By Suleiman ibrahim

Former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has firmly stated that she will not be returning to the Aso Rock Villa, opting instead to campaign alongside the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

Known for her forthright opinions, Jonathan expressed her support for the principle of rotational leadership, emphasizing the importance of the “turn-by-turn” approach for fostering national unity.

This declaration was made during an event in Abuja on Saturday night, where she acknowledged the President’s daughter and Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, after receiving the Women Icon Leader of the Year award from Accolade Dynamics Limited.

“I was supposed to call her first, but I saved her for last: the daughter of our wonderful President, the President of Nigeria, the one and only we believe in — President Bola Tinubu. Iyaloja, thank you for standing with women because these are your women. Carry them along; they are with you,” Jonathan said.

“All the way, we are with you. No shaking. We will follow. Direct us, and we will follow. Because there is only one president at a time. We don’t have two presidents. I am outspoken — if I don’t like something, I will say it. But if I like something, I die for it.”

“I believe in one president. I believe in turn-by-turn. When it’s your turn, I will support you. When it’s not your turn, step back—so that the country can move forward,” she added.

Jonathan further highlighted her long-standing relationship with Remi Tinubu, which predates their time in Aso Rock. She reminisced about how the Tinubu family supported her and her husband during their presidential campaign in 2011.

Rather than seek a return to Aso Rock, she pledged her support for the First Lady and her husband, stating, “I didn’t just know her (Senator Oluremi Tinubu) just because she’s the First Lady, no. We worked together. We worked as a group.”

She emphasized the importance of loyalty, saying, “I stand by my friend. My friend is great. I told her I would campaign with her. I’m not denying her. I’m not running. I’m not going back to the villa. If you call me, I will not go.”

Jonathan humorously noted, “Don’t you like how young I look? People say, ‘Mama, you are young, you are young!’ it is because I have rest of mind, yes. I don’t want to go there—let my friend be there.”

Additionally, she voiced her support for the 35 percent affirmative action for women in governance, lamenting the continual rejection of gender equality bills by the National Assembly.

“During Obasanjo’s time, we worked for it, and the Executive approved 35 percent. My husband also maintained it. But when it comes to elective positions, the men dominate and shut us out,” she said, urging men to recognize women as their mothers, sisters, and friends.

Jonathan described receiving the Women Icon Leader of the Year award as a recognition of collective efforts to advance women’s health and economic well-being. She expressed gratitude for the honor, stating, “I accept this honour not just as a personal recognition, but as a testament to the tireless efforts of countless women and men who have worked alongside me.”

Her NGOs—Aurora Richard Foundation and Women for Change and Development Initiative—have empowered thousands of women and youth through skill acquisition programs and provided support for children with critical health conditions requiring surgeries abroad.

At the event, the Managing Director and CEO of Accolade Dynamics, Ms. Dofan Chizaram, remarked that the evening was dedicated to honoring individuals who have significantly impacted Nigeria and the African continent through leadership, mentorship, and community development.

“This night is about celebrating the legends who have uplifted women and the broader community. We want to acknowledge their value while they are still with us,” Chizaram stated.

By OBSERVERS TIMES

The Northern States’ Governors’ Forum and the Councils of Traditional Rulers of the 19 northern states have jointly called on the National Assembly to expedite the enactment of the legal framework for the establishment of state police in Nigeria.

OBSERVERS TIMES report that In a landmark meeting held at Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House, Kaduna, on Saturday, the governors and traditional rulers also announced that they have resolved the concerns previously raised over the contentious tax reform bills, signaling renewed support for President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda.

The communiqué, read by the Chairman of the Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, highlighted the importance of nonpartisan cooperation in tackling the developmental challenges facing Northern Nigeria and the nation at large.

“The forum reiterated its support for the creation of state police and urged the National Assembly to fast-track the passage of the necessary legal framework for its implementation,” Governor Yahaya stated.

He further commended President Tinubu for his ongoing commitment to addressing security challenges and infrastructural deficits in the region. The governors pledged to collaborate with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum to enhance support for federal security agencies and to bolster local initiatives aimed at combating insecurity.

A key resolution from the meeting was the urgent establishment of inter-state platforms to coordinate surveillance along shared borders, aimed at improving regional security.

Addressing the earlier controversy over the tax reform bills, Governor Yahaya said: “Through constructive dialogue facilitated by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the National Economic Council, and consultations with National Assembly leadership, we have found a mutually beneficial way forward. This outcome underscores the value of inclusive governance, and we commend Mr. President for his openness and responsiveness.”

Despite these positive developments, the forum expressed concern over the deteriorating state of infrastructure in Northern Nigeria. Governor Yahaya acknowledged President Tinubu’s dedication to critical projects such as the Kaduna-Kano-Katsina-Maradi rail line, the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano expressway, and the AKK gas pipeline, but lamented the neglect of other vital projects including the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri rail line, Kano-Maiduguri expressway, and the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Biu expressway.

Senator Uba Sani, host governor and Chairman of the Kaduna State Traditional Rulers’ Council, praised the unity between the Governors’ Forum and the Traditional Rulers’ Councils, emphasizing that their collaborative approach has strengthened Northern Nigeria’s collective voice and national standing, OBSERVERS TIMES.

