Opposition leaders convene in Ibadan for unity summit chaired by former President Obasanjo
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Opposition political leaders are meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State, for a national summit focused on strengthening unity and coordination among political parties. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo is listed as the chair of the meeting, which is themed "That We May Work Together for a United Opposition to Sustain Our Democracy." The summit, held at the Banquet Hall of the Oyo State Government House, is described by organizers as a strategic response to Nigeria's current socio-economic and security challenges. Leaders from the Peoples Democratic Party, African Democratic Congress, New Nigeria Peoples Party, and other political parties are in attendance. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso have confirmed their arrival. Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde is hosting the event. The meeting is expected to focus on enhancing opposition cooperation and charting a coordinated political direction for future elections. Speakers include former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission Chidi Odinkalu, former member of the House of Representatives Usman Bugaje, former resident electoral commissioner Mike Igini, professor of political economy Pat Utomi, and security expert Kabir Adamu, who will discuss various national challenges. The African Democratic Congress alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress planned to disrupt the summit, an accusation for which the APC has not yet responded. Rotimi Amaechi, former Deputy Governor of Kano St
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Must ReadOyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has called on Nigerian opposition parties to maintain unity, warning that a weakened opposition could negatively impact the country’s democracy. Speaking at an opposition leaders’ summit in Ibadan, Makinde emphasized that the gathering, which included leaders from the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, African Democratic Congress ADC, and New Nigeria Peoples Party NNPP, aimed to strengthen coordination and promote responsible political engagement. He stressed that the meeting was not about division or confrontation but about fostering thoughtful dialogue across party lines for national stability. Makinde highlighted that Nigeria's current socio-economic and security challenges necessitate collaboration and honest discussion among political actors. The summit, themed "That We May Work Together for a United Opposition to Sustain Our Democracy," was organized in response to national concerns regarding governance, security, and economic pressures.
The Nigerian Bar Association NBA, Ibadan branch, has expressed strong disapproval regarding the insufficient funding of the judiciary and the non-operation of Rent Tribunals and Customary Courts in Oyo State. Mr. Ibrahim Lawal, Chairman of the NBA Ibadan branch, highlighted these concerns during a courtesy visit from the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Oyo State Council. Lawal described the state of the judiciary as "unimpressive," noting that the NBA executives have repeatedly urged Governor Seyi Makinde to address these issues, particularly concerning the lower courts. He pointed out that the governor has not inaugurated the Presidents of the Grace C Customary Courts in seven years, courts which are crucial for delivering justice at the grassroots level. The Customary Courts and Rent Tribunal Courts have not been functional since the administration of late Governor Abiola Ajimobi. Lawal also raised concerns about the lack of official vehicles for some Magistrates, the poor condition of many courts, and the recent disconnection of electricity to the Customary Court of Appeal due to unpaid bills. He further stated that the State Ministry of Justice is also facing difficulties, with staff sometimes relying on private individuals for basic support. Lawal emphasized that while Governor Makinde may have performed well in other sectors, judicial reform has not been a priority. He also mentioned delays in the appointment of judges due to a lack of basic
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has dismissed Turkey’s deputy education minister, Nazif Yilmaz, following two school shootings that resulted in nine deaths. Cihad Demirli has been appointed as his replacement. The decree, signed by Erdogan, also affected the leadership of state institutions responsible for education. One incident in Kahramanmaras province involved a 14-year-old who killed eight students and a teacher. The attacker, who died at the scene, was the son of a former police inspector who has since been arrested. Another attack in Sanliurfa province saw a former student open fire at his old high school before taking his own life. These incidents have led to public outcry, and Erdogan has stated that the government plans to introduce measures, including restrictions on gun ownership.
Cloves, known scientifically as Syzygium aromaticum, are a widely available spice used for both culinary and medicinal purposes across cultures. In Nigeria, they are known as kànáfùrù in Yorùbá, kananfari in Hausa, and kanafura in parts of West Africa. They can be consumed in various forms, such as ground in spice blends, infused in tea, added to pap, or boiled whole for herbal drinks. Cloves are rich in antioxidants, which help neutralize free radicals linked to inflammation, aging, and chronic diseases. Research suggests that clove extracts may stimulate mucus production, strengthening the stomach lining and potentially reducing ulcer risk. Compounds in cloves may also improve insulin function and help reduce glucose levels, though excessive intake can cause hypoglycemia, especially for individuals on diabetes medication. Eugenol, a compound in cloves, provides mild anesthetic and antibacterial properties, offering temporary relief for toothaches, but it does not replace professional dental treatment. Cloves exhibit broad pharmacological activity, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects, with studies showing activity against organisms like Staphylococcus aureus and viruses such as Herpes simplex and Hepatitis C. They are traditionally used for nausea, respiratory discomfort, cough, cold, digestive disorders, and general infections. While beneficial, clove oil is highly concentrated and should not be ingested, especially by children, due