Former Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development in Enugu State, Prof. Victor Chukwuemeka Nnam, has called on Christians and political leaders to emulate the selfless life and sacrificial love demonstrated by Jesus Christ, especially as the world celebrates Easter.

In a goodwill message made available to journalists on Sunday, Prof. Nnam described Easter as a season of deep spiritual reflection and a timely reminder of the values that should shape both personal and public life — love, humility, service, and sacrifice.

He noted that Christ’s willingness to lay down His life for the good of humanity remains the highest form of leadership and should inspire political actors to prioritize the collective interest over personal gain.

“As we celebrate the resurrection of Christ, I urge Christians and politicians alike to reflect on the message of Easter — that true greatness lies in service and sacrifice.”

“Jesus Christ, though divine, humbled Himself and gave His life so others might live. That is the essence of leadership,” Nnam said.

The former commissioner also used the opportunity to call for unity and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, stressing that a nation bound by love and mutual respect will overcome its challenges.

He prayed for continued peace in Enugu State and across the country, while wishing all Christians a joyful and spiritually fulfilling Easter celebration.

Hon. Barr. John Edeh (Okaa Oburuzo) 

The Labour Party (LP) in Enugu State has suffered yet another setback following the defection of its former House of Representatives candidate for Nkanu East/Nkanu West Federal Constituency in the 2023 general elections, Barr. John Edeh, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), DAILY GAZETTE reports.

This development comes barely weeks after the party’s 2023 governorship candidate, Hon. Chijioke Edeoga, also parted ways with the LP.

Announcing his decision at the state secretariat of the party on Saturday, Barr. Edeh said his defection was borne out of a deep conviction that the Labour Party had strayed from its original ideals and had become increasingly disconnected from the needs and aspirations of the people it once vowed to represent.

Edeh further expressed confidence in his new political home, the APC, stating that the party is better positioned to deliver democratic dividends and attract investments into the state.

He was received by the state chairman of APC, Barr. Ugochukwu Agballah and other prominent APC leaders who welcomed his move as “a major boost to the party’s grassroots mobilization efforts.”

As at the time of filing this report, the Labour Party leadership in the state has yet to officially react to Edeh’s defection.

The Cross River State House of Assembly has formally passed the Senior Citizens Center Bill, 2025, into law—signaling a major policy shift towards enhancing the welfare of elderly residents in the state.

Initially presented on August 1, 2023, the bill progressed through its second reading by August 10 and was later referred to the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions, and Conflict Resolution for further consideration.

Presenting the report on behalf of the committee, the Deputy Leader and Chairman, Rt. Hon. Davies Etta (Abi), highlighted the essence of the proposed legislation.

“The bill seeks to establish a residential center for elderly individuals who lack the means or support to live independently. Sadly, many aged men and women are seen wandering the streets, having been abandoned or labeled as witches and ostracized from their communities.”

“This bill aims to provide them with a safe, supportive environment, complete with access to medical care and recreational facilities.” Etta stated.

Following the passage of the bill, its Lead Sponsor and Member representing Yakurr II State Constituency, Hon. Mercy Mbang Akpama, expressed deep satisfaction over the development.

“I feel both happy and fulfilled. Though the bill was introduced before I joined the Assembly, I took it up as a priority. Just a few days ago, senior citizens across the country celebrated themselves—those aged 60 and above.”

“It was a beautiful moment. Growing old is a privilege, and those who have served this nation deserve dignity, not neglect,” she stated.

As the only female member of the 10th Assembly, Hon. Akpama extended her gratitude to the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, the Judiciary Committee, and her fellow lawmakers for their united support in ensuring the bill’s approval.

She voiced optimism that Governor Senator Bassey Otu would assent to the legislation, noting its alignment with the state government’s people-oriented policy framework.

She further explained that the newly passed bill is a localized version of a federal law previously enacted during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Once operational, the care center will function under the oversight of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Welfare.

Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Muhammad Auwal Jatau, has categorically denied reports making the rounds on social media and other platforms alleging that he slapped the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, during a state event on Friday.

The alleged altercation was said to have taken place in a white coaster bus transporting dignitaries from Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport to the Emir’s Palace in Bauchi for the turbaning ceremony of former Governor Mohammed Abubakar.

According to the widely circulated but unverified claims, an argument erupted after Minister Tuggar allegedly made disparaging remarks about Governor Bala Mohammed.

This, the reports suggested, provoked a heated response from Jatau, who supposedly slapped the minister in full view of Vice President Kashim Shettima and other top officials.

In response to these claims, Jatau’s media aide, Muslim Lawal, dismissed the story as entirely false and unfounded.

“No, no, no, how can the deputy Governor slap the Minister? I don’t think that ever happened in Bauchi because I know my principal is a responsible person,” Lawal said.

“The number two person cannot slap a Minister or whoever person that people are talking about. We are not even aware of that. I am just hearing this from you.”

He went on to challenge the authenticity of the reports and questioned the absence of concrete proof.

“Did you see the evidence of the slap? I didn’t see it, I’m just hearing about that from you. But my belief is that there is no way the deputy Governor will slap a Minister. I don’t think such can ever happen in Bauchi, not even my principal or whoever is in his position.”

“What is even the issue that will make the deputy Governor slap a Minister? I was not in the car and if there is any evidence that the Deputy Governor did such, maybe we can speak on that, but as of now, I don’t even know about it. That’s our position. And I don’t even think that the Deputy Governor, even if it is not in the presence of the Vice President can do that,” Lawal added.

Meanwhile, the Governor’s son, Shamsudeen Bala Mohammed, appeared to fuel the controversy by reposting several Facebook posts celebrating Jatau’s alleged actions.

One of the reposted messages from Daure David read: “The First Deputy Governor to slap a Minister in Bauchi. Mr. Taka kasha mari. #Boris.”

Another post he shared said: “Breaking News: Tension in Bauchi as Deputy Governor reportedly slaps Minister of Foreign Affairs.”

He also reposted a Hausa-language comment that stated: “Yau deputy govna ya jadada loyaltyn sa wa baba Kaura,” which translates to, “Today, the Deputy Governor reaffirmed his loyalty to Baba Kaura (Governor Bala Mohammed).”

Another said: “Idan zai zagi Kaura sau Goma, Jatau zai masa mari sau goma kyawawa..!” Meaning, “If he will abuse or insult Kaura 10 times, Jatau will give him 10 hot slaps.”

The controversy appears rooted in a long-standing political rivalry between Governor Mohammed and Minister Tuggar.

Their strained relationship reportedly intensified following the Governor’s open criticism of the Tinubu administration in the aftermath of the #EndBadGovernanceProtest in 2023.

Tuggar, known for his loyalty to President Bola Tinubu and rumored ambitions to contest the Bauchi governorship in 2027, has previously accused Governor Mohammed of incompetence and political showmanship.

As of now, no independent evidence has emerged to substantiate the claim of physical assault.