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  • Opinion: Journalists and The Burden of Professionalism

    Opinion: Journalists and The Burden of Professionalism

    (Motivational Speech Outline delivered to mark NUJ Week, Monday, May 5th, 2025)

    By Timothy Ogbang Akwaji

    Today, I won’t pretend to take my colleagues to the class room, possibly to teach them basic skills as we ply our trade. My assumption is that we all have what it takes to practice Journalism.

    I promise not to go back to theories of communication, the likes propounded by Harold Laswell and his co- think-tankers.

    All I will do is to remind ourselves of those ingredients that spice our profession and make us members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm. Must we not modulate the other arms of government and make them accountable to the people?

    Herein lies the burden of the Professional Journalist who is expected to be neutral, yet tell the story as it is. I’ll attempt to address some miscellaneous issues that we encounter on a daily basis.

    NEWS  WRITING

    Every Journalist is a reporter. That’s our calling. We must be able to define news, write news and edit same to meet all known Professional criteria.

    The 5Ws & H

    In the contemporary 21st Century, news must not necessarily address the 5Ws & H format. Most times, the effects of the news (consequences), or how humanity is impacted become the selling points of News. What makes news newsworthy? Timeliness, proximity, oddity. No need to go Afghanistan. Balance must be adhered to at all times, to avoid publishing refractions.

    Today, while we celebrate innovations in the Profession, Courtesy of advancement in ICT, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become one of our greatest challenges. Now, what you see or hear may not be real. So, we must be careful in reporting events that fly on social media.

    What has happened to Investigative Journalism in Cross River State?

    FREQUENCY OF THE MEDIUM SHOULD DETERMINE APPROACH TO NEWS WRITING

    Most of our media organs are daily, some weekly and others monthly or quarterly. Magazine writing format should suffice for media organs that don’t hit newsstands on a daily basis. Here, time is taken to tell the news behind the news, with inexhaustive backgrounding.

    EDITORIAL WRITING (LEADER WRITING)

    Unlike opinions, features and/or commentaries, which wear personal fragrance, Editorial is the STAND or POSITION of the news medium on any contemporary issue(s). It must not put on any toga of personal idiosyncrasies.

    A good editorial must have three units – informative, argumentative or debate and stand/position of the news medium. Eg, Lagos – Calabar Coastal Highway.

    DEVELOPMENTAL JOURANALISM IS THE WAY FORWARD

    Our reportage must seek, at all times, to build the nation and bring stability to bear in the polity. Three principal areas that journalists must positively beam searchlights on are:

    National Security

    Democracy

    Economy

    NATIONAL SECURITY

    Most commentators believe that insecurity in Nigeria has persisted this long because the media has consistently aided activities of bandits, while at the same time continue to make a mockery of efforts of our gallant security operatives. We must avoid reports on security details that may undermine our collective efforts to win the war against insurgency.

    DEMOCRACY

    There is no Profession in Nigeria that has sacrificed for the nation’s  independence and Democracy than Journalism. While our veterans fought for independence using their media arsenals, most Journalists in the country paid the supreme price for democracy.

    As we report defections and sundry misdemeanors by our political class, let us put our eyes on the ball – the survival of democracy. If politicians do not have ideologies, let’s prove that we cannot sacrifice democracy on the alter of anything.

    We have wrongly referred to infrastructural growth as “dividends” of democracy. True dividends of democracy are:

    Rule of Law

    Freedom of the press

    Accountability

    Independence of the Judiciary

    Independence of the Legislature, etc.

    ECONOMY

    Our nation today lies prostrate as a result of our worsening economy. Our orchestrated GDP data do not match the hunger ravaging the landscape. Let’s collectively expose corrupt practices, rather than glorify corrupt officials. Why should Journalists act as image makers for corrupt officials in exchange for gratifications? Let’s advance superior arguments and proffer solutions that will salvage our nation and bring prosperity to our citizenry.

