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Harris Calls Biden’s Reelection Push ‘Reckless’ in New Memoir ‎

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‎By Prosper Mene 

‎Former Vice President Kamala Harris has sharply criticized President Joe Biden’s decision to run for reelection in 2024, calling it “reckless” in an excerpt from her upcoming memoir, 107 Days, published in The Atlantic.

‎The book which is set for release on September 23, reflects on the chaotic end of the Biden-Harris administration and Harris’s short-lived presidential campaign.

‎Harris writes that Democrats were wrong to leave the decision to Biden and First Lady Jill Biden alone, saying, “It was recklessness to act like it was just their call.”

‎She argues the stakes were too high for it to be a personal choice. Biden, then 81, dropped out in July 2024 after a weak debate performance, endorsing Harris, who lost to Donald Trump in the election.

‎Harris defends Biden’s ability to lead, blaming his stumbles on tiredness, not incapacity. “Joe got tired, not incapable,” she writes, denying any cover-up of his health.

‎She also describes tensions with Biden’s team, who she says undermined her and saw her success as a threat to Biden. Harris felt unable to push Biden to step aside, fearing it would look like “disloyalty.”The memoir comes as Harris, who won’t run for California governor in 2026, plans a 15-city book tour.

‎Her comments are currently stirring debate about the Democratic Party’s 2024 struggles across the United States.

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Ezekwesili Slams Senate, Demands Immediate Recall of Suspended Senator Natasha ‎ ‎

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By Prosper Mene 

‎In an open memo addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, fellow senators, the judiciary, and Nigerian citizens, former Minister of Education Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili has called for the urgent recall of suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, describing the Senate’s actions as a blatant “misappropriation of public office powers” and a direct assault on Nigeria’s democracy.

‎Ezekwesili, founder of the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG), issued the memo on Wednesday, marking exactly six months since Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension on March 6, 2025.

‎The PDP lawmaker was barred from the Senate following her public allegation of sexual harassment against Akpabio during a visit to his home in Akwa Ibom State. The controversy escalated from a dispute over her seating arrangement in the Senate chamber, which she claimed was an attempt to undermine her role.

‎In her letter, titled “A Memo to the Nigerian Senate, Judiciary and Fellow Citizens,” Ezekwesili accused the Senate of acting as both “accuser and judge,” prejudging the harassment claim before any proper investigation. She highlighted how the Senate Ethics Committee chairman dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s petition as “dead on arrival,” declaring that Akpabio “could not have committed sexual harassment.” This, she argued, exposed a “system designed to protect power rather than pursue truth.”

‎The former minister condemned the Senate’s recent decision to extend Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension indefinitely, despite a July 4, 2025, Federal High Court ruling by Justice Binta Nyako that declared the initial six-month ban “excessive” and unconstitutional, ordering her immediate recall.

‎Akpabio has since appealed the judgment at the Court of Appeal, arguing that the matter is an internal legislative affair immune from judicial interference under Section 251 of the 1999 Constitution and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act. ‎

‎”This is a constitutional crisis,” Ezekwesili wrote, urging the Senate to “rescind your unconstitutional decision immediately” and recall the senator without delay. She warned that “democracy dies when laws become weapons and lawmakers become serial lawbreakers,” emphasizing that Akpabio and the 107 other senators are “not more powerful than Nigeria’s people.” ‎

‎She also called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the National Judicial Council to intervene swiftly, noting that “judicial inconsistencies have emboldened the legislature to disregard the law” and that the judiciary’s credibility is at stake.

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‎ADC Slams Senate Leadership, Demands Immediate Reinstatement of Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

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By Prosper Mene 

‎The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a scathing rebuke against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Nigerian Senate, demanding the immediate reinstatement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, whose six-month suspension expired on September 6, 2025.

‎In a strongly worded statement released on Wednesday, the opposition party described the ongoing obstruction of her return as “malicious,” “illegal,” and a “flagrant affront” to Nigeria’s democratic principles.

