The Voice Of The People

In a passionate address recently shared by Barr. Ugo Ugwunnadi, he expressed deep frustration at the way Nigeria's political class continues to recycle themselves in power while ordinary citizens applaud them blindly. He highlighted how some individuals have occupied multiple key positions—commissioner, House of Assembly member, House of Representatives member, Secretary to the State Government, governor—without giving room for fresh leadership. One striking example he gave was that of a former chairman of Igbo Etiti Local Government, who was under 17 when his father was governor, yet later rose to become chairman. Meanwhile, older and loyal party followers of his father remained sidelined. According to Barr. Ugwunnadi, “God forbid that my children will serve the children of those I serve.” He also recalled a moment in 2015 when Senator Ike Ekweremadu allegedly boasted at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium that he had been in power since 1999. Figures such as Orji Uzor Kalu also fall into this...

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s trip to Brazil — presented as a diplomatic mission to strengthen economic ties — has drawn serious concern among Nigerians. While the presidency claims the trip is meant to attract investment and build international relationships, *as citizens of this country, we see it as another wasteful, self-serving outing disconnected from the real struggles at home*. Nigeria is facing one of its deepest crises in decades. Inflation is at an all-time high. Food prices are unbearable. Fuel scarcity and electricity failure remain constant. Millions are unemployed, and insecurity continues to threaten lives daily. Yet, in the middle of all this, the president and his team continue to embark on foreign trips that cost millions in public funds — with little or no tangible result. These trips are often wrapped in flowery language: "economic cooperation," "bilateral partnership," "investment promotion." But for how long will Nigerians be fed wit...

The PVC In the small town of Okpoga , four friends— Ebuka , Oche , Ifeanyi , and Mama Peace —were well known for two things: endless arguments about politics and endless appetite for free food. One hot afternoon, they gathered under the big mango tree, as usual, to start their daily “parliament session.” The Debate Ebuka started: “My people, forget it. I will never vote again! What’s the point? Things never change.” Oche , the comedian of the group, jumped up and clapped: “Ebuka, you don’t have sense! If you don’t vote, how will you complain? That’s like refusing to buy a spoon but still complaining your soup is too hot to drink with your hands.” Everybody burst into laughter. Ifeanyi , the calm one, added: “Oche is right. At least when you have a spoon, you can decide whether to sip small-small or swallow everything. But if you don’t even own one, you’ll just be at the mercy of hunger. That’s how PVC works.” Then came Mama Peace —the market woman with wisdom shar...

 Nigeria’s Consul General in Cameroon, Ambassador Taofik Obasanjo Coker, Dies at 59 Nigeria has lost one of its seasoned diplomats, Ambassador Taofik Obasanjo Coker, who until his passing served as the Consul General of Nigeria in Buea, Cameroon. According to an official statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Coker died on Saturday, August 16, 2025, after a brief illness. He was 59 years old. The late diplomat was described as a dedicated career officer who contributed immensely to Nigeria’s foreign missions. Before his posting to Cameroon, he had served in Conakry, Guinea and Shanghai, China, where he was commended for his professionalism and commitment to duty. Reacting to his death, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed shock and sadness, noting that his passing is “a great loss to Nigeria’s diplomatic community and the nation at large.” Tributes have also poured in from colleagues, friends, and members of the Nigerian community in Cameroon who remember h...

 By The Voice Of The People  The bye-election for the Enugu South Urban Constituency seat in the Enugu State House of Assembly has been thrown into turmoil after shocking reports of federal interference. On Saturday morning, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, stormed polling centres across the constituency with a convoy of heavily armed policemen, soldiers, and suspected thugs. Witnesses say his presence sparked widespread panic, forcing genuine voters to abandon polling booths out of fear for their safety. Polling Units Deserted By 8 am, areas such as Uwani Secondary School and Robinson Street, which hosted eight polling units, were already under heavy security patrol. Eyewitnesses described an intimidating show of force, with men in combat gear openly displaying weapons. Instead of the usual bustle of voters, the polling grounds soon became deserted. By 11 am, only a handful of Labour Party supporters—whom locals dismissed as “stage-managed...

