crustlikereporters

A couple of weeks ago, I had cause to ruminate over the life and times of my late uncle, Professor George Obiozor, through an article entitled: “TRUMP: IF AMBASSADOR GEORGE OBIOZOR WERE STILL ALIVE”. As the title suggests, I was moved to do the write-up in the wake of the diplomatic uneasiness between our dear country, Nigeria, and the United States of America, following the recertification of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” by the Donald Trump administration; and the latter’s threat to invade our country to tackle terrorists and insurgents. As expected, several well-meaning Nigerians came up with the argument that what Nigeria needs now are deft diplomatic moves and naturally, Professor George Obiozor, easily one of the most experienced diplomats Nigeria has ever produced, came to mind. After the article, I came across several comments in the social media reaffirming the fact that the late Professor Obiozor would have been quite handy in engaging the US government concerning the matter under discuss.

Today, however, is his death anniversary and even though the matter for which Nigerians recently talked and wrote about him is still lingering, Professor Obiozor is missed in more ways than one. Professor George Achulike Obiozor towered in academics, public service and diplomacy but his last duty post was as the president-general of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, the apex socio-cultural organization of the Igbo nation. In other words, Professor Obiozor had, after several years of serving Nigeria and indeed the international community quite meritoriously, returned home to serve his own people, the Igbo. Even though he was more or less persuaded into accepting to serve in that office, Professor Obiozor put in the same verve, diligence and enthusiasm with what he carried out his national and international assignments earlier. He did not see serving his own kinsmen less challenging than in capacities that made him a recurring decimal in every administration since the Second Republic, whether military or civilian.

As a matter of fact, there was no THINK TANK in the country Professor Obiozor was not part of. He was not a politician but he was a master strategist and was consulted by even the most astute politicians. Of course, his definition of politics as a concentric circle of conspiracies wherein the last set of conspirators would always emerges victorious remains a classical reference in almost every political discussion in Nigeria.  Still, the period he served his people as president-general of Ohaneze Ndigbo could be said to be one of the most tasking in his career. Although his ascendance into that office marked a water shed in the existence of the body, it was at a most difficult time in the relationship between the Igbo and their fellow compatriot across the country. He took up the job of leading the Igbo at the height of the separatist mantra of some younger elements in Igbo land. And even though the movement was initially non-violent, criminally-minded elements soon infiltrated the struggle and began to unleash mayhem on the people.

Thus, throughout his tenure as president-general of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Professor Obiozor was caught in between assuring a skeptical Nigerian nation that his people are committed to the unity of Nigeria on one hand, and convincing the agitators that Ndigbo are better off in a larger, united and peaceful Nigeria on the other. For a fellow who had been taken into confidence by the highest echelon of the national political establishment, nothing could be more worrisome than being perceived as condoning tendencies that challenged the unity of the country. But contrary to insinuations in some quarters that he would play the ethnic irredentist, he took the new assignment from a robust patriotic ambience.

Because he believed that injustice was at the root of the separatist agitations that were, in any case, not limited to his people, that apparent dilemma was for him easy to handle. He once told a panel of journalists who thought they could blackmail him on the issue of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) thus: “the IPOB boys are our children and we cannot deny then” but he quickly cautioned that his kinsmen in Igboland must try and “listen to good counsel from their leaders”.

Further prodded by one of the panelists whether the Ohaneze which he was leading believes in Biafra, he said “There is Biafra in anyone looking for justice”, adding that “so long as injustice is meted to people in any part of the country, sentiments like Biafra are bound to arise irrespective of tribe, religion or geography”. For the one and half years he served as Ohaneze president-general, Professor Obiozor kept saying, “Igbo are not at war with Nigeria”.

Apart from the challenge posed by the separatist movement and the consequential mounting of suspicion of his Igbo kinsmen by other sections of the country, it was during the same period that agitations for a Nigerian president of Igbo extraction got to a crescendo. Professor Obiozor, both as an individual and as leader of the Igbo nation, threw his weight behind it. He once said, “finally, it is our turn. It is right, reasonable and timely. Igbo president is our agenda”. Unfortunately, death came a few months before the 2023 presidential election but even though the outcome was not as he would have wished, Nigerians missed his own perspective on how the entire thing ended up.

Of course, that was not the first time he was playing a leading role in the pursuit of the interest of his people. Professor Obiozor played a key role in facilitating the return of the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu to Nigeria in the Second Republic. He acted as a mediator between Ojukwu and the Nigerian government then headed by President Shehu Shagari, shuttling between Lagos and the then Ivory Coast, now Cote d’ Ivoire. In that assignment, he worked closely with some of Igboland’s finest intellectuals like the late Chuba Okadigbo, who was a Special Adviser to President Shagari, Nnia Nwodo, who was a minister in that republic and ABC Nwosu.

My last article on Professor Obiozor referenced earlier and in which I sought to explore what would have been his position on President Trump’s current posturing on Nigeria, was published a few days just before the sentencing of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment by a federal high court. Now that we are marking his death anniversary amid a heated debate over that judgment, a good question would be, what would have been Professor Obiozor’s position on the matter. But the answer is not difficult to fathom. Professor Obiozor would have aligned with several other well-meaning Nigerian to tell his Igbo kinsmen to remain calm as a “political solution” is in the offing.

Professor Obiozor was a statesman, a renowned academic, public servant and diplomat, but he was first and foremost a community leader and successful family man. He was born and raised in Awo-Ommama, an ancient community in the Oru-East local government area of Imo state. Even though he rose to the apogee of his academic and public service career, he was very much in touch with his roots. He served his immediate community meritoriously and was honoured with a chieftaincy title of Ugwumba I of Orlu in 1991. Professor George Obiozor was blessed with a beautiful family.   

