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HURIWA Decries Southeast’s Exclusion From Infrastructure Projects
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned in strong terms the persistent marginalisation of the South East geopolitical zone in the allocation of national infrastructure projects, key appointments, and federal development initiatives.
The Association described the pattern of systemic exclusion as both unacceptable and unconstitutional, calling on senators and political leaders from the region to maintain relentless pressure on federal authorities to reverse the injustice and uphold equitable governance in Nigeria.
This renewed outcry follows the alarming revelation that the South East was once again excluded from a N3.2 trillion irrigation projects of the Federal Government, spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources. The multi-trillion-naira initiative, set to benefit other regions of the country through comprehensive irrigation infrastructure, has no provision whatsoever for any part of the South East.
In a statement on June 1, 2025, by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the HURIWA expressed dismay that this fresh slight comes barely a month after the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) came under scrutiny for serious irregularities in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results of students from the region.
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It noted that to date, JAMB has failed to transparently disclose the actors behind what was tagged a “human error,” sparking suspicion of a deliberate ploy to sabotage the educational aspirations of Igbo youths.
“The continuous exclusion of the South East from key national projects is becoming intolerable and clearly indicative of systemic discrimination,” said Comrade Onwubiko. “How can a region that is part and parcel of the Nigerian federation be repeatedly sidelined in project planning, appointments, and budgetary allocations with no consequences or official remorse?”
The rights group hailed the intervention of South East senators — Kenneth Eze (Ebonyi State), Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia State), and Osita Ngwu (Enugu State) — who raised the issue of the irrigation project’s regional exclusion on the floor of the Senate. Senator Eze particularly faulted the non-inclusion of the Anambra–Imo River Basin Development Authority in the 2025 irrigation scheme and emphasized that viable projects such as the Ivo Dam in Ebonyi State, Uzuakoli, Igbere, and Abba dams in Abia State qualified for consideration under the N38 billion phase of the programme.
The motion was stepped down to allow Senate leadership interface with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, with Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, and Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, describing the exclusion as a possible “administrative oversight.” However, HURIWA disagreed with the characterization.
“When an act of marginalisation repeats itself so frequently and across different sectors, it becomes implausible to dismiss it as a mere oversight,” Onwubiko asserted. “This is the latest in a long string of evidence that the South East is being deliberately reduced to a footnote in national development planning. It is time our senators, governors, ministers, and leaders spoke with one voice and maintained sustained advocacy. Nothing will be given unless we persistently demand what is ours.”
The rights group cited several other examples of exclusion to back its claim. Among them is the consistently lopsided distribution of key federal appointments under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “Of the 49 ministers in his cabinet, only five are from the South East. Worse still, only two of them hold substantive portfolios—far less than other regions. In a batch of 21 new federal agency appointments announced on May 23, 2025, the South East secured only two slots—despite comprising one of the six zones in the federation.
“In the critical area of national security and defense, the pattern is no different. In a document released by the Presidency in November 2024 detailing 20 major military and paramilitary appointments, the South East was allocated just one position, with the North West and South West dominating the list,” HURIWA frowned.
The HURIWA also recalled that during the tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari, the South East was not considered in the construction of the $2.8 billion Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) gas pipeline, part of Nigeria’s flagship National Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP). The rail modernization plan that was expected to transform national logistics and commerce similarly treated the South East as an afterthought, allocating only narrow-gauge rail lines to the region, while other zones received standard-gauge networks.
“Even the painful echoes of Buhari’s infamous ‘dot in a circle’ remark still reverberate in the actions of government today,” HURIWA lamented. “It is time to put a stop to this institutional exclusion and begin to treat all Nigerians as equal stakeholders in the national project.”
The HURIWA urged the Tinubu-led administration to walk the talk of “Renewed Hope” by ensuring inclusive governance. “The National Assembly must ensure oversight functions are exercised to prevent any section of the country from becoming a sacrificial lamb of national neglect,” the group warned.
The association concluded by calling on South East senators to keep the issue of regional exclusion on the front burner of national discourse until equity is achieved. “The South East must not retreat. We must not let this go unnoticed. From budget allocations to key projects, and top appointments, the South East deserves its fair share’”
The HURIWA emphasized. “There is no unity without justice.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expresses deep sadness over the sudden death of Mr Dotun Oladipo, former Political Editor of The Punch newspaper and Publisher of The Eagle Online, describing his death as a painful loss to Nigeria’s media industry and the nation at large.
