By Okey Maduforo, Awka

Osita Chidoka, Chancellor of the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership and a former Minister of Aviation, has called for a new Nigerian national consensus founded on equal citizenship, accountable public power and a common duty to defend the rights of every Nigerian.

Chidoka made the call while delivering the keynote address at the 28th Wole Soyinka Lecture, which this year also marked the inauguration of the National Association of Seadogs’ (NAS) Martyrs’ Day. Professor Wole Soyinka, who is now 92, was present throughout the lecture.

According to a statement by Chidoka’s Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr Ikechukwu Okafor, the Wole Soyinka Lecture Series was established in 1994 by the National Association of Seadogs, Pyrates Confraternity, to mark Professor Soyinka’s 60th birthday. Since then, it has become an annual platform for national and global discourse on good governance, social justice and democratic ideals.

The statement added that NAS was founded in 1952 at University College, Ibadan, by seven undergraduates, including Soyinka, and was formally registered in 1980.

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This year’s Martyrs’ Day, inaugurated alongside the lecture, honours 33 NAS members who were detained for 72 days in Port Harcourt in 1997, an episode Chidoka examined extensively in his address.

In his address, titled “Reclaiming the Nigerian State Through Accountability, Justice and Civic Courage,” Chidoka argued that Nigeria’s difficulties go deeper than the structure of the federation.

What the country lacks, he said, is “a sufficiently shared organising ideal”—an agreement on “what Nigerian power is for, what citizenship must guarantee and what Nigerians owe one another.”

He acknowledged that Nigeria’s federal arrangements require reform, particularly in the areas of devolution, policing and fiscal responsibility. However, he warned that structural reform without a moral purpose could simply redistribute injustice.

“A federation can be decentralised and still be unjust,” he said. “A regional government can oppress a local minority. A state police service can protect a Governor rather than the citizen.”

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Tracing the country’s founding aspirations through the 1957 Willink Commission, the independence anthem and the 1999 Constitution, Chidoka said Nigeria was established on a promise to protect minorities, uphold justice and build a nation in which no citizen would be oppressed.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for restoring “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” as the national anthem in 2024, arguing that the anthem “does more than ask us to love Nigeria: it tells us what kind of Nigeria deserves our loyalty.”

Chidoka proposed three commitments as the foundation of a renewed national consensus: equal citizenship without the need for an ethnic sponsor or political godfather; public power treated as a trust that leaves a trail and submits to correction; and a shared duty to defend the dignity of Nigerians beyond one’s own party, faith or community.

On accountability, which he defined as “answerability joined to consequence,” Chidoka, drawing on his years as Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, said explanations, audit reports and court judgments mean little on their own.

“Explanation without correction is not accountability,” he said, proposing a three-part discipline for public power: trace, test, correct.

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Drawing a direct line between the 1997 detention of NAS members in Port Harcourt and the 2005 Apo Six killings in Abuja, Chidoka argued that Nigeria has changed the uniform of its rulers without sufficiently changing the reflexes of power.

He called on NAS to extend the meaning of Martyrs’ Day beyond its own members, insisting that “the best way to honour the F18 survivors is to defend citizens who do not belong to this Association.”

He closed with a direct appeal:

“Let us construct a new national consensus around equal citizenship, answerable power and common brotherhood. Let us give young Nigerians a banner worth carrying. Let us build a Nigeria where courage can live and no citizen needs a martyr’s bravery merely to enjoy a citizen’s rights.”

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The lingering leadership crisis rocking the Enugu State chapter of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) took a dramatic turn on Tuesday as more than 80 party aspirants under the umbrella of the Enugu G80 formally declared their total support for the State Working Committee led by the Chairman, Dr. Johnpaul Anih.

The endorsement followed an extraordinary virtual meeting of the coalition held on Monday, August 3, 2026, where members unanimously resolved to recognize the Dr. Johnpaul Anih-led executive as the authentic leadership of the party in Enugu State.

The G80, described as a coalition of over 80 aspirants drawn from different political blocs within the party, said its decision was reached after a careful review of the circumstances surrounding the leadership dispute and extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders.

