Second Republic Senator Isa Obaro of Old Kwara State Dies at 89

Former Second Republic senator, Isa Abonyi Obaro, who represented the old Kwara South (now Kogi Central) under the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), has passed away.
Obaro was widely respected as a legal luminary and a committed advocate for the Ebira people. Before joining politics, he served in the Federal Civil Service between 1958 and 1960, later building a notable legal career from 1963–1968 and 1975–1979.
He also served as a commissioner in the Kwara State Executive Council from 1968 to 1975, and during his Senate tenure, contributed to major legislative work, including the Committee on Trade and Industries.

PRESIDENT TINUBU'S TRIBUTE TO CENTENARIAN ALHAJI TANKO YAKASAI

Of the noble men and women who stood firm for our liberty and freedom from repressive colonial subjugation, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai is the last man standing. Born a hundred years ago in Kano City, Alhaji Yakasai exemplifies a purposeful life, carving out a meaningful legacy despite humble beginnings.

Disturbed by the injustice and maltreatment he witnessed under colonial rule, he chose to join the fight for Nigeria’s liberation. As a young man, Baba Yakasai channelled his energy into the struggle for the emancipation of his people and the rest of the country as a freedom fighter, journalist, and frontline political activist.

His activism led him to join hands with comrades in the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU), led by the visionary radical Mallam Aminu Kano. Through NEPU, Yakasai and his co-travellers launched a massive awakening campaign in Northern Nigeria, igniting the fire for the Independence struggle.

In the aftermath of Nigeria's Independence in 1960, Yakasai maintained an abiding faith in the country and its development. He played several significant roles, including serving as State Commissioner in Kano under Military Governor Audu Bako and as Special Assistant on National Assembly Liaison to President Shehu Shagari during the Second Republic.

In both youth and old age, Yakasai remains a shining example of commitment to Nigeria. He is a consensus builder who consistently weighs in on the side of national cohesion, peaceful coexistence, and democratic consolidation.

In celebrating Baba Yakasai today, I am not only celebrating the man and his personal achievements, but also a century of dedicated service to freedom and democracy and many years of supporting me and the progressive cause.

I am pleased to join family, friends and associates to celebrate the life and commitment of Alhaji Tanko Yakasai as he turns 100 on December 5.


President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President and Commander-in-Chief
Federal Republic of Nigeria
December 4, 2025

PRESIDENT TINUBU SALUTES PROFESSOR JERRY GANA AT 80

President Bola Tinubu congratulates statesman, academician, and politician Professor Jerry Gana on his 80th birthday.

A statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President Information & Strategy indicates that President Tinubu acknowledges Professor Gana's decades of active service in Nigeria's socio-political landscape. He served as a two-time Minister of Information and Culture/National Orientation under different administrations and as Director of Mass Mobilisation for Social Justice and Economic Recovery (MAMSER) under the Ibrahim Babangida administration.

He was elected to the Senate in the aborted Second Republic.

President Tinubu describes Professor Gana as a fine gentleman, a prolific communicator, a mass mobiliser, and a passionate patriot blessed with the gift of oratory.

The President recalls the former Minister's mass mobilisation and sensitisation efforts for unity, peace, and national development, and commends his contributions to advancing Nigeria's values and ideals.

The President wishes Professor Gana a happy 80th birthday and prays that God Almighty will grant him many more years of good health and a sound mind.

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How Evan Enwerem Was Removed as Senate President

Evans Enwerem began his rise in public service as chairman of the Nigerian Airports Authority (NAA) from 1980 to 1983. He later emerged on the political scene in the 1990s when General Ibrahim Babangida lifted the ban on political activity, allowing Enwerem to become governor of Imo State.

With the return to democratic rule in 1999 under President Olusegun Obasanjo, Enwerem was elected senator representing Imo East. However, he had ambitions beyond the Senate floor—he set his sights on becoming Senate President.

His main rival for the position was Chuba Okadigbo, a well-respected politician from Anambra State and former political adviser to President Shehu Shagari during the Second Republic. Okadigbo was the popular favorite among senators, especially within the dominant People's Democratic Party (PDP), and had quietly campaigned by meeting with many of them before the Senate’s inauguration.

Despite Okadigbo's popularity and strong backing, President Obasanjo reportedly opposed his candidacy. In the days leading up to the Senate leadership election, Obasanjo allegedly coordinated with opposition parties and some PDP senators to thwart Okadigbo’s bid.

On election day in June 1999, Enwerem pulled off an upset, defeating Okadigbo by 66 votes to 43. He assumed the Senate presidency, but his victory—backed by presidential influence—caused friction within the PDP and foreshadowed the turbulence ahead for the Nigerian Senate.

Enwerem’s tenure was marked by unwavering loyalty to Obasanjo, which only fueled skepticism about his leadership. In August 1999, TELL magazine published an exposé questioning his credentials and legitimacy. The controversy spiraled when questions arose over whether his actual name was “Evan” or “Evans,” with some of Okadigbo’s allies accusing him of falsifying personal information for political gain.

Although Enwerem claimed the discrepancies were merely typographical errors, the scandal intensified. On November 18, 1999, while accompanying President Obasanjo to the airport for a foreign trip, the Senate moved against him. In his absence, a vote was taken, and Enwerem was removed from office.

Chuba Okadigbo was subsequently elected as his replacement. Although initially celebrated, Okadigbo too fell from grace—impeached in 2000 over allegations of corruption, though he continued to serve as the senator representing Anambra North.