Nonye Soludo, the wife of Anambra State Governor, has demanded that former senator and deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Uche Ekwunife, retracts the statement she made accusing her of infidelity.
Mrs Soludo issued a 72-hour ultimatum to Ekwunife, while also demanding that she offers a public apology.
According to Guardian, in a statement released on Saturday, September 14, Mrs Soludo described the allegations made by Mrs Ekwunife as “wilful and malicious” and warned that legal action would follow if they were not withdrawn.
“My lawyers have also been put on notice,” she said. “I will still as a Christian give Uche a chance to repent and ensure restitution by recanting her wilful and malicious allegations within 72 hours and tendering an unreserved apology. Take note Uche that if you fail to do so, I will take every step necessary to ensure justice and restitution.”
The dispute stems from a viral video in which Mrs Ekwunife alleged that Mrs Soludo had an affair with former Anambra governor, Chinwoke Mbadinuju, during his administration, and suggested that the paternity of her children was in question.
The remarks came in response to Governor Charles Soludo’s earlier criticism of Mrs Ekwunife’s academic qualifications, particularly her claim to a doctorate degree.
Mrs Soludo denied the allegations, insisting she had never met the late Governor Mbadinuju.
“In my 55 years on planet earth, I have known only one man, Chukwuma Soludo. I married him as a virgin and my fidelity to him in 33 years of marriage and for life is ironclad,” she stated.
She further challenged Mrs Ekwunife to take an oath of fidelity before the Catholic Church’s Blessed Sacrament and proposed DNA tests for both families to be conducted in three hospitals in London, pledging to cover all costs.
“I will swear with my children that in my 55 years on earth, I have known only one man—Chukwuma Soludo. On your part, you should also swear with your children or your political ambitions that since you got married, you have never cheated on your husband,” Mrs Soludo said.
She added: “I challenge you, Uche Ekwunife, for us to subject our children to paternity tests. Science has made life easy and there are things you cannot lie about nowadays. To avoid any stories in Nigerian hospitals, let us do it in three reputable hospitals in London. I will pay the expenses.”
The development comes less than two months to the Anambra governorship election scheduled for 8 November, in which Mrs Ekwunife is contesting as the APC deputy governorship candidate.
Read Nonye Soludo’s full statement published by Guardian below:
UCHE EKWUNIFE HAS CROSSED THE RED LINE…
By Nonye Frances Soludo
1. Two days ago, I posted a terse remark in response to the barrage of fabricated inanities from Uche Ekwunife in her incoherent response to my husband’s legitimate questions about her questionable PhD and inadequate GCE result, noting that I would not condescend to her low level. I remarked that one should not exchange words with a madman because passersby may not know the difference. However, when the “madman” is determined to kill/destroy—as she boasted in her viral audio that she would fabricate outlandish lies to destroy my family, we are constrained to respond. Initially we shrugged off and laughed at her hilarious tantrums at my husband and I as the “usual Uche’s madness”, but now that her madness has crossed the red line by even dragging my innocent children into the arena and setting to destroy them, Ekwunife has left us with no choice.
2. This is a woman for whom I have cooked and fed, together with her children on several occasions they visited my house. For her to sit down and fabricate/spew all manner of invectives and criminal allegations against me and my children without any provocation from us shows someone who can even kill. Many people called and asked me to ignore Ekwunife because, according to them, she is like a mad dog which has no shame or character and can therefore say or do anything anywhere. I understand that it has been her rehearsed strategy with every man she had a political fight. I understand that her standard template is to maliciously go after their families—especially their wives. Everyone talks about how she tried to destroy the reputation of an innocent wife of a senator when she had a contest with him. Well, let me assure you Uche Ekwunife that you are in for a different season with a different woman. My weapons are decency, character, and grace. I am a long-distance runner, and I welcome you to the marathon.
