On his 64th birthday, former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate, Peter Obi, reiterated his stance against personal extravagance and the misuse of public resources, calling on Nigerian leaders to redirect wealth toward public service.

Marking the occasion on Sunday, July 20, Obi issued a heartfelt message urging supporters and well-wishers to channel their goodwill into impactful social causes rather than celebratory spending.

“As I turned 64 years old yesterday, I must confess that the current state of our nation makes the idea of personal merriment even more difficult to contemplate,” he said. “The scale of suffering and deprivation among our people weighs heavily on the conscience.”

He urged that rather than celebrating him, people should support those in need or invest in struggling sectors like education and health.

“This is why I have once again requested that all those who wish to celebrate me should instead channel their resources towards helping the poor or supporting our struggling health and educational institutions.”

Obi, who is widely known for his frugal lifestyle and dedication to public service, shared several past examples of how he declined lavish gestures in favor of more meaningful societal contributions.

“One institution generously offered to build a house for me in the village. When I asked for the estimated cost, they said it would be ₦120 million. I humbly requested that the funds be redirected to build classrooms in three educational institutions at Agulu, Ekwulobia, and Abatete. They obliged—and the impact was far-reaching.”

Another instance involved a group planning to spend ₦20 million on a party in his honor. Instead, Obi suggested they buy computers for schools.

“Their eventual donation of 200 desktops was distributed to schools across the state, enhancing learning for many students.”

Similarly, he recounted how an organisation shifted its original plan of celebrating him by donating buses instead—benefitting institutions and even the legendary Old Rangers Association.

As he reflected on Nigeria’s current state, Obi expressed his hopes for a more equitable society and leadership that prioritizes the common good.

“I especially prayed for our beloved country, Nigeria, that God may touch the hearts of our leaders, and awaken in them the realisation that public funds are meant for the public good. May we all find strength and grace to keep striving for a more just, compassionate, and equitable society.”

Bayelsa State has formally requested the creation of 25 additional local government areas (LGAs), aiming to raise its current number from eight to 33.

The demand was presented during the South-South Centre A Zonal Public Hearing on the review of the 1999 Constitution, held in Yenagoa on Saturday.

The state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Biriyai Dambo (SAN), made the case before the House of Representatives Constitution Review Committee, arguing that the existing LGAs are overstretched with some covering more than 150 communities.

According to him, Bayelsa has the capacity, both structurally and financially, to support the proposed new councils.

A statement from Daniel Alabrah, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Douye Diri, revealed that Bayelsa also used the platform to advocate broader reforms.

These included a restructuring of the local government system, the guarantee of local government autonomy, and an overhaul of the exclusive and concurrent legislative lists.

In addition, the state called for significant amendments to the Constitution that would enhance the credibility of the electoral process and the independence of the judiciary.

Central to Bayelsa’s proposals was a push for a truly federal system, based on fiscal federalism.

Bayelsa proposed that states should control natural resources, both onshore and offshore within their jurisdictions, retaining 60% of the revenue and remitting 40% to the Federal Government.

On the issue of national security, Bayelsa reaffirmed its support for the creation of state police, describing it as essential for decentralised governance and effective crime control.

“State police will strengthen the capacity of states to fight crime and provide adequate security,” the state argued, adding that “the agitation for state police is in the spirit of true federalism.”

Speaking earlier at the session, Governor Douye Diri described the constitutional review exercise as long overdue and necessary to reflect modern realities.

“Bayelsa is committed to the emergence of a truly federal system and structure that is genuinely just, equitable, responsive, and demonstrably dedicated to the holistic development of not just the state or the Niger Delta region but also the Nigerian federation,” Diri stated.

He further emphasised the need to address historic injustices stemming from the unequal creation and distribution of LGAs and natural resources.

Also at the hearing were representatives of the Delta and Edo State Governments.

Delta State Governor  Sheriff Oborevwori, was represented by Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme, while Dr. Samson Osagie, the Attorney General, represented Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo. Both states backed the constitutional reform process, describing the current constitution as outdated and flawed.

“The Constitution is a very controversial document that requires urgent reform,” both states echoed.

Professor Julius Ihonvbere, Majority Leader of the House of Representatives and Chair of the South-South Centre A, assured participants that all submissions would be carefully reviewed.

“The stakeholders’ engagement is aimed at having a more inclusive democratic governance,” he said.

The event drew a large crowd of dignitaries, including Dr. Gloria Diri, wife of the Bayelsa governor; Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; and members of the House of Representatives from Bayelsa – Fred Agbedi, Marie Ebikake, Dr. Mitema Obordor, and Rodney Ambaiowei.

Others in attendance included Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly Abraham Ingobere, Delta Speaker Emomotimi Guwor, and traditional rulers such as King Alfred Diete-Spiff and King Bubaraye Dakolo, alongside leaders from Bayelsa, Delta, and Edo states.

A significant momentum is building in the 10th National Assembly in support of creating Anioma State, which would become the sixth state in Nigeria’s Southeast geopolitical zone.

Approximately 90 senators surpassing the constitutionally required two-thirds majority are now backing Senate Bill 481.

Spearheaded by Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North), the initiative has drawn support across party lines, religious affiliations, and regions. Notable endorsers include:

• Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin
• Senate Leaders Michael Opeyemi Bamidele and Abba Moro
• Former Governors Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa), Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia)
• Southeast political heavyweight Victor Umeh
• Others: ex-Ogun Governor Gbenga Daniel, FCT Senator Ireti Kingibe, former Plateau Governor Simon Lalong, and Anambra North Senator Tony Nwoye

Their collective backing signals a nationwide endorsement and improves the bill’s chances of legislative and executive passage.

