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Apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has berated the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, for calling for the resignation of President Bola Tinubu from office.
Ohanaeze said it has taken cognizance of recent public commentary attributed to the former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, in which he allegedly called for the resignation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following political developments in the United Kingdom involving the resignation of Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

The pan-Igbo group stated that it wished to clearly articulate its position on the matter, reaffirm its institutional stance on national unity, and address matters of governance, development, and political responsibility.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide considers Mr. Peter Obi’s comparison and subsequent call for resignation as misplaced, politically inappropriate, and lacking contextual equivalence.

While affirming his constitutional right to personal expression, the organization stressed that such statements do not reflect the collective will, political direction, or strategic interest of the Igbo nation or the Southeast geopolitical zone.

Accordingly, Ohanaeze Ndigbo unequivocally disassociated the Igbo nation from the said call for the resignation of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

This was contained in a statement issued on Monday by its factional Deputy President-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Professor Chibuikeya Achoakawa, and made available to newsmen.

Ohanaeze noted that it acknowledged the ongoing federal interventions in national infrastructure development, with particular attention to the Southeast region.

The organization also recognized the efforts of the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, whose role in the execution and supervision of federal road projects has contributed to improved connectivity and renewed investor confidence across the region.

The organization noted with cautious optimism the continued advancement of several strategic infrastructure initiatives, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Badagry–Sokoto Highway Corridor, and the broader Trans-African Highway integration framework.

Ohanaeze affirmed that sustained infrastructural investment remains central to national integration, economic expansion, and regional equity.

The organization further acknowledged reported improvements in Nigeria’s external reserves, estimated at approximately $50.81 billion, attributed to fiscal reforms, enhanced diaspora remittances, and improved oil revenue performance.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide notes that such indicators, if sustained, may strengthen macroeconomic stability, support currency performance, and enhance investor confidence.

“Ohanaeze recognizes relative improvements in security conditions across parts of the Southeast, resulting in increased commercial activity, social reintegration, and the gradual restoration of public life.

“The organization encourages sustained federal collaboration with regional stakeholders to consolidate peace and prevent regression into insecurity.

“The organization reiterates that Nigeria’s democratic stability depends on responsible leadership, disciplined public commentary, and the avoidance of rhetoric capable of heightening political tension.

“While calling on all political actors, particularly those of national prominence, to exercise restraint, promote dialogue, and prioritize national cohesion over partisan positioning, Ohanaeze:

“Disassociates the Igbo nation from calls for the resignation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu;

“Reaffirms recognition of ongoing federal infrastructure interventions in the Southeast;

“Commends efforts aimed at improving national economic indicators and regional stability;

“Urges political actors to uphold decorum, maturity, and national responsibility in public discourse.”

Ohanaeze rejects Peter Obi’s call for Tinubu’s resignation

The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has denied any connection to the appointment of seven advisers reportedly announced by Bin Usman Rano, who allegedly identified himself as her media aide.

In a statement released on Monday by her Special Assistant on Media, Austine Elemue, the minister’s office said the appointments did not originate from her office.

Elemue stated that he is the only authorised media aide permitted to issue official statements on behalf of the minister.

The statement explained that Rano is not a staff member of the minister’s office but is linked to the Dr Mariya Support Group, a political organisation backing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf ahead of the 2027 elections.

“Any appointments, designations, announcements or authorisations issued by Mr Bin Usman Rano are strictly related to the affairs of the support group and have no connection whatsoever with the Office of the Honourable Minister of State, FCT, or the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA),” the statement said.

Rano had reportedly announced the appointment of seven aides over the weekend, covering areas such as media, protocol, student affairs, youth and sports, religious affairs, and special duties.

The minister’s office advised members of the public, media organisations and government agencies to rely only on official channels for information relating to her office.

The statement also reaffirmed Dr Mahmoud’s commitment to transparency, accountability and effective communication in carrying out her responsibilities.

FCT Minister denies links to alleged appointment of seven advisers

The chairmanship and councillorship candidates of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who participated in the June 13, 2026, local government election in Adamawa State, have rejected its outcome.

Describing the election as a charade, the candidates are calling for a fresh poll.

