Connect with us

News

2023: We’re consulting widely for a better Nigeria — Wike

Published

on

Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike says his team is more interested in a better Nigeria, and they are consulting widely with those who mean well for the country.

Governor Wike spoke when he interacted with journalists at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa in Ikwerre Local Government Area, shortly on arrival from London on Friday.

In the company of the Rivers State governor were the governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom and Abia State governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu.

Governor Wike, who confirmed their meetings with Peoples Democratic Party, presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar; All Progressives Congress presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi and former president of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo in London, explained that topmost on the agenda is how to make Nigeria better than what is it currently.

The Rivers State governor noted that all is not well with Nigeria and they are seeking remedies that will restore enduring hope in Nigeria.

“I can confirm that this is the first time as a team that we are meeting with presidential candidates. We met with the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC and we met with our leader, former president of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo.

“We met the presidential candidate of Labour Party. We also met with our presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. For whatever it’s worth, consultation is ongoing.

“Whatever we are talking about, is for the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians. It is not parochial and tied to one person or group of persons. We believe that with what is going on, it will be for the interest of Nigerians at the end of the day.”

READ ALSO:  Again, Tinubu's govt increases petrol pump price

Governor Wike decried the situation where standard, training and competence have always been traded for mediocrity.

The governor said leadership should not be about one individual and the interest of his family, but about the collective interest of everybody.

“Consultation is still ongoing. Never mind some people who do not believe in the existence of this country.

“Leadership is not about you and your family. Leadership is about everybody.
It’s unfortunate that we are in a country now where a man finishes eight years as a governor and brings his own son as a governor too and as member of National Assembly.

“It’s only in this part of the world that you can see that, when we are talking about poverty everywhere. These are people who do not mean well for this Nigeria.”

Governor Wike also wondered why religion and ethnicity are used as the tenable identity to describe Nigerians when competence is required.

“The only identity they have in this country is religion and ethnicity, nothing more. It’s either, I’m a Christian or I’m a Moslem, I’m a Fulani or I’m an Igbo. Nigeria cannot move forward except they think it will be them. That’s where we are.

“We are in a country where someone with primary school certificate can be appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs. That tells you how bad this country has become.

“But with our consultation, all these will be a thing of the past. No amount of intimidation or blackmail will deter us. We are determined to right the wrong.”

In his response, the leader of the team and Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom noted that they have met with renown persons in the last few days because of their belief that Nigeria is in distress and required concerted effort to rescue it.

READ ALSO:  NNPCL releases Dangote fuel prices for each state

He stated that they had fruitful talks with those they had met and it was beyond partisan politics, because we’ll meaning Nigerians need to work together in ensuring that Nigeria survives.

“For us, we are looking at the larger picture. Nigeria today is in distress. It is about what can we do. No man or woman alone can get it right for our country.

“We are looking at how we can harness ideas and put ourselves together to ensure that we get out of the present challenge we are in Nigeria today.

“From top to bottom, consider what has happened from 2015 and where we are today. So, what we are doing is a concern that we have for our country, Nigeria.

“This is beyond partisan politics. We are looking on how we can come together and find a way of ensuring that Nigeria survives. Nigeria is on drip, Nigeria is on oxygen and it is about how can we get out of this.”

Governor Ortom stated that the three separate meetings they had within the week were worthwhile session for them.

According to him, they have individually also had earlier commitments in Europe even if consultations are still going on because nothing concrete has been decided.

“The consultation is going on and will continue to go on. We are still going to meet here. We are still going to meet some persons some other time and see how we can work to ensure that the project Nigeria works.”

On his part, Abia State governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, emphasised that they are on a mission and are determined to find a way of rescuing Nigeria.

READ ALSO:  Farmer mistakenly kills Son in Ekiti state accident

He noted that they are mindful of what society to bequeath to the present generation, their children and grand children alike.