On March 21, 2023, Prof’s country home in Awo-Ommama was razed down by unknown hoodlums using Improvised Explosive Devices (IED). Naturally, the incident was greeted with outrage but till date, the mystery over it is yet to be unraveled. Even though he knew that there was bound to be a price to be paid for providing leadership at such a precarious period, that was clearly a heartless show of ingratitude to an 80-year old man who had used his active days in service of both the entire Nigerian nation and his kinsmen in Igboland. Prof. was to latter confide in some of his close associates that what pained him most in that incident was the loss of a manuscript of a book he had hoped would be his last, along with his world-class library that took him several years to build.

Following the formal announcement of his death by Governor Hope Uzodimma, on December 26, 2022, a deluge of tributes flooded the media from across the world. This was how Governor Uzodimma, himself a longtime ally and kinsman of Professor Obiozor, described him: “A renowned academic, an exceptional diplomat, a statesman, and a tenacious patriot”. Former Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Major General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd), whom Professor Obiozor served as Special Adviser, had this to say: “I can attest to the fact that Georgy was made of impeccable qualities. He was a scholar, an exquite diplomat and a man of vast public knowledge. Notwithstanding his depth of knowledge and interest in writing, he remained an unassuming intellectual who was beholding to a life of pleasant expositories laced with humour”. Professor Chido Nwangwu, a US-based academic wrote of him thus: “Only as few scholars had the skills of interpreting and speaking rather clearly on a multitude of global issues and situating the most practical implications and connections”.

A former governor of Imo state, Ikedi Ohakim, wrote of him thus: “Professor Obiozor was not just a brilliant academic, he was a philosopher, a great thinker, a trait he embellished with a down-to-earth and unassuming mein that set him aside from most of his colleagues”. Former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, says of him: “He was deep, humorous and Intellectually rigorous”.

In a tribute on behalf of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), which Professor Obiozor once headed as Director-General, Professor Eghosa E. Osaghae, the head of the institute at the time of Prof’s passing wrote, among other things: “Professor Obiozr demonstrated unalloyed zest for strengthening our capacity to actualize Nigeria’s manifest destiny as African and global leader”.

President Muhammadu Buhari in his own tribute wrote that Professor Obiozor’s “contributions to a peaceful and stable polity … will never be forgotten”. President Olusegun Obasanjo, in whose administration he served as Ambassador to Israel and the United States, noted that Professor Obiozor’s tenure was “a fitting complement to my administration’s efforts to re-make the international profile of Nigeria”. Similarly, President Gooluck Jonathan in a tribute asserted that “Professor Obiozor was a great patriot whose love for the nation and his people knew no bounds in his selfless service towards the unity and development of our country”. We can go on and on but space constraint would not permit going beyond a few of the many acknowledgements by eminent personalities of his contributions not only to the building of the Nigerian nation but also to international scholarship and diplomacy.

Professor Obiozor had his early education at Awo-Omamma Comprehensive Secondary School from 1959 to 1963. For his higher education, he attended the Institute of African studies, Geneva, Switzerland in 1967 for a Diploma programme. He later proceeded to the University of South Tacoma, Washington, USA where he obtained a B.A (Hons) in Political Science in 1968.

He obtained a Master’s degree from Columbia University, New York, in International Law and Organization, M. Phil in International Affairs in 1974 and finally a doctorate in International Affairs in 1976. Professor Obiozor was a lecturer at the Pratt Institute, New York, from 1971 to 1975. He went on to become an assistant Professor of Political Science in City University of New York, Medgar Evers College between 1975 and 1979 and Rlaph Bunche Fellow at the City University of New York Graduate Center, from 1977 to 1978.

He was the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the state of Israel and High Commissioner to the Republic of Cyprus between 1999 and 2003 and later Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States from 2004 to 2008. Before his engagements with foreign missions, he had been Special Adviser to the Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Special Assistant to the President on International Affair in 1990. He also served as Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Africa’s foremost foreign policy think tank. Professor Obiozor authored several books and other seminal works including highly regarded journal articles. Sleep on Ugwumba          

Hon. Uche Obiozor writes from UbaChima, Awo-Ommama Imo State

The long-awaited election of two Congregation Representatives to the Governing Council of Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri; one Academic Staff and one Non-Teaching Staff representative, as established by the Imo State University law, successfully took place on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at the University Auditorium.

The election, which all participants described as the most credible, free, fair, and peaceful, had five contestants from the Academic Staff (four males and one female): Prof. Gloria Ernest-Samuel (female), Prof. A. O. Ejiogu (male), Prof. Okechi Dominic Azuwike (male), Associate Prof. Vitalis C. Nwulu (male), and Associate Prof. Barr. P. K. N. Enesha (male). On the Non-Teaching Staff side, only one candidate, Comrade John-Anoruo Eugenia C. (female), contested.

At the end of the closely contested election, Prof. Gloria Ernest-Samuel defeated her four male opponents to emerge as the winner among the Academic Staff with 199 (one hundred and ninety-nine) votes. The other Academic Staff candidates received the following votes: Prof. Okechi Dominic Azuwike, 143; Associate Prof. Barr. P. K. N. Enesha, 68; Associate Prof. Vitalis C. Nwulu, 36; and Prof. A. O. Ejiogu, 22. Meanwhile, Comrade John-Anoruo Eugenia emerged winner unopposed from the Non-Teaching Staff side with a total of 446 (four hundred and forty-six) yes votes.

Prior to the election, interested candidates were asked to pick up forms from the Registrar and return them on or before November 25, 2025. On election day, the list of eligible voters was compiled faculty by faculty, including directorates and units, to facilitate accreditation. Two ballot papers, corresponding to the Academic and Non-Teaching categories, were given to voters. Voting was conducted simultaneously with voter accreditation, allowing accredited voters to cast their ballots immediately.

Before voting commenced, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. U. U. Chukwumaeze, SAN, FCArb, addressed the congregation and read relevant sections of the Imo State University law. Staff members who are not part of the congregation, nominated by the Registrar, served as Presiding Officers under the supervision of the electoral committee chairman, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Onuh Martin Onuh.

