Former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has accepted the role of Interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Aregbesola explained that his decision stems from concerns that most political parties in Nigeria operate without clear ideological direction.

In a statement shared on his verified Facebook page, he criticized existing political parties, describing them as hollow entities that unite and split based not on values or policies, but on the pursuit of power and personal interests.

He said: “ACCEPTANCE SPEECH BY OGBENI RAUF AREGBESOLA ON HIS APPOINTMENT AS THE INTERIM NATIONAL SECRETARY, ADC – The party platform adopted by the National Opposition Coalition Group – Tuesday, 1st July, 2025

“Dear Party Leaders, Distinguished Members, Friends, and Fellow Citizens,

“It is with deep humility, a profound sense of duty, and unwavering hope for our people, nation, race and party and that I accept the appointment as The National Secretary of our great party.

“I thank the leadership for the trust reposed in me. But more than that, I thank every committed member of this party and those who still believe that politics can be a force for good; people who believe that parties form government and must control it; those who believe in the supremacy of the party in a democracy and all products of democratic contests; those who recognise that parties must stand for and with the people in the promotion of their interests and aspirations; that parties therefore are not merely machines for winning elections but institutions for mobilizing, organizing, energizing, educating, empowering and encouraging the people towards their emancipation and development.

“Let me begin by saying this: a political party is not a platform for opportunism. It is not a mere vehicle to power for the few, nor a tool for personal ambition. A political party, in its truest form, is a living institution built on values, guided by ideals and accountable to the people it seeks to serve.

“Throughout Africa’s history and particularly in the legacy of the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa, a 113-year behemoth of party organization that is impeccable in its credibility as a model of supremacy of party over its creation (government and popularly elected officials) have seen what a party grounded in ideology, principle, and people-centered struggle can achieve.

The ANC is not perfect, but it stands for something. It was forged in resistance, sharpened by vision, and led by men and women who believe in justice, dignity, equality, inclusivity of all interests and true freedom. It has character. It has soul. It is therefore a true platform for the expression of their aspirations.

“Sadly, in Nigeria today, we cannot say the same about many of our political parties. Our political landscape is plagued by parties that lack ideological depth. They are empty shells merging and splitting, not over policy or principle, but over power and personality. There is little regard for the people, and even less for the country.

“That is not the kind of party we must be. That is not the kind of party I will serve. As The National Secretary, I will work to build a party that has a clear ideological compass, a party that is absolutely committed to the people, rooted in democratic values, rule of law, social justice, accountability, transparency and national development. A party that listens and works for to the people, not only during elections, but every single day.

“We must become an institution where:

(1) Internal democracy is not just preached but practiced.

(2) Intra-party competition is transparent, fair, and just.

(3) All party structures from the ward to the national level and function effectively and efficiently.

(4) Young people, women, and the marginalized have a real voice, not symbolic inclusion.

(5) All special and critical interests (security, educators, farmers, workers, women, youth, professionals, people with special needs, etc. must be recognised and allowed to have autonomous structures within the party.

“We will model international best practices in party organization, administration, and ethics. We will study what works, from South Africa to Sweden, from Chile to Kenya and adapt to them into what fits our local reality. Discipline, order, clarity of purpose, and service to the people must define us.

“We must be the party that talks about public education and actually builds schools. That speaks of security and supports real policies to keep our communities safe. That believes in jobs and works to create them. That stands for Nigeria not just during elections, but in everyday governance.

“This is not an easy task. It will take time. It will demand sacrifice. But it can be done.

“I ask for your support not just in words, but in action. Hold me accountable. Challenge me when I stray. And stand with me as we begin this journey to rebuild our party, restore its soul, and return politics to its rightful place – as a service to the people. Thank you, and may our work ahead be worthy of the hopes our people place in us.”

The Lagos State House of Assembly marked World Parliamentary Day at the plenary on Tuesday, emphasizing the essential role of parliaments in promoting democracy and accountability.

This annual observance, initiated by the United Nations to commemorate the establishment of the Inter-parliamentary Union in 1989 on every June 30, provides lawmakers with an opportunity to reflect on the importance of legislative bodies in society.

Deputy Majority Leader Hon. Adedamola Richard Kasunmu, who initiated the motion, stressed the need for inclusive and transparent democratic structures. He pointed out that these structures are vital in addressing challenges such as inequality, political polarization, climate change, and threats to democratic norms. “Increasing public engagement in parliamentary processes and enhancing civic education are crucial in rebuilding trust between citizens and governance,” Kasunmu stated, calling for measures to protect legislative independence.

Hon. Oladipo Ajomale echoed this sentiment, expressing that World Parliamentary Day is often under-celebrated. He proposed that future observances be formally recognized within the House to raise awareness while commending Speaker Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Obasa for his dedication and experience.

Hon. Desmond Elliott paid tribute to Nigeria’s legislative forbears, emphasising the importance of recognising their contributions. He suggested that the Conference of Speakers of Legislatures of Nigeria should strengthen inter-regional cooperation to enhance legislative effectiveness.

