Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Bola Tinubu, has emphasized that no presidential candidate can emerge victorious in the 2027 elections without the backing of the North.

Speaking on the political direction of the region, Baba-Ahmed stated, “In the next six months, the North will decide its stance. If the rest of the country aligns with us, great. If not, we’ll move forward on our own terms. One thing is certain — no one becomes Nigeria’s president without Northern support.”

He expressed deep concern about the nation’s current condition and called on Northerners to reject divisive and manipulative politicians ahead of the next general elections.

“We need a government that understands our challenges and is ready to fix them. After Buhari’s eight years, we became wiser. Now we are in a new administration, yet we’re still complaining. Is that all we do—cry?” he asked.

Recalling the impact of the Boko Haram crisis, Baba-Ahmed noted that it affected every Northern group — Muslims, Christians, Fulani, Baju, and others — and called for unity across the region.

“Before Buhari, Boko Haram was bombing mosques, churches, Abuja, and Lagos. That period demanded unity among Northerners. Today, no politician can just walk in and expect automatic Northern support. Who are you?” he asked pointedly.

He warned against further marginalization of the North, stressing that continuous neglect would not go unnoticed. “If the plan is to rig the elections, they should think again. It won’t end well for Nigeria. The North is paying attention. Elders, the masses, and interest groups are reaching their breaking point. The injustice must stop.”

Baba-Ahmed also encouraged Northerners to abandon identity-based politics, urging voters to prioritize competence and integrity.

“We’re done voting based on religion or ethnicity. That chapter is closed. All we want is the right leader — even if he drops from heaven — someone who will fix our problems,” he declared.

He concluded by affirming that the North had learned hard lessons from past choices and would approach the 2027 elections with greater discernment and resolve.

As Christians around the world celebrate Easter, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has called on residents to reflect on the season’s message of peace, unity, and renewal.

“Easter is a sacred time that calls us to reconciliation,” the governor said in his Easter message. “It is a season when the peace of Christ fills our hearts — healing wounds, restoring broken relationships, and offering hope to the weary.”

He emphasized the power of resurrection as a symbol of new beginnings, noting that through faith, shattered dreams can be restored, and adversity overcome.

“This season reminds us that no challenge — whether hardship, sorrow, or even death — can separate us from the love of God. In Christ, we are more than conquerors.”

Governor Fubara reaffirmed his commitment to providing quality governance for the people of Rivers State and urged them to continue supporting the national leadership.

“I urge the great people of Rivers to keep standing behind the Renewed Hope Agenda of our President, His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” he stated. “Together, let’s look forward to a brighter, more prosperous future.”

He concluded with a call for unity: “We must never lose sight of our collective strength. The transformation we seek is possible if we remain united in purpose, guided by faith, and committed to progress.”

The Governing Council of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has suspended Vice-Chancellor Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fasina following allegations of sexual harassment brought against him by a senior university official, Engr. Folasade Adebayo.

The suspension was confirmed in a statement issued on Monday by the university’s Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council, Mufutau A. Ibrahim.

According to the statement, “At its 7th Emergency Meeting held virtually on Monday, April 14, 2025, the Governing Council reviewed a request from the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fasina, to embark on his accumulated Annual and Research Leave. The Council approved a six-month leave—totaling 126 working days—effective from Monday, April 14, 2025, out of his total leave entitlement of 228 days.”

Furthermore, the Council appointed Prof. Olubunmi S. Shittu, the current Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) and the most senior among the three deputy vice-chancellors, as Acting Vice-Chancellor for the six-month duration.

This move follows pressure from the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who reportedly expressed strong dissatisfaction with how the Council initially addressed the complaint. Sources say the Minister was displeased that the Council allegedly dismissed the harassment claims and asked the complainant to apologise to Prof. Fasina.

“The Minister was furious that the complaint was being swept under the rug and that the victim was being compelled to apologise,” a source revealed. “He personally contacted the Chairman of the Governing Council, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN), to express his displeasure.”

Following the minister’s intervention, Senator Ndoma-Egba convened an emergency online meeting of the Council on Monday afternoon. During the session, members agreed to suspend Prof. Fasina. However, the Vice-Chancellor reportedly requested to proceed on his accumulated leave instead of facing a direct suspension.

In the interim, Prof. Samuel Olubunmi Shittu, a Professor of Soil Science and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), will serve as Acting Vice-Chancellor.