3. In all my life, I have lived an incredibly quiet family life, shunning publicity. One of the reasons I hate politics is precisely the kind of shameless obscenities from Uche Ekwunife in the name of “politics.” My phone has been inundated with hundreds of calls and texts with “evidence” of what I could use against her. For now, I will still restrain from getting into the gutters with her and focus on the issues and facts. Before the gloves are off, I will still as a Christian give Uche a chance to repent and ensure restitution by recanting her wilful and malicious allegations within 72 hours and tendering an unreserved apology. Take note Uche that if you fail to do so, I will take every step necessary to ensure justice and restitution. My lawyers have also been put on notice.
4. For starters, let me repeat three verifiable facts. One, I have never worked for anyone in my life. I have been a professional and entrepreneur all my adult life—running my own companies in Nigeria and abroad. Even when my husband was governor of the central bank and now as the first lady of Anambra, I have never depended upon public funds. As first lady of Anambra, I do not have any budget from the government. Two, I never met Dr. Mbadinuju of blessed memory in my life. Three, in my 55 years on planet earth, I have known ONLY ONE MAN, Chukwuma Soludo. I married him as a virgin and my fidelity to him in 33 years of marriage and for life is ironclad. This may be difficult for an Uche Ekwunife to comprehend.
5. With the clarifications above, I make the following challenges to Uche Ekwunife:
(a) Oath of fidelity and chastity
Since Uche Ekwunife claims to be a converted Catholic, I challenge her for both of us to swear an oath of fidelity and chastity at any Cathedral in front of the Blessed Sacrament. You mentioned screenshotting someone’s name and putting in your Bible. So, you must know the efficacy of the Holy Book. We should also add the Bible with the Sacrament. I will swear (with my children) that in my 55 years on earth, I have known only one man—Chukwuma Soludo. On your part, you should also swear (with your children or your political ambitions) that since you got married, you have never cheated on your husband. Let us do this between now and mid October 2025.
6. I challenge you, Uche Ekwunife, for us to subject our children to paternity tests. Science has made life easy and there are things you cannot lie about nowadays. To avoid any stories in Nigerian hospitals, let us do it in three reputable hospitals in London. You and your family are often in London. But I will pay the expenses. As a businesswoman, I will pay for you and your family’s travels as well as for the tests. If after the tests it is confirmed that your husband is the father of ALL your children, I will congratulate you with a cash award. I can confirm that my family is ready for this test any moment of your choice, preferably between now and end of October/November 2025. As a woman of conservative Catholic upbringing, I pride myself in my chastity. What about you? In the name of God, you must accept the above harmless challenges about your fidelity/chastity as a “distinguished” Senator.
7. I watched part of your hilarious emotional outburst and infantile invectives on my husband. Laughable indeed! You know and we know the source of your frustrations. But let me assure you that the globally celebrated professor is too clean, too decent, and too sophisticated to waste his time on low lives. Nwoke bu nwoke! Enough said for now.
The Pentagon is set to restore the name of the US Indo-Pacific Command to the US Pacific Command, it said on Tuesday, reversing a 2018 decision.
The renaming will not change the command’s area of responsibility, which stretches from the western part of India to America’s Pacific coastline, the Department of War said in a statement.
Its “fundamental mission and its unwavering commitment to maintaining a free and open theatre alongside regional allies and partners” also remain unchanged, it added.
The name change “honours the command’s deep historical roots, fostering a sense of pride and collective spirit among all who serve in the Pacific,” the department said, without giving additional details.
The US Pacific Command was established by former President Harry Truman after World War II.
It operated under that name for over 70 years before being renamed as the US Indo-Pacific Command in 2018, in a nod to the growing importance of the Indian Ocean in US strategic thinking.
The 2018 name change also came as part of broader efforts by Washington to counter China’s growing influence across the Asia-Pacific domain.
The Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress said they will restart negotiations with the Federal Government over a new national minimum wage, warning that workers can no longer cope with rising living costs as inflation continues to erode real incomes.
The unions are pushing for what they described as a “genuine living wage” to replace the current framework, which they said no longer reflects Nigeria’s economic realities, particularly sharp increases in food, transport, housing, and healthcare costs.
