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Segun Sowunmi says Peter Obi has turned out to be his ‘greatest disappointment’ due to his perceived receptiveness to the coalition movement spearheaded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other opposition figures in the country.
Obi, who dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 2022 for the Labour Party, where he was presented as the 2023 presidential candidate, has become a political force in Nigeria.
pite coming third with over six million votes in the 2023 presidential election, Obi commands a massive following among the youth nationwide.
However, as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general election, opposition politicians, including Obi, are making moves to boost their chances.
To wrest power from the ruling party in 2027, former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is championing a coalition of opposition figures to come under one party that’ll sweep the All Progressives Congress out of power.
According to reports, Atiku proposed Obi as his running mate for the coalition, promising that the former governor of Anambra State would succeed him.
Even though Atiku is a PDP leader, there are indications that he may dump the party for the coalition he spearheads.
In their recent meeting, opposition politicians set up a team to decide whether to float a new party or fuse into an existing platform.
Meanwhile, the PDP Governors have rejected the Atiku-led coalition, insisting that the movement must be party-driven.
Also, Sowunmi, a longstanding ally of the former Vice President, has expressed dissatisfaction with his principal’s move, stressing that the PDP has to be the base of the coalition.
He also labelled the coalition movement a selfish adventure to favour a set of politicians.
In his bid to save the PDP, Sowunmi recently called on the party’s leadership to bring Obi back to the party.
The PDP chieftain also warned Obi against the coalition, saying the politicians in the movement are only interested in taking advantage of his popularity for the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’, Sowunmi said he was disappointed in Obi because he failed to take advantage of his popularity by aligning with the main opposition force in the country.
“My greatest disappointment as we are getting ready for 2027 is actually Peter. The reason is that I had hoped in all of his seriousness that Peter will understand that we can move and challenge the status quo, not the way he’s been doing it all by himself. We could do that just to be able to take the outcome, even if it’s a defeat, we’ll say we gave it the best push, and we shattered the glass ceilings and united the country because there’s no glass ceiling on top of the South East. You made one effort and then the next thing you’re doing you started running up and down the street,” Sowunmi said.
The PDP chieftain said he told Obi that if he failed to make up his mind by May 29, he would be inclined to declare his support for President Tinubu in the next election.
His words: “ I told him many months before that if your mind is not made up by May 29 this year on what you want to do, I’m going to be more inclined to support Asiwaju. And the simple reason is this, I told him Peter, the benefits that we have done now by integrating you as someone that can be leader of the Igbo political force, and in a pan Nigerian environment, I do not think throw it away but it’s your call, if you want to do that all this coalition this, coalition that. I’m thinking that you’re bringing a new order.”
Although it is not clear if Obi has officially joined the Atiku-led coalition, he has been seen attending the movement’s meetings.
…Anti-Tinubu coalition dead on arrival, says Wike
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday declared that even though the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister, Nyesom Wike, is not yet a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the party is open to receiving him whenever he decides to switch.
Tinubu stated this when he commissioned the Arterial Road N16 (Shehu Shagari Way) from Ring Road One (Nnamdi Azikiwe Way) to Arterial Road N20 (Wole Soyinka Road) and some other roads in Katampe District.
The president noted that with Wike, APC will continue to be in a joyous mood, while the party’s rivals will continue to writhe in pain.
He said, “We have somebody in Nyesom Wike. He is not a member of my party. Not yet. But the day he changes his mind and registers with the Progressives, we will welcome him because we will enjoy him singing ‘as e dey pain them, e dey sweet us”.
Speaking about the project, the president said residents of the Gishiri community affected by the construction had since been relocated and compensated, saying the government did not grab the land.
He said the project represents more than a stretch of asphalt but affirms his commitment and transformational posture under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Since assuming office on May 23, this administration has been guided by a philosophy anchored on reform and regeneration. Today, we see tangible proof of that philosophy in action. The corridor was underdeveloped for years despite the central road in the Abuja master plan. Today, that narrative has changed. What was once missing as a link is now a modern, functional, and durable infrastructure. The artery is fully realised through the leadership of the FCT administration under the Honourable Minister Nyesom Wike.
