The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has elected Chris Piwuna, a Professor of Medicine and Consultant Psychiatrist at the University of Jos Teaching Hospital, as its new national president.
Piwuna, who also served as the immediate past National Vice President of the Union and Dean of Student Affairs at the University of Jos, succeeds Emmanuel Osodeke.
The new president was elected during ASUU’s 23rd National Delegates Congress held at the University of Benin, Edo State, on Sunday.
The election was reportedly contested between Piwuna and Professor Adamu Babayo of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi.
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His assumption of office comes amid heightened speculation of industrial action linked to the contentious sharing formula of the Earned Academic Allowances recently released by the Federal Government, ongoing brain drain, and other pressing issues within Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
Austen Sado, vice president; Happiness Uduk, financial secretary; Peter Adamu, treasurer; Celestine Aguoru, investment secretary; Aisha Bawa, welfare officer; and Kassim Umar, internal auditor, were also elected to serve alongside Piwuna in the new national executive.
Osodeke served as the union’s president from May 30, 2021, until May 11, 2025, completing a four-year tenure. His leadership was defined by firm opposition to policies like the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) and a push for university revitalisation and academic autonomy.
Amid recent defections and deepening internal rifts, a former Senate President, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who is also the chairman of the reconciliation committee set up by the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has expressed hope that the committee will meet the expectations.
The committee was set up during a meeting by PDP governors and other leaders of the party on Sunday night to reconcile aggrieved members of the party ahead of the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on May 27.
“I just left a meeting of the PDP Governors’ Forum, attended by its serving and former governors, at the Bauchi Governor’s Lodge. We had a fruitful deliberation on the party’s present challenges and its future.
“As part of the decisions taken to chart a way forward, the meeting set up a seven-man committee charged with preparing for a rancour-free NEC meeting scheduled for May 27 and the forthcoming national convention.
“We hope to do our best in delivering on the assignment given to us,” Saraki said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday night, shortly after the crucial meeting.
Other members of the committee are Governor Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Governor Caleb Muftwang (Plateau), and Governor Peter Mba (Enugu).
Other members are Senate Seriake Dickson, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, and a former governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu.
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The meeting came amid the PDP’s recent grappling with a wave of defections and leadership tussles following its performance in the 2023 general elections.
The situation was heated by the recent defection of the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, and other state officials to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Three Kebbi senators — Adamu Aliero (Central), Yahaya Abdullahi (North), and Garba Maidoki (South) — also recently joined the APC after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu.
The Sunday night meeting, held at the Bauchi Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, was convened by the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed.
In attendance were several governors, including Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Mutfwang, Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), and Mbah (Enugu).
Also present were notable figures like the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who declined to speak with journalists, along with former governors Liyel Imoke (Cross River), Achike Udenwa (Imo), Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun), Ikpeazu (Abia), and Dickson (Bayelsa).
The Acting PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagun, a former caretaker committee chairman, Ahmed Makarfi, and members of the party’s National Working Committee were also in attendance.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has set up a committee headed by a former Senate president, Bukola Saraki, to reconcile aggrieved members ahead of its National Executive Committee meeting.
This was disclosed at the end of a meeting held at the Abuja lodge of the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, on Sunday night.
The meeting also had the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in attendance. He, however, did not speak to journalists.
Some of the governors present at the meeting included Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), and Peter Mbah (Enugu).
Others were former governors of Cross River, Liyel Imoke, Achike Udenwa of Imo, Olagunsoye Oyinlola of Osun, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, and Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa
The PDP Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagun, a former Caretaker Committee Chairman, Ahmed Markafi, and some other members of the party’s National Working Committee also attended the meeting.
Briefing journalists, the Bauchi governor said the meeting was convened ahead of the party’s scheduled NEC, which has been slated for the end of May.
According to him, the invitation of the former governors was done to tap from their experiences, so they could resolve some of the internal challenges and prepare the ground for a rancour-free NEC meeting and a national convention later in the year.
Asked about the recent defection of PDP members, the Bauchi state governor said the development would rather make them stronger.
He, however, disclosed that the party was strategising to ensure that some of the states where the party had governors were reclaimed.
There have been concerns over the defection of the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and his cabinet to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The opposition party has been battling internal crises since the 2023 general elections.
The situation worsened with the conflict between a former governor of Rivers State and his successor, Sim Fubara.
Several attempts by the party’s leadership, including the National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, National Executive Committee, and the PDP Governors’ Forum, to mediate have not resolved the crisis.
On April 23, Oborevwori, a former governor of Delta, Ifeanyi Okowa, and other officials from the state joined the APC.
At the National Assembly, three Kebbi lawmakers, Senators Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North), and Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South), joined the ruling party after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu.
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has called for building stronger institutions and attitudinal change on the part of every Nigerian at all levels to win the war against the menace of endemic corruption impeding the country’s growth and development.