According to the communique adopted at the meeting, the coalition concluded that the executive led by Dr. Johnpaul Anih remains the only leadership produced through a valid state congress conducted on May 4, 2026, in compliance with the party’s constitution and monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The group maintained that the legitimacy of that congress cannot be displaced by any parallel arrangement or externally imposed structure.

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The forum further announced the unconditional endorsement of the Anih-led executive, describing the decision as one driven by justice, equity, constitutional order and respect for internal democracy.

As part of the resolutions, members agreed to dissolve their individual political structures into the Dr. Johnpaul Anih-led leadership in order to build a united and formidable platform capable of strengthening the party across the 17 local government areas of Enugu State.

The aspirants also pledged financial, moral and political support to the State Executive in its ongoing efforts to consolidate the party and defend what they described as the democratic mandate freely given by party members during the state congress.

Addressing the forum, Dr. SKC Ogbonnia, who briefed members on the outcome of recent engagements with Dr. Johnpaul Anih and other stakeholders, urged party faithful to remain united in the interest of the party and the advancement of democratic values.

The coalition disclosed that it would immediately forward an official letter to the National Leader of the party, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, formally communicating its endorsement while urging the national leadership to respect the outcome of the validly conducted congress and restore constitutional order within the Enugu State chapter.

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In the letter signed by the group’s coordinator, Dr. SKC Ogbonnia, NDC Senatorial aspirant for Enugu West Zone, and Chief Charles Solomon Ako, NDC House of Reps aspirant for Igboetiti/Uzouwani federal constituency, the G80 appealed to the national leadership to reaffirm the Dr. Johnpaul Anih-led State Working Committee as the legitimate leadership of the party in Enugu State, reject attempts to create or sustain parallel executive structures and ensure that all party organs recognize the executive produced through the congress.

The coalition also called for the harmonisation of candidates produced by the two factions in line with the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution, insisting that any harmonisation process must be anchored on the executive that emerged from the validly conducted congress.

In a strongly worded warning, the G80 cautioned individuals and groups against actions capable of undermining the unity and stability of the party in Enugu State.

The coalition declared that it would resist every attempt to impose parallel leadership structures, insisting that only executives produced through constitutional processes possess the legal and moral authority to administer the affairs of the party.

The group further maintained that respect for internal democracy remains indispensable to the survival of the NDC, arguing that allowing unelected structures to supersede validly elected executives would erode members’ confidence and weaken the party ahead of future elections.

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The latest endorsement adds to growing support for the Dr. Johnpaul Anih-led State Executive, coming barely weeks after party stakeholders, State Working Committee members and local government chairmen unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the leadership, citing its grassroots mobilisation efforts and commitment to strengthening the party in Enugu State.

…2027, The Last Chance To Unite Nigeria, Peter Obi

By Okey Maduforo Awka

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress ( NDC), Mr Peter Obi has warned that the 2027 general elections is the last time and opportunity to unite Nigeria noting that all hands must be on deck to change what he called the sad narrative of the Nation.

This is coming as the member representing Awka North and South Federal Constituency Prof Lilian Orogbu raises fresh alarm over an alleged plot to use fake security operatives to manipulate the coming elections stating that it would be resisted .

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Peter Obi who was at the empowerment scheme convened by Orogbu in Awka Anambra state Capital lamented that NIgeria paints the picture of a meal spoilt by too much salt adding that he has been going about asking for the vote of Nigerians to guarantee the unity of the Country.

“Nigeria is like a meal spoilt by too much salt and a lot has collapsed in this country and wherever you go they tell you to be careful and don’t go there and when people get sick they have no hospitals to obtain treatment rather they go to church to pray because death is by the corner”

“We need leaders who are responsible, who have integrity and I challenge any of my contestants to come up for accessment and I can tell you that non of them is better than me”

“And that is why I have been going about the country asking for the support of Nigerians so that we can restore our country and this is the last chance to unite Nigeria and I want to unite Nigeria and that is why I am in the race for Presidency.