“And this is a country with great potential and we have to protect it well. We think that we need to engage across board.

“We are also looking at speaking with civil society organisations and those who have ideas, with Nigerians in the diaspora. All the resources available in this country has to come together at this time to see how best we can move Nigeria forward.”

Continue Reading

News

VIDEO: Man Brutally Beaten for Killing Sacred Snake in Anambra

Published

on

The Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi, has strongly condemned the alleged harassment and humiliation of an Ebonyi man, Mr. Michael Eje, who was reportedly brutalized by youths in Nkpor, Anambra State, for killing a snake regarded as sacred in the community.

A disturbing video that surfaced on social media showed Mr. Eje being paraded through the streets by angry youths who accused him of desecrating their tradition.

He was ridiculed, beaten, and made to chant dirges for the snake before being fined ₦50,000.

Reacting to the incident, Senator Nwebonyi, who represents Ebonyi North Senatorial District, described the act as “barbaric, dehumanizing, and unacceptable in a modern society.”

He said it was shocking that in the 21st century, an individual could be subjected to such humiliation for killing a snake in self-defense.

“I wonder why a man should be subjected to such a harrowing experience for killing a snake that posed a threat to him,” Nwebonyi said.

He stressed that no cultural practice should supersede a person’s right to life and safety.

The lawmaker called on the Anambra State Government, led by Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, to immediately condemn the act and ensure that such incidents do not repeat themselves.

He noted that the same urgency with which the governor handled the recent renaming of Abakaliki Street in Awka should be applied to protecting the dignity of individuals, regardless of their state of origin.

Senator Nwebonyi also directed the Chairman of the Ebonyi State Indigenes Association in Anambra, Chief Moses Ofoke, to reach out to the victim and his family to document his experience and ensure he receives the necessary support.

READ ALSO:  Angola’s cholera crisis: Is data training enough to stop the outbreak?

Speaking about his ordeal, Mr. Eje, a native of Onueke in Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, said he was working at a construction site when he encountered the snake hidden beneath a pile of old blocks.

According to him, the snake lunged at him, forcing him to kill it in self-defense.

He explained that he had no prior knowledge that killing a snake was considered taboo in Nkpor, and no one had ever informed him of such a custom.

“I only acted out of fear and instinct. I never knew there was any tradition against killing snakes here,” he said.

Mr. Eje narrated that after the killing, some youths accosted him, dragged him through the streets, and subjected him to beatings while mocking him.

He said he was later forced to perform rituals for the snake before being fined.

His wife, who also spoke, described the experience as traumatic and humiliating, noting that the family was still struggling to recover from the psychological impact.

The senator’s intervention has given hope to the victim and his family.

Mr. Eje expressed gratitude for Nwebonyi’s swift response and called on the authorities to ensure justice is served.

“What I went through is something I will never forget in my life. I thank the senator for standing with me. I just want justice,” he said.

The incident has sparked mixed reactions on social media, with many Nigerians questioning the relevance of such practices in today’s society.

While some argued that cultural values must be respected, others insisted that human life and dignity should take precedence over any tradition.

READ ALSO:  More women ask me out than men --- Tiwa Savage

Civil rights groups have also weighed in, urging the Anambra State Government to take concrete steps to protect non-indigenes from cultural practices that may endanger their rights.

They stressed that Nigeria’s diversity should not become a tool for victimization but a source of unity and mutual respect.

As of press time, the Anambra State Government had yet to issue an official response to the senator’s call.

However, stakeholders expect Governor Soludo to step in swiftly to address the matter and reassure the public that such treatment of individuals will not be tolerated.

For Senator Nwebonyi, the issue goes beyond one man’s ordeal.

He insists it is about upholding human dignity and ensuring that no Nigerian is discriminated against or humiliated simply for coming from another state.

Watch the video below.