The election in question produced chairmen-elect of the state’s 21 local government areas and councillors-elect for 226 wards, all from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Addressing journalists in Yola, the candidates alleged that the exercise conducted by the Adamawa State Independent Electoral Commission (ADSIEC) lacked the basic ingredients of credibility.

One of the candidates, Abubakar Ahmadu, who spoke for all the candidates, said, “We wish to state emphatically that elections did not hold in all the local government councils across the state on June 13, 2026. We therefore wonder how results were concocted and how winners emerged.”

Ahmadu alleged that the announced results did not reflect the will of the people and could not be accepted.

“The purported conduct of the Adamawa council poll represents the height of electoral banditry,” he declared.

The ADC candidates called on democracy advocates and constitutional rights groups to intervene and defend democratic principles in the state.

Insisting that they do not recognise the announced winners, the ADC candidates demanded that ADSIEC fix a new date for a credible, transparent and inclusive local government election across Adamawa State.

ADC candidates reject Adamawa LG election results, demand fresh poll

The Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, Presidential Candidate for the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider resigning his position, having failed woefully in discharging most of his campaign promises. And having failed to improve the standard of living of the citizens.

Reacting to the announcement of the British Prime Minister’s resignation, which is not unconnected with the complaints of British citizens about their deteriorating standard of living under his watch, Obi, in a tweet he titled “owning up to Leadership Failures and Political Responsibility”, advised Tinubu to emulate the British PM and save the country from the worsening economic situation.

Writing on his X handle, the 2023 Labour Party presidential flagbearer said, “This morning, I listened to the British Prime Minister’s speech announcing his planned resignation in July. As a keen observer of global politics, my primary interest lies in examining what successful nations do right and the structural factors that cause others to lag or struggle with governance and development.

“The Prime Minister’s planned resignation comes amid mounting public frustration over a stagnant economy, a worsening cost-of-living crisis, and a perceived failure to honour key campaign pledges.

“Looking inward in our dear country, we can recall our own situation. Before 2015, our President on several occasions championed the call for the then President Goodluck Jonathan to resign over economic hardship and insecurity affecting Nigerians. During the Chibok school kidnapping incident, he demanded the immediate resignation of President Jonathan, arguing that the government had failed in its most fundamental duty of protecting lives.

“During the 2023 election campaign, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made several promises, including improved electricity supply. He also challenged the electorate not to vote for him for a second term if he failed to deliver on those commitments—particularly in providing stable power, fighting corruption, and improving the welfare of Nigerians.

“At present, however, these conditions have worsened. Electricity supply remains unreliable, insecurity has intensified in many areas, including kidnappings, and economic hardship has deepened rather than eased. Similar concerns are reflected across other critical sectors such as security, infrastructure, transportation, and anti-corruption efforts, all of which have regressed. We are in the worst possible condition.

“I, therefore, join Nigerians of goodwill in calling for the resignation of the President over monumental failure in governance. Such a gesture would help enthrone a political culture rooted in accountability and responsibility, rather than further entrenching impunity. It would also send a powerful message that public office is a sacred trust, not an entitlement, and help build a society in which future leaders understand that failure carries consequences. Only by ending the culture of impunity can we secure a better future for the society our children will inherit in a New Nigeria that is possible”

 *E-sign* .

Ibrahim Umar

POMR Spokesman 

June 22, 2026.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen George Akume, disclosed on Monday in Abuja during the commemoration of World Refugee Day 2026, themed “Until Everyone is Safe.”

The post Nigeria currently hosts over 100,000 refugees, asylum seekers – FG appeared first on Tribune Online.

Lionel Messi scored for Argentina in a game against Austria in their second World Cup group match, becoming the tournament’s all-time leading goalscorer in the process.

The 38-year-old forward struck with a trademark left-footed curling effort to give Argentina an early lead, marking another milestone in his record-breaking World Cup career.

Messi’s goal came after a hat-trick in Argentina’s opening match, as the reigning champions continue their title defence.

He has now scored in six consecutive World Cup matches, becoming only the third player in history to achieve the feat after France’s Just Fontaine and Brazil’s Jairzinho in 1958. No player has ever scored in seven successive World Cup matches.

The Inter Miami star is also closing in on another record, needing just one more assist to become the outright all-time leader in World Cup assists since records began in 1966, according to Opta. He currently shares that record with Diego Maradona.