    ETHICAL REBIRTH

    Journalism is a calling with clearly adumbrated ETHICS to guide professionals. Let’s adhere to our ETHICS so as to sanitize the profession.

    Most of the time, we go to press without doing justice to the story. We sometimes stoop low and allow our senses of judgment and integrity to be compromised by peanuts. Often, we allow ourselves to be “hired” as attack dogs to fight battles for those with deep pockets or highly placed in society. Our profession is a noble one. So must our conduct be. As we celebrate our WEEK, let’s re-calibrate and bring back those virtues of our founding fathers, so that the eroding values of the pen profession can be reversed.

    Akwaji, Ph.D. Head of Service (Rtd), Fellow, Nigerian Guild of Editors (FNGE) and Veteran Journalist.

  • EFCC, C’River TCTI Partner to Drive National Digital Literacy Training

    EFCC, C’River TCTI Partner to Drive National Digital Literacy Training

    In a bold move to curb cybercrime and empower Nigeria’s youth, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Cross River State Teachers Continuous Training Institute (TCTI), Biase, have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the EFCC Headquarters in Abuja.

    The MoU signed on April 30, 2025, establishes a collaborative framework to design and implement far-reaching digital literacy and cybersecurity programs that will help redirect Nigeria’s growing digital talent towards legitimate opportunities in the digital space.

    Under the three-year agreement, both institutions will develop a standardized nationwide digital literacy framework and certification program, launch cybersecurity training for EFCC personnel, introduce digital skills competitions and incentives for high-performing participants, implement the Future Proof Economy (FPE) Model to drive innovation and career readiness.

    Also as a part of the collaboration, the EFCC will transform its Academy into a certified Pearson Vue Testing Centre, and promote inter-agency collaboration for stronger digital development.
    The initiative includes quarterly review meetings by a Joint Implementation Committee (JIC) to ensure impactful delivery and accountability.

    “This partnership aligns with the EFCC’s preventive strategy through education and empowerment.
    “Together with the TCTI, we are building a digital future that safeguards our economy and uplifts Nigerian youth.

    “We can make it part of our preventive menu and that is where we see it as part of our responsibility and a need for us to have a synergy with the Institute. This MOU is something that we can work with. We are going to immediately operationalize the provisions of it,” said the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede.

    Professor Taoheed Adedoja, the Director-General of the TCTI said thousands of Nigerian youths are to benefit from the joint initiatives to provide nationwide training on high level global certification program.

    “With the Institute’s Center for Digital and Emerging Skills, the TCTI is ready to offer distinctive services for the practical actualization of this national assignment.” Continuing, Adedoja noted that: “the Institute being the first public institution in the country that is licensed by CERTIPORT as a center for digital literacy proficiency testing with a view to filling the gaps on knowledge and skills needed for global employability and competitiveness. This certification was presented before the Cross River State Executive Council meeting in 2023.

    “The essence of this exercise is to provide digital skill literacy for Nigerian youths so that they can deploy the skill for national development as we have seen some models in different countries. What happens in other countries is that they watch out for intelligent youths, skill them and deploy them to various aspects of their national lives. We believe that there should be an interventionist programme in respect of this challenge.

    “I want to specially thank the state Governor, Senator Bassey Otu and the EFCC for making this landmark collaboration possible”, he stated.

    The TCTI boss expressed enthusiasm about contributing its expertise to curriculum development and cyber training, stating that the collaboration offers a sustainable solution to youth engagement and national development. It would be recalled that the TCTI previously trained a group of local resource persons from Cross River State in IC3 digital literacy, preparing them to oversee the training of others.

    The MOU signing included key representatives from both parties. From the EFCC were the Secretary Mr. Mohammed Hassan Hamajoda and other directors. The TCTI delegation included Mrs Sara Archibong, Special Assistant to the Governor of Cross River State (Liaison Office, Abuja), and Dr Emmanuel Omini, Ag. Director, Center for Digital Literacy and Emerging Skills at TCTI.