‎The suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central, came from allegations of “unruly and disruptive” behavior in the Senate chamber earlier this year, including a heated dispute over seating arrangements on February 20, 2025.

‎The lawmaker, one of only four women in the 109-member Senate, was also at the center of controversy after accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment, a claim that the Senate leadership denied and used as part of the justification for her disciplinary action.

‎During her suspension, which began on March 6, 2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan was stripped of her salary and access to her office, and legislative aides, measures the ADC labeled as “institutional mugging” rather than legitimate discipline.

‎The party emphasized that the suspension was imposed by the Senate without judicial oversight, and with its fixed term now lapsed, any further barriers to her resumption constitute an abuse of power.”The African Democratic Congress observes with deep concern the continued obstruction of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from resuming her seat in the Nigerian Senate after the completion of her six-month suspension,” read the statement signed by ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi.

‎ “We consider this development not only malicious but also deeply injurious to the spirit of our constitutional democracy, especially the right to dissent.

The ADC warned that the Senate’s actions reflect an “anti-democratic temper” under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government, aimed at silencing opposition and dissenting voices.

Highlighting the low representation of women in Nigerian politics—only 2.7% in the Senate, one of the worst rates in Africa, the party positioned Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case as a critical test for women’s political participation. “The ADC, therefore, stands firmly in defense of democratic principles and women’s political participation. We therefore demand that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan be allowed to resume her duties immediately,” Abdullahi added.

 

As of Wednesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan remains barred from legislative activities, prompting widespread criticism from opposition parties, women’s rights advocates, and constituents in Kogi State.

 

 

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‎Wike Appoints Nancy Sabanti Nathan as Acting Head of Service of FCTA

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By Prosper Mene 

‎In a bid to ensure continuity in the administration of Nigeria’s capital city, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has approved the appointment of Mrs Nancy Sabanti Nathan as the Acting Head of Service of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

‎The announcement, made public on Tuesday, comes just over a week after the sudden passing of the previous Head of Service, Mrs. Grace Adayilo, leaving a critical leadership vacuum in the FCT’s civil service.

‎The appointment was disclosed in a statement issued by Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister.

‎Olayinka emphasized that Nathan’s role is in an acting capacity, pending the selection and confirmation of a substantive Head of Service. “The appointment takes immediate effect,” the statement read, pointing the urgency to maintain seamless operations in the FCTA, which oversees the governance, infrastructure, and public services in Abuja and surrounding areas.

‎Mrs. Adayilo, who served as the FCTA’s Head of Service until her death on September 1, 2025, was a veteran administrator whose contributions to the territory’s development were widely acknowledged.

‎Her untimely demise has prompted this interim leadership transition to avoid any disruptions in policy implementation and administrative functions.

‎Prior to her elevation, Mrs. Nancy Sabanti Nathan, mni (Member of the National Institute), held the position of Permanent Secretary in the FCTA’s Youth Development Secretariat. She brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as Director of Finance and Administration in the office of the FCT Minister.

‎Nathan’s career journey highlights her expertise in financial management, youth empowerment programs, and administrative oversight, qualities deemed essential for steering the FCTA through this transitional period.

‎The FCTA, as the administrative arm of the Federal Capital Territory, plays a pivotal role in urban planning, security, education, health, and economic development for over 3 million residents in Abuja.

‎ Nathan’s interim leadership is expected to focus on sustaining ongoing initiatives, including Wike’s ambitious infrastructure projects and efforts to enhance youth engagement in the capital.

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‎National Assembly Bars Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from Resuming Duties Despite Suspension’s Expiration

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By Prosper Mene 

‎The National Assembly (NASS) has formally rejected Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s bid to return to her legislative role, citing an ongoing appeal at the Court of Appeal as the primary reason.

‎ The Kogi Central representative, suspended for six months earlier this year amid allegations of misconduct, had notified NASS of her intention to resume on September 4, 2025, claiming the penalty period had lapsed.

