Reports
Buhari’s 103 Days Absence Completely Diminished Nigeria, It Tells The Story of Our ‘Thirdworldness’ – Dr Ezenwa
A renowned Civil Society Activist and Crusader for electoral reform in Nigeria has stated that President Buhari’s over 100 days away from office has completely diminished Nigeria which clearly tells the story of our ‘thirdworldness’.
He made this statement while addressing members of the press ahead of IPAC elections into executive offices in Abuja.
According to the Chairman of the Civil Society Organisation (CSO) Partners For Electoral Reform, the 103 days absence of President Buhari clearly diminished the country as several national issues arose that required the President’s leadership such as the Arewa Youths Quit Notice to South-easterners residing in the North, increase in the onslaught of Boko-haram suicide bombers and terrorists in the North-East, just to mention a few. He also claimed that the President’s continuous medical treatment abroad only goes to shows the failure of our health care system as it is unable to guarantee proper medical services for its citizens.
In his words, “Nigeria is completely diminished by the absence of the President for medical reasons as it tells the story of our ‘thirdworldness’ which is that we are still unable to provide basic medical services for our citizens.”
He further stated that our constitution requires a proper review to take into consideration situations such as this where a president could be absent indefinitely from office at the detriment of the people.
According to him, “It also tells us the frustrations of our constitutional ammendment process which has always been on the need basis. Recall that the last time we had a situation which we introduced the ‘Doctrine of Necessity’ but this time around our constitution did not contemplate that when you fulfil the law of transmitting power to your deputy of how long you need to stay. So we need to cover that constitutional lacuna and we must cover it in terms of amending the constitution to say if you stay away from the country for certain number of days it should be deemed that you have resigned from office or a panel of medical inquiry should be set up.
“The truth is that it is not really all about the man there today, because it is President Buhari today while tomorrow it could be another President who would proclaim the national assembly and go on medical vacation and may not come back until his tenure will be almost over and it will be fine because as a people we need to begin to think less emotionally.
“We are happy he is back and his health is improving but there are constitutional lacuna that his absence has introduced which we need to fill up immediately, and then think in terms of law making for 500 years down the the line and not just for the challenges of the now.”
Speaking about the role of civil society in promoting electoral reform he said that as a member of a civil society group, it is important to foster a good relationship with political parties in a mutually beneficial manner.
“Basically we are here to observe IPAC elections and also witness the integrity of the elections as a precursor to the internal elections to be conducted by the various parties represented here.
“Remember that the political parties are the only vehicles through which you can access and ascend to leadership in the country. So we want to be sure that our political parties live up to the creed that they want society itself to embrace. So in fostering that relationship we are also supporting the political parties to be able to achieve some of these things that we have talked about.
When asked about his view on the debate of restructuring, he didn’t waste time to state that it will be an effort in futility even though he sees restructuring agitations as a bye-product of failure of good governance. For him, he rather prefers economic restructuring as espoused in section 2 of the Nigerian constitution be enforced.
“As regards restructuring, I sincerely appreciate the layers of dissatisfaction that exists with first the failure of governance. I see the failure of governance as a promoter of the agitations for restructuring. I also think that the country is not divided along ethnic or religious lines, I think that the country is divided economically and I mean that it is divided between the rich and the poor.
What it means is that the poor Igbo man is the brother of the poor Idoma man, just as the rich Hausa man is the brother of the rich Yoruba man, so if there should be any form of restructuring it must be along economic lines. We need to redistribute wealth in a manner that reduces the gap between the rich and the poor and I predicate my argument for restructuring on chapter 2 of the 1999 constitution.
“I think that if chapter 2 is fully implemented so many of these agitations will be reduced but may not dissappear. If you have a national assembly as presently constituted in Nigeria it is just a waste of time talking about restructuring. The truth is that for there to be restructuring the way Nigerians want, the National assembly must be sacked, but that will be a call to insurrection. So it means that the lopsidedness has already been factored into the 1999 constitution in a manner that except the constitution is suspended as currently been operated we are just going to be engaging in an academic debate.
“In the 2014 national conference people came with entrenched interests thinking that majority of people may want to go back to 1963 regionalism, but the shock and surprise for many people was that people came to the National conference asking for more states to be created. Recall that the national conference had 52 demands for states to be created to add to the 36 that already exists. So what that tells you is that people are already dissatisfied with governance and their understanding of marginalisation and dominance is not the way the elites are interpreting it, so many Nigerians need to go back and read chapter 2 of the constitution.