“This road will ease traffic congestion around central Abuja and improve connectivity to developing districts such as Katampe, Jahi, and Mabushi.
“It will stimulate housing and business growth while serving as a foundation for future city integration. Infrastructure is not a luxury; it is a necessity. It is the bedrock of national competitiveness, growth, social integration, and economic opportunity.
“We recognise that our nation’s development is linked to the quality of infrastructure, connecting people, cities, and industries. There is no way industrialisation will flourish without good roads. We are investing in roads, rail, power, health care, education, and digital infrastructure. It is only through these coordinated and integrated developments that we can unlock Nigeria’s full potential. “I promise you we will,” the president added.
‘Dead Coalition’
Earlier in his welcome address, the minister thanked the president for his support of the FCT Administration, without which he said the project and others could not have been achieved.
Noting that there are some people who are not happy that the president was enhancing the country’s infrastructural landscape, Wike said the planned coalition by the opposition against the president was already dead on arrival.
He said, “Let me first of all convey the happiness and appreciation of the people of FCT. I am sure that when you came out of the vehicle, you saw how happy the people were. That is to tell you they appreciate and recognise the good works you are doing. Like you said yesterday, there are some people who, whatever you do, will never be happy.
“They were born not to be happy, and so there is nothing you can do about it. But those who appreciate it, who are happy, you can see how elated they are. That tells you that the day you go to the satellite towns, what will happen, because they have never had it so good. It is unbelievable.
“I hardly watch some stations, but sometimes, I don’t know how spiritually I was touched to just tune in and start watching. This morning I was touched and was watching. I didn’t know that people can be pained. I didn’t know. And now I know there are such people that are pained. My duty now is to make sure to continue to give them high blood pressure. ‘As e dy pain them, e go dy sweet us. As e dy sweet us, e go dy pain to them’. That is my job. I will be happy every time, moving and laughing, and then they will be there, fighting and shouting.
“So, Mr President, we want to thank you for making us part of this revolution that is going on. Your good works have killed the Coalition. I was thinking that truly, there would be a coalition.
“So I told my people to make sure that every national television station must hook in so that they (the coalition) can see what is happening every day. If they turn to ADBN, they are watching Mr President. If they turn to TVC, it is Mr President. If they go to Channels, Mr President. If they go to NTA, Mr President. Even the oneTown I don’t watch, Arise TV, is Mr President. So, they have no choice, and they must watch it for 17 days. There is nothing they can do. So, sir, Abuja people say I should tell you, please, they are happy that even though you have given them 10 days, the other ones will be shared by the Vice President, Senate President and Speaker. But please help us so that these people who say they are not happy, their BP will keep going up.
“By Friday, we will go to Apo, a 15-kilometre road to Wassa. By Monday, we will be in N5, Life Camp. By Tuesday, INEC headquarters. So, they wouldn’t know what to do. “Coalition is bound to fail, and it has failed,” he declared.
New Zealand has introduced a new visa called the Parent Boost Visa, which will allow parents of migrants to stay in the country for up to 10 years.
The visa begins on September 29, 2025.
New Zealand immigration department revealed this in a statement on its website on Monday.
This is meant to help families stay together longer.
Under this new plan, parents can stay for five years at first.
After that, they can apply for another five years if they still meet all the rules. This is a visitor visa that lets parents come and go during the visa period.
However, it does not lead to permanent residency. Anyone who wants to live in New Zealand permanently must apply for a parent resident visa or a parent retirement resident visa.
Who Can Apply?
To get the Parent Boost Visa, applicants must:
Be sponsored by a New Zealand citizen or resident
Have health insurance for at least one year, which must cover emergency care up to NZD $250,000
Take two health checks: one while applying, and another after three years
Show proof that their insurance stays active during the whole visa periodFinances
Applicants must meet one of these financial rules:
Their sponsor must earn at least New Zealand’s median wage (for one parent), or 1.5 times that amount (for two parents)
The parents themselves earn a steady income equal to New Zealand’s pension amount
They have savings of at least NZD $160,000 (one parent) or NZD $250,000 (two parents)
Visa costs:
Standard fee: NZD $3,000
Pacific applicants: NZD $2,450
Tourism levy: NZD $100
Health check (after 3 years): NZD $325 (NZD $240 for Pacific applicants)
A 19-year-old upcoming Nigerian artiste identified simply as Destiny has been beaten to death in the Volta Region area of Ghana.