Prior to accreditation and voting, each aspirant was given two minutes to address the congregation. Voting was by secret ballot, and vote counting began immediately after voting ended. The electoral chairman then announced the results and declared the winners.

Members of the Electoral Committee included: Prof. Onuh Martin Onuh (Chairman), Mr. Cajethan N. Curtis Azubuogu (Member), Mr. Fidelis Njoku (Member), Prof. Blessing Solomon-Uwakwe (Member), Engr. Dr. V. C. Igiri (Member), and Dr. Richard Uzoh (Secretary).

Dr. Onyekachi Augustus Nwaozor, is

The Ag. Public Relations Officer,

Imo State University, Owerri.

Imo State University (IMSU) has clinched the prestigious overall first position at the 2025 Coderina University Challenge, held on November 20th at the National Universities Commission (NUC) Auditorium, Abuja. 

The competition, themed "Circular Economy through Technology: Showcasing Technology and Innovation for Impact and Sustainability," was hosted by Coderina University in collaboration with the NUC.

Out of 66 Nigerian universities that applied, only 10 advanced to the final stage of this highly competitive event. IMSU proudly secured its place among the top contenders, presenting a pioneering Biomass Digester prototype developed through design, construction, and rigorous testing. 

This innovative project demonstrated the university’s commitment to sustainable solutions and impactful technology.The challenge aimed to transform academic research from theory to commercialization by harnessing student creativity and innovation to solve real-world problems. 

IMSU’s entry, backed by the Faculty of Engineering and the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, exemplified this mission. At the awards ceremony, IMSU received a grand prize of 5 million naira. 

The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, who attended the event, pledged full support to elevate the visibility and impact of IMSU’s creative achievements, further encouraging technological advancement among Nigerian youths.

The winning team from IMSU featured talented students like: Muoleeh Samuel Uzodinma, James Emmanuel Ikenna, Offiong Wisdom Joseph, and Opara Mmesoma Precious. They were expertly guided by Professor Ferdinand Nkem Mbagwu, Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at IMSU.

The Winning Team acknowledges with gratitude, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. U.U. Chukwumaeze, SAN, FCArb, and the entire University Management for their financial support, impactful leadership and encouragement, which were vital in enabling IMSU’s participation and ultimate success at this national event. 

This victory has not only enhanced IMSU’s creative profile but also positioned the university as a leading center for innovation and sustainable technology in Nigeria.

Dr. Onyekachi Augustus Nwaozor, is

The Ag. Public Relations Officer,

Imo State University, Owerri.

Law students from Imo State University (IMSU), Mr. Linus-Eleazu Eunan (500 level) and Miss Onuoha Prevailer Onyinyechi (400 level), have emerged third nationally, winning a cash prize of one million naira (₦1,000,000) and medals at the recently concluded International Cape Town Convention Moot Court Competition, organized under the auspices of the Cape Town Convention Academic Project.

The competition took place in Abuja, with the award presentation ceremony held at the Federal High Court premises in Central Area, Abuja, on November 12, 2025. It was organized by the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development in collaboration with the Aviation Working Group (AWG) and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority.

During the presentation of the students and their awards to the Vice-Chancellor of IMSU, Professor U. U. Chukwumaeze, SAN, FCArb, at his office in Owerri, Dr. Ngozi Chuma Umeh, one of the lecturers who coordinated the students, explained that only 18 universities across Nigeria qualified for the competition, with IMSU being among them.

She further stated, “Out of the 18 universities that qualified, only 8 advanced to the semifinals, and IMSU was one of these. The final 8 were invited to Abuja for the semifinal and final stages. Ultimately, Imo State University emerged third nationally, and the organizers awarded the students one million naira (₦1,000,000) in recognition of their achievement.”

Expressing his joy, the Vice-Chancellor thanked the students for making the university proud. He also commended His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma, (ONWA), the Executive Governor of Imo State, for providing the enabling environment and for all his support to the Management and staff of Imo State University, without which, all these feat wouldn't have been achieved, as well as the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Professor C. K. Okorie, SAN, FCArb, for his dedication both official and unofficial in advancing the faculty’s status. The Vice-Chancellor recalled that the Dean recently contacted a law lecturer who traveled for a one-year program in Canada to support the faculty. Shortly afterward, the lecturer generously donated seats valued at over one million naira for the Faculty of Law auditorium.

He also thanked Dr. Ngozi Chuma Umeh for accompanying the students to Abuja for the competition, alongside all the Heads of Departments and lecturers within the Faculty of Law for their commitment to providing quality education.

Sharing their experiences, Mr. Linus-Eleazu described the competition as an exciting journey that began when the Ministry of Aviation approached the IMSU Faculty of Law. He explained that the initial stage involved drafting legal processes. With guidance from law lecturers and through their own research, they prepared their submissions, filed them, and qualified for the final eight to compete in Abuja.

Miss Onuoha Prevailer remarked that she found it fascinating to engage with International Law within the context of aviation. She expressed happiness in representing IMSU at such a prestigious level of competition.

The Cape Town Convention International Moot Court program (CTC Moot Court) was established under the Cape Town Convention Academic Project (CTCAP), led by UNIDROIT and the University of Cambridge, with the Aviation Working Group as founding sponsors. 

The program aims to familiarize students, academics, and judges with the Cape Town Convention and the Aircraft Protocol through complex hypothetical scenarios, providing educational exercises in a simulated judicial environment.

Present at the award presentation in the Vice-Chancellor’s office were: Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Agnes Osita-Njoku; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Onuh Martin Onuh; Acting Registrar, Mr. C. N. C. Azubuogu; Bursar, Mr. Fidelis Njoku; Acting Librarian, Professor Blessing Solomon-Uwakwe; Director of Works, Engr. Dr. V. C. Igiri; Director of Physical Planning, Dr. Ken Orguh; Dean, Faculty of Law, Professor Aloy Ojilere, Personal Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor, Dr. C. J. Amaechi; and the University Public Relations Officer, Dr. Onyekachi A. Nwaozor.