Speaking also Hon Liliana Oby Orogbu warned that the masses would not tolerate any act by some desperate politicians to use thugs dressed in security uniform to manipulate the electoral process adding that the masses would resist such plots .

“We are aware of the plans of some people to manipulate the coming election and we learnt that they are going to use thugs dressed in security uniforms to rig the election but our people have become wiser and it would be resisted .

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Also speaking Sen Victor Umeh carpeted those according to him who have been going about campaigning that people should not vote for Peter Obi contending that such persons are not in their right senses .

“When the campaign proper begins we shall come down to Anambra state and the South East to campaign and we shall engage them and let us see why we should not support Peter Obi in the coming election ” he said.

State Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress ( NDC) Hon Ikem Uzoezie described the trio of Obi , Umeh and Orogbu as most qualified for the positions that they are contesting for urging the Anambra electorates to vote massively for them .

The highlight of the occasion was the distribution of refrigerators , power generators , sewing and grinding machines , motorcycles , buses and cars to members of Awka North and South Federal Constituency.

Anthony Adeniyi (Niyi) Adeosun, husband of former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, has died at the age of 62.
He passed away on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, in Lagos State, according to a statement issued by the Adeosun family on Thursday.
The statement, titled “Announcement of the Passing of Mr Anthony Adeniyi (Niyi) Adeosun,” was signed by Rev. C. A. Adeosun on behalf of the family.
Describing the late Adeosun as a distinguished businessman and devoted Christian, the family said he lived a life marked by integrity, generosity, hard work, and unwavering commitment to God, his family, and his community.
“It is with profound sorrow, yet in total submission to the will of Almighty God, that the Adeosun family announces the passing of our beloved husband, father, and brother, Mr Anthony Adeniyi (Niyi) Adeosun, who was called home to glory on Wednesday, 5th August 2026, in Lagos,” the statement read.
The family said they were drawing strength from their Christian faith during the difficult period and requested prayers as they mourn their “irreplaceable loss.”
Funeral and burial arrangements will be announced at a later date.
Anthony Adeosun is survived by his wife, former Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun, his children, and his siblings, including Kuramo Capital founder Adewale Adeosun.
The family also expressed gratitude to everyone who has offered prayers, condolences, and support, praying that his soul rests in perfect peace.

The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mr Mamman Giwa, has condoled wife, children and family members of late Insp. Ikechukwu Obodo, who died after being knocked down in a hit-and-run motor-pedestrian accident.

Obodo was knocked down in a hit-and-run motor-pedestrian accident along Bissala Road in Enugu on July 5.

Giwa gave the condolence on Wednesday during a visit to the wife of the deceased officer through a delegation led by ACP Oliver Odimega, the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Department of Operations.

The commissioner described the death of the officer, who is a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree holder, as a deeply tragic loss to the Nigeria Police Force, his family, friends and colcolleagues.

He prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul and for God to grant his loved ones the strength to bear the irreparable loss.

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The state police boss assured the bereaved family that the command remained committed to ensuring the arrest and prosecution of the fleeing driver.

Giwa noted that the police share in their grief over the painful and untimely loss of the Inspector, whose life was cut short under such unfortunate and avoidable circumstances.

Police preliminary report released by the Spokesman of Enugu State Police Command, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said: “Preliminary investigations indicate that the deceased was travelling to his duty post at about 7p.m.

“The commercial bus conveying him failed to stop at his designated bus stop near Pascan Jake Bus Stop on Bisala Road, dropping him a few metres ahead instead.

“This led to an altercation between him and the bus driver after they alighted and in the process, an unidentified speeding vehicle struck the officer and fled the scene, while the bus driver also drove away immediately.

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“Passers-by alerted operatives of the New Haven Police Division, who promptly evacuated the victim to Parklane Hospital, where he was confirmed dead.

“His remains were thereafter deposited in the hospital mortuary for preservation and post-mortem examination.”

He said that contrary to circulating rumours, investigations have not established that the late officer was struck by a government or security convoy vehicle.

Ndukwe, however, said that efforts to identify and arrest the fleeing driver remain firmly on course.

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