PUNCH Metro learnt that the incident happened on May 28.
It was gathered that a yet-to-be-identified Nigerian based in Ghana accused him of failing to remit funds related to a business venture they introduced him to.
The male adult, who was also said to be among those who facilitated his trip to the country, stormed his apartment alongside two others to question him about the funds.
However, Destiny’s failure to provide answers led to a severe assault meted out to him.
A source privy to the incident told PUNCH Metro on Tuesday on the condition of anonymity because he lacked the authority to speak with the media that the Edo State-born artiste thereafter succumbed to the injuries sustained from the assault.
“Destiny went to Ghana to further his education, and the travel was facilitated by someone he called his street brother. These are the same people who provided an apartment for him over there. Those who broke the news to us from there said the men introduced him to a business, which they later accused him of diverting some funds meant for the business. This angered them, and they went to his apartment and beat him up. The beating was so intense that he felt weak and gave up the ghost in the process,” the source narrated.
It was further learnt that the suspects left the deceased’s body in the room after they discovered that he was motionless.
Another source who spoke to our correspondent said the police later discovered the corpse a few days after the incident.
“The police were alerted to the incident, and some officers were deployed to the apartment where Destiny’s remains were found. We were told that no suspects had been arrested since his death. We hope the Ghanaian authorities find his killers and bring them to justice.”
In a video obtained by PUNCH Metro, Destiny was seen speaking about himself and what his plans were.
He said, “I am Destiny and I am a streamer from Nigeria. I want to apply to Streamers University, and this will be a great joy for me, my mother, and everybody. I am also an artiste and a gamer. I do all sorts of things.”
PUNCH Metro had reported in April that a 77-year-old Nigerian Uber driver, Olatunji Bolaji, was killed in a shooting outside a hookah lounge in Philadelphia, United States.
Bolaji, who lived in Norristown, Pennsylvania, was on duty around 2 a.m. on Wednesday when he picked up a passenger, a 22-year-old man, outside the Byblos Hookah Bar near Rittenhouse Square in Centre City, CBS reports on Friday.
Police said shortly after Bolaji picked up the young man, another vehicle pulled up behind his SUV, and two men got out.
One of them opened fire, shooting both Bolaji and the passenger.
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday adjourned the ruling on the bail application of three detained promoters of the Crypto Bridge Exchange until June 30.
Justice Emeka Nwite fixed the date after counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Fadila Yusuf, and the defence lawyers adopted their arguments for and against the bail application.
On April 24, Justice Nwite authorised the EFCC to arrest and detain six operators of CBEX over allegations of fraud.
The court granted the EFCC’s ex-parte motion for detention pending the conclusion of investigations and potential prosecution.
Subsequently, the EFCC declared all six promoters wanted for their alleged involvement in an investment fraud exceeding $1 billion.
The suspects include Adefowora Abiodun, Adefowora Oluwanisola, Emmanuel Uko, Seyi Oloyede, Avwerosuo Otorudo, and Chukwuebuka Ehirim.
In a motion ex-parte dated and filed on April 23, Yusuf outlined four grounds for the EFCC’s application, asserting the agency’s statutory duty to prevent and investigate financial crimes.
The EFCC’s affidavit claimed the defendants were at large, necessitating a warrant of arrest to enable proper investigation and prosecution.
After the defendants were declared wanted, Adefowora Abiodun (1st defendant), Avwerosuo Otorudo (5th defendant), and Chukwuebuka Ehirim (6th defendant) surrendered to the EFCC and have since been in custody.
The EFCC alleged that the defendants and their company, ST Technologies International Limited, used CBEX to perpetrate fraud, luring investors with promises of unrealistic returns of up to 100%.
Victims were persuaded to convert digital assets into stablecoin USDT, which was then deposited into the suspects’ crypto wallets.
After securing deposits exceeding $1 billion, victims reportedly lost access to the platform and were unable to withdraw their investments.
The EFCC stated that the scheme was uncovered as fraudulent during investigations.