  • Red Cross distributes relief materials to 2024 flood victims in Anambra

    Red Cross distributes relief materials to 2024 flood victims in Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Nigerian Red Cross Society, Anambra State branch, in collaboration with the European Union, has distributed some relief materials to residents of communities ravaged by the 2024 flood disaster in Anambra State.

    The society said the intervention, which focused on the distribution of dignity kits and essential hygiene items, was conducted in Ogbaru, Anambra West, and Ayamelum LGAs and generously sponsored by the European Union.

    The Branch Secretary of Red Cross, Kingsley Okoye, who led the exercise carried out between April 17 to 19, said the primary goal of the intervention was to restore a sense of dignity, hygiene and comfort to the affected individuals and communities in the aftermath of the flood disaster.

    Okoye said, “The intervention, focused on the distribution of dignity kits, was conducted in Ogbaru, Anambra West, and Ayamelum LGAs. This initiative was generously sponsored by the European Union.

    “The primary goal of the programme was to provide essential dignity kits to vulnerable individuals and families affected by the 2024 flood, helping to restore a sense of dignity, hygiene, and comfort in the aftermath of the disaster.

    “The exercise led by officials of Nigerian Red Cross Society with support from key programme officers and a dedicated team of volunteers from the Anambra State Branch of the Nigerian Red Cross Society. Over the course of the three-day distribution exercise, the team reached hundreds of beneficiaries across the three LGAs.

    “Each recipient expressed deep gratitude, with many highlighting the timely nature of the support. The dignity kits included essential hygiene items tailored to support daily living needs and enhance the well-being of affected individuals, particularly women and girls.”

    According to him, the initiative brought renewed hope to flood-impacted communities, adding that it does not only address the immediate hygiene needs, but also reinforced the commitment of the Nigerian Red Cross Society and its partners to stand in solidarity with affected populations during times of crisis.

    “The Anambra State Branch of the Nigerian Red Cross Society extends heartfelt appreciation to the European Union for its financial support and to all staff and volunteers whose tireless efforts ensured the success of the programme.

    “The dignity kit distribution exercise has once again demonstrated the power of humanitarian action and collaboration. The Nigerian Red Cross Society remains committed to serving vulnerable communities and calls for continued support to sustain and expand such life-changing interventions,” he added.

  • Methodist Synod Challenges FG To Boost Police Effectiveness in Tackling Ritual Killings

    Methodist Synod Challenges FG To Boost Police Effectiveness in Tackling Ritual Killings

    By Nsan Ndoma-Neji

    The Methodist Church of Nigeria, Synod of Diocese of Atamunu Calabar, has called on the federal government to take immediate action to enhance the capacity of police personnel to effectively address the rising wave of ritual killings and insecurity challenge troubling the the country.

    The Synod called on government at all levels to galvanize state apparatus to stem the tide of unabated shedding of innocent blood through wanton killings, vandalization and plundering of national assets.

    The Synod noted with dismay the return of paganism, and alarming rate of sacrifices of innocent persons in different parts of the nation for money making purposes by evil individuals in the country.

    Chairman, 3rd Annual Synod, Methodist Church of Nigeria, Diocese of Atamunu Calabar, Rt. Rev. Otuekong Ukut Ph.D, gave the charge while commenting on the state of the nation in Calabar yesterday.

    He decried that innocent persons had been murdered and sacrifice for money ritual purposes to wicked gods for with the perpetrators of this dastardly act deceiving themselves that they will make wealth wealth and riches from organ harvesting and trafficking.

    In a 10-point communiqué signed by the Synod chairman Rt. Rev Bishop Otuekong Ukut Ph.D, Synod Secretary, Very Rev. Anthony Essien and Lay president Sir Dr. Gabriel Inyang issued at the end of the Synod, the clerics called for strengthening of the capacity of law enforcement agents to enhance investigation, prosecution of ritual killers.

    The Synod urged the Nigeria police to  improve the knowledge of its personnel, concentrate more on intelligence gathering to identify and disrupt ritual killing networks.

