Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, a senior All Progressives Congress (APC) figure, has condemned threats by the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, over access to the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Eze described Wike as a “chronic liar” and “propagandist” who allegedly uses falsehoods to win sympathy from President Bola Tinubu.

Why It Matters

Eze said claims by Wike that his group was denied approval to use the stadium were “a cocktail concocted to mislead the public.” He noted that the stadium is undergoing major reconstruction and is unsuitable for public gatherings.

“The facility has been under a holistic overhaul for months and using it now would endanger lives,” Eze said.

Conflicting Narratives

The initial claim came from Desmond Akawor, who alleged that the Rivers State Government denied access to the stadium. The event was eventually held at the Capt. Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, another state-owned facility.

Wike reportedly escalated the matter, threatening to use force, including arms, to access the stadium in future events. Eze described such threats as “criminal” and suggested they should prompt action from security agencies.

Historical Context

Eze drew parallels to Wike’s tenure as Rivers State governor, citing executive orders that restricted opposition parties from using government facilities for campaigns ahead of the 2023 elections.

“Assuming the stadium was denied, it would be consistent with the same rules Wike applied when he was governor,” Eze said.

Event Logistics

The Yakubu Gowon Stadium has a 16,000-person capacity, but the mobilized audience for the recent event numbered fewer than 2,000, according to video footage.

“The reconstruction work saved Wike from embarrassment,” Eze noted, adding that the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, with 60,000 capacity, was also available for use.

What’s Next

Eze concluded that Governor Siminalayi Fubara respects the rule of law and would not engage in the mudslinging directed by Wike. Observers now await potential responses from federal authorities regarding the alleged threats.

The Vice President of Akoko North West Youth, Comr. Akande Ayodele, has officially endorsed Chief Alexander Oluremi Ajipe as their preferred candidate for the Ondo North senatorial seat. He dismissed ongoing discussions about a deputy governor in Owo as a distraction from serious politics.

“Those fixated on the Owo deputy governor matter are poor students of politics,” he said, calling for focus on competence and precedent instead.

Why This Matters

The Ondo North Senatorial District covers six local governments, and leadership positions have traditionally rotated among them. According to the youth leader, Chief Ajipe’s candidacy aligns perfectly with this rotation system.

“The youth of Akoko North West will stand firmly with him to deliver progressive leadership for our district,” he added.

Historical Precedents Highlight Competence

The youth leader cited past leaders from the Akoko Southwest region who held prominent positions in Ondo North, emphasizing the tradition of experience and merit:

Brigadier General Jones Oladeinde Arogbofa (Oka Akoko), Chief of Staff to President Goodluck Jonathan (2014–2015)

Alhaji Ali Olanusi (Supare Akoko), Deputy Governor of Ondo State (2009–2015)

Rt. Hon. Victor Adekanye Olabimtan (Supare Akoko), Federal Commissioner, Federal Civil Service Commission

Senator (Prof.) Robert Ajayi Boroffice (Oka Akoko), Senator for Ondo North (2011–2023)

Rt. Hon. Dare Emiola, Deputy Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly (Akoko South West II)

Hon. Debo Ologunagba, Member, House of Representatives (2011–2015)

“These trailblazers demonstrate that competence, not local rivalries, should guide leadership selection in Ondo North,” the youth leader said.

What’s Next

The youth leaders are urging all stakeholders to prioritize merit over parochial interests. Chief Ajipe is expected to formally declare his candidacy in the coming weeks, with community rallies planned across Ondo North to strengthen support.

African leaders have been urged to defend the continent’s sovereignty and stop relying on foreign powers, amid warnings that Africa risks permanent dependence despite its vast resources.

The call was made on Wednesday at a high-level policy workshop in Lagos marking 50 years since the assassination of Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed.

The event, themed “Has Africa Come of Age? Murtala Muhammed’s Pan-African Vision 50 Years After,” was held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) and jointly organised by the Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF) and the NIIA.

Why this matters

General Muhammed’s famous declaration that “Africa has come of age” in 1976 shaped Nigeria’s foreign policy and Africa’s liberation stance.

Fifty years on, policymakers and scholars say the continent is still grappling with external influence, weak institutions, and leadership challenges that undermine true independence.

Africa must reclaim its global voice

In his opening remarks, the Director-General of the NIIA, Dr Eghosa Osaghae, said Africa must assert itself in a changing global order.

He argued that Africa is no longer a peripheral player but an emerging force in a multipolar world.

“When General Murtala said Africa had come of age, he was saying to the world: don’t think Africa is an appendage anymore,” Osaghae said.

“Africa has become its own voice, its own master. Africa must follow tracks determined by Africans for Africans.”

He warned that continued dependence on foreign aid would not produce meaningful development, stressing the need for African solutions to African problems.

A legacy rooted in Pan-Africanism

The Chief Executive Officer of the Murtala Muhammed Foundation, Dr Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, described her father as a symbol of Africa’s liberation struggle.

She said his Pan-African vision elevated Nigeria’s standing globally and continues to inspire unity across the continent.

“‘Africa has come of age’ was not just a statement; it was a rallying cry,” she said.

Dr Muhammed-Oyebode added that the workshop was designed to inspire young Africans to pursue careers in diplomacy, governance, and international development.

Expert voices: ‘Coming of age means responsibility’

Delivering the keynote address, former Minister of External Affairs and political scientist, Prof Bolaji Akinyemi, said Africa’s maturity must be measured by action, not slogans.

“To say that Africa has come of age is not a declaration of perfection, but a recognition of responsibility,” he said.

“It requires confronting unfinished business from independence and asserting confidence in global affairs.”

He described General Muhammed as a leader who restored Nigeria’s pride and pursued governance with rare courage.

Leadership gaps still persist

During the panel session, Dr Joshua Bolarinwa, Deputy Director of Research at the NIIA, said Africa has yet to fully realise the self-reliant vision articulated nearly five decades ago.

He pointed to a persistent leadership deficit and urged African leaders to defend the continent’s destiny with resolve.

Similarly, the President of the Nigerian Political Science Association (NPSA), Prof Hassan Saliu, said both Nigeria and Africa have fallen short of General Muhammed’s ideals.

He noted that issues of sovereignty, unity, and liberation outlined in the 1976 Addis Ababa speech remain unresolved.

What’s next for Africa?

Speakers agreed that Africa’s future depends on political maturity, economic resilience, and institutional strength.

They called for bold leadership, reduced external dependence, and renewed commitment to Pan-African cooperation.