“Do you want to waste your time debating what you know cannot be achieved under the present condition. Remember that for you to amend the constitution you have to get two-third of the states and majority of the house of Representatives for one item in the constitution for it to be amended, which will continue to fail because Nigerians are not interrogating the political economy of constitution ammendment. How much are we spending to amend our constitution every legislative period.
“There is no magic about implementing chapter 2 of the constitution, it is the easiest to implement especially that one that says that the government has responsibility to provide for education, health, housing for its citizen and it also states that the state shall provide for education from primary to tertiary level and the argument for which that has not been implemented is because they say we don’t have the money until it is practicable, but with the resources that is been stolen out of the country we have known now that government can provide free and compulsory education up to university level.
“Don’t waste too much time agitating for something that is nearly impossible because there is a low hanging fruit which is chapter 2 of the constitution, make it justitiable because it would reduce reasonably the dissatisfaction that is all over the place. I am saying this because I know that the route to restructuring is a fruitless route because those who gave you the constitution put in the constitution almost near impossible way to ammend it and in a democracy the only way you can restructure is through the constitution.
Dr. Ezenwa further lamented why the Nigerian electorate have allowed politicians for too long to pose the narrative as regards elections in the country.
“How can a governorship aspirant be saying he wants to give the people a voice when they already have a representative in the national assembly. If there is anything politicians should be telling the people is making measurable promises that the people can hold on to at the end of the term. Instead we are allowing people to discuss restructuring and marginalisation for us, when there are thousands of kilometers of roads to be constructed, schools and health centres to be built.
“Power is already in the hands of a state government which gets resources but we as the people are not interested in interrogating the resources that it gets if it matches the promises made. Of course in elections promises are not made because what we see is carnival all over the place, with APC you’ll have brooms all over the place and with the PDP what you also get is umbrella all over the place and they will bring people from Nollywood and musicians so in the end the electorate will have no opportunity to know what was actually promised.
“So the media and civil society attention should be focused on empowering the people to ask the right kind of questions because it is important for the electorate to have the correct mental attitude to engage in elections else we will not get the right results from any election conducted by INEC.
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(DDM) – A dramatic scene unfolded in Aku community, Imo State, as a family burial turned chaotic over allegations of financial settlement demands by the deceased’s first son.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the first son, identified as Uzoma Nwawere, reportedly blocked the burial of his late mother, insisting that his married sisters and their husbands must “settle” him before interment could proceed.
The incident occurred at the family compound where a large crowd gathered for the ceremony, only for the event to descend into confusion.
Eyewitnesses said Uzoma argued that his late mother and sisters had allegedly disrespected him while she was alive, depriving him of the recognition traditionally accorded to a first son.
A retired police officer at the scene narrated in Igbo that the deceased’s husband, Godwin Nwawere, had passed away earlier, leaving behind Uzoma as the first son and several daughters now married into different families.
The officer alleged that Uzoma had lived in the family compound for years, claiming he was left to fend for himself “on credit” while his sisters enjoyed better treatment.
He accused the daughters of conspiring with their late mother to undermine Uzoma’s status as heir to the family property, a situation that allegedly fueled tensions even before her death.
Reports indicated that Uzoma insisted the burial could not hold in the family compound, which he now claims as inheritance, unless his in-laws complied with his demands for settlement.
A viral video from the scene showed mourners and family members exchanging heated words near a freshly dug grave as light rain drizzled over the area.
In the footage, relatives and sympathizers were seen pleading with Uzoma to allow the burial to proceed, but he reportedly stood his ground.
The argument quickly attracted onlookers, causing embarrassment for the family and disrupting what was expected to be a solemn ceremony.
Cultural analysts say disputes over inheritance and burial rites are common in parts of Igbo land, particularly when tensions exist between sons and married daughters.
They note that first sons traditionally hold significant authority in family affairs, including burial decisions, but such authority can spark conflicts when perceived to be misused.
Social media reactions to the incident have been mixed, with some condemning Uzoma’s action as insensitive, while others argue that cultural norms were ignored by the deceased’s daughters.