It was further discovered that ST Technologies International Limited, though registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, was not authorised by the Securities and Exchange Commission for investment purposes.
During Wednesday’s hearing, Babatunde Busari, representing Abiodun, argued for bail, citing constitutional and statutory provisions that safeguard suspects’ rights.
He emphasised that Abiodun had voluntarily surrendered to the EFCC and had been detained beyond the statutory period without being charged.
Similarly, counsel for Otorudo and Ehirim argued that their clients, who also voluntarily surrendered, should be granted bail. Both defence lawyers assured the court of their client’s willingness to cooperate with investigations.
In opposing the bail applications, EFCC counsel Fadila Yusuf contended that charges had already been filed against the defendants, including allegations of defrauding victims of over $1 billion—a sum exceeding the annual budgets of several Nigerian states.
Yusuf urged the court to deny bail, stressing the gravity of the charges and the ongoing influx of petitions from victims.
The court will rule on the bail applications on June 30.
Nollywood actress Rosy Meurer has come forward to debunk claims that her husband, Olakunle Churchill, physically abuses her, calling the rumours fabricated and malicious.
Taking to her Instagram page on Wednesday, Meurer defended her marriage and expressed frustration over what she described as “idle minds” peddling falsehoods about her personal life.
She asserted that her husband is not a woman beater and expressed frustration that people would spread such false claims.
She also accused detractors of projecting their own toxic realities, saying those who wish violence upon her home may be speaking from personal experiences involving “their mothers, daughters, and sisters.”
She wrote: “If you don’t tell your side of the story, they will tell it for you in ways that suit them for the world to believe. It’s the world we find ourselves in. YOU MUST SPEAK UP FOR YOURSELF!
“Debunking has never been my thing. I prefer to allow amateurs and jobless, idle minds to think what they want and spread what they choose because everyone is entitled to an opinion. But because I have a family, I have children, and I have people that look up to me, I choose to speak up for myself. NO ONE is allowed to tell my story. It’s my story, not yours.
Only I can tell you what’s happening in my life and no one else.
“It’s funny when haters wish beating in my marriage when it is obvious their mothers, daughters, and sisters will fall victims of massive beatings.
“I no send anybody banter. I guess the media is never hot for so long, which is why they cook up gist to keep the space busy. Can’t blame them.
“My husband could never say what’s on his mind, let alone beat a woman. Allegations are not by force. MY HUSBAND IS NOT A WOMAN BEATER!! They just want to perpetuate the lies of the past which they generated. KUDOS!”
Meanwhile, Olakunle Churchill also responded to the trending rumours in a more humorous tone, joking that critics would “have to wait until menopause” for him and his wife to separate.
He added that his family was currently enjoying a vacation in Disney Paris.
“I hear say I dey trend. Who cooked am? My family dey Disney Paris dey enjoy summer life. Una go wait until menopause come. Meh, I see you. My people, my wife, no get staff or friends, una don make we trend today. Thanks,” he wrote.
The posters of popular Ibadan-based broadcaster, Hamzat Oriyomi, have flooded the streets of Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State in the build-up to the forthcoming 2027 general election.
The posters with the tag, “2027 Oyo n pe o”, had a portrait of the veteran Yoruba broadcaster in black colour, raising awareness for his preparation in the anticipated election without an indication of the office he is contesting for.
In a video posted by a support group of the broadcaster cited by our correspondent on Wednesday, the founder of Agidigbo FM was seen jeering to the cheers of the masses at the event he attended, where he was constantly being told that the people of the state are calling him and that he has to answer the call.
“Okiki (Hamzat), Oyo is calling you. answer their call.”
Also, a statement on the official page of the ‘Oyo n pe o’ social media pages addressed criticisms directed at the broadcaster’s transition from media to politics.
It read in parts, “The claim that ‘governance is more than speaking into a microphone’ reflects a misunderstanding of leadership. Broadcasting is rooted in communication, empathy, and connection—traits that are fundamental to good governance.”
“Those who reduce Oriyomi Hamzat’s potential to his profession are either misinformed or biased. Leadership is not defined by profession but by vision, courage, and commitment to service.
