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FG Raises Alarm Over Pastor Benjamin Egbaji Health Condition, Seeks Humanitarian Release from Benin Republic

The Federal Government has raised alarm over the deteriorating health of Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, a Nigerian cleric and businessman detained in Cotonou, Republic of Benin. Through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria is appealing for his humanitarian release and repatriation to receive urgent medical attention at home.

Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria's Minister of State, Foreign Affairs.

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ABUJA, October 7, 2025 – Pastor Benjamin Egbaji health condition has raised serious concern within the Federal Government of Nigeria, prompting a diplomatic appeal to the Republic of Benin for his immediate evacuation and medical treatment in Nigeria. The government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed deep worry over the deteriorating state of the Nigerian cleric and businessman, who has been detained in Cotonou under harsh conditions for nearly two years.

In a statement issued in Abuja, the Federal Government of Nigeria expressed deep concern over the failing health of Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, a Nigerian national currently facing trial and serving a custodial sentence in the Republic of Benin. The government called for his immediate evacuation to Nigeria to receive adequate medical care.

Pastor Egbaji, a cleric and businessman from Cross River State, has reportedly been confined for almost two years in a Cotonou hospital under what officials describe as dehumanising conditions. His health, according to diplomatic sources, has continued to deteriorate despite several interventions.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who has been monitoring the situation, confirmed that the Nigerian Mission in Cotonou has consistently reported a steady decline in Egbaji’s condition. She urged the Benin authorities to act urgently on humanitarian grounds.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that the Nigerian government, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and its citizen diplomacy thrust, has made spirited efforts to secure Egbaji’s release or transfer for better treatment. She emphasised that every Nigerian life remains a priority under the current administration.

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The Minister, who personally visited Pastor Egbaji in early August alongside her Beninese counterpart, Mr. Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, disclosed that the Ministry had formally requested that the cleric be allowed to continue his treatment and serve out his sentence in Nigeria.

She expressed Nigeria’s disappointment with the slow pace of the Benin authorities in addressing the humanitarian concerns surrounding the case. “We are worried about the delay in response, especially as every day counts in saving his life,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated.

Recalling the long-standing friendship and cultural ties between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin, she appealed to the Beninese government to demonstrate compassion and goodwill by granting the transfer request. “Ours is a relationship built on trust, mutual respect, and shared values,” she said.

In a follow-up diplomatic letter to the Government of Benin, the Minister reiterated Nigeria’s position. She wrote: “It is against this backdrop of solidarity and mutual goodwill that I seek Your Excellency’s kind consideration regarding the plight of Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, who has been serving a 10-year sentence in Cotonou since October 2023.”

Highlighting Egbaji’s longstanding contributions to the Beninese community, Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that the cleric had lived in the country for over three decades, serving both as an entrepreneur and community leader before his incarceration. “Regrettably, his health has deteriorated severely while in detention,” she lamented.

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She further revealed that two independent medical experts appointed by the Beninese court have recommended his immediate transfer abroad for urgent medical care, as local interventions have failed. “In the spirit of friendship and in recognition of the humanitarian imperative, we kindly request that Pastor Egbaji be repatriated to Nigeria,” the Minister appealed.

The Nigerian government, she assured, is ready to ensure that Pastor Egbaji continues to serve his custodial term under the supervision of Nigerian correctional authorities. “This would not only be a testament to our bilateral understanding but also a practical demonstration of our shared humanity,” she said.

Dr. Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication and New Media in the Office of the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, signed the release, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to protecting the welfare and dignity of its citizens wherever they are across the world.

 

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Security in Anambra: Police Deploy 70 New Constables to Boost Safety and Community Policing

Security in Anambra gets a major boost as the state police command deploys over 70 newly passed-out constables to strengthen manpower, community policing, and intelligence gathering across divisions.

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The new police intakes being welcomed at the Anambra State Police Command, Awka.

Awka, October 8, 2025 – Security in Anambra State has received a significant boost following the deployment of over seventy newly passed-out constables to the state by the Nigeria Police Force.