    They called on president Tinubu to address underlying issues that includes implementation of policies that will reduce poverty, inequality as well as establish social safety nets to support vulnerable people.

    The Synod, admonished churches and Christians to wake up in prayer, be vigilant, so more evangelical to win souls to Christ and bring repentance to these perpetrators.

    Other issues which the Synod wants federal government to addressed include, Inter-religious relationship, ecclesiastic matters, restructuring of the nation, state of the economy, reform of Judiciary, state of Cross River, rehabilitation of Calabar Itu road among others.

  • CP Ikioye Orutugu bags 2025 best crime fighter award in Anambra

    CP Ikioye Orutugu bags 2025 best crime fighter award in Anambra

    By Ovat Abeng

    The 34th Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has won the 2025 best crime fighter man of the year award in the state.

    The award was presented to him by Pechilly Investigative Limited at the State Police Headquarters Amawbia-Awka on Monday in a low key ceremony.

    Speaking after presenting the award, the Chief Executive Officer of Pechilly Investigative Limited, Amb. Karen James, said the recognition is to encouraged and commend the CP for his remarkable efforts in curtailing sit-at-home order, kidnapping, cultism, armed robbering and for maintaining law and order other crime in the state within a space of three months in office.

    According to James, CP Ikioye Orutugu, defeated other Security Chiefs in the state to emerged the winner after a comprehensive online voting process by security assessment experts across Nigeria.

    “CP Orutugu outperformed other security Chiefs, due to his dedication to combating sit-at-home order, kidnapping, cultism, armed robbering, rituals killings, land grabbing activities across the 179 communities that constitute the State.

    “This award is to encourage him to continue his exceptional work, ensuring that bias and sentiments do not interfere with his duty to lead Anambra to zero crime state in Nigeria.”

    She used the event appeal to the Commissioner to strengthen collaboration with the media for accurate reportage of Police activities in the state.

    The CP in his appreciation, said “This award is a testament to him, the men/women of the command and other sister agencies’s dedication to serve the people of Anambra State.

    He acknowledged that criminal activities, especially, the sit-at-home order have reduced to the barest minimum under his watch within three months of his assumption in the state.

    While urging the people of the State, particularly, the Onitsha and Nnewi traders to stop supply energy to the sit-at-home enforcers, CP Orutugu, commended his men, the Military, DSS, Civil Defence, Nigerian Navy, Immigration Service, Anambra Vigilant Group, Udo Ga Achi operatives, Agunechembra operatives and the media for their continue support in the ongoing war against insecurity in the state.

    He equally thanked the Pechilly Investigative Limited for finding him worthy of the honour.

    The ceremony was officiated by the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.

  • Stalemate Imminent at UNICAL Over Controversial Selection Process for New Vice Chancellor

    Stalemate Imminent at UNICAL Over Controversial Selection Process for New Vice Chancellor



    Barring a swift return to transparency and fairness, the process for appointing the next Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) may soon descend into crisis.

    A simmering conflict between the University’s Governing Council and including the outgoing Vice Chancellor, Prof. Florence Obi, threatens to derail the transition.

    Credible findings from our sources, indicate a sharp disagreement between the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, retired DIG Udom Ekpoudom, and the incumbent Vice Chancellor, over the sudden introduction of a new eligibility criterion: a mandatory 10-year post-professorial experience for candidates seeking to become Vice Chancellor.

    Other sources within the University reveal that this controversial benchmark was allegedly proposed to eliminate strong contenders perceived as threats to a preferred candidate.

    Notably, this criterion has no uniform precedence in UNICAL’s history.

    In past appointments, including that of the current Vice Chancellor herself, the requirement ranged between five and nine years of post-professorial experience.

    Observers point to this inconsistency as a clear sign that the new 10-year benchmark is arbitrary, discriminatory, and tailored to favor certain individuals while excluding others who are equally or more qualified.

    “It is unfair and legally questionable,” a top official from the Federal Ministry of Education disclosed, adding that the Ministry did not issue or support any such directive.