“We call on Dr. Oriyomi Hamzat to respond to this clarion call to serve.”
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMSUAUUKa/
In another trending video, a popular Ibadan-based influencer, Funny Thinker, was seen telling Hamzat that the people of Oyo are calling him to answer their call in 2027.
“He said he won’t rest if we don’t, Okiki, the son of Hamzat, we are calling you, please answer us in 2027,” Funny Thinker said.
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMSUA9Vk6/
The veteran broadcaster responded, “You will all be alright.”
While Hamzat is yet to speak on whether he wants to contest in the much-anticipated election, he has also not debunked the popular mantra pushed for him in preparation for the 2027 poll.
However, efforts by our correspondent to speak with him on the posters making rounds proved abortive as he was not reachable for a comment as of the time of filing this report.
The tallest woman in the world, Rumeysa Gelgi, has said she has to pay for six plane seats every time she flies.
Rumeysa, who is 7ft 0.7 inches tall, was born with a rare condition called Weaver syndrome, which causes rapid growth and other health issues.
She uses a wheelchair or walker to move around, Luxury Travel Daily reports.
After turning 28, Rumeysa set out to visit every country she could but travelling isn’t simple for her.
This is because she’s too tall to sit in regular airplane seats, she has to lie flat on a stretcher for the entire flight.
To make this possible, Turkish Airlines removes six seats from the plane and replaces them with a special stretcher for her.
She first flew this way in 2022, from San Francisco to California, and now flies only with the airline, which offers this unique service.
Each flight comes with many challenges as she must arrive at the airport four hours early, meet medical staff, and pay for all six seats the stretcher takes up.
Despite these difficulties, Rumeysa has already visited the US, UK, Spain, and Italy.
She dreams of seeing Tokyo, Kyoto, Shanghai, and Seoul next.
However, she hasn’t yet travelled by bus or train, though she hopes to try soon.
One of her biggest frustrations is the lack of accessibility at many famous places and old buildings.
“It’s upsetting to hold myself back from visiting remarkable places and experiencing the richness of history,” she told Luxury Travel Daily.
She explained that safety is her top concern.
Due to spinal implants, even a small fall could be dangerous.
That’s why she often skips visiting places that aren’t easy to access.
Even in her hometown of Safranbolu, Turkey, she hasn’t been able to see its well-known Ottoman-era landmarks, because they’re not wheelchair-friendly.
“It’s close by, but not accessible,” she said.
While she appreciates when people offer to help, she says the help isn’t always safe or practical.
“Everyone deserves the chance to connect with the past, regardless of mobility,” Rumeysa added, calling for more innovative ways to open up historic places to people with limitations.
A female student of the Ogun State Institute of Technology, Igbesa (formerly Gateway Polytechnic, Igbesa), has been severely beaten by her fellow students over allegations of boyfriend snatching.
In a video that went viral on Wednesday, several female students were seen flogging the victim with long, thick canes.
They claimed their mothers were aware of their actions, saying they do not care about who the victim involved or reported the case to.
The victim was left with visible injuries on her back and head.
Despite some students pleading with one of the attackers, identified as Lolade, to stop the assault, she refused, saying the beating was meant to teach the victim a lesson.
Reacting to the video, the Ogun State Police Command said it has launched an investigation.
In a post on X on Wednesday, the command confirmed that the Igbesa Divisional Police Officer has taken over the case.
“The Ogun State Police Command is on top of the situation, and the DPO Igbesa has taken charge of the case,” the post read.
The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, has struck out two motions filed by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and awarded costs of ₦100,000 against him.
A three-member panel of the Court of Appeal, presided over by Justice Hamman Barka, struck out the motions on May 21, 2025, following the request for withdrawal of the appeal.
PUNCH Online a certified true copy of the ruling on Tuesday night.
The motions, dated March 3, 2025, and March 25, 2025, and marked CV/395/M1/2025 and CV/395/M2/2025, listed Akpabio as the appellant.
The respondents were Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Imasuem.
In the appeal, Akpabio sought the following reliefs: “An order of this Honourable Court enlarging the time within which the Appellant/Applicant may seek leave to appeal against the decision of the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025 between Senator Natasha AkpotiUduaghan v. Clerk of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and 3 Others (Coram: Honourable Justice Obiora Atuegwu Egwuatu) delivered on March 10, 2025 on grounds of mixed law and fact as contained in the proposed Notice of Appeal.
