Some Nigerians have queried the lawmaker representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, who pleaded with the Senate to allow the widow of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah to replace him as the representative of Anambra South Senatorial District.

Recall that Ndume had argued that it is necessary to preserve Ubah’s legacy and aspirations through his family.

Ndume made the appeal during the Valedictory session held on Tuesday in honour of the late senator.

Citing historical precedents, Ndume argued that such a move would honour the late senator’s contributions to the Senate and ensure continuity in representing his constituency.

However, Ndume’s suggestion earned him criticism from Nigerians, questioning if political offices are hereditary or family property.

@chimm_di wrote: “I don’t understand… succeed him as per? His property or family inheritance? This country sev”

@orefolayan wrote: “Is the Senate seat a Monarchy? Which one be “succeed him”?”

@kelvin_hartz wrote: “A widow that should be m0urning her husband.”

@adumaadand6 wrote: “So we are now practicing a hereditary monarchical system of government in the Senate? Is it a family heirloom that needs to be inherited? What exactly is going on in this country? Who deemed her worthy to decide our fate in this country? Are we using sentiments now? Why can’t she go through the same process other senate went through? Be voted for. Did the people she wants to represent them say they want her? I’ve so many questions cos this is just something else”

@101fred wrote: “Naija de turn family business small small . People now inherit government positions… hmmm”

@innocent wrote: “That you guys in the North and soon Lagos are now treating elected political positions as family inheritance which is why El rufai and so on have their families and kids in Federal Political offices. It does not mean South East tolerates such. Keep your monarchy system of government up there to yourselves.”

@augustine_vivian wrote: “So politics in Nigeria has suddenly becomes family HERITAGE”

@meyer7xxx wrote: “It’s not a thing of competence, it’s a family business and they are no longer bothered dishing it out in our faces”

City news

***Says, action shameful disastrous

By Francesca Hangeior

Pope Francis marked 1,000 days since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine Wednesday, calling it a “shameful disaster for humanity” at an audience attended by First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska.

“Yesterday marked 1,000 days since the invasion of Ukraine. A tragic anniversary for the victims and the destruction it has caused,” the Argentine pope said at the end of his weekly general audience at the Vatican.

“But at the same time, (it is) a shameful disaster for all humanity,” he added in front of the thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, where Zelenska sat with the first ladies of Armenia, Lithuania and Serbia.

He expressed his closeness to the “martyred Ukrainian people” and called for efforts “so that weapons give way to dialogue”.

Francis then read a letter addressed to him by a Ukrainian student in which he describes the war and how people are suffering.

Russia launched its full-scale attack on Ukraine in February 2022 and since then, the pope has frequently called for an end to the conflict.

By Francesca Hangeior

Nigerian music star Tiwa Savage has revealed that she once returned a Range Rover gifted to her by an admirer for her birthday.

In an interview on The Beat 99.9 FM, Savage explained her decision.

She stated, “I once got a Range Rover for my birthday, but I returned it because I was not feeling the guy.”

The singer, renowned for hits like Somebody’s Son, also disclosed that US rapper Nicki Minaj is the most famous contact in her phonebook.

Tiwa Savage remains a trailblazer in the entertainment industry, with her music earning widespread acclaim and numerous awards.

Beyond her musical achievements, her foray into acting and filmmaking highlights her versatility and creative depth.