    In yet another development breeding discontent, some contenders have made claims about a not so subtle attempt to zone the VCship in an attempt to mimic political arrangements.

    A visibly disturbed source who preferred to remain anonymous pointed out that “zoning” is yet another hurdle being placed to eliminate credible and well qualified candidates from the race in a federal university.

    These developments have sparked deep concern within the University community.

    Several members of the Governing Council, caught unawares by the proposed changes, have distanced themselves from it and reported the matter to the Federal Ministry of Education.

    In response, the Pro-Chancellor has reportedly dissociated himself from the Vice Chancellor’s maneuvering and re-assured stakeholders of his commitment to due process and fairness.

    The tenure of Prof. Florence Obi ends in November 2025, with the appointment of a new Vice Chancellor expected to take place in September.

    However, unless the Council acts decisively to maintain the integrity of the selection process, the university may be plunged into legal battles that could stall the appointment indefinitely.

    Across Nigeria’s first-generation universities, the average post-professorial benchmark for VC appointments ranges from six to eight years. UNICAL’s imposition of a 10-year cut-off, without a clear justification or precedent, is therefore not only irregular but susceptible to legal challenge.

    Stakeholders are now calling for a return to the status quo—retaining the previous maximum requirement of nine years or below—as the only way to ensure a credible and inclusive process. Anything short of this risks widening the rift between the Council and the University Management, and exposing the institution to avoidable litigation that could paralyze its operations.

    The eyes of the academic community are watching. UNICAL must rise above personal interests and uphold the principles of merit, transparency, and fairness in this critical moment.

  • Canaan Table Tennis Club Chairman, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, Congratulates Hope Udoaka For Emerging New National Champion

    Canaan Table Tennis Club Chairman, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke, Congratulates Hope Udoaka For Emerging New National Champion

    The Chairman of Canaan Table Tennis Club of Calabar, Rt. Hon. Orok Duke PhD, has joyfully congratulated Hope Udoaka for emerging the new national female champion at the Fifth Michael and Felicia Alabi Memorial National Table Tennis Championships held in Otan Ayegbaju, Osun State.

    Udoaka, in a thrilling encounter at the weekend, defeated table tennis veteran, Halima Hussain of Oyo State 4-1 (11-5, 11-9, 9-11, 11-7, 11-7) to be crowned the new female champion.

    Recognizing Udoaka as one of the Club’s fast rising stars, Duke lauded her zeal for hard work and excellence in the sport, which he attributed to the successes recorded in several competitions.

    He thanked the Governor of Cross River, Senator Prince Bassey Otu for the passionate support of table tennis in the state. He said that Canaan Table Tennis Club is at the forefront of grooming a new generation of table tennis stars, whose skills and talents hold the future of the sport in the state.

    He expressed the hope that Table Tennis would make Cross River proud by winning gold medals in the upcoming National Sports Festival that would take place this year in Ogun state.

  • APGA will continue to govern Anambra progressively as days goes by, says Soludo

    APGA will continue to govern Anambra progressively as days goes by, says Soludo

    By Ovat Abeng

    The Anambra Governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has assure the people of Onitsha South Local Government Area of the State that the ruling-All Progressive Grand Alliance APGA, under his watch, with continue to governed the State as days goes.

    Soludo stated this at St. Jude Catholic Church Fegge in Onitsha, on Sunday while speaking at the Thanksgiving Service of the National Chairman of the party, Chief Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa, who is celebrating his Supreme Court Victory that affirmed him as the authentic National Chairman of APGA.

    Recall that the Supreme Court on November 27th, 2024 affirmed Sly Ezeokenwa as the authentic National Chairman of the APGA, putting to an end the party’s leadership dispute between Ezeokenwa and his challenger, Chief Edozie Njoku.

    Speaking further on the celebration, governor Soludo thanked the party supporters for standing strong with it’s national chairman during the Court battle.

