A former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant in the 2023 general elections, Mrs Tari Oliver Oba, has carpeted the lawmarker, representing Ebonyi North Central District in the upper chamber, Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, for his insulting remarks at a former Minister of Education, Mrs Oby Ezekwesili during a senate hearing.

Mrs Oba, who is an alumna of the School of Politics, Policy, and Governance (SPPG), founded by Mrs Ezekwesili, frowned at the senator’s outburst and use of foul languages to describe the former Minister, who was known as madam due process during her time, noting that the senator’s verbal attacks “undermines the values of respect, dignity, and open dialogue that we hold dear as a nation.”

Before is Mrs Oba’s detailed statement

I am appalled by Senator Nwebonyi’s unacceptable behavior towards Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, a former Minister of Education and the founder of The School of Politics, Policy, and Governance (SPPG), at the just concluded Senate committee hearing on the allegation of sexual harassment raised by Sen Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan. Senator Nwaebonyi’s actions, caught on camera, were a blatant display of bullying, intimidation, and silencing of Dr. Ezekwesili.

This behavior is not only a personal attack on Dr. Ezekwesili but also undermines the values of respect, dignity, and open dialogue that we hold dear as a nation. As citizens, we expect our public officials to maintain decorum and respect, especially when interacting with others.

Senator Nwaebonyi’s actions indicate a prioritization of scoring cheap political points over serving the people. Dr. Ezekwesili, like any other citizen, deserves dignity and respect. I urge Senator Nwebonyi to take a step back, reflect on his behavior, and apologize for his actions.

We need leaders who engage in constructive dialogue, not those who resort to insults and personal attacks when they’re unable to match intelligence and constructive debates. Let’s demand more from our public officials. They should be held accountable for their actions and inactions, and maintain a level of civility and respect, even in the face of disagreement.

Senator Nwebonyi’s actions are a slap in the face to those he represents, and it’s crucial he takes responsibility. I call on all well-meaning Nigerians to speak out against this trend of abusing women. No country can progress while disrespecting its women.

The co-CEO of Samsung Electronics, Han Jong-Hee, has died of heart attack on Tuesday. He was aged 63.

A spokesperson for the South Korean tech giant confirmed this.

Han, who oversaw Samsung’s consumer electronics and mobile devices businesses became the Chief Executive Officer of South Korea’s biggest company in 2022.

He had joined the tech giant in 1988 after earning a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Inha University. Before he started to run Samsung’s electronics and devices division, he was in charge of the display operations.

In a tribute to the deceased, Samsung said Han dedicated more than 37 years of his life to leading Samsung’s TV business to become a global leader.

The company said, Han as the head of its electronics and appliances businesses, contributed to its growth amid challenging business environment.

The Human Rights Writers Association (HURIWA) of Nigeria has criticised the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, and Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, for alleging that Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, is connected to militant activities in the Niger Delta.

The group described the claims as baseless and lacking credible evidence.

In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, addressed remarks made by Fagbemi last week, accusing Fubara of “tele-guiding militants” to sabotage oil installations.

Onanuga, in a separate opinion piece, supported the Federal government’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing intelligence reports suggesting militant threats linked to the governor.

“These are serious allegations that can destabilise not only Rivers State but the entire Niger Delta, yet no concrete evidence has been made public to substantiate them,” Onwubiko said, faulting the officials’ reliance on unverified intelligence.

HURIWA highlighted Governor Fubara’s denial of the allegations in an official statement earlier on Monday, where he rejected any ties to militant groups and labeled viral videos alleging explosions on oil and gas facilities in Rivers State as “fake and malicious.”

The group praised Fubara’s call for security agencies to investigate the videos’ origins and prosecute those responsible.
“Governor Fubara’s insistence on peace and constitutional governance has been clear in all his public engagements. It is disheartening to see such character assassination being perpetuated from the highest levels of the federal government,” Onwubiko stated.

The association questioned why federal authorities have not presented tangible evidence if it exists, arguing, “As far as we are concerned, the dissemination of these unproven claims is not just unprofessional but a dangerous precedent in the democratic space.”

HURIWA also challenged Fagbemi and Onanuga to avoid “pettiness and rumour mongering,” urging them to base their statements on facts.

“It is disgraceful that at a time when Nigerians are yearning for stability and good governance, top officials of the federal government are busy engaging in baseless accusations, further tarnishing Nigeria’s image before the international community,” the statement added.

The group further criticized the state of emergency in Rivers State as “unconstitutional, unnecessary, and politically motivated,” asserting that no evidence of war or a breakdown of law and order, as required by Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, has been shown. “The AGF and other federal agents must be reminded that the Supreme Court judgment, which is now being used to justify executive overreach in Rivers State, does not license rumour-based governance,” HURIWA noted.

HURIWA urged Fubara to pursue legal action against those making the claims, stating, “even if the judiciary is seen by some as compromised, it is essential to set the record straight by taking advantage of available legal avenues.”

The association called on security agencies to launch a transparent forensic investigation into the allegations and incidents in Ogoniland and other parts of Rivers State, insisting it must remain free of political interference. “The dangerous game of labeling peaceful citizens as militants without evidence is not only reckless but risks plunging Rivers State into avoidable chaos. Nigeria’s democracy deserves better,” the group concluded.