Nigeria’s National Assembly has joined the rest of the world to commemorate the 2025 Commonwealth Day and reiterated its commitment to deepening democracy, peace, and sustainable development.

This year’s theme, “Together We Thrive,” the observance highlighted Nigeria’s active role in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and its dedication to fostering youth engagement and international cooperation.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Mark Esset, Chairman, House Committee on Inter-Parliamentary Affairs, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the shared values of the 56-member Commonwealth.

“The National Assembly remains dedicated to strengthening democracy by supporting policies that promote social and economic inclusion, human rights, and environmental sustainability. We will continue to engage in Commonwealth parliamentary dialogue to share best practices and learn from other nations to enhance our governance,” he stated.

Hon. Esset highlighted Nigeria’s longstanding participation in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), recalling that the country hosted the 56th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Abuja in 2006. He noted that Nigeria remains an active player in Commonwealth affairs, with key representatives such as Hon. Tolu Sadipe serving as the West Africa Regional Representative and Hon. Mark Esset as the Branch Representative.

He also commended Hon. Zainab Gimba, who recently completed her tenure as Chairperson of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP).

The Speaker reiterated the National Assembly’s support for recognizing the CPA as an international organization rather than a UK-registered charity, noting that a bill to that effect has already passed in the UK House of Commons.

He further expressed concerns about political instability in parts of Africa, particularly the resurgence of military rule and the displacement of citizens due to conflict. He called for stronger Commonwealth cooperation in upholding democratic principles and human rights.

Another important highlight of the celebration was the presence of 60 students from four schools, reflecting the Commonwealth’s commitment to youth inclusion in governance.

Hon. Esset called on the House Committee on Youth Affairs and the Directorate of Inter-Parliamentary Affairs to establish a framework for mentoring young people who participate in such events, encouraging their involvement in legislative activities.

“Our young people are the future of our democracy. We must not only educate them on governance but also empower them through mentorship initiatives like the Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI),” he said.

Delivering his remarks, Engr. B.A. Yero, Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly, who represented Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, Esq., emphasized the significance of the Commonwealth Day celebration.

“The theme ‘Together We Thrive’ reminds us that despite differences in geography, culture, and history, we share common aspirations for justice, equality, and progress. Addressing challenges such as climate change, insecurity, and economic instability requires collaboration,” he stated.

He urged the youth to embrace teamwork and innovation, describing them as agents of positive change in Nigeria and the broader Commonwealth.

As part of the observance, Elder Godwin Okon Ekpenyong, Secretary, Directorate of Inter-Parliamentary Relations and Protocol, delivered the King’s Commonwealth Day Message 2025, originally published on March 9.

The message reflected on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, paying tribute to the 1.5 million Commonwealth soldiers who fought for global peace. The King emphasized the importance of international cooperation in promoting peace, human rights, and environmental sustainability.

“In these uncertain times, the Commonwealth remains a unique platform where nations—large and small, young and old—come together as one family. Our greatest strength lies in our unity and shared responsibility for a better future,” the message read.

The 2025 Commonwealth Day observance at the National Assembly reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to democratic governance, global cooperation, and youth empowerment. With strong parliamentary engagement, calls for unity, and a renewed focus on mentorship, the event embodied the spirit of “Together We Thrive,” inspiring a future built on shared progress and inclusivity.

Ex-Senator and former Minister of Works, Adeseye Ogunlewe, reacting to sexual harassment allegation claimed that the beauty of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, remains a huge challenge to her in her political career.

He said men will find it difficult to ignore her presence anywhere she finds herself.

Ogunlewe stated this while featuring on Arise Television on Monday, remarking that female Senators do no always feel inferior to their male counterpart and often assert themselves in political discussions.

The former lawmaker in the Senate stated that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s physical appearance sets her apart in a way that affects how men relate to her, a fact she must realise.

“The female Senators did not look at themselves as if they were inferior to men. They were even up to the task. If you even mention that Itadewa is a woman, the response you are going to get will make you ashamed of yourself because they will stand up to you,” he said.

Referring specifically to Akpoti-Uduaghan, he added, “But the beauty of Distinguished Senator Natasha is a problem to her.

When asked, “How can beauty be a problem?”

He said, “You know, men—when somebody who is pretty passes by you, your attitude will change. You can smile, you can wink, but you may not talk to her. But her beauty is a problem, there’s no doubt about that.”

When pressed further on how beauty could be an issue, Ogunlewe responded, “To men, when she’s passing, there’s no way a man will not look at that woman.”

He defended his stance by stating that it is natural for men to notice attractive women, adding, “It is a natural thing for a man to look at beautiful women. How can you be a man, and a beautiful woman is passing, and you close your eyes?”

Despite being questioned on whether his views were misogynistic, Ogunlewe insisted that his observations were based on natural human tendencies.

“It may be, you might term it that way, but it is inbuilt,” he said.

Nigeria’s Supreme Court Monday dismissed an application filed by Nyesom Wike’s ally, Samuel Anyanwu who sought for stay of execution of the Court of Appeal that earlier removed him as the National Secretary of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Feeling that the judgment was going to turn against Anyanwu, his legal team opted for withdrawal of the appeal and the apex Court finally struck out the case.

Justice Musa Awani Aba-Aji who presided over the matter dismissed the aapplication after a request from Kingsley Njemanze, SAN, who represented Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

This means that the concurrent of the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal removing Samuel Anyanwu as the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party have been upheld.
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Meanwhile, the Supreme Court’s five-man panel, led by Justice Aba-Aji, is continuing with the substantive hearing on the case.

The Court of Appeal, Enugu Division, had in December 2024 affirmed the Federal High Court’s decision, which declared Chief Sunday Ude-Okoye as the rightful National Secretary of the PDP.

In its lead judgment, delivered by Justice Ridwan Abdullahi, the appellate court ruled that Anyanwu’s appeal lacked merit, emphasizing that he had violated the PDP constitution by simultaneously claiming the national secretary position while contesting as the party’s governorship candidate in the 2024 Imo State election.

Following his removal by the lower courts, Anyanwu had approached the Supreme Court in February, urging it to overturn the judgments and recognize him as the authentic National Secretary of the PDP.

He also filed motions for accelerated hearing and an abridgment of time, citing the crucial role of the office in the party’s leadership.