The fresh officers, who graduated from the Police Training College, Oji River, Enugu State, were officially received on October 8, 2025, by the Anambra State Police Command as part of a nationwide initiative by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun. The deployment aims to enhance manpower capacity, improve grassroots security, and strengthen community policing frameworks.

According to the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, minps, PhD, the new constables would be strategically deployed across police divisions and formations in Anambra to ensure enhanced visibility policing, intelligence gathering, and rapid response to security situations.

He emphasized that the addition of these young officers would complement ongoing operational strategies to tackle crime and improve security in Anambra, particularly in rural and semi-urban communities.

“The presence of new constables in the force will boost our manpower and improve our operational response time. The goal is to ensure safety, peace, and law and order across Anambra State,” the Commissioner stated.

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The police command has also reiterated its commitment to working closely with residents, community leaders, and security stakeholders to ensure effective community policing and continuous intelligence sharing. This approach, according to CP Orutugu, aligns with the IGP’s vision of proactive policing driven by professionalism, discipline, and community partnership.

SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Anambra State, in a statement made available to GMTNewsng, noted that the deployment reflects the Inspector-General’s proactive stance on security enhancement nationwide.

He added that the new officers, trained in modern policing methods including human rights protection, digital intelligence, and emergency response, would “serve as key enforcers of peace and stability” in the state.

The Anambra Police Command therefore calls on citizens to continue providing useful information that will aid law enforcement in combating crime and improving overall security in Anambra.

The arrival of these seventy new constables comes at a time when local and national authorities are intensifying efforts to reinforce internal security and tackle emerging threats such as cultism, kidnapping, and cybercrime.

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Observers believe that the deployment will not only strengthen security in Anambra but also improve trust and collaboration between the police and local communities, which are crucial to achieving sustainable peace and public confidence.

For more stories on security and development efforts in Nigeria, visit our National Security section or learn more about community policing reforms in Nigeria. GMTNewsng

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Uche Nnaji Resignation Tinubu Intolerance for Corruption Shows Renewed Hope in Ethical Governance

The Uche Nnaji resignation Tinubu intolerance for corruption development reflects President Tinubu’s strong stand against graft and a renewed commitment to ethical leadership and transparency in Nigeria.

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ABUJA,  October 8, 2025 – The Uche Nnaji resignation Tinubu intolerance for corruption event has been described by many political observers as a defining moment for Nigeria’s ethical and governance reform under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Following the resignation of Uche Nnaji, former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, over allegations of certificate forgery, President Tinubu promptly accepted his resignation – a move many analysts see as proof of his administration’s intolerance for corruption and misconduct in public office.

Political stakeholders, including Chief Victor Ogba, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said the Uche Nnaji resignation Tinubu intolerance for corruption episode demonstrates the President’s moral discipline and determination to build an administration founded on integrity and public accountability.

According to Ogba, President Tinubu’s swift response sends a clear signal that his government prioritizes ethics above politics. “The Uche Nnaji resignation Tinubu intolerance for corruption incident reassures Nigerians that the President will not protect any appointee accused of wrongdoing,” he said.

He praised Uche Nnaji for his courage to step down voluntarily, describing it as a patriotic act that aligns with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Ogba added that the former minister’s decision has shown rare political maturity and moral responsibility uncommon in Nigeria’s political space.

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“The former minister’s resignation strengthens public confidence in President Tinubu’s fight against corruption and his effort to reposition Nigeria’s governance structure,” Ogba emphasized.

The Uche Nnaji resignation Tinubu intolerance for corruption development also signals Nigeria’s growing alignment with international anti-corruption standards, such as the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), and domestic institutions like the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

Analysts believe this step consolidates the President’s image as a reformist determined to make transparency and accountability the new norm in public service.

They argue that the decision demonstrates how Tinubu’s administration has moved from rhetoric to action, ensuring that no official, no matter their political connection, is above ethical scrutiny.

Beyond the political dimension, governance experts suggest that the Uche Nnaji resignation Tinubu intolerance for corruption incident could set a precedent that will influence future officeholders to act more responsibly.

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“This marks a cultural shift in Nigerian politics – where the fear of public embarrassment may finally start to check corruption,” said Dr. Grace Nwodo, a public affairs analyst.

