News
PANDEF Celebrates Okonjo-Iweala’s ‘Well-Deserved’ Reappointment As WTO DG

The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has expressed immense satisfaction with the reappointment of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), describing the development as “well-deserved”.
The apex sociopolitical organization and umbrella body for the great people of the Niger Delta, in a statement signed by its National Chairman, Dr. Godknows Igali said the former Nigeria’s Finance Minister, and Coordinating Minister of the Economy is a shining star and an outstanding ambassador of our country who exemplifies the indomitable spirit, resilience, and brilliance that define our people.
Igali added that the entire Niger Delta is immensely proud of Okonjo-Iweala as she continues to blaze the trail as the first woman and first African to lead the WTO while assuring her of their unwavering support and prayers.
The statement reads:
The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the apex sociopolitical organization and umbrella body for the great people of the Niger Delta, proudly celebrates one of our most illustrious daughters, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on her well-deserved reappointment as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is a shining star and an outstanding ambassador of our country and the Niger Delta, hailing from the historic town of Ogwashi-Ukwu in Delta State. She exemplifies the indomitable spirit, resilience, and brilliance that define our people. Without reservations, the entire Niger Delta is immensely proud of her as she continues to blaze the trail as the first woman and first African to lead the WTO.
We note that throughout her illustrious career, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala has demonstrated unparalleled excellence, whether as Nigeria’s Finance Minister, Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Managing Director of the World Bank, or in her many other global roles. Indeed, her first term as WTO Director-General, which coincided with the COVID-19 Pandemic was, nonetheless, marked by transformational leadership. She skillfully navigated the complexities of global trade, championing equitable trade policies, and advocated, especially for the interests of developing countries.
We are proud to restate that Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s qualities of integrity, intellect, and unwavering commitment to global economic equity make her a beacon of hope for Africa and the world. She is a symbol of what is possible when talent meets dedication, and her achievements inspire not only the people of the Niger Delta but all Nigerians and Africans. These personal attributes redefine the narrative about Africa’s capacity to lead on the global stage, and her work will continue to open doors for others to follow.
Madame Okonjo-Iweala has shown that our region is home to transformative leaders capable of addressing global challenges with innovative solutions. Her success is a reminder of the potential that lies within the Niger Delta, and her story continues to encourage young people to pursue excellence with courage and determination. We are confident that her second term will be even more impactful, as she leads with characteristic wisdom, determination, and a visionary outlook.
We assure her of unwavering support and prayers and look forward to witnessing more groundbreaking achievements, which will undoubtedly benefit the world at large, particularly the developing economies and of our home base inclusive.
News
SDGs must be integrated into development plans – FG

The Federal Government has emphasized that achieving the **Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)** requires their full integration into national and sub-national development plans rather than treating them as isolated initiatives.
The **Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs (SSAP-SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire**, made this call during the **North-East Regional Consultation in Gombe**, part of Nigeria’s **2025 Voluntary National Review (VNR)** preparations for the **High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York this July**. Represented by **Dr. Bala Yunusa, Senior Technical Adviser**, she explained that the **United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)** established the HLPF as a global review mechanism for the 2030 Agenda. Nigeria, now conducting its third VNR, is engaging stakeholders across all six geopolitical zones to assess progress, challenges, and future opportunities.
A statement from her **Special Assistant on Media and Strategic Communication, Desmond Utomwen**, highlighted the urgent need to accelerate SDG progress. Citing the **2024 UN Sustainable Development Goals Report**, she revealed that only 17% of SDG targets are on track, nearly 50% show minimal or moderate progress, and over one-third have stalled or regressed. She attributed Nigeria’s slow SDG progress to dwindling financial resources, the COVID-19 pandemic, and persistent insecurity.
Orelope-Adefulire stressed the importance of **robust Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting (MER) mechanisms**, including SDG Progress Reports and the VNR, to track achievements and challenges. She called for stronger collaboration among public and private sectors, the UN Development System, donor agencies, academia, and civil society to ensure no one is left behind.
Referring to the **“Pact for the Future”** adopted during the **79th UN General Assembly**, she reaffirmed world leaders’ commitment to bold and transformative actions for SDG acceleration. She also echoed **UN Secretary-General António Guterres’** call for massive investments and strategic partnerships to drive key transitions in food security, energy, and digital connectivity.
She commended **Nigeria’s Multi-Stakeholder Core Working Group for the 2025 VNR**, acknowledging the contributions of members from government agencies, the UN Development System, private sector groups, civil society organizations, and academia.
The **North-East Regional Consultation** brought together 150 participants from six states, focusing discussions on institutional frameworks for SDG implementation, progress across the 17 SDGs, and challenges and lessons learned.
**Gombe State SDGs Focal Person, Engr. Sulaiman Turaki**, described the event as a critical dialogue shaping Nigeria’s next VNR. He urged stakeholders to actively contribute, ensuring the review accurately reflects progress, challenges, and opportunities while ensuring no one is left behind in the country’s development efforts.
News
Nnamdi Kanu’s trial under ‘repealed’ law, mere charade – Lawyer