 ‎ 

By Augustus Onyekachi Nwaozor 

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), through its Joint Campus Council (JCC), Imo State Chapter, has commended the Imo State University (IMSU) Management for ensuring that the just concluded IMSU SUG Election was free, fair, credible, and peaceful.

In a letter dated July 31, 2025, Jointly signed by NANS JCC Chairman, Imo State Chapter, Comrade Nwosu Stanley O. and the Secretary Comrade Enyeribe Evans Izukamma, addressed to the Dean of Student Affairs, IMSU, copied to the Vice-Chancellor, Commissioner of Police, Director State Security Service, Commissioner of Education, Commissioner of Youths, SA to Governor on Youths, SSA Students, Imo State Government, NANS National President, Stakeholders Chairman South East, Stakeholders Chairman Imo State, with the caption "RE: NANS COMMENDATION FOR A CREDIBLE SUG ELECTION IN IMSU", reads in part, "we would like to extend our warmest congratulations to you and the entire electoral committee for conducting a transparent and credible election of Imo State University's SUG, which took place on 30th July, 2025. Your leadership and commitment to upholding democratic principles are truly commendable. Thank you for fostering an environment of trust and fairness".

In her speech, the Dean of Student Affairs, Professor N. M. Oly-Alawuba, shared some insights about the election process. She explained that the election was initially scheduled for last year, 2024, but faced challenges from a group claiming to be “Stakeholders.” Interestingly, these individuals weren’t students of IMSU, yet they tried to interfere by opposing the introduction of electronic voting, insisting on traditional physical voting instead.

“When they raised concerns last year, I made it clear that it was either electronic voting or no election at all,” she explained. Unfortunately, this led to some tensions, including an attack on her then-deputy and even damage to their office. But this year, the Management was determined to move forward and set a goal to hold the SUG Election by the end of July 2025.

She stated that, despite the challenges and resistance from those “stakeholders,” the University remained committed to implementing e-voting to ensure a smooth and peaceful election process. The Dean highlighted that past SUG elections using physical voting often resulted in chaos, leading to a general apprehension about the elections. This time, however, the University was resolute in conducting the election electronically to avoid any issues.

On election day, July 30, 2025, only accredited observers, including NANS representatives and security agents, were allowed on campus for monitoring. Students were encouraged to vote electronically from the comfort of their homes or wherever they were, using their ID cards, which ensured that each student could only vote once eliminating the risk of double voting.

The Dean proudly stated, “The University Management emphasized that there would be no room for any illegality, and I’m thrilled that everyone followed the rules and regulations guiding the election. As a result, the election turned out to be free, fair, credible, and peaceful, and we give God the glory!”

"We celebrate this achievement together and look forward to even more positive developments in our university community."

At the end of the exercise, the following were in the following positions: 

1. SUG President - Ijezie Brendan Daberechukwu (Ikenga)

2. Vice President - Udensi Chinasa L

3. Vice President (External) - Iwuchukwu Henry C.

4. Secretary General - Mmegwa Victor 

5. Assistant Secretary General - Iloh Favour Chiamaka

6. Treasurer - Orji Justice 

7. Director of Finance - Raphael Rachel C.

8. Director of Welfare - Uzowuru Paschal C.

9. Director of Information - Egema Sunshine C.

10. Director of Health - Ifediorah Stanley Ifeanyi.

11) Director of Environment - Echemazu Favour C.

12. Director of Transport - Balogun Victor A.

13. Director of Social - Aloy Arinze Collins 

14. Director of Sports - Ebosie Anthony Kyrian (Olek).

Over one hundred and twenty (120) Universities in Nigeria presented their Law graduates to the Nigerian Law School. Three (3) Law graduates of Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri, namely: Orji Vivienne Chinyere, Ekwueme Uzondu, and Akuchie Anita Ugochinyere, made First Class out of the seventy-two (72) First Class graduates of the November 2024 Bar II stream 2 of the Nigerian Law School, according to the recently released Law School result. 

Even if it is decided that the one hundred and twenty (120) universities get one First Class graduate each, the seventy-two First Class graduates still won't go round. Still, Imo State University alone produced three (3) out of those seventy-two. It would be recalled that in the previous result released by the Nigerian Law School (stream one), six (6) law graduates of Imo State University broke records with First Class. 

As part of Governor Uzodimma's resolve to develop the education sector in Imo State and to encourage scholarship, his Shared Prosperity government paid the Law School Fees of all eligible Imo State University Law graduates, for the November 2024 Bar II. The Imo State Government, under the leadership of Senator Hope Uzodimma, considers education a fundamental investment in the state's development.

The repeated record-breaking successes by graduates and undergraduate students of the Faculty of Law, Imo State University, underscore the unrelenting efforts of the Dean, Heads of Department, and the entire staff of Faculty of Law, in ensuring quality teaching and a conducive academic environment for the students to thrive..

Irrespective of repeated attacks by disgruntled elements and faceless individuals, the indefatigable Vice Chancellor of Imo State University, Professor Uchefula U. Chukwumaeze, SAN, FCArb's policies have continued to yield positive results and excellence. By providing corruption-free and quality leadership, as well as a conducive academic environment for the generation and fertilization of creative ideas and knowledge, Professor Chukwumaeze and his Management Team dutifully keyed into the Shared Prosperity philosophy of Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma's government..

The Vice-Chancellor, therefore, stated that it is a thing of great delight for the Imo State University community that her students have continued to blaze the trail as shown in the latest three First Class from one institution, at the Nigerian Law School.

He, however, congratulated the students for making Imo State, Imo State Government, Imo State University, and their families proud, and urged them to continue to be the shining Stars of their generation, adding that as the ambassadors of Imo State University, they have to keep the light that has been enkindled in them, ever burning. He also congratulated the Dean, Professor C. K. Okorie, SAN, FCArb, the Professors and Lecturers of the Faculty of Law, Imo State University, for pouring out their knowledge on the students who have now made the University proud.

