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International Women’s Day: Following the Path of Rwanda

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By Eric Elezuo

Ever since the conscientious exposure of the womenfolk following the Beijing Conference of many years ago, so much good much tidings have come the way of the women, among them the setting aside of March 8 of every year to celebrate their relevance and great contributions to the world.

However, as important as many believe the women are in the scheme of things, it is still disheartening that they are still placed at the lowest rung of decision making and taking. Most world governments are yet to see the need to equally allocate governmental functions in relation to their male counterparts. This is majorly as a result of culture and tradition which the African society tenaciously holds on to.

A typical example is the Nigerian society where just a handful of women are manning top notch government positions, especially elected positions. From the north down to the south, the discrimination against the womenfolk especially as regards holding leadership position has gone beyond the ordinary, and entered into typical chauvinism.

To further portray the disdain culture has made Nigerian men hold their female counterparts, a member of the House of Representatives,Hon. Gudaji Muhammed Kazaure, declared that giving women too much laissez-faire might lead to the eventual overthrow of men.

Kazaure represents the Kazaure, Roni, Gwiwa and Yankwashi Federal Constituency of Jigawa State, in the lower chamber.

But the United Nations has taken the bull by the horn by appointing a woman, a Nigerian for that matter, the Deputy Secretary General, proving that time has come when women should be allowed to bite the bigger chunk of world administration. This is also highlighting the fact that a woman is in charge of the International Monetary Fund, and is performing creditably.

But more kudos should be given to the government and people of Rwanda, who have come to realize that performance is not a function of what lies between the laps, but the content of the mind, which the women proudly possess and exhibits in no small measure. The Rwandan parliament boast of more the greatest number of women in its fold. The East African country has 49 women in its 80-seat lower house of parliament and 10 women in its 26-seat Upper house of parliament. Rwanda is followed directly by Bolivia, Cuba and Iceland.

Sadly enough, Nigeria is ranked 180 out of 190 in countries that have given women chance to showcase the stuff they are made off.

It is therefore, imperative that the Nigerian public should take in consideration the example of Rwanda, a country that saw years of civil war, yet got it right and give the Nigerian women more opportunities. We must be understood that the likes of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Oby Ezekwesili, late Dora Akunyuli among many others did not disappoint with the positions they manned or is it (wo)manned.

Happy International Women Day!

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Wike-led PDP Faction Expels Makinde, Mohammed, Lawal, Others

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike-controlled faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has announced the expulsion of the governors of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, and Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal.

The development, which came Tuesday afternoon during the faction’s Board of Trustee meeti is seem as a retaliation to last week’s expulsion of the former Rivers governor and others

The factions had earlier in the day, engaged each other in a fight to gain possession of Wadata Plaza headquarters of the party.

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that ratified the expulsion of the governors of Oyo, Bauchi and Zamfara States, Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, Senator Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, who was elected Chairman at the Ibadan Convention, Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja, Chief Bode George and others, accused them of anti Party activities.

The NEC also ratified the dissolution of State Executive Council of Bauchi, Oyo, Zamfara, Yobe, Lagos, Edo, and Ekiti States.

These decisions were taken at the 103 NEC meeting of the party held in the party national secretariat in Abuja today.

Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman, who presented the memo for the expulsion, said it was as result of the affected party members’ disregard for court judgements, an action he said put the party in disrepute.

The NEC meeting’s Communique was read by the National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who was earlier expelled at the Ibadan convention.

It reads; “The National Executive Committee (NEC) met on 18 November 2025 to address recent developments affecting the unity, stability, and constitutional order of our Party. At a time when Nigerians look to the PDP for leadership, NEC convened to uphold truth, justice, discipline, and respect for the rule of law.

“NEC expressed deep concern over the actions of some members who violated subsisting court orders by organizing and attending a purported and unauthorized convention. This act triggered confusion, factionalisation, and the defection of governors and legislators nationwide.

“NEC reaffirmed that the PDP draws its legitimacy from strict adherence to its Constitution and that of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, not from impunity.

“NEC received the report of the Acting National Chairman, Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed, detailing breaches of Articles 58(1) and 59(1), including anti-party activities, disobedience to court orders, and conduct bringing the Party into disrepute.

“NEC approved the commencement of disciplinary procedures against the following; Adolphus Wabara, Olabode George, Ben N. Obi, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), Bala Mohammed, Oluseyi Makinde, Dauda Lawal, Taofiq Arapaja, Setonji Koshoedo, Okechukwu Obiechina Daniel, Woyengikuro Daniel, Mohammed Kadade Suleiman, Emmanuel Ogidi, Sumaila Adamu Burga, Umar Sani, Udom Emmanuel and Emmanuel Enorden.