Continue Reading

News

2027: El-Rufai Leads Kaduna SDP to Join Forces with ADC Coalition

Published

on

Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai

A major political shift has unfolded in Kaduna State as former governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, spearheaded the merger of the entire structure of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The development, which signals a significant realignment ahead of Nigeria’s next political cycle, was announced during a coalition meeting held in Kaduna on Saturday, August 23, 2025.

The gathering brought together influential leaders, party executives, and stakeholders drawn from diverse political platforms.

In a communiqué issued after the meeting and signed by the Kaduna State Coalition Publicity Secretary, Hon. Darius Kurah, El-Rufai was identified as the key figure driving the coalition efforts.

He chaired the meeting, which was attended by ADC leaders, former commissioners, SDP executives, and several prominent figures from the state’s political class.

Among the attendees were Hon. Ja’afar Mohammed Sani, ADC Vice Chairman (North West); Elder Patrick Ambut, ADC Kaduna State Chairman; and Mallam Bashir Saidu, a leading ADC strategist in the state.

Addressing the gathering, El-Rufai described the merger as a decisive step toward building a credible political alternative in Kaduna.

He stressed that the coalition’s central goal is unity, with a strong emphasis on inclusive governance and people-centered development.

“Our mission is clear: to strengthen progressive leadership in Kaduna and Nigeria by rallying around shared ideals and ensuring that politics serves the people, not personal interests,” El-Rufai said.

Ja’afar Mohammed Sani, ADC Vice Chairman for the North West, praised the SDP leadership for what he called a “bold and courageous decision.”

He described the merger as a new dawn for credible leadership in Kaduna and a signal that opposition politics is reawakening.

READ ALSO:  Nigeria seeks South Africa's help for full G20, BRICS membership

Similarly, Elder Patrick Ambut welcomed the SDP members into the ADC fold, assuring them of full integration into existing party structures.

He noted that the coalition was not just about structures merging but about harmonizing ideologies for the collective good of the people.

Mallam Bashir Saidu reinforced this view, stressing that the merger represented “a convergence of visions and principles dedicated to building a future where governance is truly accountable.”

As part of the resolutions adopted at the meeting, the ADC National Working Committee (NWC) was tasked with setting up a Membership Registration Committee.

This committee will work closely with the Kaduna State chapter, alongside local government and ward units, to begin new membership registration while revalidating existing members.

According to the communiqué, this grassroots exercise is expected to strengthen the coalition’s reach, consolidate its base, and position it strategically ahead of future elections.

The meeting ended on a hopeful note, with stakeholders pledging commitment to building a formidable front capable of challenging the dominance of established parties in the state.

Political observers say El-Rufai’s move has reshaped Kaduna’s political landscape.

By leading the SDP into a merger with the ADC, the former governor has positioned himself once again as a central figure in the state’s opposition politics.

The coalition is seen as part of a broader strategy by opposition forces to rally around credible alternatives and build momentum ahead of 2027.

With grassroots mobilization already on the agenda, analysts suggest the ADC-SDP merger could become a significant force, particularly in northern Nigeria where El-Rufai still commands influence.

READ ALSO:  CAN protests moves to list Nigeria among Arab nations to fight ISIS

For now, Kaduna’s political terrain has shifted, and the coming months will determine whether this coalition translates into electoral strength or fades into another short-lived alliance.

Continue Reading

News

Oral sex by couple is not sin — Apostle Johnson Suleman

Published

on

Apostle Suleman

The General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries International, Apostle Johnson Suleman, has said oral sex between a husband and wife is not sinful.

He made the comment during a question-and-answer session at a church service.

Though, it is unclear when the service took place, but a video of his remarks surfaced on YouTube on 22 August 2025.

During the session, a woman, believed to be in her 50s asked, “Daddy, Sir, is oral sex a sin?” Mr Suleman, popularly called “Daddy” by members of the congregation, chuckled before responding.