Onyekachi Augustus Nwaozor is

The Ag. Public Relations Officer of

Imo State University, Owerri.

President Donald Trump has openly called for the arrest of former President Barack Obama on bombshell claims of a coup plan tied to the 2016 U.S. presidential election.  This unusual demand comes amidst charges by Trump and his administration that Obama and his national security staff hatched a years-long treasonous plan to undermine Trump’s election win and presidency.

 The background of these charges is around assertions that the Obama administration manufactured or politicized information to wrongly depict Trump’s 2016 campaign as having links to Russia, which Trump and his supporters allege was a concerted attempt to delegitimize his triumph.  Trump has charged Obama with treason for supposedly seeking to damage his administration and manipulate the will of the American people via intelligence manipulations.

 The situation escalated in late July 2025 when Trump publicly ordered the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate Obama after Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, a Trump appointee and former Democratic congresswoman turned MAGA supporter, released declassified documents purportedly evidencing Obama’s involvement in this so-called "coup."  Gabbard filed a criminal referral to the DOJ stating that Obama and his advisers devised a conspiracy to interfere with Trump’s election and administration.

 On July 22, 2025, Trump upped his rhetoric during an Oval Office news session, blaming Obama without offering actual proof of treason and election subversion, declaring, "It’s there, he’s guilty...  They attempted to steal the election...  They did things that nobody’s ever imagined, even in other countries."  He proceeded to assert that harsh repercussions should follow, presenting the problem as a question of justice for an alleged assault on American democracy.

 Adding to the contentious nature of the argument, Trump shared AI-generated doctored videos and photos on his social media, portraying Obama being jailed in the Oval Office.  These movies, which are manufactured, were disseminated extensively on sites like TikTok and reposted on Trump’s own social media accounts, stoking political divisiveness and disinformation.

 The Obama administration and its officials have vigorously denied these charges.  Spokespersons for Obama condemned the charges as "bizarre," "outrageous," and a "weak attempt at distraction."  They reaffirmed that investigations, including a bipartisan Senate Intelligence Committee report from 2020, concluded that while Russia tried to influence the 2016 election, there was no successful manipulation of vote counts or direct collaboration by the Trump campaign, undercutting the thrust of Trump's allegations.

 Legal and political analysts have regarded this incident as a dramatic increase in U.S. political divisiveness, with Trump using unfounded charges to strengthen his narrative of being the victim of a deep-state plot.  Critics claim that such tactics violate democratic norms and potentially heighten tensions in American political life just as Trump’s administration confronts other obstacles, including requests for openness related to the Jeffrey Epstein case.

 The Department of Justice's reaction to Trump’s demand is keenly monitored, since any criminal investigation of a former president would be a watershed in American political and legal history.  So far, the DOJ has made no public confirmation of additional investigations based simply on these latest referrals and assertions, underlining the highly sensitive climate surrounding the matter.

 The news story outlines a volatile and developing political crisis wherein President Donald Trump has called for former President Barack Obama’s arrest on grounds of treason and conspiracy related to the 2016 election, citing newly declassified intelligence and referrals from Trump’s director of national intelligence.  The claims remain highly contested and are widely condemned by Obama’s team as unfounded and politically motivated, highlighting deep fissures in American politics in 2025.

On Thursday morning, July 24, 2025, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, Nigeria, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan's international passport was briefly seized by officers from the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). This led to a tense standoff that unfolded at the airport.  The event, which took place just before she was scheduled to board a British Airways flight to London, caused a commotion among passengers and prompted her husband, Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, who was traveling with her, to express his immediate concern.

 It has been claimed that immigration authorities have identified Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, as a "national security risk."  This designation, sources close to the senator claimed, was reportedly at the request of the leadership of the National Assembly, who had placed her name on a watch list.  They were on their way to the United Kingdom to attend the graduation ceremony of her stepson when immigration agents stopped her at the departure terminal. The senator and her husband were en route to the United Kingdom.

 A scene of cool resistance from the senator was reported by witnesses who were present at the airport, despite the unexpected trauma that had occurred.  On the other hand, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was overheard resolutely proclaiming her rights, saying, "The court never authorized this."  You have no authority to keep my passport in quarantine.  She is said to have maintained her composure throughout the entire encounter, insisting that the officers did not have the legal authority to seize her passport without first obtaining a court order.

 During that period, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was not supplied with a formal reason for the seizure, which led to allegations of political meddling.  A family member, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed bewilderment, highlighting that there was no court order restricting her movement and that she had consistently appeared for all her court proceedings.  The absence of a specific cause further encouraged suspicion regarding the intentions behind the short arrest.

 As the delay prolonged, Chief Uduaghan was spotted making a series of frantic phone calls, apparently to handle the emerging crisis.  The incident caused a momentary travel scare and drew the attention of other travelers, some of whom described it as an "unnecessary embarrassment" and a potential "abuse of institutional power".

 Remarkably, after a stressful few minutes, the senator's passport was restored to her without any official explanation.  This rapid turnaround enabled her to go through immigration and catch her aircraft just in time.  Despite the rapid conclusion, the episode has raised doubts about the due process and the authority used by immigration officials, particularly affecting prominent personalities.

 As of the time of publishing, neither the Nigeria Immigration Service nor the office of the Senate President has released an official comment about the event.  The absence of an official response from the participating parties leaves many concerns unanswered, notably about the reason for putting a sitting senator on a watch list and the unexpected restoration of her passport without explanation.  The case illustrates persistent worries about the possibility of arbitrary acts by state agents and the need for more openness and respect for legal norms in such instances.

Senator Atik

 Speakers at the event included Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Economy; Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of Gas; Bashir Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC; and Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service.  Despite the absence of Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, this session allegedly proceeded with briefings on fiscal and monetary coordination.

 Updates on Nigeria's fiscal performance, ongoing reforms, and projections for the remainder of 2025 were reportedly the key topics of discussion; however, the agenda was not formally revealed.  The gathering was in keeping with the president's regular engagements in order to keep him apprised of developments in the vital economic areas that will ultimately dictate Nigeria's economic growth rate.