Represented by the Director General of the Department of State Services, Oluwatosin Ajayi, the former EFCC Chairman disclosed this on Saturday while delivering the 9th Oba Sikiru Adetona Annual Professorial Lecture of the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, with the theme “Corruption and National Security: Impacts and Consequences.”
The NSA said that the theme of the annual professorial lecture is deeply relevant to the country’s current reality, as corruption undermines the very fabric of the state’s legitimacy, weakens institutions, and diverts critical resources that are meant to develop the country.
“We can not talk about the insecurity in Nigeria without acknowledging that corruption has played a role in eroding public trust, compromising law enforcement effectiveness, and in some cases enabling impunity,” he said.
“Whether it is the diversion of funds meant for military hardware or the undermining of due process in arms procurement, the impact is a clear weakening of national capacity to respond to the threat”.
Ribadu, however, said that the country’s security and corruption challenges are not beyond redemption, but the path to their resolution runs through the corridor of integrity, leadership, and institutional reforms.
“Therefore, we must fight corruption not by responding but by building a strong system that prevents corruption itself,” he added.
“Arrest and prosecution of corrupt officials in Nigeria are only reactive, we must build a system that will make it impossible for the people to be corrupt even if they want to be.
“Corruption is endemic in the country; it cuts across individuals, too, not government alone. So the fight must be institutional and attitudinal.
“People must resolve to fight corruption, it cannot only be the government, the people must join in the fight too, because they also must not take, must also not give, what is our common wealth must not be stolen by anyone. The fight must start from all of us, not for the government alone,” he said.
Ribadu also said that the country is deploying all its arsenals to combat its security challenge. According to him, due to the nation’s superior firepower, over 160,000 Boko Haram combatants have surrendered, more than 300 commanders neutralised, while another 2,500 insurgents have been rehabilitated and reintegrated into society.
He said that the government of President Bola Tinubu recognised that security is no longer the exclusive domain of the military and has therefore always called for the support of all, including the local governance, civil society religious leaders, traditional institutions, youth, women groups, private sector and technology partners to achieve a more secure nation.
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Ribadu equally saluted the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, describing him as a legend, a courageous and visionary leader who is always known to be standing for the truth and the fight against corruption and misgovernance.
Paying special tribute to the royal father, Ribadu described Oba Adetona as a traditional ruler par excellence, a very courageous voice in the fight against corruption, and chief promoter of good governance.
The NSA said, “Oba Adetona’s selfless service to humanity, enduring support for education, and commitment to good governance stand as a beacon of visionary leadership.
“At 90 years of age, Kabiyesi remains an extraordinary symbol of dignity, wisdom, and peace. May his reign continue to be long, impactful, and crowned with tranquility.”
Speaking at the event, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of OOU, Oluwatoyin Ashiru, described Oba Adetona as a living legend in leadership and traditional royalty
He said, “Kabiyesi’s impact on Olabisi Onabanjo University is monumental. He is, without exaggeration, our most generous individual benefactor.
“His endowment fund laid the foundation for the now-renowned Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona School for Governance Studies. But he didn’t stop there.
“He gave us buildings, residences, a multipurpose hall, a Vice-Chancellor’s Lodge, and even upgraded the roads on campus.”
Ashiru said that the School of Governance, donated by the royal father, which has now been taken over by the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos, has consistently grown in leaps and bounds, contributing immensely to nation-building through different capacity-building training and workshops.
The Pro-Chancellor stated that “What makes Kabiyesi’s legacy especially powerful is not just his generosity, but the values he lives by. For over six decades, he has stood for integrity, truth, and moral courage.
“He has taught us that tradition and transparency can go hand in hand — that a leader must not only wear a crown but also carry a conscience”.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Deji Agboola, also described the Awujale as a royal icon, an enigma, a philanthropist, a committed educationist, and a courageous leader who has successfully written in the annals of the country’s history a highly inspirational story to inspire generations yet unborn to embrace selfless service.
Agboola prayed the Almighty God to further preserve Oba Sikiru Adetona to celebrate many more glorious years in sound health and peace of mind.
File: Governor Dapo Abiodun
Congratulating the royal father on his 91st birthday, the governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, represented by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Abayomi Arigbabu explained that Oba Adetona’s majestic reign has not only been defined by longevity but by legacy of wisdom, courage and uncommon progressive and visionary leadership.
Gov Abiodun said that Awujale, for over six decades, has continually served as a moral compass and highly respected custodian of culture whose noble and selfless contributions to building a virile, prosperous, and democratic Nigeria are worthy of emulation by all.
The governor said that the state and the country at large would continue to celebrate the monarch for being a beacon of good governance, selfless service, statesmanship, and a role model of uncommon standing, praying that the Almighty God will further preserve the royal father for many more fruitful years.
