Former Minister for Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, who was removed from office by President Bola Tinubu in October 2024 during a cabinet reshuffle has spoken out after being grilled by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of misappropriating ₦138 million during her tenure.

In a statement released on Friday following her EFCC visit on March 6, 2025, Kennedy-Ohanenye affirmed that she fully cooperated with the investigation, offering detailed explanations about her expenditure and actions while in office.

She emphasized her commitment to transparency and accountability, asserting that public officials have a duty to clarify how they use resources entrusted to them.

Kennedy-Ohanenye detailed her experience at the EFCC headquarters, noting that she arrived at 2:15 PM and engaged in substantive discussions by 2:50 PM, which continued until about 6:50 PM.

During the meeting, she addressed the allegations regarding the ₦138 million diversion and provided clarifications on the management of funds during her time as Minister for Women Affairs.

The former minister also expressed gratitude for the professionalism and hospitality shown by the EFCC.

She extended her appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for their support during her tenure, highlighting that the use of personal funds was part of her commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda for Nigerian women and children.

Kennedy-Ohanenye concluded by reiterating her pledge to remain fully cooperative with any further inquiries, confident that the full disclosure of facts will vindicate her integrity and the diligent work carried out during her period in office.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has commenced the screening of its governorship aspirants in Anambra State ahead of the party’s primary election scheduled for April 5.

The seven-member screening and appeal committee, chaired by former Katsina State Governor Ibrahim Shema, was officially inaugurated on Friday by the APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, at the party’s headquarters in Abuja.

Seven aspirants successfully purchased and submitted the N50 million nomination and expression of interest forms before the February 25 deadline.

They include Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, Nicholas Ukachukwu, Chukwuma Umeoji, Paul Chukwuma, Onunkwo Johnbisco Obinna, Valentine Ozigbo, and Edozie Madu.

Speaking at the inauguration, Ganduje urged the screening panel to ensure fairness and transparency, emphasizing the need to prevent disputes that could lead to legal battles.

“I am confident in the members of this committee, especially the chairman, who has vast experience as a two-term governor. I urge you to conduct a thorough and just screening process to avoid any post-primary litigations,” Ganduje said.

After completing his screening, Chukwuma, a former APC National Auditor, expressed confidence in his qualifications and the party’s ability to win the Anambra governorship election.

“I came well-prepared, and the process went smoothly. I am confident in my ability to fly the party’s flag and lead APC to victory in Anambra. While all aspirants are qualified, I believe I have the strongest credentials,” he stated.

He also supported the party’s decision to adopt the indirect primary method, stating that he was comfortable with any process chosen by the leadership.

On the first day of screening, three aspirants—Chukwuma, Okonkwo, and Ukachukwu—were evaluated.

The remaining four will face the committee on Saturday.

A coalition of women’s rights organizations under the Coalition for Women in Governance has strongly rejected the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing it as an attack on democracy and an attempt to suppress women’s voices in leadership.

The coalition has vowed to stage a massive protest if the Senate does not reverse its decision.

Senator Natasha, who represents Kogi Central, was suspended for six months on Thursday after she submitted a petition alleging sexual harassment by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, Ambassador Zainab Mohammed, a prominent leader of the coalition, criticized the Senate’s action, stating that it violated a court order that had barred any disciplinary action against the senator.

“The Senate’s decision is not just an attack on one woman; it is a direct assault on democracy and the rights of her constituents. This sets a dangerous precedent that discourages accountability and silences those who challenge power,” Mohammed said.

She called for Natasha’s immediate reinstatement and urged the Senate to respect judicial rulings.

“The true strength of democracy lies in actions, not mere words. If this injustice is not addressed, we will take to the streets to ensure that justice prevails,” she added.

Dr. Jophia Gupar, President of the Pan African Young Women Development Initiative, emphasized that Natasha’s suspension affects all Nigerian women, not just the senator herself.

“This is bigger than Natasha. It’s about protecting all women in leadership from intimidation and silencing. What message does this send to young women aspiring for political office?” Gupar questioned.

She also criticized the three other female senators for their silence on the issue, warning that their inaction could have long-term consequences.

“If they choose to remain silent now, they should remember that tomorrow it could be them or their daughters. There is such a thing as karma,” she said.