 The four new tax laws that President Tinubu signed into law were a primary topic of discussion, as was the strategy for their eventual implementation beginning in January 2026.  Dr. Adedeji, the Executive Chairman of FIRS, gave a presentation on strategies to increase non-oil revenue and widen the tax net.  These measures aim to streamline tax compliance and promote budgetary discipline, expanding the government’s revenue base beyond its traditional dependency on oil royalties and levies.

 In light of the challenging global economic climate, Minister Edun and Senator Bagudu discussed budget performance, macroeconomic statistics, and strategic initiatives to reassure investors.  Inflation and naira stability initiatives were priorities discussed, underlining the linkage between monetary policy controlled by the Central Bank and fiscal policies coordinated by the Ministry of Finance.  The governor of the central bank was conspicuously absent, but his office supposedly conveyed crucial information regarding the present monetary policy and how it ties in with government reforms aimed at maintaining economic recovery and financial stability.

 The energy sector also received particular attention at the conference, reflecting the administration’s increased commitment to the Decade of Gas project.  Minister Ekpo provided updates on gas infrastructure development and investment opportunities aimed at unlocking Nigeria’s abundant natural gas resources to boost domestic production and export capacity.  The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s engagement in this sector emphasized the government’s objective to use public and private sector partnerships to diversify Nigeria’s energy mix and boost industrial growth.

 This closed-door discussion happens at a time of heightened scrutiny of President Tinubu’s economic policies, with certain political opponents and civil society groups condemning the administration’s approach to governance and change.  Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, despite not being part of this economic team, is a strong political figure advocating for alternative economic and political initiatives.  Notably, Atiku has publicly announced a coalition to challenge Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, emphasizing democratic competition and economic turnaround as key election themes.

 Within the ruling administration and affiliated political circles, there is a projected focus on budgetary consolidation and recovery under what President Tinubu labels the “Renewed Hope Agenda.”  The President’s periodic briefings with ministers and agency heads represent an effort to preserve discipline, transparency, and cooperation among Nigeria’s economic leaders.  In a recent statement, Tinubu expressed confidence in his team’s competence and dedication to delivering reforms for Nigeria’s long-term development.

 The meeting format—with officials arriving individually for private consultations—demonstrates the seriousness and strategic confidentiality of these meetings.  Sources say that while economic management dominates these discussions, aspects of national security and governance challenges may also be considered to enable coordinated government measures.

 President Tinubu’s administration has the challenge of combining economic changes with the demands of Nigeria’s population, inflation pressures, and external economic shocks.  The closed-door meeting with Atiku Bagudu and other economic stakeholders is a significant component of the government’s policy arsenal, aiming to enhance communication, information flow, and problem-solving among ministries and agencies crucial to Nigeria’s fiscal health.

 As Nigeria proceeds into the second half of 2025, conclusions from these consultations are expected to affect policy revisions, budget reallocations, and fiscal management methods.  The success of the new tax regime and gas industry investments will be crucial indicators followed attentively by investors, policy analysts, and Nigerians who are eager for sustained economic growth and increasing wealth.

 In summary, President Tinubu's closed-door meeting with Finance Minister Wale Edun, Budget Minister Atiku Bagudu, and other senior officials represents a strategic effort to review Nigeria’s economic outlook, enhance coordination among fiscal and monetary authorities, and advance reforms aimed at strengthening the country’s financial stability and development prospects over the coming months

A new chapter in Nigeria’s bid to overhaul the nation’s educational and healthcare systems is developing as the House of Representatives has presented a landmark measure proposing to bar public personnel, along with their families, from patronizing private schools and clinics.  If approved into law, this measure could drastically reconfigure access to social infrastructure for thousands of government workers and drive significant reform across important public sectors.

 The “Private Institutions and Health Care Service Providers (Prohibition) Bill, 2025,” sponsored by Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah of Abia State, was read for the first time before a receptive—yet cautious—chamber of lawmakers on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.  The audacious plan draws a clear line in the sand regarding the privileged access typically enjoyed by the wealthy at the expense of the nation’s failing public institutions.

 Speaking at a press briefing after the bill’s introduction, Hon. Ogah called the law “a turning point in the history of our nation.”  The fundamental purpose is to restore faith in public institutions and eliminate conflicts of interest that have contributed to the collapse of the country’s educational and healthcare systems.  The proposed law particularly tries to curb:

 The ingrained tendency of public officials to opt for private schools and hospitals rather than using and upgrading public options.

 The perception and reality that government-owned institutions are inferior to their private counterparts.

 The systemic neglect and underfunding that follows government officials’ avoidance of public services.

 Ogah called on Nigeria’s media community and wider public to join the campaign, launching the hashtag #PromoteOurSchoolsAndHealthcareServices as a rallying point for nationwide discourse.

 Historical Context: Then and Now

 The sponsor cited the history of Nigeria’s founding fathers—Sir Ahmadu Bello, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and Alhaji Tafawa Balewa—who were all products of public or mission schools.  These icons, Ogah observed, benefited from solid public systems that formerly formed the cornerstone of national growth.

 "The tendency for patronizing private educational institutions and healthcare services was strange to our democrats of old.  Today, it has become an unwholesome practice for public and government personnel to seek private educational institutions and medical care for themselves and their family members, to the cost of our country," Ogah remarked.

 By contrast, modern-day leaders increasingly rely on private and even foreign institutions, fuelling what critics call “medical and educational tourism” at the expense of local capacity building.

 Nigeria's annual budgetary commitments to the health and education sectors are large but, according to Ogah, pale in comparison to the riches moving abroad:

 Healthcare: The 2024 national budget allotted N1.336 trillion to healthcare, while Nigerians reportedly spend over $1 billion annually on treatment overseas.

 Under the late President Muhammadu Buhari’s government, Nigerians are believed to have spent at least $29.29 billion on international medical bills in just eight years.