“Should I answer from the Bible?” he asked, as the audience urged him to speak. “Anything you do with your wife indoors is not a sin. So long as she’s your wife and both of you agree to do it, (it is not a sin),” he said.

Some congregants murmured at his response, but Mr Suleman continued: “I can show you (from the Bible). When the Bible was talking about the wife of your youth, it was talking about ‘go within thy walls, let thy hands pass through her cisterns.’ What do you think the Bible was saying? So long as it is not fetish, a ritual, it is not diabolic, (it is not a sin).”

He also dismissed claims that oral sex is inappropriate because the mouth is used to pray.

“Don’t you use the same mouth to gossip? Don’t you use the same mouth to tell lies?” he asked in Pidgin English.

Anticipating backlash, the preacher said he was unfazed. “Save your home, save your home,” he told worshippers, urging couples not to deny their spouse’s request for sex.

READ ALSO:  No Nigerian Will Vote Twice In Each Election In 2023; Rigging Is Gone – INEC

While Mr Suleman insisted the practice is permissible in marriage, health specialists have long cautioned against it.

Oral sex — also known as orogenital sex — involves using the mouth, lips or tongue to stimulate a partner’s genitals or anus.

Adegboyega Fawole, a gynaecologist at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, warned in 2017 that it could expose people to Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infections in the mouth, raising the risk of HPV-related oral cancers.

The virus is also linked to cervical cancer, genital warts and anal cancer.

Similarly, Bamidele Mutiu, a consultant microbiologist at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, explained in a 2021 interview that organisms causing sexually transmitted diseases survive in genital secretions and are not destroyed by saliva.

Continue Reading

News

‘I’m Under Attack Over My Race and Ethnicity’ – Kemi Badenoch Cries Out

Published

on

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has revealed the scale of racism and hostility she has faced since becoming the first black woman to lead the Tories.

In an interview with The Sunday Times, Badenoch admitted she did not expect the level of personal attacks she has endured online and within political circle.

“There’s a certain cadre of people who clearly can’t cope with the fact that I won this and I’m doing it,” she said.

“The level of personal attacks from anonymous people is hysterical.

Not just from MPs only two or three out of 120 but also online.

People used to talk about Trump derangement syndrome. I think there’s a Kemi derangement syndrome: ‘How could she possibly have done this?’.”

The 44-year-old politician, who was born in Wimbledon and raised in Nigeria before returning to the UK at 16, said much of the abuse has focused on her race and identity.

“On social media, there’s a lot of ethno-nationalism creeping up,” she noted.

“There are tropes around, ‘well, she couldn’t possibly have done this all by herself.’”

Badenoch rarely speaks at length about her race, often stressing that she sees Britain as a country where minorities thrive. She has previously argued that “Britain is not a racist country” and faced criticism for saying that white working-class boys struggle more than ethnic minorities on many social indicators.

“I always try to think of every possible explanation before I go to race and racism,” she told the paper.

“That is a healthy way to run a society. There will always be people who throw mud and hope it sticks.”

READ ALSO:  CAN protests moves to list Nigeria among Arab nations to fight ISIS

The Tory leader now faces a critical moment as she prepares for her first party conference speech.

With the Conservatives polling at just 17%, she is under pressure to unite her party and fend off speculation of a leadership challenge from her shadow justice secretary, Robert Jenrick.

On rumours Jenrick could soon replace her, Badenoch dismissed the claims as “wishful thinking.”

“There will always be sore losers—our candidate didn’t win, and so on,” she said.

“When I hear those things, I can tell those people are not focused on the country at all. Many of them think this is a game. But the lives of people in this country aren’t a game.”

Continue Reading

News

UNIUYO VC turns FG loan into extortion racket 

...NELFund beneficiaries forced to pay higher fees, extra ₦50,000 illegal charges

Published

on

By

The University of Uyo, a federal government-owned university in Akwa Ibom State, has become the first campus where the Federal Government’s new loan scheme for indigent students is being twisted into a money-making scam.