“We have made progress, but much remains to be done,” Senator Sani said. “We must urgently develop and implement a roadmap addressing security, governance, and development challenges. Our people demand tangible results. We also commend President Tinubu’s focus on infrastructure, particularly the long-abandoned Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano dual carriageway, a vital link connecting the Federal Capital Territory to 12 northern states.”

In a related development, the North-West Governors’ Forum, which convened in Kaduna on Friday night, revealed plans to tackle insecurity, unemployment, and drug abuse – issues plaguing the zone. Governor Umar Dikko Radda of Katsina State, Chairman of the North-West Governors’ Forum, told reporters that the seven states of the North-West have agreed to collaborative efforts to drive development and address social challenges.

“We had fruitful deliberations and presentations from the Northwest Development Commission and the Federal Medical University, Funtua. We also focused on strategies to combat drug abuse,” Governor Radda stated. “Our collective commitment is to work together to bring the necessary development to the region.”

The wife of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the Hero of Biafra. She currently works for the Nigerian government.

She is here to welcome the president of Nigeria to Anambra State. Her beloved husband’s state.

I do not know if Bianca is seriously waiting for Biafra like many Igbo people. However, I sure know she is seriously and happily working for the Nigerian government to earn her daily bred in order to cater for Ikemba’s children and maintain his estate.

Her husband, my respected Nnewi brother, was given a befitting burial by the Nigerian government when he passed on.

He was buried as a retired military personnel of the Nigerian government despite taking up arms against her. Upon defeat, he repented and was pardoned by the Nigerian state.

After Ikemba learnt his lessons and made a U-turn:

He ran for a seat in the Nigerian Senate in 1983.
He went on to openly work for Gen. Sani Abacha’s military government (1994-1998).
He contested for the president of Nigeria under All Peoples Party in 1999.
He contested for the president of Nigeria in 2007 under All Progressives Grand Alliance.
He participated actively in Nigerian politics till he took his final breath.

It is therefore safe to say that Ojukwu died working for Nigeria just like his beloved wife, former Miss Nigeria, former Nigerian ambassador to Spain, is currently doing as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

Yet, many Ndi Igbo are ready to label anyone who do not absurdly join them in replicating their Waiting for Godot, a fool for not waiting for Biafra.

If Ojukwu, the leader of Biafra, and his family have moved on, what are you still waiting for?

Another question these Waiters should ask but never will is; What reality did Ojukwu encounter that made him to move on from Biafra and assiduously identify with different Nigerian government since he returned from exile in 1982?

Ojukwu was openly buried with Nigerian flag. Yet, his people, our people, are mocking the same flag calling it zoo. The first and last Biafran head of state was buried as a Nigerian!

Go back and check the implicit meaning of that. It means Biafra has been cleanly and mortally buried!

When you attempt to elucidate on what made Ojukwu and his family to embrace Nigeria tenaciously, Biafra optimists will call you that has never worked for the Nigerian government like Ojukwu, a saboteur. They will question your loyalty to Ala Igbo.

My question is, why have these set of Igbos refused to call Ojukwu and his family a saboteur for all the times they worked and continue working for the Nigerian government since the demise of Biafra?

Is there a different yardstick for measuring saboteurs in the eyes of Biafran apologists?

Zik is a saboteur for believing in One Nigeria but Ojukwu is a hero for upholding and working for the same One Nigeria till death.

If hypocrisy and double standard was a person, it will be supporters of Biafra.

Till we as Ndi Igbo learn to call a spade a spade and apologize to Owelle of Onitsha, we will not find the answers and respect we dearly seek and truly deserve.

Till we as Ndi Igbo learn to embrace reality and move on like Ojukwu’s family, we will keep searching for a future in the ashes of a past that no longer exists.

-Nze Tobe Osigwe (Ezeikolomuo)
Obi Eziokwu
Nkpoka Nnewichi-Nnewi
Orie

By OBSERVERS TIMES
A storm of corruption allegations has engulfed the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, prompting the influential Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, to issue a scathing demand for his immediate suspension. The group alleges Akume’s involvement in an N80 billion money laundering scandal orchestrated by his aide, Torhile Uchi, who was previously arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Afenifere, in a fiery statement signed by Dr. Bayo Adenuga, accuses Akume of obstructing justice and shielding his aide from prosecution. They are now challenging President Bola Tinubu to prove his anti-corruption stance by swiftly suspending Akume to allow for an impartial investigation.
“This is not a case to be swept under the carpet,” the statement declares, demanding transparency and accountability. “Senator George Akume must be suspended to pave way for a full, free and comprehensive investigation into gross allegations of corruption coordinated in his office and with his full consent.”
Afenifere has issued a 7-day ultimatum to the EFCC to provide a public update on the investigation’s progress, threatening nationwide protests if their demands are ignored. They further draw a stark comparison to the swift removal of former SGF Babachir Lawal, arguing that Akume’s alleged offenses are far more severe.
“The EFCC must know that Nigerians are watching patiently to know what will happen to the case. This case is indeed a litmus test for the anti-graft agency,” the statement asserts.
While reaffirming their support for President Tinubu’s anti-corruption drive, Afenifere insists that he cannot afford to turn a blind eye to corruption within his own administration. They urge him to follow the precedent set in the cases of Beta Edu and the NNPCL management, ensuring that no one is above the law.