President Bola Tinubu has been urged to reform Nigeria’s electoral process and protect democratic institutions following warnings from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria over the threat of a dominant one-party state.
Addressing the issue on Arise News’ *Prime Time* programme, the Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, John Onaiyekan, insisted that public scepticism regarding the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will persist as long as the president controls its leadership appointments. Credible elections and a level playing field, he argued, remain vital to the country’s democracy.
The cleric expressed concern that a culture of sycophancy within government circles is exacerbating Nigeria’s difficulties, with too few officials willing to confront the head of state with reality. He urged the administration to focus on tackling widespread hardship rather than celebrating its own record, noting that citizens deserve better governance.
The warnings follow a meeting at the State House in Abuja on 28 July 2026, where a delegation of bishops presented a report detailing the harsh economic, political, and security realities facing ordinary citizens. However, President Tinubu rejected their findings, maintaining that his administration remains on the correct trajectory.
Reflecting on the encounter, Onaiyekan acknowledged the tense nature of the discussions.
“When the nation is bleeding, you cannot expect a polite meeting with the Head of State,” Onaiyekan said, adding that while the delegation raised the plight of the poor, the President insisted the economy was performing well.
“Frankly speaking, he told us quite clearly that he did not agree with us,” the archbishop remarked.
Despite the pushback, Onaiyekan maintained that the delegation was satisfied to have delivered their message directly. He stressed that the statement reflected a unified stance reached after broad consultations across the Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
Dismissing any political motives behind the intervention, the cleric noted that the clergy were acting strictly in their pastoral capacity.
“We are not politicians running for office,” he said. “We are religious leaders who feel we have a duty not just to preach our doctrines but also to address the lives of our people.”
- Celebrity boxing: Portable disqualified after walking out of Okocha rematch
Category: Entertainment
Source: DP
Excerpt: The highly anticipated celebrity boxing rematch between street-pop singer Portable and Nollywood actor Charles Okocha ended in shock and confusion on Friday night, after the musician was disqualified for walking out of the ring.
Image idea: Portable and Okocha
Nollywood actor Charles Okocha has secured a victory over Portable in their highly anticipated celebrity boxing rematch, following the street-pop singer’s disqualification at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, on Friday.
The singer, whose real name is Habeeb Okikiola, provoked jeers from spectators and VIP fans after storming out of the ring before officials could restart the contest following the opening round. Although he was eventually persuaded to return, match officials promptly disqualified him, handing the win to Okocha.
The chaotic conclusion followed a fiery opening exchange in which Portable initially appeared to hold the upper hand. However, the bout quickly descended into a wrestling-style scuffle, leaving the referee struggling to split the fighters until the bell ended the round and bodyguards stepped in to restore order.
Billed as “Unfinished Business,” the encounter was set up to settle the score after Okocha claimed their controversial first fight had been unfairly awarded to the musician. The result marked a dramatic reversal of fortunes for Portable, who had boasted during the final weigh-in that he remained the superior fighter.
Prior to stepping into the ring, the artist offered a brief personal reflection backstage while holding his son, stating: “I am not happy, but I want God to make me happy and my family.”