Prominent human rights lawyer, Barrister Christopher Chidera, has raised concerns over the Nigerian government’s plan to prosecute Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), under the repealed Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013. He described the move as legally unsustainable and urged the administration of President Bola Tinubu to reconsider.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Chidera argued that since the 2013 Act has been revoked, it cannot serve as a legal basis for Kanu’s trial.
“Any attempt to prosecute the IPOB leader under the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013 is legally untenable and procedurally flawed,” he stated.
He warned that continuing with the case under an obsolete law could undermine Nigeria’s justice system and attract international criticism.
Chidera further urged the government to negotiate with Kanu before March 20, 2025, to avoid exposing systemic flaws in the judiciary.
“The section of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013 on which the prosecution relies is no longer an active law in Nigeria. The jurisdiction to prosecute Kanu under this Act ceased with its repeal. Continuing with this prosecution would draw scrutiny and criticism both domestically and internationally,” he added.
With Kanu set to represent himself in court on March 21, 2025, legal analysts predict heightened scrutiny of the case.
“Reports that Mazi Kanu will assume his own defence signal a significant shift. His self-representation may reveal inconsistencies and vulnerabilities within Nigeria’s judicial system,” Chidera noted.
Describing the trial as a critical test for Nigeria’s judiciary, Chidera called on Tinubu’s government to seek a diplomatic resolution before the March 20 deadline.
“Political dissent cannot be extinguished by force, and the Biafran struggle will not be subdued by crackdowns or detention without trial,” he emphasised.
As the court date approaches, all eyes remain on how the government will handle the high-stakes legal battle, with potential implications for Nigeria’s political and judicial credibility.
News
2027: Stakeholders allege Akpabio, others have sold APC to PDP in Akwa Ibom

ey stakeholders within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State have raised serious allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, state party chairman Stephen Ntukekpo, and Minister of Petroleum (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo. The group claims that these leaders have sold out the party to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in return for the latter’s support for Akpabio’s bid for a third term as Senate President in 2027.
The accusations were made public through an open letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu, titled “The Worrisome State of the APC in Akwa Ibom State: A Call for Your Intervention”. The letter was signed by Elder Okokon James, Peter Ibanga, and Chief Victor Affiah, who represent the Uyo, Eket, and Ikot Ekpene Senatorial districts, respectively.
In the letter, the APC stakeholders express their frustration with the actions of the party’s leadership in the state, stating that Ntukekpo and Ekpo have openly claimed to be acting on Akpabio’s orders to deliberately weaken the party in Akwa Ibom. According to the group, this was done to facilitate an easy victory for the PDP in the upcoming 2027 elections. They argue that this arrangement is part of a deal to secure support for Akpabio’s third-term Senate ambitions.
The group warns that if urgent intervention is not taken to revitalize the APC in the state, party members will abandon the party and join a coalition of opposition forces, undermining President Tinubu’s prospects in his second term campaign. They allege that the APC in the state has been effectively dismantled by its own leaders, leaving little support for Tinubu when he visits next year.
“This is a betrayal of trust,” the stakeholders write, accusing Akpabio and Ekpo of undermining the party that helped propel Akpabio to the Senate Presidency. They further allege that if the party’s situation worsens, the responsibility will fall squarely on the shoulders of Akpabio and Ekpo.
The letter also criticizes the inaction of Governor Umo Eno and his team, suggesting that while the Governor is strengthening his political base, APC leaders in the state are failing to make any significant moves to bolster the party.
In response, the Senate President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, dismissed the allegations, calling them “spurious and mischievous.” Eyiboh defended Akpabio’s efforts, pointing to the numerous appointments the Senate President has secured for party members, which he argues are evidence of his commitment to strengthening the party.
Eyiboh further labeled the signatories of the letter as “non-existent” and stated that the claims were baseless and intended to stir unnecessary controversy.
-
News9 hours ago
SDGs must be integrated into development plans – FG
-
News10 hours ago
2027: Stakeholders allege Akpabio, others have sold APC to PDP in Akwa Ibom
-
News9 hours ago
Nnamdi Kanu’s trial under ‘repealed’ law, mere charade – Lawyer
-
Foreign9 hours ago
Trump begins mass layoffs at Voice of America