News
Arewa Forum: Producing President In 2023 Not Exclusive Right Of South
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) on Wednesday said it was not the exclusive right of the South to produce the president in 2023.
Speaking exclusively with Daily Independent, Anthony Sani, a northern leader and the outgoing Secretary-General of the ACF, said there was no national consensus on zoning that was binding on political parties in the country.
According to him, since Nigeria was practising a multiparty democracy, each political party was free to zone its presidential ticket to any part of the country.
“In a multiparty democracy, it is political parties that field candidates for elective positions because there is no provision for independent candidates.
“And if any political party, in its winning game plans, fields a candidate from the South and majority of Nigerians vote for him, so be it! That would be democracy in action.
“I say so because the president coming from the South is not a matter of right, considering there is no national consensus on politics of identity symbolised by zoning that is binding on the political parties.
“As long as there is no national consensus on politics of identity symbolised by zoning that is binding on political parties, it is not possible to shut out any region or zone or state from the contest for the post of the president.
“Recall when President Obasanjo wanted to force politics of zoning on the nation by bringing the late President Umaru Yar’Adua from the North after the South, he had to use political blackmail to shut out people like former Rivers State governor, Peter Odili, from the South.
“And when President Yar’Adua died, one did not expect former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest with Muhammadu Buhari in 2011 and 2015, in the spirit of zoning. But he did.”
Also reacting to the statement made by Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State that the presidency should rightly return to the Southern part of the country, Sani said the statement was El-Rufai’s personal opinion and not the general belief of the North.
The ACF scribe said, in the last presidential election, even when it was agreed that the North should produce presidential candidates, a large percentage of presidential candidates that participated in the 2019 elections were from the Southern part of the country.
“In 2019, it was thought that the spirit of zoning would leave the field for presidential candidates from the North, but there were over 70 candidates, most of them from the South.
“This is testament to the fact that there is no national consensus on zoning that is binding on political parties with exclusive preserve to field candidates for elective posts in our multiparty democracy. That is why what Governor El-Rufai has said is not more than his personal opinion,” he said.

News
Ramadan: School Closures Misrepresent Islam — Islamic Cleric

The National Chief Imam of Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, Imam Fuad Adeyemi, has criticized the decision by some northern state governments—including Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi—to close schools for five weeks during Ramadan.
Imam Adeyemi dismissed the move as politically motivated, arguing that fasting should not hinder education. He noted that Muslims in hotter climates, such as Saudi Arabia, observe Ramadan without shutting down essential activities.
Citing historical events, he referenced the Battle of Badr, where outnumbered Muslims triumphed over a larger army despite fasting. He emphasized that Ramadan is a period of spiritual dedication and discipline, not a time for inactivity.
Reflecting on his own academic experience, Imam Adeyemi highlighted how fasting enhanced his focus and performance during exams. He believes that closing schools during Ramadan contradicts Islamic teachings, which encourage continuous learning and work.
“For the first time, I’m hearing of a Ramadan holiday for schools. Islam promotes productivity; even on Fridays, business owners are only required to pause for prayers, not shut down entirely,” he said.
The cleric urged authorities to reconsider the policy, stressing that Islam has established guidelines that should not be altered arbitrarily.

News
Former Presidential Spokesperson Doyin Okupe Passes Away at 72

Dr. Doyin Okupe, a veteran politician, medical doctor, and former presidential spokesperson, has passed away at the age of 72. His death was confirmed on Friday, March 7, 2025.
Family sources revealed that Dr. Okupe had been battling a critical illness for several weeks before his demise. Reports indicate that he succumbed to cancer after a prolonged struggle with the disease.
Okupe was first diagnosed with prostate cancer 16 years ago and later battled sarcoma in his right shoulder. In October 2023, he was hospitalized due to complications from prostate cancer and was flown to Israel for treatment. Despite medical efforts, his health continued to decline.
In October 2024, he shared a testimony video where he spoke about overcoming cancer twice, attributing his recovery to his faith in the Bible and the power of Jesus Christ. He encouraged Christians to hold on to their faith in times of hardship.
Beyond his medical battles, Okupe was a key player in Nigerian politics. He served as a senior adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan and played a pivotal role as the Director-General of Peter Obi’s 2023 Presidential Campaign. However, his political career was not without controversy. In December 2022, he resigned from Obi’s campaign after a money laundering conviction. Following the 2023 general elections, he also left the Labour Party and later became an outspoken supporter of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Dr. Okupe’s passing marks the end of an era in Nigerian politics. He will be remembered for his contributions to governance, his resilience in the face of health challenges, and his unwavering engagement in national political discourse.

News
Senate Committee Recommends Six-Month Suspension for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

The Nigerian Senate is considering a six-month suspension for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan following recommendations from its Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct.
According to the committee’s chairman, Senator Neda Imasuen, the Kogi Central lawmaker was found in violation of Senate rules, prompting the disciplinary action. If the recommendation is upheld, her suspension will take effect from March 6, 2025.
As part of the proposed sanctions, Senator Natasha’s office will be locked, and she will be barred from accessing the National Assembly premises for the duration of her suspension. Additionally, her salary and those of her legislative aides will be withheld. She will also be prohibited from representing Nigeria in any official capacity as a senator during the suspension period.
However, the committee suggested that she could submit a written apology for the Senate to reconsider her suspension.
This development follows Senator Natasha’s latest attempt to present a petition before the Senate, alleging sexual harassment by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Unlike her previous attempt, this petition was signed by her constituents.
During Thursday’s plenary session, she was asked whether the matter was already before a court of law, to which she responded in the negative. Following standard procedure, the Senate directed her to formally submit the petition, which was then referred to the Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct Committee for investigation. The committee has been given four weeks to conduct its probe and report back to the Senate.
This marks the second time Senator Natasha has raised allegations of harassment within the chamber, sparking concerns about the political implications of her possible suspension.

-
News1 year ago
Hardship: We Plan To Establish A National Commodity Board To Crash Food Prices – VP Shettima
-
News7 years ago
Blog Reader; Samson Osagiede Celebrates Fiancè Benedicta Daniels’s Birthday With Sweet Words
-
Home8 years ago
News Channel claims Donald Trump is an orphan from Pakistan,share alleged childhood photo
-
Home8 years ago
Another $175m Found in Patience Jonathan’s wife’s firm’s Bank Account
-
Home8 years ago
Oil Spillage: House of Reps Member Shares Photos of the Water her Constituents Drink .
-
Home8 years ago
Zara Buhari & Ahmed Indimi’s Wedding Access Card
-
News7 years ago
The Best Video You’ve Seen Today?
-
Sport6 years ago
Modric, Marta Wins 2018 FIFA Best Player Of The Year Awards ⚽️