The development also resonates with President Tinubu’s consistent emphasis on performance, transparency, and accountability as drivers of Nigeria’s sustainable development goals. By allowing due process and moral standards to guide his cabinet, Tinubu strengthens democratic values and public trust in his leadership.

Observers say that if sustained, the Uche Nnaji resignation Tinubu intolerance for corruption model will inspire a new generation of leaders guided by ethics and civic responsibility rather than personal gain.

For related updates, read Tinubu’s cabinet performance review on GMTNewsng, where experts evaluate governance reforms and their national impact. GMTNewsng

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Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Resumes Plenary After Senate Suspension

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan resumes plenary after her six-month suspension, reaffirming her commitment to justice, transparency, and service to the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District.

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Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

Abuja, October 7, 2025 – Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan resumes plenary at the Nigerian Senate, marking her return to legislative duties after serving a six-month suspension. The Kogi Central lawmaker’s resumption comes amid renewed calls for accountability, inclusion, and reform within the National Assembly.

The Senator, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, walked into the red chamber on Tuesday just as Senate President Godswill Akpabio was delivering his welcome address to lawmakers. Her presence immediately drew attention from colleagues who greeted her warmly, signaling reconciliation and renewed camaraderie in the upper legislative chamber.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan resumes plenary after being suspended in March 2025 for alleged misconduct during her protest against the reassignment of her Senate seat. The suspension, which sparked public debate over gender representation and fairness in parliamentary procedures, has now formally expired, allowing her to return to full legislative participation.

On arrival, Akpoti-Uduaghan exchanged pleasantries with fellow lawmakers including Sen. Abdul Ningi (PDP–Bauchi), Sen. Ali Ndume (APC–Borno), and Sen. Aminu Tambuwal (PDP–Sokoto). Her resumption was seen as a symbolic moment reflecting both personal resilience and the broader push for gender equality in Nigeria’s political landscape.

During a media chat after plenary, the senator reaffirmed her position, stating that she owed no apology for standing up for what she believed in. “My actions were in defense of legislative fairness and women’s dignity in governance,” she said. “The Senate must remain a house of justice and not fear.”

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Political analysts say that Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s resumption demonstrates her growing influence and her refusal to be silenced by political intimidation. They note that her return could inspire more female legislators to speak up on issues of equity, transparency, and national development.

Her return also reignites discussions on women’s representation in governance, particularly as she remains one of the most prominent female voices in Nigeria’s 10th Senate. She has been a strong advocate for gender-sensitive policies, youth empowerment, and infrastructure development across Kogi State and beyond.

Many of her constituents in Kogi Central have expressed excitement over her comeback. For them, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s resumption of plenary duties is not just a political event, but a victory for the people who rely on her bold advocacy for social justice and inclusivity.

Observers believe her reinstatement will further strengthen legislative oversight, especially as she resumes work on critical motions that promote accountability and anti-corruption measures. According to a recent report by Premium Times, Akpoti-Uduaghan has consistently supported bills aimed at improving education, healthcare, and industrial development in Nigeria.

Her comeback also aligns with the Senate’s broader efforts to maintain internal unity and uphold democratic discipline. The leadership under Senate President Akpabio has emphasized reconciliation and cooperation among lawmakers to ensure effective governance.

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In March, the Senate had announced her suspension after she questioned the decision to relocate her seat – a move she described as unfair and gender-biased. Her subsequent protest led to the heated exchange that resulted in disciplinary action. However, her return now shows the Senate’s willingness to move forward and promote dialogue over division.

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan resumes plenary not merely as a legislator returning to work, but as a symbol of courage and persistence in Nigeria’s democratic journey. Her re-entry into the upper chamber underscores the resilience required to challenge systemic inequality and defend the rights of elected representatives.

For a deeper understanding of parliamentary ethics and discipline, visit the National Assembly of Nigeria, which provides official updates on plenary sessions and committee activities.

Meanwhile, GMTNewsng had earlier reported on Senate President Akpabio’s leadership reforms and ongoing efforts expected to enhance legislative transparency and efficiency across Nigeria’s Senate. GMTNewsng

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