An order of this Honourable Court granting leave to the Appellant/Applicant to appeal against the decision of the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025 between Senator Natasha AkpotiUduaghan v. Clerk of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and 3 Others. (Coram: Honourable Justice | Obiora Egwuatu) delivered on March 10, 2025, on Grounds of mixed law and fact as contained in the proposed Notice of Appeal attached as Exhibit B.
“An order of this Honourable Court enlarging the time within which the Appellant/Applicant may file their Notice of appeal against the decision of the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025 between Senator Natasha AkpotiUduaghan v. Clerk of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and 3 Others. (Coram: Honourable Justice Obiora Egwuatu) delivered on March 10, 2025.
“An order of this Honourable Court staying further proceeding in Suit No: FCH/ABJ/CS/384/2025 between Senator Natasha AkpotiUduaghan v. Clerk of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and 3 Others. (Coram: Honourable Justice Obiora Egwuatu), pending the hearing and determination of the Appellant/Applicant’s appeal before this Honourable Court.”
The court, in its ruling, held, “Application seeking to withdraw the two motions dated and filed on 20/3/2025 and 25/3/2025 is granted and the motions are struck out.
“Costs of ₦100,000 are awarded to the 1st Respondent. Appeal No. CA/ABJ/PRE/ROA/CV/395M/2025 to be deleted.”
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A two-term Presidential aspirant and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dele Momodu, has raised alarm that Nigeria’s democracy is in danger.
Momodu said the country is going back to a civilian dictatorship.
He stated this when he featured on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday.
He added that the situation is especially sad as the country prepares to mark Democracy Day.
He stated, “I’m very happy that today coincides with the lead-up to June 12 (Democracy Day), so that if we still have any iota of conscience left, we’ll realise we have damaged this democracy.
“The summary of it all is that on the eve of June 12, Nigeria is virtually back to civilian dictators who don’t care how you feel or what you think. Nigerians are hungry.”
Momodu blamed both elected officials and government institutions for ignoring the people, saying the leaders are bold and shameless in how they treat Nigerians.
He said, “We’ve damaged this democracy, and I hope we’ve not damaged it beyond repair because the audacity, the effrontery of this set of politicians, whether in the executive, legislature, or local government, is totally unbelievable.”
He added that those who fought and died for Nigeria’s democracy during the June 12 struggle would be heartbroken if they were alive today.
“All those who suffered for this democracy, especially those who are now in heaven—if they can see us, they would be crying,” he noted.
On the crisis within the PDP, Momodu blamed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for taking over the party and causing chaos.
“It sounds ridiculous that one man, who should be busy in Abuja, is dictating where the PDP presidential ticket should go in 2027. What Wike is doing is a rehash of what he did in Rivers State—and he is clearly doing so with the backing of those at the top.”
“Where was Wike during the June 12 struggle? Who knew him then? But today, he speaks as if he’s the founding father of Nigeria,” he stated.
He also blamed Wike for the crisis in Rivers State, saying it led to the state of emergency.
He noted, “A major crisis of monumental dimension was orchestrated and aggravated by one man. Just because he wouldn’t go away quietly, a state of emergency had to be declared. It’s unprecedented in Nigeria’s history.”
He described Wike’s actions as a “coup” against the PDP, accusing him of forcing his will on the party.
Momodu stated, “What he’s doing now is tantamount to staging a coup against the party that made him everything he is today. He does not have the moral right to dictate the direction of the PDP.”
Momodu also reacted to President Bola Tinubu’s comments during the reopening of the Abuja International Conference Centre.
Recall that Tinubu had referred to some Nigerians as “busybodies” and “bystanders,”.
This, however, did not sit well with Momodu, who found it disturbing.
“I listened to the President refer to concerned Nigerians as ‘busybodies’ and ‘bystanders.’ Who is a bystander in his own country? All because of one man, Wike.”
“Wike was dancing after commissioning a centre said to have cost over ₦30 billion. Right now, it feels like we have two presidents in Nigeria,” he complained.
