Namibia’s founding leader, Sam Nujoma, who played a pivotal role in securing the country’s independence from South Africa, has passed away at the age of 95, the presidency confirmed.

President Nangolo Mbumba announced Nujoma’s death on Sunday, revealing that he had been hospitalized for three weeks due to an illness from which he was unable to recover. Expressing deep sorrow, Mbumba described him as a revered freedom fighter and revolutionary leader who dedicated his life to serving Namibia.

Born into a humble farming family from the Ovambo tribe, Nujoma was the eldest of ten children. In 1949, he took a job as a railway sweeper near Windhoek while attending night school. During this time, he met Herero tribal chief Hosea Kutako, a key figure in the fight against apartheid in Namibia. Under Kutako’s mentorship, Nujoma became politically active, standing with black workers resisting government efforts to relocate them in the late 1950s.

In 1960, at Kutako’s urging, Nujoma went into exile, leaving behind his wife and four children. That same year, he was elected president of the South West People’s Organisation (SWAPO) and traveled extensively to rally international support for Namibia’s independence.

SWAPO took up arms in 1966 after South Africa refused a UN directive to relinquish control over the territory, arguing it served as a buffer against communism. Namibia, rich in natural resources, finally gained independence in 1990, becoming one of Africa’s last nations to achieve self-rule.

Elected as the country’s first democratic president, Nujoma led Namibia for three terms, overseeing economic growth and political stability. His approach to AIDS prevention earned international recognition, but his refusal to reintegrate former SWAPO fighters accused of spying for apartheid South Africa drew criticism.

Nujoma was also known for his strong views on social issues. In 2001, he spoke out against homosexuality, calling it "madness" and threatening arrests or deportations.

In 2005, he handed over the presidency to his chosen successor, Hifikepunye Pohamba, but remained an influential political figure until officially retiring two years later.

Reflecting on his legacy, President Mbumba praised Nujoma for inspiring Namibians to take control of their destiny. President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, set to be sworn in next month, acknowledged his visionary leadership in laying the foundation for a united and independent Namibia. She urged the nation to honor his legacy through resilience, solidarity, and selfless service.

Northern ministers in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet have intensified their support for the administration as opposition voices grow louder. Some ministers and senior officials have recently become more vocal in response to mounting criticism from prominent politicians and elites.

According to reliable sources, the presidency has directed political leaders, ministers, and top appointees to actively counter dissenting narratives. The Tinubu administration has faced increased scrutiny from political groups and key figures, including former governors.

Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, recently responded to criticism from former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, calling his remarks “reckless and inflammatory” at a time when the government is working to strengthen national unity and security. He also criticized the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) for expressing regret over its support for Tinubu in the 2023 election, accusing the group of attempting to manipulate the political landscape for personal gain.

A public disagreement also emerged between former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, with El-Rufai alleging that Ribadu previously described Tinubu as corrupt. Ribadu, through his lawyer, demanded a public apology and retraction.

Similarly, Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar fired back at Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who accused Tinubu’s government of failing to deliver on promises. Tuggar dismissed the governor’s remarks as misleading and highlighted increased federal allocations to Bauchi, questioning the lack of tangible development. He accused Mohammed of employing divisive tactics that previously led to unrest during his tenure as FCT Minister.

An ally of one of the defence ministers confirmed that northern political leaders have been instructed to push back against growing opposition, particularly from the North. He pointed to the administration’s efforts to reward key allies, citing projects allocated to Kaduna South and strategic appointments such as Aminu Masari’s role as TETFund chairman.

The source also claimed the presidency is working to weaken Governor Bala Mohammed, who has lost favor with some of his former backers. He noted that the APC is considering fielding either Minister of Health Ali Pate or Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar for the 2027 Bauchi governorship race.

Meanwhile, Minister of Environment Balarabe Lawal dismissed critics of Tinubu as political blackmailers, stating that northern elites speaking against the President do not represent the region’s true interests. He argued that Tinubu has given the North a strong presence in his administration and emphasized that the region has no alternative but to support his re-election bid.

Despite these coordinated responses, APC North-West Publicity Secretary Musa Mada insisted that northern ministers were not acting under presidential orders. He claimed they were speaking out to clarify issues and set the record straight. He also accused Governor Bala Mohammed of mismanaging Bauchi’s resources and labeled El-Rufai a hypocrite for criticizing Tinubu after being denied a key appointment.

The presidency, through Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, maintained that ministers were not forced to defend Tinubu but were simply doing their jobs by countering misleading statements and speaking for the government.

The Labour Party (LP) in Rivers State has indefinitely suspended its Caretaker Chairman, Hilda Dokubo, following multiple petitions accusing her of gross misconduct, extortion, and negligence.

Dokubo’s suspension was initiated by her ward, Ward 3 of Asari-Toru Local Government Area (ASALGA). In a statement dated February 2, 2025, the suspension letter was signed by key ward executives, including Chairman O. C. Princewill, Vice Chairman Pastor Lucky Mac-Jaja Amachree, Secretary Florence Solomon, and Women Leader Iwowari George.

The letter, addressed to the Labour Party’s National Chairman, called for an immediate investigation into Dokubo’s alleged actions.

Among the allegations leveled against her are the unlawful inflation of fees for the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) screening and nomination forms during the recent local government elections, compromising party interests by negotiating party positions, and failing to properly account for party funds, allegedly diverting them for personal gain.

Dokubo is also accused of attempting to persuade other Labour Party candidates to sell out and employing a “divide and rule” strategy since her appointment as caretaker chairman, which has reportedly weakened the party’s structures in the state.

According to the statement, she failed to address the allegations despite multiple invitations. As a result, the party decided to suspend her from all activities indefinitely, pending further investigations.

The statement outlined specific findings, including claims that she inflated councilorship nomination fees from N5,000 to N8,000 and chairmanship fees from N10,000 to N15,000, adding a “service charge.” It also accused her of undermining the party’s interest during her 2023 House of Representatives election run by negotiating party positions and failing to address election irregularities such as missing result sheets.

In response, Dokubo dismissed the suspension, stating, "There was no suspension; some people were just trying their luck."