The Chairperson, Governing Board of the Professorial Chair in Governance, Adetoun Adetona-Daramola, who represented Oba Adetona at the event, lauded the organiser of the lecture while urging everyone to prioritise integrity and truthfulness to move the country forward
Other dignitaries at the annual lecture were the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebu land and former Chairman, Governing Council of OOU, Dr Sunny Kuku, the Olota of Ota, Oba Prof Abdulkabir Obalanlege, the Ebumawe of Ago Iwoye, Oba Abdulrasaq Adenugba, among others.
A former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has criticised the Labour Party and its 2023 flagbearer, Peter Obi, describing them as a “short rental” arrangement that lacks the capacity to challenge Nigeria’s political status quo.
Sowore made the remarks on Sunday while appearing as a guest on Inside Sources on Channels Television.
“But in terms of real opposition. I don’t know why anybody refers to Peter Obi as an opposition. He is not opposed to anything the government is doing. He didn’t organise his supporters to fight for the election victory he claimed.
“He said nothing when fuel prices were increased. He hasn’t done anything that an opposition figure typically does,” he stated.
Sowore dismissed suggestions that Obi remains the most visible face of the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections, and reiterated his longstanding doubts about the political intent and impact of the former Anambra State governor.
“My position in 2022 and 2023 is what is unfolding now — that contrary to the impression created that Peter Obi was opposed to the system and capable of challenging it, he is, in fact, incapable of doing so.
“I also said at the time that the Labour Party was a short rental — what they call Airbnb in America. You move in; you check out when your time expires.
“When they are done with Peter Obi, they’ll move the rental to someone else. Maybe Obi doesn’t want to move out now, rightly or wrongly, or maybe he’s staying for show,” Sowore stated.
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Sowore further argued that Obi’s prominence in 2023 was largely the result of religious sentiment sparked by the APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket.
“There was this whole debate around the Muslim-Muslim ticket, so Christians responded by saying, ‘If you want to Islamise Nigeria, we’ll Christianise it too’. And who was the most available Christian candidate? Peter Obi.
The former presidential candidate argued that real opposition required mobilisation, resistance, and street action — all of which he claimed Obi had avoided.
“If you say you’re opposition, you must act like it. You had six million people vote for you — if you can’t put all of them on the streets, at least put 60,000 in Abuja and see how seriously the government will take you.
“You are the ones pouring cold water on protests because you don’t want real change — you just want to replace Tinubu’s group with your own group,” he said.
Sowore also criticised the current crop of Labour Party lawmakers, noting that their growing alignment with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Look at all the Labour Party people in the National Assembly — they’re not decamping back to where they came from. They’re decamping to the APC. That’s the point; these guys are not real. They weren’t real in 2023, and they won’t be in 2027,” he asserted.
Obidient Movement Responds
But reacting via a phone conversation with Channels Television on Sunday, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, dismissed Sowore’s remarks, stating that Obi’s relevance in national discourse remained “unmatched.”
Tanko said, “So, the question we want to ask is this: when someone is not a worthy opposition, why do you keep talking about him? As we stand today in Nigerian politics, if they don’t talk about Peter Obi, none of them gets traction. None.
“Whether he goes to the toilet, speaks, or makes a statement, it becomes news. That’s the level of Peter Obi’s relevance in today’s political dispensation.”
Tanko also criticised the recent comment on Obi by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, during a valedictory session for the late Chief Edwin Clark.
“To a point that Peter Obi was discussed at a valedictory service by no less a person than the Senate President — not even on national policy, but on character assassination. That says a lot,” he said.
He urged political opponents to focus on their future campaigns, while reaffirming the Obidient Movement’s continued support for Obi’s quest for a better Nigeria.
Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are holding a meeting with leaders of the party at the Bauchi governor’s lodge in Abuja.
The meeting, which was convened by the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, also has the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in attendance.
Some of the governors currently present for the meeting include Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), and Peter Mbah (Enugu).
Others who are in attendance include former governors of Cross River, Liyel Imoke, Achike Udenwa of Imo, Olagunsoye Oyinlola of Osun, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, andSeriake Dickson of Bayelsa.
PDP Governors are holding a meeting with leaders of the party at the Bauchi governor’s lodge in Abuja.
A former governor of Akwa Ibom, Udom Emmanuel, and Samuel Otom of Benue also attended the meeting.
The PDP Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagun, a former Caretaker Committee Chairman, Ahmed Markafi, and some other members of the party’s National Working Committee are attending the meeting.
PDP Governors are holding a meeting with leaders of the party at the Bauchi governor’s lodge in Abuja.
Although the agenda was not made known to journalists, this is the second public meeting of the forum since the beginning of the year, and the first since Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and his cabinet defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The opposition party has been battling internal crises since the 2023 general elections.
The situation worsened with the conflict between Governor Sim Fubara and Nyesom Wike in Rivers State.
Several attempts by the party’s leadership bodies, the National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, National Executive Committee, and the PDP Governors’ Forum, to mediate have not resolved the crisis.
On April 23, Oborevwori, a former governor of Delta, Ifeanyi Okowa, and other officials from the state joined the APC.
National Assembly members have also been leaving the PDP.
