On Friday, members of the Nigerian Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (NICOCSO) staged a protest at the National Assembly, demanding action over the ongoing dispute between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Dangote Refinery, along with other issues plaguing Nigeria’s oil sector.

The coalition expressed concerns that the rift between the two entities is having a negative impact on the daily lives of Nigerians, particularly in light of the country’s ongoing challenges in the oil industry.

The protesters called for immediate intervention to resolve the standoff and address broader sectoral issues.

The law firm of Deji Adeyanju & Partners has severed its legal relationship with Stephen Abuwatseye, an Abuja-based e-hailing driver, following his public apology to Alex Ikwechegh, the controversial House of Representatives member for Aba North and South, who had assaulted him.

The decision comes in the wake of a viral video that showed Ikwechegh physically assaulting Abuwatseye, a Bolt driver, during an altercation. In the footage, Ikwechegh can be heard boasting about his power, even threatening to make Abuwatseye “disappear.”

The incident sparked a widespread public outcry, with many Nigerians calling for Ikwechegh’s removal from office.

Ikwechegh, after facing public backlash, later apologized, acknowledging that his actions were not in line with the expected conduct of a public official.

However, the apology was met with mixed reactions, with some feeling it was insufficient given the severity of his behavior.

The matter escalated when Abuwatseye, despite being the victim, issued his own apology to Ikwechegh, which many viewed as an attempt to downplay the gravity of the assault.

In a video shared on Thursday, Abuwatseye expressed regret for his role in provoking Ikwechegh, stating: “I want to apologize to him for whatever I must have said or done to provoke him to that level of anger.”

Abuwatseye’s apology quickly garnered criticism, as many felt it undermined efforts to hold Ikwechegh accountable for his actions.

The situation became even more contentious when Abuwatseye urged Nigerians to “forgive and forget,” invoking a religious sentiment: “For there is no justice without forgiveness.”

In response to the development, Abuwatseye’s legal team, led by Deji Adeyanju & Partners, issued a statement announcing their withdrawal from the case.

The law firm explained that Abuwatseye’s recent actions, including the apology, compromised their ethical standards.

“After careful consideration, we have made the decision to withdraw our legal representation in order to protect our professional integrity and maintain the highest ethical standard in the legal profession,” the statement read.

The firm, however, expressed good wishes for Abuwatseye, while reaffirming its commitment to fighting for the rights of marginalized individuals.

“We wish Mr. Stephen Abuwatseye the very best, while we assure the general public of our continuous commitment towards protecting the rights of the oppressed and indigent members of society,” the statement concluded.

In the meantime, Ikwechegh faces legal charges, including abuse of office, assault, and threats to life.

He was granted bail by a Chief Magistrate Court in Kuje, Abuja, but the case is still ongoing, with the next court date scheduled for November 8.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has opened up about his time in prison and the pivotal role his late wife, Stella, played in securing his release during the military regime of General Sani Abacha.

Speaking at the inauguration of the 250-bed Stella Obasanjo Hospital in Benin, the Edo State capital, Obasanjo, now 87, fondly recalled how his wife worked tirelessly on his behalf.

He was arrested and jailed by the Abacha government in 1995, accused of being involved in an alleged coup plot, though he consistently maintained his innocence.

After Abacha’s death, Obasanjo was released by the regime of General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who later became president.

“My late wife went everywhere to ensure that I came out of prison alive. She was in Vatican City, France, and other parts of the world. No amount of honour would be too much for the role she played. I had it all coming out of prison.”

Obasanjo expressed deep gratitude for his wife’s unrelenting efforts, adding, “We were planning for her 68th birthday anniversary but never had it before she died. It was very painful for me in particular and for all of us in my family.”

Reflecting on his wife’s passing, which occurred during his second term as president, Obasanjo noted how much he valued the contributions she made to his public life.

“I had a woman who made tremendous contributions to my achievements in public life,” he said.

The former president also took the opportunity to thank the government and people of Edo State for honouring his late wife with the naming of the hospital, noting that her sacrifices would never be forgotten.

Obasanjo praised the administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki for its achievements, particularly the completion of the Stella Obasanjo Hospital.

He described the facility as “first-class treatment for any ailment,” commending Obaseki for “starting well and finishing well. With this kind of edifice, I can say that the governor started well and is finishing well.”

In his remarks, Obasanjo also reflected on his past relationship with former Governor John Oyegun, who had worked closely with him during his tenure as president.

“I have worked in the past with the likes of John Oyegun. He was a fantastic permanent secretary,” Obasanjo said, recalling some of their shared experiences. He also expressed his admiration for the current governor.

“More grace to the elbows of the governor. With this hospital, you’re assured of first-class treatment for any ailment.”

The First Lady of Anambra State, Dr. Nonye Soludo, visited displaced persons at the Central School, Odekpe in Ogbaru Local Government Area on Wednesday, offering relief materials to support those affected by the recent flooding.

The flood, caused by rising water levels in the River Niger, has impacted communities in five local government areas: Anambra West, Anambra East, Ogbaru, Awka North, and Ayamelum.

The state government has set up over 27 temporary shelters, known as Holden camps, where displaced persons are currently seeking refuge.

During her visit to the Odekpe camp, Dr. Soludo reassured the residents that the government would continue to provide support to meet their needs during this challenging time.

“I encourage you to see this as a moment to explore the strength of your community. The state government will ensure continuous assistance to guarantee your wellbeing.”

The First Lady also called on individuals and organizations to contribute to the relief efforts and provide further support to those in the camps.

She highlighted the importance of maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in the camps, as unsanitary conditions can lead to disease outbreaks.

“I urge volunteers at the camps to maintain the highest standards of hygiene and environmental cleanliness. We must take precautions to prevent the spread of diseases in these conditions,” she said.

Dr. Soludo also took the opportunity to assess the living conditions within the camp, focusing on hygiene, dietary needs, and overall sanitary standards.

Her visit allowed her to interact directly with the displaced individuals and emphasize the state’s commitment to their welfare.

In addition to Dr. Soludo’s visit, Dr. Chukwumuanya Igboekwu, the South East Zonal Coordinator for the World Health Organization (WHO), announced that the WHO would be deploying a mobile clinic to the camps, providing medical care and essential medicines to the residents.

The First Lady donated food items, sanitary products, beverages, and cash to the four Holden camps in Ogbaru Local Government Area, ensuring that the displaced individuals received immediate relief.