s rally round him.

The Senate has ordered that the office of Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, be unsealed, signalling her return to legislative duties after months of suspension.

In a video obtained by DAILY GAZETTE, Alabi Adedeji, Deputy Director and Sergeant‑at‑Arms of the National Assembly, announced, “I, having been directed to unseal the office of Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan, hereby unseal the office.”

When reached for comment, Senate Spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu did not elaborate, stating only, “If something was sealed before and now unsealed, it means it has been unsealed.”

All efforts to obtain additional clarification were unsuccessful.

According to insiders, mounting pressure both from within the Senate and from external groups pushed for Senator Akpoti‑Uduaghan’s reinstatement once her six‑month suspension, imposed in March 2025, expired in September.

Earlier, the Senate’s principal officers met, but were quiet about what was decided.

Sources say there is division among senators: some believe she should return immediately, others insist on an apology before resumption, and a third group wants suspension extended pending a ruling by the Court of Appeal.

Despite Senate rules generally prohibiting debate on matters that are sub judice (under judicial consideration), several senators have urged the leadership to override this rule to resolve the impasse.

The initial suspension drew criticism and a legal outcry.

The Federal High Court described the six‑month suspension as “excessive,” while legal scholars have condemned its continuation as a violation of the rights of the people of Kogi Central to representation.

Civil society organizations, women’s rights advocates, and lawyers have all called for her formal reinstatement.

They are also pushing for an independent investigation into Senator Natasha’s accusations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which many say should be treated separately from the Senate’s decision on her suspension.

Prominent legal voices, including Prof. Mike Ozekhome (SAN) and Ebun‑Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), have denounced the prolonged exclusion, saying it undermines representative democracy.

Ozekhome remarked that “you cannot punish a constituency because of one legislator.”

Efforts to improve women’s representation in Nigeria’s politics gained momentum yesterday as President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas declared their support for a constitutional amendment bill seeking to create reserved legislative seats for women.

The bill, currently under discussion at a national public hearing in Abuja, aims to amend Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution to guarantee additional seats in the National and State Assemblies exclusively for women.

President Tinubu, represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, emphasized that constitutional reforms must reflect the realities of today’s Nigeria.

“This process is about restoring public trust in democracy and ensuring all Nigerians feel represented. The final outcome will be treated with utmost importance,” Tinubu stated.

Senate President Akpabio, represented by Deputy Chief Whip Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, said the constitution belongs to the people, not just lawmakers, and urged citizens to seize the opportunity to help shape it.

House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas described the Reserved Seats Bill as a vital legal tool for equity, not sympathy.

“This is about fairness and justice. We are also exploring quotas for women in ministerial roles and greater inclusion of persons with disabilities,” he said.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, chair of the House Committee on Constitution Review, called the proposal “transformative” and a solution to the systemic exclusion of women from governance.

“This isn’t symbolic. It’s a real step towards more inclusive leadership,” Kalu added.

Over one million Nigerian women submitted signed petitions in support of the bill, while hundreds held a peaceful protest in Abuja, urging lawmakers to pass the legislation.

Irene Awunah-Ikyegh, President of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV), presented the signatures, calling the bill a “legacy opportunity” for the 10th National Assembly.

“With only 15 women in the House and four in the Senate, our democracy isn’t representative. Reserved seats could change this forever,” she said.

Support also came from international bodies, including the British High Commission, European Union and United Nations, all of whom praised the move as a major step for democracy and inclusion.

The National Assembly has begun reviewing 87 constitutional amendment proposals covering a wide range of issues:

1. State & Community Policing

There is a major push for creating state and community police forces to improve local security. This proposal has long faced political resistance but is gaining renewed support due to growing insecurity nationwide.

2. Reserved Seats for Women and Persons with Disabilities

The proposed constitutional changes aim to legally reserve seats in the legislature for women and people with disabilities—a historic step toward inclusion.

3. Local Government Autonomy

Another major amendment seeks to grant financial and administrative independence to local governments, including the establishment of independent local election bodies.

Other key reform themes include:

• Electoral Reforms: Electronic transmission of results, diaspora voting, independent candidacy, and single-day elections.
• Judicial Reforms: Expanding the roles of courts, improving appointment processes, and reducing case backlogs.
• Human Rights: Prohibiting public parading of suspects and strengthening protections for vulnerable groups.
• Devolution of Powers: Transferring control of resources like water, minerals, and mines to state governments.

Deputy Speaker Kalu described the hearing as “the most inclusive constitutional review in Nigeria’s history” and urged Nigerians to remain engaged in the process.

