News
Minority Caucus Picks Afam Ogene as New Voice in House of Representatives
By Gloria Ikibah
The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has appointed Rep. Afam Victor Ogene as its new Spokesperson, entrusting the experienced lawmaker and former journalist with the task of articulating the caucus’ position on national issues and strengthening its engagement with the Nigerian public.
The appointment was announced in a statement issued on Saturday and signed by the Leader of the Minority Caucus, Rep. Fredrick Agbedi. According to the statement, the decision was reached during an online meeting of the caucus held on Friday, 19 June 2026.
Rep. Ogene, who represents Ogbaru Federal Constituency of Anambra State, currently serves as Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Party Caucus in the House of Representatives.
Describing the lawmaker as a seasoned parliamentarian, the caucus said he brings significant legislative experience and a strong commitment to democratic governance to his new role.
The caucus noted that Ogene’s background in journalism and public communication would further enhance his ability to represent its views and positions effectively.
“Hon. Ogene is the Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Party Caucus in the House of Representatives and represents Ogbaru Federal Constituency of Anambra State. A ranking legislator and respected parliamentarian, Hon. Ogene brings to the role a wealth of legislative experience, deep understanding of parliamentary procedure, and an unflinching commitment to the defence of democratic ideals.
“As Spokesperson, Hon. Ogene, an award-winning journalist and editor, will articulate the positions of the Minority Caucus on national issues, ensure effective communication with the Nigerian people, and uphold the Caucus’s constitutional duty of holding the Executive to account”, he said.
The caucus expressed confidence that Ogene’s appointment will deepen public engagement and strengthen democratic accountability within the National Assembly.
It also called on media organisations and members of the public to support the new spokesperson as he assumes his responsibilities.
“The Caucus is confident that his appointment will strengthen its engagement with citizens and reinforce the principles of checks and balances in the 10th Assembly.
“The Minority Caucus urges members of the press and the public to accord Hon. Ogene all necessary cooperation as he discharges this responsibility on behalf of the Caucus”, it added.
Ogene’s appointment comes at a time when the opposition bloc in the House is seeking to sharpen its communication strategy and amplify its role in legislative oversight and policy debates within the 10th National Assembly.
By Prosper Olayiwola
A House of Assembly Candidate for Ikole Constituency 1 on the platform of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Kayode Arewa Sanni, has called on his constituents, party members and supporters to unite ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Arewa Sanni made the call in Ikole-Ekiti while addressing party faithful and supporters at a stakeholders’ meeting convened to strengthen grassroots mobilisation in the constituency.
He said the 2027 elections present a defining moment for the people of Ikole Constituency 1 to chart a new course of inclusive representation, people-oriented legislation and accelerated development.
The candidate noted that disunity among party members and supporters remains the greatest obstacle to victory, stressing that only a united front can dislodge entrenched interests and deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.
“I appeal to all our party leaders, members, supporters and well-wishers across Ikole Constituency 1 to put aside personal differences and work together as one family. Our strength lies in our unity,” he said.
Arewa Sanni said his candidacy was driven by a desire to give Ikole Constituency 1 a vibrant and responsive voice in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, with focus on youth empowerment, education, healthcare and rural infrastructure.
He assured constituents that if given the mandate, he would prioritise quality representation and ensure that government presence is felt in all communities within the constituency.
He also called on supporters of the ADC across Ekiti State to rally behind the party’s vision of good governance, transparency and accountability as preparations for the 2027 polls gather momentum.
The aspirant expressed confidence that with unity, commitment and collective effort, the ADC would emerge victorious in Ikole Constituency 1 and other constituencies across the state.
No fewer than six inmates have died within one week following a suspected cholera outbreak at the Kurmawa Maximum Prison in Kano State.
Amnesty International raised the alarm in a post on its official Facebook page, calling on authorities to immediately declare an emergency at the correctional facility.
Amnesty said several other inmates were currently receiving treatment, warning that the death toll could be higher as the suspected disease continues to spread among prisoners.
It urged the authorities to immediately transfer critically ill inmates to hospitals for proper medical attention to prevent further deaths.
The organisation warned that failure to urgently intervene could amount to arbitrary deprivation of life, which it described as a serious human rights violation under international law.
Amnesty also expressed concern over the broader conditions in Nigerian correctional facilities, particularly the prolonged detention of inmates awaiting trial.
According to the organisation, detainees without financial means face greater difficulty having their rights protected, with some spending years in custody without being convicted of any crime.
It further said many inmates were being held in overcrowded and unhygienic cells without adequate food and healthcare.
Amnesty called for urgent reforms to improve conditions in Nigerian correctional facilities and ensure compliance with international best practices.
Popular media personality and self-acclaimed relationship expert, Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, has reportedly lost her second son while remanded in custody.
The development was confirmed in an online appeal by Amira Agiye, head of the Isaamira Love Foundation, who spoke on Okoro’s behalf to request public financial assistance.
She said, “It is sad to announce to you all that Blessing CEO just lost her second son. My name is Amira Agiye.
“I’m here to appeal on behalf of Blessing CEO, who is currently in custody. I understand that people might have different opinions about her and the circumstances surrounding her case.
“And like every one of us, she deserves compassion and an opportunity for redemption.
She needs N20 million to meet the bail requirements. She also needs N36 million to pay the people she owes who brought the case against her.
“Please, Nigerians, let’s forgive her for the sake of that boy who is still in the mortuary. With Blessing’s full consent and authorisation, I’m appealing to all Nigerians to help donate so we can help her out of this situation.”
Also speaking in a voice conversation played by Amira, Blessing, CEO, said, “My second son, Bryan, was full of life. While in custody, I lost Bryan.
I pray this turns out positive so I can leave this place, pick up the pieces of my life and pay my respects to him.”
Recall that the self-acclaimed relationship expert was remanded in Kirikiri Prison over an N69.15 million property fraud trial.
She was granted N20 million bail in July 2026, with two sureties in like sum, and each surety was required to provide three years’ proof of deposits valued at N20 million.
Following her inability to meet the bail conditions, Blessing CEO, remains in prison facility two months after she was granted bail.
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