Despite the issues in PDP, Momodu said he would never join the ruling APC.
He insisted, “If I wanted to join the APC, I wouldn’t be speaking to you like this. I’d be giving excuses, like the rest. But my soul is out of PDP—I cannot sit in a room where one man dictates to adults who have served Nigeria all their lives.”
He ended by warning that Nigeria is moving dangerously towards autocracy unless the country fixes its political system.
He added, “PDP is part of its own problem, no doubt. But people like Wike, doing what they do with impunity, are taking us dangerously backwards.”
Nollywood actress Abiola Adebayo has responded to criticism and mockery she received online following the public announcement of her failed marriage.
In a video that began trending on Tuesday night, the podcaster reminded her trolls that she is human, adding that her decision to speak publicly about the separation was a deliberate move to prevent misinformation and to control the narrative surrounding her personal life.
She revealed that she had informed her estranged husband prior to making the post public. According to her, he was aware of the announcement and understands her true personality, contrary to the public speculation that followed.
Speaking in both English and Yoruba, she said, “I am human. The other time I posted about my marriage, it was because I didn’t want people to tell my story for me, yet you all used it against me. I told my husband before I posted, so he was aware of the post. He knows I am not what people say I am, but God will reward everyone.”
Adebayo confirmed that she and her husband have been separated since April 2024. Despite the end of the marital relationship, she noted that both parties have agreed to co-parent their son in a mature and peaceful manner.
Addressing those who may feel disappointed by the development, the actress expressed regret that her marriage did not work. She, however, emphasised the importance of prioritising her well-being, stating, “It is better to be alive to tell the story.”
The actress also appealed to her followers to keep her family in their prayers.
She noted the emotional toll the separation had taken on her, revealing that although she appeared cheerful in public, she had endured nights of emotional distress.
Media
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has been conferred with the prestigious chieftaincy title of ‘Ugosimba 1 of Enugu’ by the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council.
The title, which means jewel/eagle from another kingdom, was conferred on her on Tuesday, during her two-day working visit to the state.
According to the Chairman of the Council, Igwe Ikechukwu Asadu, the title recognised her love for Enugu, humanitarian service, and commitment to national development.
“You served three terms in the Senate and were honoured with the Commander of the Order of Niger.
“But beyond politics, we admire your compassion for the less privileged, your support for nurses and midwives, and your work in uplifting humanity,” Asadu said.
In her acceptance speech, Mrs Tinubu expressed deep gratitude, describing Enugu as a peaceful state where she had felt “inner peace” since her arrival.
She said the title was not just a personal honour but one for her husband, President Bola Tinubu, and their entire family.
“This is a special honour that I will cherish forever. I love your state—it is calm and welcoming.
“As you have honoured me today, Enugu State will be remembered for good,” she said.
Italian-Senegalese social media sensation, Khaby Lame, known as the world’s most followed TikTok creator, has been deported from the United States after allegedly overstaying his visa, The New York Times reported.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed that Lame, 25, was detained last Friday at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.
The agency confirmed the detention in an official statement, stating that Lame entered the country on April 30 but “overstayed the terms of his visa.”
Lame, who rose to international fame for his silent comedic reactions to overcomplicated “life hack” videos, has amassed over 160 million followers on TikTok.
His online popularity led to collaborations with global fashion brands, a role in a Hollywood film, and a reality show on Tubi titled Khaby Is Coming To America.
His deportation has sparked a storm of reactions online.
“Every single illegal alien needs to be DEPORTED. When I found out the biggest TikTok star, Khaby Lame, is an illegal alien evading taxes, I worked with Trump’s ICE to have him removed. He’s since been detained by ICE and removed,” Bo Loudon, a Gen Z Trump supporter and self-styled activist, wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
Following his deportation, Lame has not issued any formal statement. However, on Monday, he posted an Instagram story tagged in São Paulo, Brazil, marking his first confirmed location since leaving the US
Lame’s former legal representative, Riccardo Lanzo, told The New York Times that the influencer had spent significant time in the US recently but acknowledged uncertainty regarding his visa status.
The case came amid a broader immigration enforcement push under Trump’s renewed administration.