Nwoko’s May 27, 2025 letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized the urgency of advancing equity, justice, and national cohesion through this constitutional amendment.

Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed Binani, the former All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate in Adamawa State, has officially left the ruling party and declared her defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

In a viral video currently circulating online, Senator Binani was seen holding the ADC flag while addressing her supporters. During her speech, she publicly confirmed her decision to join the coalition-backed opposition party.

“We have embraced the ADC, and we’re ready to move forward under its banner,” she said.

Expressing discontent with the current state of affairs within her former party, Binani added: “We ask God to separate us from those who are corrupting the party while pretending to walk with us.”

Binani had previously contested the 2023 governorship election on the platform of the APC, where she emerged as a formidable challenger to the incumbent, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in what was considered one of Nigeria’s most intense and controversial electoral contests that year.

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has appointed media personality and former Big Brother Naija contestant, Munirat Antoinette Lecky, widely known as Anto Lecky, as his Senior Special Assistant on Tourism and Creative Economy.

Her appointment was officially communicated through a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor. The appointment takes effect from June 23, 2025.

In the letter, the government stated, “I write to inform you that the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved your appointment as Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism and Creative Economy with effect from June 23, 2025.”

“The remuneration attached to the appointment is as provided for in the relevant regulations currently in force in the Edo State Public Service. Please accept my hearty Congratulations.”

Lecky is expected to play a key role in revitalizing the state’s tourism and creative sectors, especially in light of efforts to recover and showcase Edo’s cultural heritage.

This includes preparations around the return of looted Benin bronzes and the development of new museum infrastructure.

Anto Lecky first rose to national prominence as a semi-finalist on Big Brother Naija, one of Africa’s most popular reality shows.

Since then, she has built a robust career in media, project management, and advocacy for creative industries.

Prior to this appointment, she served as the Arts and Special Projects Lead at ElectHER, a non-governmental organization championing increased women’s participation in politics.

She was also the Programme Manager at Kunle Afolayan Productions Film and Television Academy.

Her diverse experience includes working as Head of Operations at Nigeria’s first private basketball league and hosting the lifestyle and travel TV show Sights of Flavours on DStv.

Currently, Lecky also holds a federal role as Special Assistant on Digital and New Media to the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu.

The Federal High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has ordered the temporary forfeiture of over ₦1 billion allegedly linked to the Secretary to the Ebonyi State Government (SSG), Professor Grace Umezurike, and her aide, Ngene Nwanna Onyeabor.

According to court records, Justice Maurine Onyetenu issued the interim forfeiture order on July 8, 2025, following an ex parte motion brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The EFCC alleged that the funds earmarked for the purchase of rice during the 2024 Christmas celebrations were illegally diverted from the Ebonyi State Government’s treasury into six separate accounts at United Bank for Africa (UBA).

Four of these accounts, the agency said, are owned by the SSG, while one account belonging to her aide allegedly received ₦1.014 billion.

The sixth account is registered under the name: Affordable Multi Services Nigeria Limited.

The anti-graft commission requested the court to freeze the accounts for 60 days to allow further investigation and possible prosecution.

It also asked the court to compel the respondents or any party with a claim to the funds to justify why the money should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.

Justice Onyetenu granted all of the EFCC’s applications.

In response, Governor Francis Nwifuru advised against rushing to conclusions, stressing the importance of due process and the presumption of innocence.

Speaking at a Sunday church service at the Government House Chapel in Centenary City, Abakaliki, he said, “I received the news of the publication already before the Federal High Court, Uyo. She is presumed innocent until investigation reveals otherwise.”

The Governor, who is also a lawyer, cautioned against prejudgment, saying, “I am a lawyer, and I know it is imperative to establish the facts before judgment to avoid setting wrong precedents.”

He also suggested that his administration may carry out further changes to its executive team. While acknowledging that the recently conducted minor cabinet reshuffle was based on unmet expectations, he hinted that more dismissals could follow.

“Our vision, as contained in the People’s Charter of Needs, has not been satisfactorily realised,” Nwifuru said.

“That accounted for the minor reshuffle we did recently. We’re still assessing them (officials), and we shall do the needful if the need arises.”

The Senate has directed Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central to stay away from its proceedings, stating that her six-month suspension has not yet lapsed.

In a Sunday statement, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu emphasized that no active court order exists compelling her return before the end of her suspension.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended in March 2025 following a heated dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements, during which she accused him of sexual misconduct, a charge he denied.

Citing a judgment by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, the senator announced her intention to resume legislative duties on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.

The Senate spokesman, however, argued that the court’s ruling did not contain any “positive or mandatory order directing the Senate to recall Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan prior to the end of her suspension.”

Adaramodu elaborated:

“It is therefore surprising and legally untenable that Senator Akpoti‑Uduaghan, while on appeal and having filed a motion for stay against the valid and binding orders made against her, is attempting to act upon an imaginary order of recall that does not exist. The Senate emphasizes once more: there is no enforceable order directing her immediate return to the chamber.”

He also issued a firm warning: “We advise the Distinguished Senator to refrain from any attempt to storm the Senate next Tuesday under a false pretext, as doing so would not only be premature but also undermine the dignity of the Senate and violate due process. The Senate, as a law‑abiding institution, is committed to upholding the rule of law and the integrity of its proceedings. It will not tolerate the disruption of its proceedings.

“Until then, she is respectfully advised to stay away from the Senate chambers and allow due process to run its full course.”

Adaramodu clarified that the Senate will consider both the court’s advisory opinion on amending its Standing Orders and her eventual recall at the appropriate time, and that the outcome will be communicated directly to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.