Category: News

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred national honours on several distinguished Nigerians in recognition of their roles in promoting democracy, human rights, literature, and national development. The honours were announced during the 2025 Democracy Day celebrations held at a special Joint Session of the National Assembly on Wednesday, June 12. Among the top honourees was the late Kudirat Abiola, posthumously awarded the title of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) for her sacrifice in the pro-democracy struggle following the annulled 1993 presidential election. Others awarded the CFR include former Attorney General Bola Ige and Afenifere leader Pa Reuben Fasoranti. Veteran journalist Bayo Onanuga, human rights lawyer Femi Falana, activist and former senator Shehu Sani, and democracy advocate Nurudeen Olowokere were honoured with the title of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka and respected columnist Prof. Olatunji Dare received the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON)—Nigeria’s second-highest national honour. President Tinubu praised the honourees for their commitment to justice and democracy, stating: “These men and women have paid the price, used their voice, pen, and courage to shape the democratic space we now enjoy.” Full citations and further award details are expected to be released soon.

Some residents of Ikorodu, a Lagos suburb, have urged the state government to limit the Oro festival to nighttime hours, citing its disruptive impact on daily life, business activities, and citizens’ rights—especially those of women. In interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, residents expressed concern over the daytime curfews imposed during the traditional celebration, which forbids women and non-indigenes from being outdoors or witnessing the festival under threat of severe consequences. Mrs. Bukunmi Taiwo, a 40-year resident, called for cultural reform and community dialogue. “The world is changing, and our practices must adapt. Many families rely on daily income. Daytime curfews hurt them deeply,” she said. Obinna Nweze, a trader at Ladega Market, decried frequent market closures. “This year alone, we’ve closed over five times. It’s emotionally and financially draining,” he lamented. Legal expert Mr. Mustafa Mohammed emphasized constitutional rights, urging government action to uphold freedom of movement and gender equality. Gender advocate Mrs. Cecilia Oluwadarasinmi stressed that over 85% of Nigerian women work in the informal sector. “While cultural preservation is vital, it must not override public welfare or promote gender-based discrimination,” she said. The Oro festival, observed twice yearly in Ikorodu and other communities, remains a deeply rooted Yoruba tradition. Despite its spiritual significance, many now call for a more inclusive approach that aligns with modern values and human rights.

Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, has called for the mandatory electronic transmission of election results in Nigeria. Speaking in commemoration of Democracy Day on June 12, Jega emphasized that strengthening the electoral process requires transparency and real-time result transmission. He noted that electronic collation would reduce manipulation and build public confidence in the democratic system. Jega, who led INEC during the landmark 2015 general elections, stressed that integrating technology into Nigeria’s electoral framework is crucial for credible elections and democratic consolidation.

By Our Reporters Tensions are rising within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as party leaders are divided over a recent call by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and some stakeholders, for the party’s 2027 presidential ticket to be zoned to the South. The call, made during a meeting in Abuja on Monday by Wike and a group of “Concerned Stakeholders,” has drawn criticism and conflicting responses from within the party hierarchy. Wike’s group also reaffirmed Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the substantive National Secretary of the PDP—a move that has added to internal disagreements following a controversial National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in May. Disagreement Among Party Leaders Reacting to the Abuja meeting, PDP Board of Trustees member and former House of Representatives member, Hon. Jones Onyereri, faulted the NEC meeting, alleging that it was not properly convened in accordance with the party’s constitution. According to him, “Only the National Secretary has the authority to issue notices of meetings. Senator Anyanwu confirmed in writing that the NEC meeting was cancelled. Therefore, it was not properly convened.” On the issue of zoning, Onyereri supported the group’s call for the PDP’s 2027 presidential ticket to be zoned to the South, stating that the party must uphold its constitutional principles of rotation and fairness. Bode George Urges Restraint In contrast, former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Olabode George, cautioned against airing internal disagreements in public. He warned that such behaviour could damage the party’s unity and reputation. “We have a functional national executive, and family matters are not to be discussed in the marketplace,” George said. “We must all wait for the next NEC meeting scheduled for June 30. This is not the way to run a party.” Party Official: No Contradiction in Zoning Call Speaking on behalf of the party, PDP National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, downplayed the controversy, saying the call for a southern presidential candidate aligns with the party’s broader position. “What they said in the communiqué is not different from what the party believes in,” Bature told Vanguard. “There is no decision from the last NEC meeting that is binding, so there is no need for alarm.” When asked about the claims that the NEC meeting was improperly convened, Bature acknowledged the procedural issues but maintained that no critical decisions were taken. PDP to Respond Formally The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, told reporters that the party would formally respond to the Wike-led stakeholders’ position in due course. “There is a process in our party. We have a NEC and a committee responsible for these matters. The party will respond appropriately,” he said. Fayose Warns of Party Collapse Meanwhile, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has warned that the PDP risks becoming a “political carcass” if urgent reforms are not implemented. Speaking during a visit to President Bola Tinubu in Lagos on Monday night, Fayose said the party is in decline and requires drastic internal restructuring. “Without urgent action, the PDP is headed for serious decline,” he warned. “I’m not defecting to the APC, but as someone who once led the opposition, I must speak the truth.” He praised President Tinubu for his initial efforts in office, noting that although challenges remain, “there is a clear difference from the last administration.” Background The internal rift within the PDP comes as the party struggles to regroup following its loss in the 2023 presidential election. The battle for control of the party’s leadership and the zoning of the 2027 presidential ticket are expected to dominate the agenda at the upcoming NEC meeting.