Nairaland

Tinubu's Government, The Most Shameless In Nigeria's History - Bolaji Abdullahi

2026-04-28T09:15:17Z

Tinubu's Government, The Most Shameless In Nigeria's History - Bolaji Abdullahi

This has to be the most shameless government in Nigeria’s history.

About three weeks ago, the leadership of the PRP, led by its National Chairman, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, paid a courtesy visit to the National Chairman of the ADC. A few days later, rumours began to circulate that the coalition leadership was considering the PRP as an option. Although this is not true, it took only that single whiff of speculation for a faction to emerge almost overnight in what had been a historically tranquil political party, challenging the leadership of Baba-Ahmed.

This is the reality of Nigeria’s shrinking democratic space under the All Progressives Congress. The government may continue to deny any involvement in the crises within other parties, insisting that these are merely internal failures, but the pattern is visible. The world can see what is happening. More importantly, they can see where this path leads.

But here is the question: is there no one within the APC who can caution those engineering crises in opposition parties that they are, in fact, sowing the seeds of national instability?

A political strategy that is anchored on sabotaging every opposition platform is ultimately self-destructive. When people are left with no options, they are, in reality, left with no choice.

Source

Ogun East Youths Ask Governor Dapo Abiodun 31 Questions

2026-04-28T08:58:56Z

Your Excellency,

We write to you as a coalition of young men and women born and raised in the Ogun East Senatorial District, sons and daughters of Ijebu, Remo, and the communities that constitute the eastern heartland of Ogun State.

We are not your enemies, nor the emissaries of any political camp. We are citizens who have watched, waited, and wondered. And it is in that spirit of democratic sobriety, not malice, that the Forum for Concerned Ogun East Youths addresses you today.

We are willing to weigh your record against your promise and engage you as the serious political figure you present yourself to be. But that willingness is conditional .on accountability. And it begins with the following thirty-one questions, which the people of Ogun East deserve to have answered fully, publicly, and without the deflection that has too often substituted for governance in your seven years at the helm of this state. These questions are rooted in documented public records, credible investigative reports, civil society petitions, and. the lived experiences of ordinary Ogun State residents. Answer them, and we will listen. Refuse them, and the people of Ogun East will draw their own conclusions.

THE 31 QUESTIONS
On the Certificates
1. In 2019, opponents filed petitions alleging that the educational qualifications you .submitted to INEC were falsified or inconsistent, including a primary school timeline that critics say is chronologically impossible..Governor Abiodun, do you have a complete, verifiable, and unimpeachable academic record? If so, why have you consistently resisted independent scrutiny of those documents?

On the Florida Criminal Record
2. Court filings and investigative reports have cited a 1986 criminal record in the .state of Florida, United. States, for offences including credit card fraud, petty theft, check forgery, and resisting arrest, allegedly. committed under the alias Shawn Michael Davids. Governor Abiodun, is this record accurate? And if so, was this information ever disclosed to INEC or to Ogun State voters before either of your gubernatorial elections?

On the Pandora Papers
3. Your name appeared in the Pandora Papers leak as the ultimate beneficial owner of undeclared offshore companies registered in the British Virgin Islands. Governor Abiodun, what is the legitimate business purpose of those entities? Were their earnings ever declared to Nigerian tax authorities? And can the people of Ogun East trust a man to represent them in the Senate whose financial dealings require offshore secrecy?

On the AMCON Debt and How It Was Settled
4. Before your assumption of office, you carried a documented debt of over N20 .billion owed to the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), a liability that became a subject of public scrutiny and raised questions about your financial fitness for public office. Governor Abiodun, that debt has now reportedly been settled within your years in office. Can you provide a full, transparent account of how over N20 billion in AMCON debt was cleared on a governor's salary? What were the sources of those funds, and can you confirm that no public resources, contracts, or state assets were involved in facilitating that settlement?

On the N80 Billion Airport
5. Between 2021 and 2022 alone, your administration reportedly spent over N80 billion on the Ogun Agro Cargo Airport, N29.6 billion in 2021 and N52.5 billion in 2022. Governor Abiodun, where are the procurement records for this expenditure? Why was the state's e-procurement website reportedly taken offline precisely during the period this scrutiny intensified? And who are the contractors?

On the Sudden Rise of Heyden Petroleum
6. Prior to your assumption of office, Heyden Petroleum was widely regarded as a dormant or underperforming enterprise. Since 2019, the company has reportedly undergone a remarkable transformation, expanding aggressively, acquiring multiple filling stations across the country, and emerging as one of Nigeria's fastest-growing downstream energy businesses. Governor Abiodun, what explains this extraordinary turnaround? What is your current financial relationship with Heyden Petroleum? And given that this expansion occurred entirely during your tenure as governor, can you assure Ogun State residents that no public funds, state contracts, or preferential government dealings contributed to the company's growth?