 Education: Between January and March 2024 alone, Nigeria expended $38.17 million on foreign education.  The 2023 amount was an astounding $218.87 million.

 These trends, lawmakers warn, erode the country’s capacity and drain essential resources from local institutions that sorely require investment and reform.

 Key Provisions of the Bill

 If enacted, the “Prohibition Bill” would virtually bar:

 All public and government personnel, including their immediate family members, are prohibited from sending their children to private schools or obtaining treatment from private hospitals within Nigeria.

 Attempts to circumvent the law by seeking services through proxies or third parties.

 Use of public funding or allowances to finance private healthcare or education domestically.

 According to the bill's sponsor, the intent is to:

 "Avoid conflict of interest, maintain public trust, and ensure high, uncompromised standards and integrity of these public institutions."

 Lawmakers believe that requiring public officials to use the same schools and hospitals as the general population will have numerous revolutionary effects:

 Increased Accountability: Officials will have a personal stake in improving public institutions’ quality and responsiveness.

 Restored National Pride: Confidence in Nigeria’s ability to deliver world-class public services may improve when the privileged cannot opt out.

 Reduced ‘Brain Drain’: Medical and academic professionals may be encouraged to remain in Nigeria if public institutions see better funding and oversight.

 Cultural Solidarity: Breaking down barriers between the governing class and average citizens could generate more national unity.

 Ogah underlined that the bill would align with recent economic reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidies, signifying a new era of sacrifice and accountability for public officials.

 A major part of parliamentarians and advocacy groups have approved the bill, regarding it as a necessary corrective action.  They argue:

 Years of neglect, underfunding, and elite exodus have rendered public hospitals and schools shadows of their former selves.

 Holding elites accountable is the only practicable approach to achieve much-needed improvements.

 Many residents also express hope that a law of this sort could put an end to glaring double standards that have long characterized public service in Nigeria.

 Critics, however, warn of potential pitfalls:

 Some dispute the viability of enforcement, noting a history of circumvention in Nigeria’s public sector.

 Concerns have been expressed over whether the approach may initially worsen outcomes for the wealthy without meaningful parallel investment in public institutions.

 Others have argued for a staged approach so that systems are neither overburdened nor worse damaged by unexpected influxes of new users.

 Past attempts at similar reforms—including a rejected bill to stop officials from sending their children to school abroad—have met strong resistance and failed to pass legislative or executive muster.

 Other countries have tried various models to persuade officials to rely on public services:

 India: Some state governments require public servants to send their children to government schools—an initiative credited with improving standards, but also faced with ongoing loophole exploitation.

 Rwanda: Top officials, including President Paul Kagame, receive treatment in rural hospitals to encourage public trust, which has catalyzed changes in the national health system.

 Explicitly associating elite fortunes with those of average citizens, researchers suggest, is a powerful—but difficult—way to spur permanent reform.

 Education and Health Sectors

 Educators and health professionals have expressed both optimism and caution.  Many see the bill as an opportunity to attract new funding and focus.  However, they emphasize that Nigeria’s public institutions are persistently under-resourced:

 Infrastructure is generally ancient or inadequate.

 Salaries lag behind private equivalents, worsening “brain drain.”

 Transparency tools for new investments and supervision are continually evolving.

 Parents and Civil Servants

 Response from public servants themselves has been mixed:

 Some acknowledge that the current status of public facilities is unsatisfactory and applaud initiatives that will drive improvement.

 Others worry that the unexpected change could disrupt family life and put their children or loved ones at risk if improvement preparations lag.

 Activists and watchdog groups welcomed the bill as long overdue, but they stressed the necessity for robust monitoring and anti-corruption mechanisms to prevent officials from finding workarounds.

 With its first reading passed, the bill faces a hard journey:

 Committee Review: The proposal will be debated and perhaps altered at the committee level.

 Public Hearings: Stakeholders—including teachers, doctors, parents, and advocacy groups—are likely to be invited for feedback.

 Further Readings: After committee consideration, the House will debate the altered text.  The Senate would also need to concur for the bill to become law.

 Presidential Assent: The President’s signature is required for full enactment.

 Supporters warn that the bill’s success rests on:

 Timely and open funding for upgraded public services.

 Effective anti-corruption strategies.

 Ongoing public participation to ensure elites are not allowed to exploit gaps.

 Broader Implications

 National Image and Soft Power

 If Nigeria’s top leaders are viewed as relying on and enhancing local institutions, this could:

 Position Nigeria as a model for other African countries facing similar issues.

 Chip away at the culture of privilege and impunity.

 Long-term, the hope is that merging the experiences of the strong and the ordinary will:

 Accelerate advances in public sector delivery.

 Democratize access to quality services.

 Raise both basic standards and the aspirations of citizens.

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike openly backed Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo's demand that former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi get security clearance before visiting the state, adding fuel to the fire of the ongoing controversy over the security protocols for Obi's visit to Edo State.  Due to this support, the discussion about safety, political animosity, and the duty of state governors to protect prominent guests in their states has intensified.

 When Governor Okpebholo reminded Peter Obi that he needed to get the necessary security clearance before visiting Edo State last Friday, it caused quite a fuss.  Following Obi's alleged contribution to a nursing school in Benin City, he connected his most recent visit to a security breach that allegedly resulted in the deaths of three individuals.  Okpebholo stated that without this procedural permission, the state could not ensure Obi's safety and that if anything were to happen to him, he would be solely responsible.  His remarks, the governor later explained, were not an explicit threat but rather a plea for strict adherence to security measures; he emphasized his constitutional obligation to protect citizens and their property in his role as Chief Security Officer of Edo State.  The spokesperson for Okpebholo stressed the need for these security measures, saying that they were needed in light of the recent violent episodes in the state, such as attacks and abductions of religious leaders.

