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Obi of Onitsha Expresses Concern Over Hardship Facing Nigerians

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The Obi of Onitsha, Alfred Achebe, has expressed concern over the decline in the well-being of Nigerians as a result of the economic reforms of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Igwe Achebe also lamented growing insecurity and economic hardship in the country.

The monarch made the statement during the celebration of the 2024 Ofala Festival in Onitsha on Friday.

During the festival, themed, ‘Courage,’ Perseverance, Self-Reliance,” the monarch urged Nigerians to persevere through the difficult times.

He said, “The well-being of the people has declined more steeply in the last 12 months, leading to a 10-day national protest in August 2024, tagged #Endbadgovernance. The two areas of greatest concern are the economy and security.

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“Their combined effects include the spiraling rise in the cost of living, business closures, loss of employment, and a general feeling of hopelessness and lack of trust in the government.”

The monarch expressed disappointment that despite Tinubu’s strong belief in his bold policies, petrol prices have skyrocketed, while the naira has continued to fall.

He urged the President to consider alternative means and urgently convene a non-partisan national economic and security summit to forge a collective way forward for the country.

Achebe also decried the destruction of lives and property by rampaging gunmen in the South-East, with little or no attention given to the situation by the relevant authorities.

He said, “In the South-East, we still face the unrelenting scourge of the unknown gunmen who kill, maim, and kidnap their fellow Ndigbo for ransom. Schools, markets, and public facilities remain closed on Mondays, causing enormous economic and social costs to Ndigbo.

“Armed criminal activities in the community increased drastically in August 2024. The most pressing challenge we faced in the last 12 months has been inadequate funding for our two vigilante teams.”

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Wike Allegedly Working for APC to Sabotage His Own Party, Claims PDP Chairman

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The Acting Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Robinson Ewor has made an allegation against the All Progressives Congress and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Ewor alleged that Wike is working with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to sabotage the PDP from within.

Speaking during a live appearance on Arise News on Monday, 21 April 2025, Ewor claimed that Wike’s actions and affiliations clearly indicate he is no longer a true member of the PDP, alleging that the former governor is being funded by the APC to destabilise both the party at the national level and the Rivers State chapter ahead of the 2027 elections.

Ewor explained that the party experienced no internal troubles before the 2023 general elections until Wike lost his presidential ambition and subsequently failed to clinch the vice-presidential ticket.

According to him, Wike’s personal disappointment triggered the crisis that later engulfed the party.

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First and foremost, PDP had no issues preparatory to the 2023 general elections. Wike, the current FCT minister, wanted to be the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. And he submitted himself to the primaries of the party. But Atiku won the party ticket. Thereafter, Wike wanted to be the vice president. Because Atiku did not pick him to be the vice presidential candidate, Wike started the crisis in PDP,” Ewor stated.

He added that Wike spearheaded the formation of the G5 group, which he claims had one mission: to damage the PDP’s chances at the polls.

“This was the genesis of the crisis in PDP: First, because Wike lost the presidential ticket. Second, Atiku Abubakar did not pick him as a vice presidential ticket,” Ewor explained.

He started the crisis in PDP and formed what we call, what Nigerians know as G5. What does the G5 stand for? Destroy PDP. Ensure that Atiku Abubakar did not win the election. That was what the G5 stand for. Today, the party has moved beyond the 2023 general election.”

On Wike’s continued interference in PDP affairs, Ewor questioned the logic of advising a party he is “busy destroying.”

Wike is no longer in the party. How do you advise a party you are no longer a member? How do you advise a people you are busy destroying? How do you advise a party that you are at the forefront of bringing it down?” Ewor queried.

“The crisis we find today in PDP is not because the PDP is in crisis. It is because the FCT minister is on a mission to destroy the party. He is on a mission to destroy the party. And he has started it in River State.”

 

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President Tinubu Returns to Nigeria After 19-Day European Visit

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made his return to Nigeria following a 19-day trip to Europe, which included private visits to France and the United Kingdom. His arrival marks the end of a journey that has drawn attention both domestically and internationally.

The presidential aircraft touched down at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport in Abuja on Monday evening. The president was welcomed at the airport’s presidential wing by an array of dignitaries and members of his cabinet. Among those present were Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT); Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA); and Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff (CoS). Their presence underscored the significance of the president’s return and the unity within his administration.

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While the details of President Tinubu’s engagements during his European visit remain private, the trip is believed to have included discussions on matters of national interest and international diplomacy. The president’s return comes at a time when Nigeria faces pressing challenges, including economic reforms and security concerns, which are expected to dominate his agenda in the coming weeks.

The reception at the airport was marked by a sense of anticipation, as members of the cabinet and other officials expressed their readiness to resume work under the president’s leadership. The atmosphere reflected the administration’s commitment to addressing the nation’s priorities and fostering progress.

President Tinubu’s European visit has sparked speculation about potential developments in Nigeria’s foreign relations and economic strategies. As the nation awaits further updates, the president’s return signals a renewed focus on governance and the implementation of his administration’s policies.

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Pope Francis Passes On At 88

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Pope Francis has died, the Vatican has announced in a video statement.

The first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church died at the age of 88 at 7:35am (05:35 GMT) on Monday, said Cardinal Kevin Farrell in a statement published by the Vatican on its Telegram channel.

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Francis had suffered various ailments in his 12-year papacy, with severe complications in recent weeks after a bout of double pneumonia for which he spent five weeks in hospital.

His death comes one day after a brief appearance before thousands of Catholic pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square for the Vatican’s open-air Easter Sunday mass.

 

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