On the Alubarika Farms Scandal
7. The civil society group HEDA petitioned the EFCC alleging that your administration fraudulently presented a private rice farm, Alubarika Farms, as a World Bank-assisted state agricultural project. Governor Abiodun, is Alubarika Farms a privately owned enterprise with ties to your family or associates? And if so, was public money expended on it under the guise of a government project?

On the Constitutional 10% IGR
8. Reports indicate that your administration has failed to remit the constitutionally required 10% of Internally Generated Revenue to local governments, despite the clear legal obligation. Governor Abiodun, can you produce audited records showing consistent compliance with this constitutional requirement across your tenure? If not, who authorised the withholding of those funds?

On the Real Motive for the Senate Bid
9. As your tenure draws to a close, several civic observers have questioned whether your senatorial ambition represents a genuine desire to serve, or a calculated retreat from accountability at the state level, a move designed to secure legislative immunity before the full weight of your governance record can be independently examined. Governor Abiodun, is the Ogun East Senate seat something you are pursuing as a continuation of public service, or as a strategic exit from scrutiny?

On the Banana Island Properties of Your SSG and Finance Commissioner
10. It is being widely reported that your Secretary to the State Government, Talabi, and your Commissioner for Finance, Dapo Okubadejo, two men who have served as the closest members of your inner circle throughout your administration, have recently acquired and moved into choice properties worth billions of naira in the high-brow Banana Island estate in Lagos. Governor Abiodun, are these reports accurate? If so, how do two public servants, paid within the bounds of government salary scales, acquire billion-naira properties on Banana Island during active service? And what does this say about the culture of financial propriety within your administration?

On 110,000 Unemployed Youths

11. Youth unemployment in Ogun State has remained stubbornly high throughout your tenure, with over 110,000 job seekers reportedly registered on state platforms. Governor Abiodun, beyond the creation of portals and the announcement of programmes, how many verifiable, sustainable jobs have been created under your watch, and can you produce employment data to support those figures? This is apart from your loyalists whom you appointed Special Advisors.

On the 66 Abandoned Projects
12. Your administration inherited 66 abandoned capital projects from the prior government. Governor Abiodun, how many of those projects have been completed? How many remain abandoned or suspended? And how many new projects commenced under your administration face the same fate?

On the Federal Road at Wole Soyinka Station
13. The access road to the Wole Soyinka Train Station in Abeokuta was rehabilitated and fixed by the Federal Government, not by the Ogun State Government. Yet, Governor Abiodun, your administration reportedly commissioned the repaired road and erected Ogun State Government signposts on it, in what many residents and observers describe as a brazen act of credit-grabbing on a federal project. Is this accurate? And if so, does it not represent precisely the kind of image management over genuine governance that has defined your seven years in office?

On Healthcare Staffing and Facilities
14. Healthcare delivery in Ogun State has been criticized for persistent staffing shortages, poor facilities, and broken promises of recruitment. Governor Abiodun, can you present verifiable data on the number of doctors, nurses, and health workers employed by the state government since 2019, and on which facilities have been upgraded or newly constructed?

Leadership Crisis: Who Is Really In Charge Of Abia APC? (Photos)

2026-04-28T08:43:19Z

Both politicians hail from Bende LGA
Senator OUK is an ex-Governor and a two-termer in the Senate with his erstwhile political godson and ex-SSA Benjamin Kalu the Deputy Speaker, House of Reps

I sincerely thank His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the confidence reposed in me and the marching order to coordinate activities in Abia State in respect of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

As the most senior Governor in the state, I am committed to working closely with all stakeholders, in line with the President’s directive, to ensure that the APC in Abia produces candidates who are widely acceptable, united in purpose, and well-positioned to secure victory in the state for the President’s re-election, while advancing the best interests of Abia State and Nigeria at large.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17uHwaTrdQ/

Thank you, the President and Commander in chief of the Armed forces , President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for insisting that Governors should handle the issues of the party in the states with APC Governors , while the highest ranking political office holders like the Deputy Speaker takes care of the affairs in Abia state . Thanks for reemphasising this on Friday during the engagement .

You have always worked with this model all through the ward, Local Government and State congresses and it has brought us great success . It has united the party more than ever before and we are ready to win elections in Abia state for you and for every one who has an interest to contest under our party .

