Lawmaker blames opposition crisis for defections

Published

3 months ago

March 6, 2025

A member of the House of Representatives, Cyriacus Umeha, has blamed the wave of defections from opposition parties to the ruling party on a lack of leadership.

Umeha, representing Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that opposition parties were experiencing a leadership crisis.

“Labour Party, which I belong to, is in crisis at both ward and national levels. The PDP and even NNPP are also facing leadership crises,” he said.

The lawmaker stressed the need for opposition parties to unite and speak with one voice, saying that only then would defections stop.

He emphasised that every politician was committed to working under a harmonised and united political party leadership.

According to him, the opposition lacks credible and united leadership, forcing members to seek stability in the ruling party.

Umeha regretted the leadership tussle within the Labour Party, saying it had caused divisions and weakened the party.

“The Labour Party was seen as a third force with great expectations from Nigerians. Unfortunately, it is now in crisis,” he said.

However, he reaffirmed his dedication to delivering the dividends of democracy to his constituents through developmental projects.

He stated that he had provided water to rural communities and constructed rural roads to improve livelihoods.

Umeha also urged INEC to fulfil its duty of replacing vacant seats in the National Assembly without delay.

He criticised INEC’s failure to conduct elections within 90 days as required by the constitution, calling it unhealthy for Nigeria’s democracy.

NAN reports that there has been a wave of defections in the National Assembly, particularly from opposition parties to the ruling party.

NAN

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Diplomatic Community in Nigeria Joins Italian Envoy in National Day Celebration

Published

20 hours ago

June 2, 2025

The Gleamer

By Joel Ajayi

It was a vibrant evening of joy, connection, and cultural celebration as the Acting Ambassador of Italy to Nigeria, Mr. Iacopo Foti, hosted members of Nigeria’s diplomatic community in Abuja to commemorate Italy’s National Day, la Festa della Repubblica.

Held in the heart of Nigeria’s capital, the event was a memorable gathering marked by laughter, heartfelt exchanges, and a shared appreciation for the enduring ties between Italy and Nigeria.
In his address, Mr. Foti described the occasion as a time to reflect on the core values that define Italy: liberty, democracy, justice, and the enduring creativity and resilience of its people.

“It is a day to celebrate our rich history, our unparalleled cultural heritage, and our contributions to art, science, and innovation,” he said. “But beyond Italy, today we also celebrate the strong and growing bonds between the Republic of Italy and the Federal Republic of Nigeria — our economies, our cultures, and above all, our people.”

The ambassador emphasized the depth of the bilateral relationship, recalling that diplomatic ties between Italy and Nigeria were established on February 20, 1960. He noted that since the 1970s and 1980s, Nigeria has become a second home for many Italians who have contributed significantly across various sectors.

“We are proud to be part of this welcoming and vibrant society,” he said. “I have personally witnessed the dedication, entrepreneurial spirit, and warmth of the Nigerian people, as well as their hospitality toward the Italian community.”

Looking ahead, Mr. Foti expressed optimism about the future of Italy-Nigeria relations, pointing to untapped opportunities for deeper economic cooperation, technological collaboration, and cultural and academic exchange.

“Nigeria is a cultural powerhouse, a leader in Africa and globally in art, literature, and film,” he remarked. “Italy, with its deep-rooted cultural legacy, is eager to expand its engagement with Africa, and particularly with Nigeria.”

He acknowledged the growing Nigerian interest in Italian culture — from fashion and design to cinema and tourism — while noting that Italy hosts the third-largest Nigerian diaspora community globally, after the United States and the United Kingdom.

The ambassador also highlighted the countries’ cooperation on global challenges such as climate change, peace and security, migration, and human trafficking. Both nations are signatories to the Paris Agreement and active participants in global policy dialogues.

“Our relationship is built on mutual respect and understanding,” he noted. “We see this in our economic ties, cultural exchanges, love for football, and the increasing number of Nigerians who study and travel to Italy, as well as Italians drawn to Nigeria’s rich history and culture.”

He pointed out the many shared qualities between Italians and Nigerians, from strong family values and communal bonds to a vibrant fashion industry and a dynamic film sector.

“We are both historically migrant societies that have achieved success abroad while keeping close ties to our homeland,” Mr. Foti said. “We share humor, resilience, and a deep appreciation for life’s ironies.”

Addressing the issue of stereotypes, he cited renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, saying: “The single story creates stereotypes, and the problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue, but that they are incomplete.”

He concluded by expressing gratitude for the support of Nigerian authorities and all who attended the celebration.

“On behalf of the Italian government and the people of Italy, I extend my sincere thanks to everyone who joined us. Your presence is a testament to the strength of our friendship and our shared future.”

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