A new generation of players including Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Vinicius Jr are also featuring prominently in the tournament, but Messi’s performances have kept him at the centre of attention.

Argentina will face Jordan in their final group-stage match as they continue their campaign to defend the World Cup title.

Messi Breaks World Cup Goals Record is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

“What this country needs is economic expansion so that there can be money, prosperity and goodness for Nigerians. This is what the country needs.”

The post Proper investment in security, panacea for better economy — Uzor Kalu appeared first on Tribune Online.

The Lagos State Government has commenced the screening of newborn babies for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) within 48 to 72 hours after birth as part of efforts to promote early diagnosis and reduce childhood deaths associated with the condition.

A statement by the Lagos State Government said the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Alimosho General Hospital, Dr. Akinyele Akinlade, disclosed this during the 2026 World Sickle Cell Day celebration organised by the hospital’s Haematology Department.

Commending the state government for the initiative, Akinlade described the rollout of the newborn screening programme as a major milestone in the fight against Sickle Cell Disease across Lagos State.

He explained that every newborn will now be screened using a simple heel-prick test within the first 48 to 72 hours after birth, while babies found to be at risk will be placed on preventive care pending confirmatory testing.

Akinlade described sickle cell disease as an inherited blood disorder that is not contagious, noting that people living with the condition are more vulnerable to infections.

He advised individuals living with sickle cell disease to stay properly hydrated, avoid stress, and protect themselves from extreme weather conditions, explaining that these are common triggers of sickle cell crises.

According to him, adherence to these preventive measures can help reduce the frequency and severity of crises experienced by patients.

Earlier, the Head of the Haematology Department and Convener of the programme, Dr. Olubukola Orolu, said the theme of this year’s celebration, “Young Voices Rising for Sickle Cell Disease – Closing the Survival Gap: Equity in Sickle Cell Disease,” underscores the need to pay attention to the experiences and aspirations of young people living with the condition.

She noted that many SCD warriors are breaking barriers as advocates, students, leaders, and change-makers, adding that they continue to shape conversations around equitable healthcare, self-care, and lived experiences.

Orolu called for equal access to quality healthcare services, improved survival opportunities, and dignity for all individuals living with sickle cell disease.

Speaking on the burden of the disease in Nigeria, she disclosed that about 150,000 babies are born with sickle cell disease annually, placing the country among those with the highest burden globally.

She commended the Lagos State Government and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) for introducing the statewide newborn screening programme, describing it as a significant step towards reducing deaths associated with the disease among children.

One of the participants, Borokini Zainab, an SCD warrior and student nurse, thanked the organisers for the awareness programme.

Sharing her experience, she spoke about the difficulties of coping with recurring pain crises while pursuing her education and managing other aspects of her life.

Despite the challenges, she encouraged others living with the condition to remain hopeful.

“Don’t let sickle cell put you down. Be encouraged from within. Don’t let your dreams be shattered because of this,” she said.

Zainab added that her personal journey with sickle cell disease motivated her to study nursing so she could support and care for others living with the condition.

As part of activities marking the event, participants received health education on oral hygiene, nutrition, and kidney care. They were also advised to stay adequately hydrated and avoid the use of herbal mixtures or unprescribed drugs that could harm the kidneys.

The programme also featured free screening for Packed Cell Volume (PCV) and Hepatitis B.

The event received support from Fidson Healthcare Plc, represented by Mr. Nwabufo Onukwube, who delivered a goodwill message and enlightened participants on the benefits of amino acids in improving the health and well-being of people living with sickle cell disease.

The celebration of World Sickle Cell Day also reinforced Alimosho General Hospital’s commitment to creating awareness, encouraging early diagnosis, and improving the quality of life of people living with sickle cell disease through advocacy, education, and quality healthcare services.

Sickle cell: Lagos begins screening babies within 72 hours of birth

Residents who commended Governor Uba Sani’s rural transformation drive described the bridge as a critical lifeline that has restored access to markets, healthcare facilities and farmlands.

The post Uba Sani reconstructs bridge in Kaduna communities appeared first on Tribune Online.

The Ondo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that government policies, programmes and development initiatives reach every part of the state, including…

The post Ondo govt prioritises grassroots information dissemination, public engagement — Ajanaku  appeared first on Tribune Online.