As of 2:00 pm today, reports reaching us confirm that voters’ materials had not yet arrived at the two polling units stationed at Uwani Primary School. This delay has left voters who turned out early for the bye-election waiting anxiously, raising concerns about how smoothly the exercise will run and whether the late start could affect voter turnout. What makes the situation even more troubling is the controversy surrounding the leading candidate, Barr. Bright Ngene. Despite having won elections multiple times in the past, Ngene has remained imprisoned under circumstances that many of his supporters describe as politically motivated. Critics argue that rerun after rerun has been used as a tool to suppress his mandate. Observers are keeping a close watch, and reactions from both the electorate and officials are expected in the coming hours. Stay tuned for more updates as the situation unfolds.

August 16, 2025 | Kaduna The Kaduna State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has alleged that security operatives linked to the state government detained its candidate for the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency bye-election, Princess Esther Ashivelli Dawaki, along with 25 party members. In a statement released on Saturday and signed by state chairman Edward Percy Masha, the party claimed that personnel of Operation Fushin Kada, a joint security task force, stormed the City Den Hotel in Malali. According to the PDP, the operation initially sought to arrest its campaign council chairman, Hon. Hussein Ahmed-Kero. When he was not found, the security operatives allegedly took Dawaki and other members lodging at the hotel. The PDP described the incident as an attempt to intimidate the opposition ahead of the bye-election, urging President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and other security chiefs to intervene. The party also called on civil society g...

A video shared by Sahara Reporters shows a concerning scene from Kaduna during today’s bye-election. Armed men, claiming to be operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), stormed an INEC *collection center* — the location where polling agents receive election materials. Recorded by a nearby woman, the men arrived in vehicles, stating they had "heard INEC materials were stored there." However, after approaching briefly, they turned back and left the scene. No visible security response was observed in the video. The incident has raised questions about the intent of the visit and the overall security of election materials. INEC and the DSS have yet to comment officially. For full footage, visit Sahara Reporters’ Facebook page. Read more  Todays by election pdp arrested for vote buying Bright Emeka Ngene symbol of resilience

In a dramatic and emotionally charged message circulating on social media today, supporters of *Bright Emeka Ngene, Esq.* are rallying behind him with strong confidence, even amid what appears to be an extremely challenging time — possibly incarceration. A viral post shared in a political WhatsApp group reads: > *“You defeated the PDP 3 times, you will defeat them again today, the 4th time even in prison. Ndi Enugu South Urban will do it again today.”* Ngene, who has faced off with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) multiple times in past elections, is being hailed by his supporters as a *fighter for democratic justice* and a voice for the people of Enugu South Urban. Despite apparent political setbacks, possibly including detention, the public sentiment captured in the message suggests that *Ngene’s political relevance remains intact*, and perhaps even strengthened. This rallying cry speaks volumes about the *political tension, public trust, and resilience of opposition figures* i...

PDP agent arrested with N25.9m cash for alleged vote-buying in Kaduna State. The money is believed to be earmarked to bribe voters in Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency election in Kaduna. The suspect, Shehu Aliyu Patangi, was apprehended around 3:30am on Saturday in a popular hotel along Turunku Road in Kaduna metropolis by operatives of the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS), working in collaboration with other security agencies.

 Democracy is built on the foundation of free and fair elections, respect for the people’s mandate, and the rule of law. However, recent events in Nigeria—particularly in Kano State, where an elected council chairman was suspended; Rivers State, where a popularly elected governor was removed; Benue State; and others—reveal a disturbing trend that threatens these principles. The suspension of elected members by governors, presidents, Houses of Assembly, or representatives—all of whom were themselves elected—is not only undemocratic but also an abuse of power. Across Nigeria, many elected officials gain office through questionable means, including rigged elections. Once these members dare to voice disagreement or challenge the status quo, they are quickly suspended or sidelined. This pattern is not isolated but systematic, serving to silence opposition and unjustly consolidate power. The recent suspensions in Kano, Rivers, and other states are glaring examples. Instead of fostering a...

 Many Nigerian-trained community health practitioners wonder if their skills can open doors beyond the country’s borders. The truth is simple: yes, it is possible, but it comes with specific requirements. 1. Understanding Global Recognition In countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, “Community Health Practitioner” as it is known in Nigeria may not exist as an official job title. Instead, similar roles include: Public Health Officer Community Health Worker (CHW) Health Promotion Officer Health Assistant or Nursing Assistant (with added certification) 2. Licensing and Certification Abroad Before practising in most developed countries, you must meet their local licensing requirements. This may involve: Registering with their health council or regulatory board Completing bridging courses or competency exams Obtaining local certifications in public or community health 3. Opportunities Outside Traditional Practice If direct licensing feels like a long ...