    He said that the victory was a clear evidence that APGA was progressively formed in 2002 to provide good governance to the people of Anambra State and Nigerians at large.

    According to him,  Anambra State have been in the progressive page since the administration of Mr Peter Obi, Chief Willie Obiano and now under his watch and it will continued in that part as days goes.

    Soludo assured the people that with the victory, his administration would be more committed to the welfare and development of the state.

    He urged the people to come out emasse on Thursday, May 8 to receive President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the state.

    The celebrant, Chief Ezeokenwa, commend the judiciary for the job well done, assuring that his leadership will not disappoint the people of Onitsha South, Anambra State, South East region and the country as a whole.

    He assure that the party under his leadership will work to ensure that governor Chukwuma Soludo wins 362/ 362 come November 8, 2025 governorship election in the state.

    In his contribution, the frontline aspirant of the party in the forthcoming Anambra South Senatorial District bye election, Chief Ebuka Onunkwo, also lauded the Supreme Court for resolving the party’s leadership tussle, describing the decision as a welcome development to Nigeria democracy.

    “This landmark decision is a testament to the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice is served.”

    He used the celebration to assure the people of Anambra South that his representation if elected as Senator will further attract government presence to the zone in line with governor Soludo’s vision of making Anambra a peaceful, secure, livable and prosperous state in Nigeria.

    The Church service also witnessed the presence of Anambra first lady, Mrs Nonye Soludo, the formal Chairman of the party, Chief Victor Oye, the State Chairman of the party, Barr Ifeatu Obi-Okoye, APGA National Publicity Secretary, Dr Ejimofor Opara, the Chairman of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Hon Emeka Orji, the State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Ben Obidike and his Environment counterpart, Engr Felix Odimegwu, Soludo support groups, among others.

  • Accident claims four Seminarians, injures nine in Obudu Cattle Ranch

    Accident claims four Seminarians, injures nine in Obudu Cattle Ranch

    A tragic road accident has claimed the lives of four Catholic seminarians and left nine others injured near the Obudu Cattle Ranch in Cross River State.

    The victims, all members of the Enugu Catholic Diocese, were on an excursion to the ranch when their vehicle reportedly suffered brake failure. The incident occurred on Saturday at the Ikwette community, located near the bottom hill area outside the main ranch premises in Obanliku Local Government Area.

    According to eyewitness accounts and preliminary reports, the group had just concluded a guided tour of the popular Obudu Mountain Resort and were descending the hill when the accident took place. The bus, which belonged to the Enugu Catholic Diocese, was carrying thirteen individuals at the time.

    Emergency services from the Ranch Resort, supported by personnel from the Nigerian Army, responded promptly to the scene, providing immediate medical assistance and helping to transport the injured to nearby medical facilities.

    The Diocese has confirmed that the group was led by a Reverend Father and comprised mostly seminarians undergoing religious training. The identities of the deceased are yet to be fully released pending notification of their families.

    “This is a deeply painful moment for the Church and the families involved,” said a representative of the Diocese. “We ask for prayers and support as we navigate this difficult time.”

    Investigations are ongoing, with brake failure currently cited as the likely cause of the accident.

    Source: Sentrytimes News

  • Opinion: CR Central, No Benefit Of Doubt, Call For Action

    Opinion: CR Central, No Benefit Of Doubt, Call For Action

    By Victor Egba

    Statesmen, fellow youths, ladies and gentlemen,

    Today, we have reached a place of sober and somber reflection. The murmurs, whispers, and grumblings must now snowball into political action. We can no longer continue to hide the obvious, disguise the truth, or ignore the impending saloon of mediocrity we are being whitewashed into.

    This is beyond sad because it touches the very root of our strength as a Senatorial District. We are not just suffering in silence; we are now being bamboozled to gratify the political cupidity of one man. We are being compelled to accept our melancholic political situation as though it were our collective destiny. It appears to all clear-thinking fellows that to have an option is now being criminalized. In fact, even the Governor is not spared from the rhetoric. Everyone must accept the mediocrity that has been foisted upon us. Our aspiration for better is our last hope—and they are fighting to take it from us.