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Professor Attahiru Jega, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as Presidential Adviser and Coordinator of Presidential Livestock Reforms.

The appointment was disclosed by Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, in a statement on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday night.

Jega, who served as INEC Chairman from 2010 to 2015, will now play a key role in driving livestock reforms across the country.

“President Bola Tinubu appoints Professor Attahiru Jega as Presidential Adviser and Coordinator of Presidential Livestock Reforms,” Onanuga announced.

The appointment follows Tinubu’s decision in July 2024 to create the Ministry of Livestock Development to tackle longstanding conflicts between farmers and herders.

The ministry, established on the recommendation of the National Livestock Reforms Committee, aims to implement policies that will modernize livestock management and reduce violent clashes between farmers and nomadic cattle herders.

Jega, a former Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, had previously co-chaired the Presidential Livestock Reforms Committee alongside Tinubu.

The committee’s work led to the creation of the Livestock Ministry and other sustainable solutions for the sector.

At 68 years old, Jega remains an influential figure in governance.

He is a member of the International Elections Advisory Council and currently serves as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Sa’adatu Rimi University of Education, Kano State.

Students in Anambra State have pledged to purchase the nomination form for Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s re-election ahead of the November 8, 2025 governorship election.

The commitment was made by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Council, Anambra State, during a press briefing in Awka on Friday.

Speaking on behalf of the students, Okoye Okpara, Chairman of the council and National Coordinator of the Solution Students Movement of Nigeria, said the decision was driven by Soludo’s exemplary leadership and dedication to youth development.

He urged the governor to publicly declare his re-election bid, warning that if he failed to do so within 30 days, students would stage protests across Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi, and Ekwulobia to demand his declaration.

“The protest will not be destructive,” Okpara clarified. “It is simply to compel the governor to make his ambition known. The election is just nine months away, and we believe it’s time for him to declare his intention.”

He highlighted Soludo’s impactful policies, particularly the ‘One Youth, Two Skills’ initiative, which has benefited students across the state.

“We are taking this step to appreciate the governor’s commitment to students’ welfare and the transformation of Anambra State,” he added.

The students reiterated their full support for Soludo’s second-term bid, emphasizing their readiness to mobilize resources for his nomination form as a mark of gratitude for his governance approach.

The Labour Party (LP) has extended an invitation to the 36 Lagos State House of Assembly members who backed the removal of Speaker Mudasiru Obasa and briefly installed his deputy, Mojisola Meranda, as the new speaker.

The party urged the lawmakers to join its ranks alongside its 2023 governorship candidate, Architect Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, in what it described as a mission to rescue Lagos from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The LP accused the ruling party of stifling democracy and called for its removal from power in the state.

Speaking at a press conference in Abeokuta, Ogun State, LP National Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Arabambi, condemned the APC’s handling of the Assembly crisis, particularly its efforts to reinstate Obasa despite allegations against him.

“Lagos State is now under the control of a group of ‘democracy assassins,’” Arabambi declared.

“It is, therefore, imperative to vote out the APC to prevent the total destruction of democratic values in the state.”

He criticized what he called a longstanding culture of political manipulation in Lagos, where, he alleged, a single individual wields power over electoral outcomes.

He also described the APC’s intervention in the leadership dispute at the Assembly as unconstitutional and undemocratic.

Arabambi further called out Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for remaining silent on the allegations against Obasa and demanded a response.

“The Labour Party National Working Committee, led by Barrister Julius Abure and Alhaji Farouk Umar Ibrahim, demands that Governor Sanwo-Olu address the allegations raised by the 36 lawmakers. If he fails to do so, he should either resign or face impeachment proceedings,” he stated.

The party expressed confidence in its ability to win the 2027 Lagos governorship election, positioning Rhodes-Vivour as its candidate.

It also dismissed recent criticisms from Abdul-Azeez Adeniran, a former PDP governorship candidate, insisting that Rhodes-Vivour remains the party’s flag bearer.

“There is no vacancy in the Labour Party for Lagos governorship. Architect Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour remains our sole candidate for the 2027 election,” Arabambi asserted.

The LP urged Lagos residents to support the 36 lawmakers and prepare for what it described as a battle to reclaim democracy in the state.