President Tinubu acknowledges the deceased’s contributions to journalism, particularly his years of dedicated service in political reporting and his commitment to providing Nigerians with credible information through both traditional and digital media platforms.
The President says Oladipo’s professional career reflected the important role journalists play in strengthening democracy by informing citizens, holding public officials accountable and providing platforms for robust public discourse.
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He recalls the deceased’s passion for his profession and his contributions to the growth of digital journalism through The Eagle Online, which he founded after his remarkable career at Punch Newspaper.
“Dotun Oladipo’s death at the age of 56 is a painful loss to the Nigerian media community and to our nation. He was a committed journalist who devoted significant years of his life to informing the public and contributing to the development of our democracy.
“His contributions to political journalism and the digital media space will not be forgotten. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues in GOCOP and friends. I pray that Almighty God will grant him eternal rest and give his loved ones the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” President Tinubu notes.
The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, has expressed profound sadness over the death of veteran journalist and publisher of The Eagle Online, Dotun Oladipo.
Akpabio described Oladipo’s passing as a painful loss to the Nigerian media industry and the nation, noting his significant contributions to journalism, public discourse and the growth of online media in Nigeria.
The President of the Senate commiserated with the family, friends, colleagues and professional associates of the deceased, particularly members of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), where Oladipo served as Emeritus President.
“Dotun Oladipo was a courageous, principled and dedicated journalist who devoted a significant part of his life to the pursuit of truth, responsible journalism and the advancement of society.
“His sudden passing is a profound loss to his family, the journalism profession and Nigeria as a whole. His immense contributions to the development of online journalism, as well as his commitment to professional excellence, integrity and public interest, will remain indelible.
“As the philosopher John Stuart Mill reminded us, ‘He who knows only his own side of the case knows little of that.’ Dotun understood that a free and responsible press must listen, question and speak truth to power. His life demonstrated that journalism, when guided by courage and conscience, can illuminate society and strengthen democracy.
“His legacy will continue to inspire journalists and media professionals who believe in the power of responsible journalism to strengthen democracy and contribute to national development,” Akpabio said.
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The Senate President prayed that God Almighty would grant the deceased eternal rest and give his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Akpabio also urged members of the media to uphold and build upon Oladipo’s legacy of professionalism, integrity, courage and unwavering commitment to the public interest.
“May God acquaint his soul with the compass of His course” he added.
Norway’s King Harald V has died at the age of 89, bringing an end to his more than three-decade reign and ushering in a new era for the Norwegian monarchy.
The Royal Palace announced on Friday, August 28, 2026, that the monarch died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital at 6:35am local time.
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“It is with deep sadness that we announce that His Majesty King Harald passed away today. King Harald passed away peacefully at Oslo University Hospital on Friday, August 28 at 6:35 am,” the palace said in a statement.
King Harald, who ascended the throne in 1991, had been hospitalised in Oslo since August 17 while receiving treatment for haemolytic anaemia.
His condition became “extremely serious” on Thursday, prompting members of the royal family to gather at his bedside.
His 53-year-old son, Crown Prince Haakon, has automatically succeeded him as monarch under Norway’s constitutional succession rules. He is expected to take the name King Haakon VIII.
Following the announcement of Harald’s death, the flag at the Royal Palace in Oslo was lowered to half-mast, while members of the public gathered outside the palace to lay flowers and mourn the late monarch.
Harald was widely regarded as a popular and unifying figure during his 35 years on the throne. He was also known for his modest lifestyle and efforts to modernise the monarchy.
Kaspara Bolstad, 24, described him as “a very steady and warm king.”
“I think the entire Norwegian people see him as a role model and as someone who brings people together. Whether you’re for or against the monarchy, I think he’s well-liked across the board,” she said.
Magnus Skaugseth, 27, also praised the late King’s inclusive approach.
“He was so inclusive and committed to having values that are inclusive in the society we live in today. When there is so much division and polarisation, he was a pillar pointing in the opposite direction,” Skaugseth said.
Harald had experienced several health challenges in recent years and had undergone procedures including the fitting of a pacemaker. Despite his declining health, he repeatedly ruled out abdication, maintaining that his oath to serve Norway was lifelong.
His death comes during a turbulent period for the Norwegian royal family, which has faced a series of health and personal controversies in recent months.
With Harald’s death, Crown Prince Haakon now takes over the Norwegian throne, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the country’s monarchy.
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