‎The decision, outlined in a letter dated September 4, 2025, from Acting Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, shows the delicate balance between parliamentary autonomy and judicial oversight. Danzaria acknowledged receipt of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s notification but emphasized that the matter remains “sub judice,” meaning it is under active judicial consideration. “Until the judicial process is concluded and the Senate formally reviews the suspension in light of the court’s pronouncement, no administrative action can be taken by this office to facilitate your resumption,” the letter stated.

‎Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s troubles began in March 2025, when the Senate imposed a six-month suspension on her following a heated dispute over seating arrangements during a plenary session. The altercation reportedly escalated into accusations of gross misconduct and a violation of Senate rules. The senator, one of only four female senators in the 109-member upper chamber, has linked the suspension to a prior petition she filed accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment a claim Akpabio has vehemently denied.

‎The suspension, effective from March 6, 2025, barred her from participating in legislative activities and accessing Senate facilities. In July 2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan attempted an early return, citing a Federal High Court ruling by Justice Binta Nyako that described the suspension as “excessive and unconstitutional” and ordered her recall. However, security personnel denied her entry to the National Assembly complex, forcing her to walk in on foot accompanied by activists like Aisha Yesufu.

‎The Senate dismissed the ruling as advisory rather than binding, arguing that courts cannot interfere in internal parliamentary procedures.

‎Subsequently, the Federal High Court found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt for a social media post that allegedly violated a court order, fining her N5 million and requiring a public apology. Dissatisfied with these developments, she appealed to the Court of Appeal in Abuja, where the case remains pending.

‎On August 28, 2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan wrote to Clerk Kamoru Ogunlana, asserting that September 4 marked the end of her suspension and requesting confirmation of arrangements for her return. She highlighted the need to catch up on committee assignments, review pending legislation, and address constituency matters accumulated during her absence. NASS’s response, however, was unequivocal. While confirming the suspension’s timeline, Danzaria noted that the appellate process halts any immediate action. The letter assured the senator that she would be notified of the Senate’s final decision once the Court of Appeal rules.

‎This stance has drawn criticism from supporters who view it as an extension of political vendetta, particularly given Akpoti-Uduaghan’s vocal advocacy for gender equity and her status as a rare female voice in the male-dominated Senate.

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Africa Must Lead Its Own Security, Says UN’s Amina Mohammed

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By Prosper Mene 

‎Amina Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General, urged African leaders to take charge of the continent’s security at the first African Chiefs of Defence Forum in Abuja. She called the event a historic step toward uniting African nations to tackle growing threats like terrorism, cyberattacks, and climate-related crises.

‎Mohammed, a former Nigerian minister, highlighted Africa’s serious challenges, noting it has the highest number of terrorism deaths worldwide. She said attacks in West Africa’s coastal areas have risen by 250% in two years, and 14,000 schools in the Sahel closed by 2024 due to violence, putting children’s futures at risk.

‎She also warned that social media is fueling division and hate, calling it a new “battleground.”She spoke about artificial intelligence (AI), which can help with things like predicting food shortages or finding landmines but warned it could harm human rights if used for critical decisions. Mohammed also linked climate change to conflict, pointing to the shrinking of Lake Chad, which has displaced over three million people.

‎Mohammed stressed that security, development, and human rights must work together. “Africa will not sit back,” she said. “We will take control of our security and use technology for peace.” She called for unity to protect Africa’s 1.5 billion people.The forum, attended by defense leaders from 52 of Africa’s 54 countries, was a major event. Former Guinea Prime Minister Lansana Kouyate said peace is essential for progress and suggested new ways to fund security.

‎Burkina Faso and Mali did not attend due to tensions with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) after forming a new alliance with Niger.Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, called for modernizing African forces with better cyber defenses and local technology. He said Africa must unite to create a safer continent and highlighted Nigeria’s efforts in peacekeeping and fighting terrorism.

‎The summit, running through Wednesday, aims to build a new plan for African security cooperation. The message from Abuja is clear: Africa must lead its own path to peace.