As of press time, it was unclear whether the burial was eventually completed or postponed, as efforts to reach the family for clarification were unsuccessful.
(DDM) – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed the arrest of thirty-six suspected internet fraudsters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the operation was carried out by operatives of the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the anti-graft agency.
The sting operation reportedly took place on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at various locations within Port Harcourt.
According to EFCC officials, the arrests followed credible intelligence linking the suspects to widespread internet-related fraud.
Authorities disclosed that the crackdown was part of ongoing efforts to curb cybercrime in Nigeria’s southern region.
Recovered items from the suspects included exotic vehicles, a Q-link motorcycle, and several high-end mobile phones.
Laptop computers reportedly containing incriminating documents were also seized during the coordinated raid.
EFCC stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the scale of the fraudulent activities uncovered.
The suspects are expected to face charges in court as soon as preliminary investigations are concluded.
The anti-graft commission maintained that no one would be spared in its fight against cybercrime and financial malfeasance.
Background of EFCC’s operations
The EFCC has intensified its clampdown on internet fraud across Nigeria in recent years.
In 2024, the agency recorded multiple arrests in Lagos, Abuja, and Benin City as part of its cybercrime crackdown.
Cybercrime, popularly called “Yahoo Yahoo” in Nigeria, has continued to tarnish the nation’s international image.
According to law enforcement data, billions of naira are lost annually to internet scams originating from Nigeria.
Experts link the rise of internet fraud to unemployment, economic hardship, and greed among youths.
EFCC has repeatedly urged young Nigerians to explore legitimate sources of income rather than resort to fraudulent schemes.
Port Harcourt under spotlight
Port Harcourt, a major commercial hub in the Niger Delta, has seen a surge in cybercrime activities in recent years.
Authorities believe the city’s thriving nightlife and influx of oil wealth make it a hotspot for fraud syndicates.
Previous raids in 2023 and 2024 led to the arrest of over 150 suspects, with many facing prosecution.
The EFCC warned that more sting operations would follow as part of its ongoing anti-fraud campaign.
Conclusion
The latest arrests signal a renewed drive by the EFCC to dismantle cybercrime networks across Nigeria.
The agency has promised to release further updates as investigations progress and suspects face legal proceedings.
News
Anambra Govt Arrests, Beats Up 18 Journalists Monitoring Senatorial Bye-Election
By Chuks Collins, Awka
The Anambra State Government has reportedly arrested eighteen journalists, who were touring electoral Wards and communities of the 7 Councils that made up the Anambra South senatorial zone where the bye-elections were held on Saturday, August 16, 2025.
Our correspondent reported that the journalists were arrested and detained at gunpoint by the operatives of the Anambra State Vigilante Service, generally known as Udo-Gachi.
The journalists had gone to Nnewi, in Nnewi North, as well as Ukpor, Osumenyi, Ezinifite, Amichi and other communities in Nnewi South LGA of the State to monitor proceedings in the bye-elections.
The journalists, it was learnt, were rushing after the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship flag bearer, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, for his remarks on the day’s process after covering the day’s proceedings.
At a spot, described as Eke Orsumenyi, they were jolted when their vehicle was forcefully stopped.
They were, thereafter, detained for more than three hours, allegedly on the orders of the State ‘s Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Gilbert Ibezim, according to the security operatives.
“Journalists are the problem of Nigeria, they write whatever they like and deceive the people.
“We will deal with you people today,” an overzealous Udogachi operative threatened the journalists.
Some of the journalists and their cameramen were arrested and detained by the vigilante goons.
The journalists include correspondents of The Guardian, Daily Independent, Authority Newspaper, Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) Arise TV, TVC, National Vision and National Daily newspapers.
The leader of the over one hundred vigilante operatives who kept surging in with about 20 vehicles said that the arrest was on the instruction of the Anambra State Deputy Governor.
As the altercations continued, the Deputy Governor, in company of Nnewi South LGA Mayor, arrived the scene and ordered a thorough search of the media practitioners.
Information of the development later got to the APC gubernatorial candidate in the November 8 Anambra State governorship election.
Prince Ukachukwu quickly arrived the scene and ensured that the detained journalists were released, insisting that they we’re merely doing their normal civic duties.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the collation of the bye-election in the seven local government areas that constitute the Anambra South senatorial zone.