The position was contained in a joint address delivered at the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva on Monday, where the unions also rejected any proposal to tax the minimum wage or impose additional fiscal burdens on low-income earners.
Nigeria’s current minimum wage of N70,000 was signed into law on 18 July 2024, in an agreement between organised labour and the federal government. President Bola Tinubu formally announced the wage on 19 July 2024, and it took effect on 29 July 2024.
The agreement originally set a three-year review cycle, shifting from the previous five-year arrangement. However, in January 2025, the Federal Government adjusted the framework, announcing that the minimum wage would now be reviewed every two years, effectively setting 2026 as the next review point.
In light of this, labour leaders said they intend to formally open discussions with the federal government ahead of the July 2026 wage renegotiation deadline, in a bid to prevent the delays that have often hindered previous minimum wage reviews.
“The current Act expires early next year, and we have announced that renegotiation will commence by July 2026 to avoid the painful delays of the past. As soon as we leave here, we shall write again to the government demanding the commencement of the process for renegotiating the national minimum wage,” the unions said.
The labour leaders said workers are already under severe pressure from inflation, currency depreciation, and rising costs across essential services, arguing that official economic indicators do not reflect the daily realities of most households.
They warned that taxing the minimum wage would worsen poverty and deepen economic hardship at a time when many citizens are struggling to meet basic needs.
“We demand nothing less than a genuine living wage that reflects today’s harsh economic realities. We also demand immediate relief measures by governments at all levels until a new minimum wage is signed into law. We reject outright any attempt to tax the minimum wage or impose further burdens on the poor,” the unions said in their communiqué.
The unions stressed that the upcoming negotiations must go beyond nominal wage adjustments and instead focus on protecting real incomes, which they said have been steadily eroded by inflation.
They also urged federal and state governments to introduce short-term relief measures pending the conclusion of negotiations, warning that delays could heighten industrial tensions across the country.
Beyond wage concerns, the labour movement used the Geneva platform to highlight broader economic and social challenges, including insecurity, unemployment, and rising poverty levels.
They said insecurity in several parts of the country has made commuting increasingly dangerous for workers, with killings, abductions, and displacement affecting productivity and livelihoods.
According to the unions, nearly 2,000 people were killed in the first quarter of the year, while millions have been displaced, with entire communities and economic activities disrupted by violence.
They warned that worsening insecurity could force workers to remain at home as a survival response, escalating tensions beyond traditional labour action if not urgently addressed.
The labour leaders also said about 65 per cent of Nigerians, estimated at roughly 150 million people, are currently living in multidimensional poverty, driven by inflation, job losses, and declining purchasing power.
They argued that while macroeconomic reforms are aimed at stabilisation, they have yet to translate into improved living standards for ordinary citizens.
As the 2027 general elections approach, the unions said they are developing a charter of demands to shape their engagement with political actors and inform their support for candidates, noting that only political actors who commit to improved security, functional public services, wage reforms, and protection of labour rights would receive their backing.
The labour movement also raised concerns over alleged interference in union affairs in some states, accusing certain governments of undermining democratically elected labour leadership structures.
They emphasised that organised labour would resist any attempt to weaken union independence or impose external control on labour organisations.
As the current wage regime approaches its 2026 review window, the unions said their priority remains securing a wage structure that reflects economic realities and protects workers from further erosion of income.
They maintained that the outcome of the upcoming negotiations would determine whether Nigerian workers receive what they termed a “living wage” or continue to endure worsening economic hardship.
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday called for the deployment of modern technology and stronger regional cooperation to strengthen Nigeria’s border security architecture and address growing security threats across the country.
FILE: Akpabio
They made the call at the opening of the 15th National Security Seminar organised by the Alumni Association of the National Defence College in Abuja.
Represented by the Director of Policy and Strategy at the Office of the National Security Adviser, Yazid Gbemudu, the NSA said Nigeria’s territorial integrity and national stability were closely tied to the effectiveness of its border security framework.