 During an occasion in Benin City to commission the Edo Line transport project, FCT Minister and former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike sided with Governor Okpebholo, bringing him into the fracas.  According to Wike, Obi had informed him ahead of time about his 2023 presidential campaign stops in Rivers State so that he could plan for vehicles and logistical support.  He maintained that anything unfavorable happening to Obi during such visits would involve the hosting governor, underlining the necessity of prior security clearance.  The governor's stance should not be interpreted as animosity, Wike said, since Okpebholo's demand was a legitimate security precaution and not an outright prohibition on Obi's movements.

 Wike did not stop there; he also took a strong tone against Peter Obi’s recent public actions, specifically slamming a viral tape showing Obi distributing food at a church gathering in Imo State.  Wike labeled the gesture as political theater intended for popular sympathy, criticizing the modesty story around it.  He questioned the logistics and security implications of a presidential candidate personally serving food and said that such gestures were disingenuous attempts to garner favor.  The minister went further, claiming that Obi’s prospects for the presidency were fading and hinted that his acts were more about optics than true leadership qualities.

 The clash has prompted a reaction from various prominent personalities.  Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar decried threats against opposition leaders, expressly stressing that any danger to Peter Obi is a threat to all opposition groups.  Atiku’s remarks were a direct response to Okpebholo’s security clearance demand, which some interpreted as a veiled threat or intimidation tactic against Obi.  Atiku advocated respect for political opponents and highlighted the significance of political inclusion and safety.

 Governor Okpebholo has stayed steady, claiming he has no remorse regarding his security clearance requirement.  He underlined that when Obi visited Rivers State during Okpebholo’s reign, Obi obeyed the norm by notifying the authorities in advance.  The governor underlined that his appeal is centered on responsible governance and security intelligence rather than political hostility.  He further recommended a more careful approach to politically sensitive public donations and appearances to prevent inciting unrest or exposing vulnerable institutions and persons to risk.

 The episode has exposed fault lines in Nigerian politics concerning security, freedom of movement for political personalities, and the norms expected of politicians visiting states outside their base.  It underscores the problems of reconciling security concerns with political freedom and the sensitivity of opposition actions in politically sensitive contexts.

 Governor Okpebholo’s insistence on security clearance can be interpreted as both a protective precaution and a demonstration of the power and authority state governors possess in administering their territories.  At the same time, it offers an opportunity for accusations of political manipulation or intimidation against opposition candidates, as seen by the strong pushback from Peter Obi’s followers and certain political observers.

 Wike’s public backing for the governor reflects an alliance among certain important lawmakers that stresses tight security standards for high-profile political visits.  His critiques of Obi’s public image and actions add another layer to the political narrative, depicting Obi as increasingly vulnerable and less credible in his political ambitions.

 As Nigeria approaches future elections, the interaction between security concerns and political competition remains a critical issue.  The situation in Edo State provides a case study of how security protocols intersect with political rivalry and how political personalities traverse this terrain in a setting where violence and unrest remain continuous dangers.

Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party presidential contender, has disclosed that he declined a ₦120 million home gift given to him on his 50th birthday while in government, opting instead to put the cash into public education projects.  Marking his 64th birthday in a statement on July 21, 2025, Obi described this choice as part of his greater commitment to prioritize the well-being of Nigerians before personal luxury.

 Obi claimed that during his stint as governor, an institution promised to construct him a magnificent mansion costing ₦120 million as a birthday present.  Rather than accepting the present, he proposed that the money be put into establishing schools throughout three communities—Agulu, Ekwulobia, and Abatete.  The college heeded his request, and the classrooms created continue to benefit students in those communities, increasing the effect of what would have been a private asset.

 In addition to denying the property, Obi also turned down a ₦20 million birthday celebration that had been organized by another group.  He recommended that the money instead be utilized to buy desktop computers for schools in Anambra State.  This petition resulted in the gift of 200 computers, which were delivered to different schools around the state, increasing the learning environment for pupils.  Such gestures demonstrate Obi’s idea of diverting resources into education and public service rather than personal celebration or money building.

 Obi noted that he has never felt comfortable celebrating birthdays personally and instead wants that money designated for such festivities to be transferred to programs that bring enduring social benefits.  He voiced displeasure over Nigeria’s widespread misery and deprivation and urged contemporary public authorities to take the same approach by prioritizing expenditures in healthcare, education, and other essential public services.

 Beyond education, Obi mentioned that in a related instance, an organization intending to celebrate him contributed buses instead, which he then allocated to institutions in need, including one given to the Old Rangers Association, further illustrating his consistent practice of redirecting personal gifts to public uses.

 In his message, Obi prayed for Nigeria, imploring God to touch the hearts of the country's leaders and instill in them an awareness that public money is intended for the general welfare.  He underlined the need for a fair, caring, and egalitarian society, asking leaders to embrace policies that empower the majority rather than promote personal or political interests.

 Obi’s attitude has provoked conversations throughout Nigeria, revealing opposing perspectives on leadership and governance.  However, some detractors, notably Lagos State governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, have contested Obi’s record, stating that poverty rose under Obi’s governorship in Anambra, comparing it with the decrease in poverty in Lagos under Sanwo-Olu.  The Lagos governor also challenged Obi's critiques of Nigeria overseas, stating that real patriotism requires favorably promoting the nation.

 Security worries have marred the festivities of Obi’s birthday.  Kaduna State police stopped a planned protest in celebration of his birthday owing to intelligence inputs indicating that the event would be hijacked by non-state actors, presenting a danger to public safety.

 Obi’s actions surrounding the ₦120 million home gift and other birthday-related offerings emphasize his persistent message on responsible leadership and public service—a message that resonates with many Nigerians wanting accountability and good government.  His approach represents a notion that leaders should forgo personal enrichment and instead dedicate resources to improve the lives of people via meaningful expenditures in education and health.

 As Nigeria continues to battle with economic issues and social disparities, Obi’s example serves both as a criticism of established political practices and a demand for ethical leadership committed to the common good.  His actions during his governorship represent a type of leadership that stresses social welfare above individual wealth, a perspective that continues to influence public conversation in Nigeria.