Thanks to the National working committee for the great job you are doing , we will continue to work with every stake holder until victory is assured .

Abis APC has never been this united and forward looking thanks to your support . We will deliver Abia votes overwhelmingly.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14Vt9xfF1qS/

50 Killed In Adamawa, Benue, Plateau; 23 Pupils Kidnapped In Kogi

2026-04-28T08:41:21Z

•Massacre tragic, barbaric, unacceptable – Gov Fintiri

•Pastor, wife, 2 children killed in Plateau

•Herdsmen kill 7 in Benue; as gunmen kidnap farm manager in Ondo

No fewer than 39 persons were killed late Sunday night at Guyaku commubnity in Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State by Boko Haram members.

The killings came on a day a pastor, his wife and two children were also murdered by gunmen at Gako Village in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Same night, at least 23 pupils and wife of a school proprietor were kidnapped in an orphanage and school facility at Zariagi area of Lokoja in Kogi State, just as gunmen abducted a farm manager, Afolabi Ajayi, at Imafon community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State.

At least, seven people were equally killed by suspected herdsmen at Channel One community, a border settlement along the Arufu–Wukari road in Ukemberagya/Tswarev Council Ward of Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.

It was learned that the attack in Adamawa, which has thrown Guyaku into mourning, reportedly lasted for hours as the heavily armed insurgents stormed the village, unleashing terror on defenseless residents.

The community, along with Garkida, shares border with the dreaded Sambisa forest, along the Adamawa-Borno federal highway.

Survivors said the attackers killed scores, razed homes, burned places of worship, and destroyed valuable property, including motorcycles and other means of livelihood.

A local leader, Aggrey Ali, of Kumo Gombi, said the community was left helpless as the insurgents operated for an extended period, causing widespread devastation before fleeing.

“They came in large numbers and attacked our people without mercy. Many were killed, our worship centres were burned, and properties destroyed,” he lamented.

The incident has left fear and tension at Guyaku and surrounding communities, with many residents, particularly women, children and the elderly, fleeing their homes over concerns of another possible attack.

Massacre tragic, barbaric — Gov Fintiri

Adamawa State governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, who rushed to the area in the early hours of yesterday, after the attack, described the massacre as tragic, barbaric and completely unacceptable.

The governor, who also sympathised with bereaved families, condoled the residents over the killings, and pledged intensified collaboration with security agencies to track down the perpetrators and prevent future assaults.

“This is a painful moment for our state. The killing of innocent citizens in such a cruel manner is unacceptable. We will not relent in our duty to protect lives and property,” he said.

Governor Fintiri’s visit was seen by residents as both symbolic and reassuring, as he promised immediate government intervention, support for victims, and renewed security surveillance in affected areas.

The attack has also sparked renewed calls for stronger federal and state security cooperation to tackle insurgency and protect rural communities in Adamawa, especially those bordering conflict-prone zones.

7 feared dead, several injured as herdsmen attack Benue border community

In Benue State, seven persons were reportedly killed by suspected herdsmen, while several others were injured, following a two-day attack by suspected armed herdsmen on Channel One community, a border settlement along the Arufu–Wukari road in Ukemberagya/Tswarev Council Ward of Logo Local Government Area.

The attacks, which reportedly began over the weekend and continued into yesterday afternoon, have thrown the community and surrounding settlements into panic, forcing many residents to flee their homes.

A community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the attackers stormed the area in large numbers, riding on motorcycles and wielding firearms, shooting indiscriminately at residents.

“The attack started over the weekend and continued into Monday afternoon. Seven persons have been confirmed dead, while several others sustained life-threatening injuries, so the figure of the dead might increase,” the source said.

He further disclosed that those injured were rushed to different medical facilities in Anyiin town, while about seven victims in critical condition were transferred to Ugba in Logo LGA for urgent treatment.

“We learned that the attackers came heavily armed and operated in groups on motorcycles. There are suspicions that they may be operating from Shaor, one of the deserted villages previously identified in intelligence reports as a possible hideout,” he added.

The renewed violence has triggered mass displacement, with residents of Channel One and neighbouring communities reportedly abandoning their homes for safer locations amid fears of further attacks.

The source also called for urgent security intervention, urging authorities to intensify clearance operations in suspected hideouts and strengthen border security.

“There is need for coordinated clearance operations to dislodge suspected camps in Shaor and other deserted settlements. Security agencies must also work across Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba states to monitor cross-border movements and prevent further attacks,” he said.

Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of Logo LGA, Clement Kav, confirmed the attack and casualty figures.