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‎Jarvis Defends Peller Over Public Backlash: With Time, He Will Change

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‎By Prosper Mene 

‎Popular Nigerian TikTok content creator, Jarvis, has come to the defense of her partner, Peller, following intense criticism caused by a viral video showing a public altercation between the two. The video, which captured Peller pushing Jarvis into a car, ignited a firestorm of reactions on social media, with many accusing him of abusive behavior.

‎Jarvis, however, has dismissed these claims, urging Nigerians to stop spreading false narratives and expressing confidence that Peller will grow from the incident.

‎In a response shared on August 25, 2025, Jarvis clarified that the altercation was not indicative of abuse, emphasizing her autonomy in the relationship. “I’m old enough to take up my responsibilities and know what I want,” she said. “The pushing was a no-no, but I believe he will change.” Jarvis further explained that the incident stemmed from Peller’s attempt to protect her from street touts, known locally as “agberos,” and that both are still “a work in progress.”

‎‎Peller, who faced significant backlash after the video surfaced, issued a statement acknowledging his mistake and expressing regret. He insisted that his actions were not abusive, stating, “I can never beat a woman. I was only trying to protect her from agberos, and she wasn’t listening to me.” Jarvis amplified this sentiment, dismissing speculations that her relationship with Peller is driven by fame or money. “I’m in a relationship with him because I love him, not because of fame or money. We are both coming up. Which fame? Which money?” she said, addressing critics directly.

‎The couple’s response has sparked mixed reactions across social media platforms, where some users support Jarvis’s stance, while others remain skeptical, questioning her defense of Peller’s actions.

‎Jarvis also addressed her personal growth, admitting that she, too, is learning to control her reactions. “If it was before, as he pushed me, I would have raised my hand back. But I’m trying to act like a lady,” she said, citing her belief in mutual growth within their relationship. She urged fans and critics alike to respect her choices, stating, “I decide what I want. I know what I want, and I go for it.”

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Fuel Subsidy Removal: A Good Reform Gone Wrong, Says Ezekwesili

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By Prosper Mene 

‎Former Nigerian Minister of Education and prominent economist, Oby Ezekwesili, has described the removal of fuel subsidies in Nigeria as a “good reform” that was poorly executed.

‎Speaking recently, Ezekwesili criticized the administration of President Bola Tinubu for its handling of the policy, labeling the approach as flawed and marked by “arrogance.”

‎The decision to eliminate fuel subsidies, which has been a long-standing economic policy in Nigeria, was intended to redirect funds toward critical sectors like infrastructure and social services. However, the abrupt implementation has caused widespread discontent, with citizens grappling with soaring fuel prices and heightened economic hardship.

‎Ezekwesili, a vocal advocate for economic reforms, argued that while the subsidy removal was necessary to address fiscal inefficiencies, the lack of a clear strategy and communication exacerbated its negative impact on Nigerians.“Removing fuel subsidies is a sound economic move, but it was done the wrong way,” Ezekwesili stated, “The arrogance in the execution ignored the real-time consequences on ordinary citizens.” She cited the need for a more inclusive and transparent approach, including robust safety nets to cushion the policy’s immediate effects on vulnerable populations.

‎The subsidy removal, announced in 2023, under the Tinubu led administration caised a sharp increase in fuel prices, triggering inflation and protests across the country.

‎Critics, like Ezekwesili, have pointed to the absence of adequate palliative measures and poor stakeholder engagement as key failures in the policy’s rollout.

‎Supporters of the administration, however, argue that the reform was a bold step to curb corruption and stabilize the economy in the long term.

‎The Tinubu administration has yet to respond directly to her critique, but the debate continues to dominate public discourse as Nigerians demand solutions to the ongoing economic challenges.

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‎Nollywood Star Iyabo Ojo’s Newborn Grandson Gains 100K Instagram Followers in Hours

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By Prosper Mene

‎The newborn grandson of renowned Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo, Baby Rakeem Ayomide Mkambala has taken the internet by storm, amassing over 100,000 Instagram followers within hours of his account’s launch. 

‎Born to Nigerian influencer Priscilla Ojo and Tanzanian music star Juma Jux, Rakeem’s rapid rise to fame has taken fans across Nigeria, Tanzania, and beyond by surprise.