In a collective stance, all lawmakers acknowledged that the role of parliament extends beyond lawmaking, advocating for the inclusion of the Lagos State House of Assembly in national programs aimed at strengthening democracy through effective governance.

The Assembly, therefore, congratulated key national leaders, including Senate President Sen. Godswill Akpabio, GCON, Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass, GCON, and their Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, for their contributions to nation-building.

In his submission, Speaker Obasa described the parliament as the backbone of democracy and vital to state development. He harped on the need for greater public understanding of the legislature’s role and reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to democratic values, urging parliamentarians to actively promote sustainable governance.

In a related development, the Assembly has invited the Commissioner of Justice and Attorney-General, Lawal Pedro SAN, Solicitor- General, Mr. Ahmed Oyenuga, Commissioner for Local government, Bolaji Roberts and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; and Director of Litigation to appear before the House to clarify matters regarding an Executive Order following the Governor’s assent to an existing law.

This summon followed a letter forwarded to the House by the Solicitor-General and read by the Clerk during plenary. The letter, titled “Lagos State Government: Commencement Order, Local Government Administration Law 2025,” pertains to the recent conduct of the APC Local Government Primary election in the state, and mandates that the Local Government Administration Law should not take effect until August 4th, 2025.

Describing the Executive Order as delicate and sensitive, Chairman of the Committee on Local Government Administration, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development, Hon. Sanni Ganiyu Babatunde, expressed concern that any attempt to vary the law would undermine legislative duties, asserting, “The sanctity of the law should be respected.”

Hon. Oladipo Ajomale, Chairman of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, Public Petitions, and LASIEC, expressed his surprise at the Order, noting that the law in question has already been public since the day of the Governor’s assent in May, questioning the sudden turnaround.

Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh reiterated that no Executive Order can override a valid law that has already been assented to by the governor.

Responding, Speaker Obasa highlighted that this situation provided an opportunity to test the spirit of the law, emphasizing that if a law is challenged, it is crucial to examine the legislative process to determine if lawmakers acted correctly. He noted that the process of lawmaking concludes with the governor’s assent and that any law not assented to can be brought back to the Assembly.

Additionally, the House received a letter from Otto-Awori Local Council Development Area regarding the “Swearing in of Hon. Abdulkareem Azeez Abioun as the substantive Executive Chairman of Otto-Awori Local Council Development Area.” The letter outlines that following the demise of the former chairman, Prince Musibau Ashafa, the vice chairman is to succeed him, per the law, to ensure continuity and stability in governance. However, questions arose regarding the vice chairman being addressed as the active chairman, raising concerns about adherence to the rule of law at the local government level.

Consequently, the Local Government requested the Assembly to investigate and ensure that Mr. Azeez Abiodun is sworn in as the Chairman of Otto Awori LCDA to prevent any break down of law and maintain order in the state.

Speaker Obasa subsequently directed the Clerk, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, to write to the Governor to inform him of these developments, and also invite the council Manager, and legal officers to appear before the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

Australia has revoked the visa of US rapper Kanye West following the release of his song that praises Adolf Hitler, the government confirmed on Wednesday.

The 48-year-old artist, now legally known as Ye, released “Heil Hitler” on May 8, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s defeat in World War II.

West, who is married to Australian Bianca Censori, has visited the country multiple times due to family ties. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated that the visa cancellation came after the song’s release.

“He’s made a lot of offensive comments. But my officials looked at it again once he released the ‘Heil Hitler’ song and he no longer has a valid visa in Australia,” Burke said.

According to Burke, the cancelled visa was not intended for concerts.

“It was a lower level, and the officials still looked at the law and said: You’re going to have a song and promote that sort of Nazism — we don’t need that in Australia,” he told ABC.

When asked about barring a high-profile figure like West, the minister responded, “I think what’s not sustainable is to import hatred.” He emphasized that each visa request is reviewed independently.

Burke added that while Australians enjoy free speech, “we have enough problems in this country already without deliberately importing bigotry.”

West’s “Heil Hitler” stirred controversy in Slovakia last week after it was revealed he was scheduled to perform there in July.

Over 3,000 people signed a petition opposing the concert in Bratislava.

Describing the rapper as someone who “repeatedly and openly adheres to symbols and ideology connected with the darkest period of modern global history,” two organizations behind the petition denounced the planned performance.

“Kanye West’s concert in our city and our country is an insult to historic memory, a glorification of wartime violence and debasement of all victims of the Nazi regime,” the petition stated.

In the “Heil Hitler” video, dozens of Black men dressed in animal skins and masks stand in formation, chanting the song’s title while West raps about being misunderstood and his legal battles with ex-wife Kim Kardashian.

The song concludes with a segment from a speech by Hitler.West has also shown public support for fellow rapper and mogul Sean Combs, who is on trial in New York for alleged sex trafficking and racketeering. The jury is currently deliberating.

Credit: AFP