He noted that while Nigeria’s extensive land and maritime borders facilitated trade, regional integration and socio-economic development, they also exposed the country to threats including terrorism, arms trafficking, smuggling, human trafficking, irregular migration and other forms of transnational organised crime.
According to him, weak border governance creates vulnerabilities that can be exploited by criminal and terrorist networks, thereby undermining national security and development efforts.
“A major pillar of Nigeria’s contemporary border security framework is the National Border Management Strategy, which promotes an integrated border management approach.
“The strategy seeks to enhance intelligence collaboration, strengthen border infrastructure, improve surveillance capabilities and modernise border management processes,” he said.
Ribadu said the deployment of Border Management Information Systems and other technological solutions at key entry and exit points had improved data collection, traveller screening and migration monitoring.
“These initiatives demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to aligning its border management practices with international standards,” he added.
The NSA stressed the need for the full implementation of an integrated border management system to improve coordination among security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies.
“Effective intelligence sharing, joint operations and harmonised border procedures are essential for addressing contemporary security threats,” he said.
He also advocated increased investment in technology-driven border security solutions.
“Expanding surveillance systems across land, maritime and coastal borders will significantly improve monitoring capabilities and reduce illegal cross-border activities.
“Modern challenges require modern solutions, including biometric identification systems, advanced border monitoring technologies and data-driven security frameworks,” Ribadu stated.
The NSA further emphasised the importance of regional and bilateral cooperation, noting that many of the security challenges confronting Nigeria’s borders were transnational in nature and required coordinated responses among neighbouring countries.
He also called for greater investment in border communities through sustainable development, improved infrastructure and economic opportunities to reduce their vulnerability to criminal exploitation.
“Strengthening Nigeria’s border security architecture is fundamental to ensuring national stability, protecting territorial integrity and promoting socio-economic development,” he said.
Ribadu, however, acknowledged challenges such as porous borders, inadequate infrastructure, limited technological capabilities and gaps in inter-agency coordination, saying they required urgent attention.
“Border security is a shared responsibility that requires the collective efforts of security agencies, government institutions, border communities and international partners,” he added.
Speaking at the event, Akpabio, who was represented by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, Ahmad Lawan, said Nigeria’s extensive land and maritime boundaries posed significant security challenges.
“As a country with extensive land and maritime boundaries, Nigeria faces significant challenges relating to border control, illegal migration, arms trafficking, smuggling and the infiltration of criminal and extremist elements.
“It is, therefore, imperative that Nigeria prioritises the strengthening of its border security architecture through improved surveillance, enhanced infrastructure, better inter-agency coordination, technological innovation and stronger regional cooperation,” he said.
Akpabio noted that many of the security threats confronting Nigeria had transnational dimensions, making coordinated responses essential.
He stressed that peace and security remained prerequisites for meaningful national development.
“There can be no meaningful development without peace and security. Porous and poorly managed borders can become vulnerabilities that undermine national security efforts and national stability,” he said.
The Senate President also advocated a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to addressing insecurity.
According to him, government institutions, security agencies, civil society organisations, the private sector, traditional institutions, the media and academia all have critical roles to play in safeguarding the country.
Earlier, the Acting President of AANDEC, Commodore Amatare Kpou (retd.), described the seminar as a key platform for promoting informed discourse on national security challenges and opportunities.
Kpou said the theme of the seminar, “Strengthening Nigeria’s Border Security Architecture for National Stability,” was timely, given the growing threats of irregular migration, smuggling, trafficking and other cross-border crimes.
He expressed confidence that the deliberations would generate useful recommendations for policymakers and contribute to efforts aimed at building a safer and more secure Nigeria.
Nigeria shares over 4,000 kilometres of land borders with neighbouring countries and an extensive coastline, making border security a critical component of national security.
Authorities have repeatedly identified porous borders as channels for terrorism, arms smuggling, human trafficking and other transnational crimes.
The Federal Government has in recent years intensified efforts to strengthen border management through technology, intelligence sharing and regional cooperation.