“NEC further resolved that Chief Ali Odefa must refund all salaries and allowances collected after his expulsion on 12 December 2024. These actions are taken to preserve order and discipline within the Party.

“NEC ratified the dissolution of State Excos in Bauchi, Oyo, Zamfara, Yobe, Lagos and Ekiti. The NWC is directed to constitute caretaker committees and begin fresh congresses immediately while the Edo State Exco led by Barr. Nosa Ogieva has been approved.

“NEC directed Deputies in all National Working Committee positions now vacant owing to expulsion to assume the substantive positions in acting capacity and function as NWC members.

“NEC also formally ratified the appointment of Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman, as the Acting National Chairman of the party.

“NEC directed the legal team and NWC to commence immediate constitutional action to recover seats of all elected officials who defected from the PDP, in line with Sections 68(1)(g) and 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution.

“NEC approved a Party-wide reconciliation initiative to heal divisions and rebuild trust, while ensuring that reconciliation does not undermine discipline. A nationwide membership audit and revalidation will begin ahead of the 2027 elections.

“NEC acknowledged the anxieties among members but assures the Party faithful that these decisions are aimed at stabilising and strengthening the PDP.

“The NEC affirms that the era of indiscipline is over. The PDP will not bow to lawlessness or personal ambition.

“With unity, discipline, and renewed purpose, the PDP will rebuild stronger and restore public confidence ahead of the next electoral cycle.”

Earlier in their opening remarks, the BoT Chairman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa and Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman urged the party members to remain steadfast, expressing confidence that the PDP will surmount its problems.

Source: oyoinsights

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Wike, Seyi Makinde Factions Clash at PDP Headquarters

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A dramatic confrontation erupted at the Peoples Democratic Party National Secretariat in Abuja on Tuesday as Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and the governors of Oyo and Bauchi states, Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed, clashed in a fierce struggle for control of the party’s headquarters.

Mary Chinda, reporting for ARISE News, said that security operatives loyal to both camps engaged in a free for all over who would take possession of the secretariat, with heavy teargas fired around the Wuse Zone Five premises as tensions boiled over.

Governor Makinde arrived at the venue with the newly elected National Secretary, Taofeek Arapaja, while Wike remained firmly positioned inside the building with Samuel Anyanwu, the embattled National Secretary who maintains that his tenure remains valid until December 8, 2025.

The intense standoff deepened concerns within the party, with several PDP leaders accusing the Police of failing to demonstrate neutrality in the escalating leadership crisis.

Source: Arise News

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Police Confirm Abduction of Secondary School Girls in Kebbi

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Tension has engulfed the Maga community in Kebbi State after terrorists launched a deadly pre-dawn attack on the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area, reportedly abducting 25 students and killing a staff member.

In a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Abubakar Kotarkoshi, the armed attackers, wielding sophisticated weapons, invaded the school at about 4:00 am and opened fire as they forced their way in.

“The police tactical units deployed in the school engaged them in a gun duel,” the PPRO said. “Unfortunately, the suspected bandits had already scaled through the fence of the school and abducted twenty-five students from their hostel to an unknown destination.”

He confirmed that one staff member, Hassan Makuku, was shot dead, while another, Ali Shehu, sustained a gunshot injury to his hand.

Following the attack, Abubakar said the command swiftly deployed additional police tactical squads alongside military personnel and local vigilantes to track the movement of the terrorists and rescue the abducted girls.

“They are currently combing the bandits’ routes and nearby forests with a view to rescuing the abducted students and possibly arresting the perpetrators of the dastardly act,” he said.

He added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Bello M. Sani, had reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

“The Commissioner reiterates the Command’s unwavering determination to safeguard the people of Kebbi State,” Abubakar stated. “He appeals to the public to remain calm, vigilant, and continue supporting police operations to maintain peace and stability.

Also confirming the incident, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ahmed Idris, said the state government was closely monitoring developments.

“The exact number of abducted students is still being verified,” Idris told our correspondent.

“The deputy governor, Senator Umar Tafida, has been dispatched to the school to assess the situation on behalf of Governor Nasir Idris, who is currently out of the state.”

He assured residents that the government was working hand-in-hand with security agencies to secure the safe return of the students and restore normalcy to the community.

Parents and residents of Maga remain in anguish as they await further updates on the fate of the abducted girls.

In June 2021, bandits abducted some students of Federal Government Girls College, Birnin Yauri, Kebbi State.

The Punch

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