At the centre of the storm is Vice Chancellor Prof. Nyaudoh Ndaeyo, accused by staff, students, and academics of sabotaging the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) and weaponizing poverty for profit.

How the Loan Works

Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policy, each beneficiary should receive ₦284,100:
₦44,100, for institutional fees, and ₦240,000, for upkeep

The design is simple: government pays so that poor students won’t drop out.

How Uniuyo Twists It

Inside Uniuyo, the VC has allegedly flipped the scheme on its head. Beneficiaries are being told to pay fees first pending when the Federal Government will release the money (loan). Refunds, staff say, could take “months or years—if they ever come at all.”

To make matters worse, NELFund students are being charged higher fees than their classmates. Documents and testimonies show that final year students in the Faculty of Arts are made to pay an extra ₦20,000 ‘development levy’ and ₦30,000 ‘professional accreditation fee’ imposed only on NELFund beneficiaries. That’s a shocking ₦50,000 illegal surcharge—punishing the very students government is trying to help.

Staff Blow the Whistle

A Registry officer said bluntly:
“The Federal Government created NELFund to ease students’ burden. But the VC has turned it upside down. He is using it to raise money.”

A top Bursary official added:
“Prof. Ndaeyo knows refunds hardly work here. He wants students to pay first, knowing many will never get their money back. This is deliberate monetization of education.”

READ ALSO:  More women ask me out than men --- Tiwa Savage

Cruel Irony

Lecturers are furious. A senior academic in the Faculty of Arts called it a cruel irony:
“Poor students are paying more than the rich. This is wickedness. It shows the VC loves money more than humanity.”

Others point to a disturbing pattern under Ndaeyo—skyrocketing acceptance fees, inflated transcript costs, and endless hidden charges.

“Every policy he introduces is about extracting money. NELFund is just the latest victim,” said a professor in Engineering.

Students Cry Out

For students, the betrayal cuts deepest.

“If I had money, why would I apply for a loan?” asked a Political Science student. “They are using our suffering to make money for themselves. This is exploitation.”

Bigger Question

Why would a Vice Chancellor sabotage a Federal Government program meant to help the poor? Insiders say it’s either an obsession with internally generated revenue—or plain greed.

Either way, the consequences are devastating: poor students are being pushed out while Uniuyo’s coffers grow fat.

Time for Action

As one Education professor warned:
“We cannot allow one man’s greed to mortgage the future of our children. Universities should be centres of hope, not dens of extortion.”

With ₦284,100 per student at stake, attention now shifts to the Ministry of Education and the Presidency. Will they act to protect indigent students—or let Uniuyo’s Vice Chancellor turn a national lifeline into an extortion racket?

Continue Reading

Latest from DDM TV

Latest Updates

VIDEO: Man Brutally Beaten for Killing Sacred Snake in Anambra

2027: El-Rufai Leads Kaduna SDP to Join Forces with ADC Coalition

Oral sex by couple is not sin — Apostle Johnson Suleman

‘I’m Under Attack Over My Race and Ethnicity’ – Kemi Badenoch Cries Out

JUST IN: US Blocks Ukraine from Using Long-Range Missile Strikes on Russia

UNIUYO VC turns FG loan into extortion racket  <p><span style='color:#808080;font-size:18px;'><i>...NELFund beneficiaries forced to pay higher fees, extra ₦50,000 illegal charges</i></span></p>

JUST IN: Benue Assembly Speaker Resigns

Six villagers die in boat accident while running from bandits

India Bans Online Gambling

FG hands over wanted Chinese gang leader after INTERPOL raid

Subscribe to DDM Newsletter for Latest News

Trending

Copyright © 2023 -2024 Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) www.diasporadigitalmedia.com. All Rights Reserved . NOTE: All opinion articles published on Diaspora Digital Media are ENTIRELY those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publishers.

Get Notifications from DDM News Yes please No thanks