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Bianca Ojukwu, Wife of Late Leader, Outlines Foreign Affairs Plans Amid Criticism from Anambra APC
Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, the wife of the late Chukwuemeke Odumegwu Ojukwu, has recently come under scrutiny from stakeholders within the Anambra chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following her appointment as Minister of State at the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs (FMFA) by the President. Critics have described the appointment as an anti-party move, given that Ojukwu is affiliated with the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Notable figures such as Prince Orji Nwafor Orizu and Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, the highest elected officeholder in APGA, have voiced their support for Ojukwu’s appointment, highlighting that the Senate approved her nomination during the screening process.
In a recent interview with journalists after her screening at the National Assembly, Ojukwu emphasized her commitment to aligning Nigeria’s foreign policy with the goal of strengthening democratic institutions globally. She stated that her efforts would involve leveraging Nigeria’s economic potential and facilitating trade both regionally and internationally.
Highlighting Nigeria’s youthful demographic, with approximately 75% of its population under 43, Ojukwu asserted that tapping into the country’s human capital could lead to sustainable progress. She also advocated for greater engagement with the Nigerian diaspora, noting that increasing women’s representation in the cabinet would contribute to advancing the nation’s interests.
Prince Orji Nwafor Orizu, Principal Partner at Friends Chambers in Abuja, characterized Ojukwu’s appointment as a significant opportunity for both the Anambra APC and the state as a whole. He acknowledged that while some members of the Anambra APC expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of consultation prior to her appointment, he believes it represents a positive step forward.
Orizu urged party members to support Ojukwu, stating that their current approach suggests a misunderstanding of the principles of a presidential system of government. He reminded them that the President is not obligated to select only from APC members or to consult with the party before making appointments. He pointed out that Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, the highest-ranking official in the APGA, has openly supported Ojukwu’s nomination in the Senate.
Expressing gratitude to the President for appointing Ojukwu, Orizu highlighted her impressive qualifications and background. He noted her previous roles, including serving as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain and as a representative in the UN World Tourism Organization, where she earned accolades as the best African Ambassador in Spain. Additionally, he emphasized her legal training and her lineage as the daughter of former Governor C.C. Onoh of old Anambra State and the wife of the late military governor of the Eastern Region, Chief Chukwuemeke Odumegwu Ojukwu.
Orizu concluded by reinforcing the importance of Anambra APC stakeholders rallying behind Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, arguing that unity and support are essential for the progress of the state and the party.
Senator David Jimkuta (APC), representing Taraba South Senatorial District at the National Assembly says 19 senators have been denied landing permit at the Kashimbilla airport in Taraba.
Jimkuta made the complain at his Senatorial Empowerment Programme in Wukari, Taraba, where he donated assorted items to the constituents.
He explained that the 19 senators were selected by the Senate to accompany him and to witness his empowerment programme.
The senator lamented that he got the report that the Kashimbila air port was temporary shut down, after he had completed every procedure required to fly into the airport.
Jimkuta, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Councils, said that the visit would have allowed the know the needs of the state to be of support.
He said that the situation had prevented the senators from gracing the occasion.
He advised the beneficiaries of the empowerment programme not to sell their equipment.
Jimkuta also promised to support security with logistics to enhance security of lives and properties in the district.
He advised the beneficiaries of the empowerment programme not to sell their items but use them to better their lots.
Earlier, Chief David Kente, Chairman of the event, thanked the senator for the massive distribution of items to his constituents.
Kente, a philanthropist and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), described the empowerment as unpresidented in the history of the district.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that items distributed include cars, motorcycles, tricycles, sewing machines, deep freezers, vulcanizing machines among others.
By Nathaniel Irobi
David Shikfu Parradang, former Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), has been killed by kidnappers in Abuja.
Citing sources, counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, Parradang, said Parradang was abducted in the Area 1 axis of Abuja in the early hours of Tuesday.
Makama said after being trailed from a bank where he had withdrawn money, the assailants took the cash from him before eventually killing him.
The tragic incident has raised fresh concerns over security in the Federal Capital Territory, particularly regarding the increasing cases of kidnappings and targeted attacks,” Makama said in a post.
Parradang, who served in the NIS for over 30 years, held various positions across the country, including Comptroller General.
He served in Kano, Lagos, Kwara, Enugu, and the Federal Capital Territory. He also attended several professional courses both within Nigeria and internationally.
In recognition of his service, he was awarded the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) and was a distinguished graduate of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).
Security agencies have reportedly launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his abduction and killing, with efforts ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators.
The Executive members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) across the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Abuja have unanimously passed a vote of confidence in their newly appointed Chairman, Rev. John Joseph Hayab.
In a press briefing held in Maiduguri on Tuesday, Bishop Mohammed Naga, the General Secretary of the association and Chairman of North-east CAN, affirmed that the election, which took place on 25th February 2025 in Abuja, was conducted in a peaceful and transparent manner, leading to the selection of Rev. Hayab and other Executive members.
Bishop Naga, who serves as the General Overseer of the Biblical Christian Church (BCC), urged Christians, particularly those from the North, to continue praying for the peace, unity, and progress of a region beset by terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities.
He further encouraged all Christians to extend their prayers and support to the Muslim community during the Holy Month of Ramadan, in accordance with the teachings of the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, who was the founding Patron of CAN in Northern Nigeria.
Bishop Naga stated, “I wish to express our unwavering support for our substantive Chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab. He was duly elected alongside other executive members, and all churches and Christian leaders in Northern Nigeria remain loyal to him.”
He continued, “Any group that believes they must hold power indefinitely should recognise that the stakeholders in Northern Nigeria, including the General Secretary of national CAN, Northern CAN, and representatives from various states, have honoured the election. This election stands firm, and we remain loyal.”
“We want to convey to the world, particularly those of us in Northern Nigeria, that we have a leader to whom we can turn regarding Christian matters. We advocate for peace and acknowledge the historical context of Northern Nigeria. CAN was established here, and we honour our father, the Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardauna of Sokoto, who was the first patron of CAN. This illustrates our kinship and commitment to peaceful coexistence.”
“Anyone seeking to disrupt this long-standing harmony is, in essence, an enemy of progress. In conclusion, I call upon all Nigerians to embrace one another, especially our Muslim brothers and sisters, who are fasting. Let us pray for peace in Nigeria and for the advancement of our beloved country, particularly in the North,” Bishop Naga concluded.