(DDM) – Popular Nollywood actor Segun Remi, widely known by his stage name Chief Kanran, has passed away at the age of 72.
The news of his death was confirmed by celebrity journalist Seun Oloketuyi in an Instagram post on Friday morning, though details surrounding the cause of his passing have yet to be disclosed.
Chief Kanran was a celebrated figure in the Yoruba film industry, known for his distinctive style, sharp humor, and commanding presence that endeared him to audiences over several decades.
He was recognized for his memorable performances in numerous stage plays and films, often portraying authoritative and affluent characters, and was considered a household name in Nigerian cinema.
Segun Remi began his career in the arts in the mid-1970s and gained popularity with notable roles in Ola Rotimi’s play “Kurunmi,” and the Lagos Television drama “Aláàfin Kanran” in 1988.
His extensive filmography includes several acclaimed Yoruba films such as “Vigilante,” “Ose-Sango,” “Eri Okan,” “Itunnu,” and “Orire,” among others.
Despite his success, Chief Kanran faced significant personal challenges, including devastating fire incidents that destroyed his home, studio, and equipment, which left him struggling and at one point homeless.
His contributions to Nollywood have been widely celebrated, with colleagues and fans mourning the loss of a veteran actor who left an indelible mark on the Nigerian entertainment industry.
This news comes as the Nollywood community recently mourned other actors, adding to the list of notable film personalities who have passed away this year.
Chief Kanran’s legacy as a pioneer and beloved actor will continue to be remembered by fans and the wider film fraternity.
In a major crackdown on cybercrime, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the convictions of three internet fraudsters following a sweeping operation at a hotel located within the precincts of the former President Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) complex in Abeokuta.
The operation, which initially saw 93 suspects apprehended, has shone a spotlight on the rising tide of cybercriminal activities in high-profile Nigerian locations, underscoring the agency’s commitment to combating financial crimes in the country’s digital age.
The suspects, Isaac Akinwale, Ibrahim Azeez Olatunji, and Habeeb Oladipupo Oshundairo, pleaded guilty to an array of charges linked to false pretence, identity theft, and illicit acquisition of funds, contravening provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 and the EFCC Act, 2004.
Presiding over the proceedings as a vacation judge, Justice Dehinde Dipeolu handed down measured sentences designed both as punishment and deterrence, reflecting the seriousness with which the judiciary views such offences.
EFCC operative Umar Shuaibu revealed that Isaac Akinwale operated a celebrity scam on WhatsApp under female pseudonyms, defrauding a victim of $500.
The court accepted multiple exhibits tendered by prosecution counsel Franklin Ofoma, including a 2007 Toyota Camry, a Samsung Galaxy smartphone, and a N400,000 bank draft, as proceeds and instruments of crime.
Justice Dipeolu sentenced Akinwale to three months imprisonment or an alternative fine of N1million.
Olatunji, convicted for running a romance scam, was sentenced to one month imprisonment or a N500,000 fine.
Oshundairo, who posed as an expert in service certificates and tax preparation through a fraudulent Gmail account, was ordered to perform 30 days community service.
His punishment is publicly symbolic: he must carry a banner with the cautionary message, “Cybercrime Does Not Pay. Stay Away from Cybercrime”.
In a notable twist, fourth defendant Onunoye Fawas Olamilekan entered a not guilty plea to charges of impersonating a nurse on Facebook and controlling $50 acquired via fraudulent transactions.
His counsel disputed the validity of the charges under the Cybercrimes Act, prompting the court to remand him at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending further trial in October 2025.
The EFCC had flagged a total of 23 suspects for arraignment, but only four were accommodated by the court during its session, indicating broadening investigations and prosecutions may follow.
This operation marks one of the EFCC’s largest anti-fraud sweeps from a single Nigerian location in recent memory.
The prominence of the Obasanjo Presidential Library as the scene of the arrests dramatically heightened public awareness, raising questions about the security and due diligence in hospitality establishments across the country.
Nigerian authorities continue to escalate efforts against cybercriminals, aiming to assert the rule of law over digital spaces.
The EFCC, empowered by the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act and other statutes, urges citizens to remain vigilant online and to report suspicious activities.
With growing internet adoption in Nigeria, law enforcement faces an evolving battle against increasingly sophisticated scams, making deterrent convictions like these a critical step in restoring confidence in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
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