‎The excitement began when Iyabo Ojo announced Rakeem’s birth on Sunday, August 24, 2025, via a heartfelt Instagram post. She shared a photo of herself cradling the newborn in the delivery room alongside her daughter Priscilla, Iyabo proudly declared herself the “sexiest grandma in town”.

‎The post, which concealed Rakeem’s face for privacy, garnered congratulatory messages from fans, celebrities, and family friends. Alongside the announcement, Iyabo revealed Rakeem’s official Instagram handle, @rakeem_mk, managed by his parents, which quickly gained traction.

‎By Monday morning, the account had surged past 100,000 followers. Currently, the page features a single collaborative post with Priscilla, showcasing blurred images and clips of the newborn, yet the limited content has done little to dampen the enthusiasm of fans eagerly awaiting a full reveal.

‎Rakeem’s rise was fueled by the combined star power of his family. Priscilla, a prominent fashion influencer, and Juma Jux, a celebrated Tanzanian singer, announced their pregnancy in a joint Instagram post on July 4, 2025, followed by a vibrant gender reveal in Tanzania that confirmed they were expecting a boy. The couple, who tied the knot in a series of lavish ceremonies across Nigeria and Tanzania earlier this year, have garnered significant attention for their multinational love story, further amplifying interest in their son’s arrival.“

‎The baby’s unique heritage, blending Nigerian, Tanzanian, and Canadian roots has added to his appeal, with fans from both nations leading the charge in boosting his social media presence.

‎While the family celebrates in Canada, where Priscilla gave birth, Iyabo Ojo has announced plans for a traditional naming ceremony in Lagos, Nigeria, in the coming weeks.

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AXA Mansard’s CCO, Adebisi Calls for Excellence in Execution of NIIRA 2025 Reforms

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Rashidat Adebisi, Chief Client Officer of AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, has called on Nigeria’s insurance industry to ensure that the implementation of the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025 is matched with disciplined and effective execution. She emphasized that the industry’s credibility will be judged not solely by its financial strength but by its capacity to protect Nigerians.

Speaking on BusinessDay TV’s Morning Show, Adebisi highlighted that recapitalization and the adoption of risk-based capital standards present a historic opportunity to reposition the sector. However, she cautioned that reforms around capital and digitization, without a focus on execution excellence, will fall short of improving customer experience or boosting investor confidence.

Drawing parallels with Nigeria’s banking sector recapitalization in 2004, which reduced the number of banks from 89 to 25 but tripled industry capitalization and enhanced customer trust, she urged the industry to pursue a similar trajectory. “NIIRA offers an opportunity for the insurance sector to play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy,” she said. “The reform addresses critical issues related to demand, supply, and operational dynamics, empowering us to do more and build greater trust among customers.”

Regarding the new risk-based capital framework, Adebisi described it as primarily a customer protection mechanism as well as a regulatory tool. By aligning capital reserves with underwriting risks, insurers will need to pay closer attention to product design, pricing discipline, and prudent investment. “Policyholders can be more confident that their insurers are not overextending themselves,” she explained.

Addressing concerns that industry consolidation might marginalize smaller firms, Adebisi clarified that mergers and acquisitions are natural pathways to a more resilient and competitive industry. “Consolidation shouldn’t be viewed as a loss but as a rebirth — leading to fewer, stronger insurers with the capacity to invest in technology, improve claims processing, expand distribution, and compete regionally.”

She also pointed out that insurance penetration in Nigeria remains below 1%, compared to 17% in South Africa, 3% in Kenya, and 2% in Ghana. If NIIRA is properly executed, the sector could unlock long-term funding for infrastructure projects, provide risk coverage for MSMEs — which constitute over 90% of Nigeria’s businesses — and enhance investor confidence in the financial system.

Adebisi concluded by urging regulators and industry operators to work together: “The regulatory framework is in place. Now, it’s on us to rebuild trust with customers, invest in digital transformation, and deliver inclusive, innovative products.”

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