A civil society group, One Nation One Law (ONOL), has called for the removal of Sharia law provisions from the Constitution, arguing that they contradict basic human rights protections and enable torture.

Presenting their position at the public hearing, ONOL stated that Sections 275–279, which permit Sharia law in 12 northern states, directly conflict with Section 34(1)(a), which prohibits torture and inhuman treatment.

“These provisions allow for punishments like stoning, flogging, and amputation, which violate human rights and fuel mob violence,” said ONOL spokesperson, Benson Sunday.

The group also criticized the religious imbalance in the Constitution, noting that terms related to Islam appear 165 times, while Christianity is not mentioned once, calling it discriminatory in a multi-faith country.

ONOL concluded that removing Sharia law from the Constitution would help reduce mob killings and religiously motivated violence, citing recent cases in Niger, Sokoto, and Kano.

The Etsu of Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar, urged constitutional recognition of traditional authorities as peacekeepers and community leaders.

Lois Auta-Udonkanta called for better representation, citing examples like Kenya’s inclusion of a visually impaired senator.

Former Information Minister Frank Nweke Jnr. pushed for diaspora voting rights, citing over $20 billion in annual remittances from Nigerians abroad.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps requested constitutional recognition of its mandate in areas like infrastructure protection and school safety.

A PDP representative supported e-transmission of results and proposed mechanisms to ensure transparent 2027 elections.

The National Assembly has officially shifted its planned resumption date for plenary sessions from Tuesday, September 23, to Tuesday, October 7, 2025.

A formal notice issued by the Clerk of the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, informed both senators and members of the House of Representatives about the new date.

Although no reason was provided for the delay, the statement described the decision as regrettable.

“With deep regrets, Honourable Members are hereby informed that the resumption of plenary sessions earlier scheduled for Tuesday, September 23, 2025, has been rescheduled. The new date of resumption is Tuesday, October 7, 2025. Kindly take note and make the necessary adjustments to your schedules accordingly,” the brief notice read.

The National Assembly had previously gone on its annual two-month recess in July. During the recess announcement, Senate President Godswill Akpabio urged lawmakers to remain productive by continuing committee work, finalising reports, and conducting oversight functions.

Likewise, members of the House of Representatives were encouraged to engage in constituency outreach, monitor ongoing federal projects, and address local concerns during the break.

The annual legislative recess is a standard part of the National Assembly’s calendar, designed to allow lawmakers to focus on both national and constituency responsibilities, while also attending to personal matters.

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has carried out a minor cabinet reshuffle, appointing two new commissioners and a special adviser into his executive council.

The newly sworn-in officials include Salome Obiukwu – Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Chiemela Uzoije – Commissioner for Housing and Christian Enweremadu – Special Adviser on Agriculture.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony held at the Government House Banquet Hall in Umuahia, Governor Otti also announced key internal cabinet adjustments.

Notably, Kingsley Nwokocha, the former Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, has been reassigned as Commissioner for Labour and Productivity.

To improve efficiency, Otti disclosed that the Ministry of Lands and Housing has been split into two distinct ministries.

Chaka Chukwumerije has now been appointed Commissioner for Lands.

Governor Otti said the changes are part of a broader strategy to inject new energy and ideas into governance.

He commended the appointees for scaling through what he described as a rigorous screening process and reminded them of his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption.

“There is no time for a honeymoon,” the governor warned.

“We expect you to hit the ground running and collaborate effectively with your colleagues.”

While highlighting ongoing achievements in road development, education, healthcare, and security over the past 28 months, Otti emphasized the urgency of sustaining momentum, especially as the administration crosses the halfway mark of its first term.

He encouraged the cabinet to remain united and uphold integrity in public service:

“You are here to serve, not to enrich yourselves. Any credible evidence of wrongdoing will be met with swift action.”

On behalf of the new appointees, Salome Obiukwu expressed gratitude to the governor and pledged their full commitment to the development of Abia State.

A member of the Plateau State House of Assembly, representing Pankshin South Constituency, has been abducted by unidentified gunmen.

According to eyewitnesses, the lawmaker was kidnapped late Sunday night when armed men invaded his residence in the Dong community of Jos North Local Government Area.

The attackers, said to be heavily armed, reportedly broke into the house and forcefully took him away before security personnel could respond.

As of the time of this report, there has been no official statement from either the Plateau State Police Command or the leadership of the State House of Assembly regarding the incident.

It also remains unclear whether the abductors have contacted the victim’s family or issued any ransom demands.