    My fellow compatriots, are we going to pretend that we are not aware that nobody takes the Central Senatorial District seriously anymore? Are we not aware that our stake in the polity is dwindling?

    Just yesterday, we were the most courted people. We held sway. On the floor of the Red Chambers, our Senators glided like lilies—mastering their words and owning the show. Beyond the superficialities of oratory, we had a representation that remembered home. Our representatives didn’t come on pilgrimages to our hospitals to rape our goodwill or insult our collective sensibilities.

    It was not surprising to see them at funerals, birthday ceremonies, dedications, commissioning events, or even house naming ceremonies—not because these were their job descriptions, but because they wanted to keep the warmth, unite us under leadership, and remind us that they were one of us. Even though the roads of Abuja were tarred and the hotels cosy, the journey to the hinters of Boki, Agoi, and Akparabong was a journey of solidarity and reassurance. So that our children wouldn’t just imagine who our Senators were—they would make music of them.

    Today, we are far from who we were. We are now being programmed to accept this as our fate.
    BUT AREN’T WE THE CENTRAL SENATORIAL DISTRICT ANYMORE? ARE WE NOT CAPABLE ENOUGH TO DECIDE OUR DESTINY?
    I think we are. I believe that we can. And I believe that we do not lack the will to act—we will act in due course.

    But therein lies our problem: the postponement of action—the delay buried in our long-suffering patience. We are likely to say, “Let’s run the cycle. Let’s allow him finish only this term.” But in doing so, we give ourselves another opportunity to be lied to.

    Just suddenly, our Senator appeared to care—after two years of utter abandonment, sheer neglect, unreplied messages, unhonoured invitations, leadership not provided, and a complete disconnect from the yearnings and aspirations of us all. What a fantastic awakening.

    Does it not surprise us that after two years, we now have liaison officers? There is suddenly a need to reconnect with the grassroots. Does it not concern us that the Senator would steep so low as to play politics of optics and psy-ops with people who are genuinely sick—handing out a few notes of our collective wealth again as a poser for effective representation? What a theatre of the absurd.

    Fellow youths, we cannot pretend to have any connection with our Senator. We have no one to rally around. We don’t even know who to call upon. We are completely shut out—no access, no opportunities, no shared wealth.

    Fellow youths, doesn’t it concern us that, in his so-called altruism, the Senator schemed over 95% of scholarship opportunities to his  associates only? What does that say about his sense of justice and our collective future?

    Are we forgetting already, that in the last year budget, the Northern senatorial district (5LGAs) got a total of N12billion Constituency projects in the 2025 budget, while Central senatorial district (6LGAs) with an APC Senator got a paltry N8billion. Drooling behind the Northern and Southern Senatorial District, are the indices not just ever evident?.

    Fellow constituents, we are not oblivious to the quality of representation we are now constrained with. The question is whether we will sit idly by and watch this ongoing campaign of blackmail—targeted at His Excellency and designed to maneuver and arm-twist the Governor into compelling his aides to stay away from the polls—just to reinforce mediocrity upon us again.

    Doesn’t it concern us that this campaign continues to twist the Governor’s words? That, two years in, the Senator is still trying to cling to the Governor’s graces in a desperate bid to return to power? After riding on the goodwill of past Governors, our Senator still refuses to build. He always wants to be bailed and babied.

    Nothing seems satisfactory to him other than stoking the system with unhealthy paradoxes and shamelessly seeking to crucify a Commissioner who is stepping up to fill the leadership vacuum and rescue our senatorial district from collapse.

    While this article is a critical call for appraisal, it is also a plea for calm detour and wise choice. Can we effectively compete for available resources and dividends of democracy in this condition? In the event zoning fails, do we have a leader we can rally around?

    Are we going to keep pretending that we are not already disappointed? Are we going to wait until 2027—or should we begin this recall now?

    Victor Egba
    Writes from Lagos.