“They killed seven persons and injured four others. They usually come, attack and flee back to where they came from. The attack happened late Saturday into Sunday night,” Kav said.

He added that he had already briefed security authorities on the situation, saying “I have informed the commissioner of police and the adviser on homeland security.’’

Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, said the command was yet to receive official details of the incident at the time of filing this report.

Gunmen kill pastor, wife, two children in fresh Plateau attack

Similarly, gunmen on Sunday night attacked Gako Village in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing a pastor, his wife and two children, in what residents described as a fresh wave of violence in the area.

The victims were identified as Rev. Ayuba Choji, his wife, Chundung Ayuba, and their two children, Cyril Ayuba and Endurance Ayuba.

Sources in the community said the assailants stormed the village at about 11 p.m. and opened fire indiscriminately.

A community member, Martha Dalyop, told Vanguard that the gunmen invaded the area late at night, shooting sporadically and causing residents to flee for safety.

She lamented that the recurring attacks had continued to leave communities in fear, with many unable to sleep in their homes or tend to their farms.

Confirming the incident, the Publicity Secretary of Berom Youths Moulder-Association, Rwang Tengwong, said the latest attack showed that the assailants were now targeting relaxation spots, farming communities and local vigilantes protecting rural areas.

According to him, the attackers often split themselves into groups during operations, with some launching attacks on residents, others destroying farmlands, while another group mounts surveillance or blocks roads to prevent escape or intervention.

Tengwong further disclosed that a large expanse of farmland had been destroyed by gunmen in the past 48 hours at Kassa in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, destroying cabbage, hot pepper and maize farms, and worsening the plight of farmers in the affected communities.

The latest incident has heightened tension across Riyom and neighbouring Barkin Ladi communities, with residents calling on security agencies and the government to intensify efforts to halt the killings and destruction of livelihoods in Plateau State.

Gunmen kidnap 23 pupils in Kogi orphanage attack

Also on Sunday night, gunmen abducted 23 pupils and the wife of a school proprietor, following an attack on an orphanage and school facility in the Zariagi area of Lokoja, Kogi State.

The attack, which occurred late Sunday, targeted a facility identified as Dahallukitab Group of Schools.

Confirming the development in a statement yesterday, Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said security operatives responded swiftly, leading to the rescue of 15 of the abducted pupils.

The commissioner, who disclosed that the school was operating outside regulatory oversight, said: “The facility was operating illegally in a remote, bushy environment without registration with the state government and without the knowledge of relevant authorities and security agencies,” Fanwo said.

According to him, efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining eight victims and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

“Kogi State government commends the gallantry, professionalism, and swift response of the police and other security agencies for rising decisively to the occasion,” he noted.

Fanwo warned against operating schools and orphanages in isolated areas without proper authorisation, describing such practices as dangerous.

“While the government remains fully committed to ensuring the rescue of all victims, it is important to stress that the operation of orphanages, schools, and similar institutions in isolated and vulnerable locations, without proper registration and notification to relevant authorities, poses serious security risks, especially in the current security climate,” he said.

Fanwo, who urged operators to comply with safety regulations, said further: “The government strongly discourages such practices and reiterates the need for strict compliance with regulatory and safety protocols.

“All operators of such facilities are advised to engage with appropriate government agencies to ensure proper oversight, security assessment, and protection.”

He added that security agencies were working to bring the situation under control, noting that updates would be provided as operations continued.

Gunmen kidnap farm manager in Ondo community

In a related development, gunmen yesterday abducted a farm manager, Afolabi Ajayi, in Imafon community, Akure North LGA of Ondo State. The attack occurred around 10:30 a.m. as Ajayi stepped out of his car to enter the poultry farm.

A family source said the victim had visited the farm to check on workers when the gunmen emerged and whisked him into the forest. The family reported the incident to the police immediately. At press time, the abductors had yet to make contact with the family for ransom.

Confirming the incident, the state police image maker, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the command was notified of a kidnapping at Ilado, where a farmer was taken while working on his farm.

Abayomi said tactical teams and additional security personnel had been deployed to comb the surrounding bush

“The operation aims to rescue the victim and apprehend the perpetrators. The command assures the public that all necessary operational strategies are being employed, with utmost priority placed on the victim’s safety,’’ he said.

He said further updates would be communicated as the situation unfolded.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/04/50-killed-in-adamawa-benue-plateau-23-pupils-abducted-in-kogi/

Tunji Disu Returns To Lagos RRS (Photos)

2026-04-28T08:38:18Z

Lagos State Rapid Response Squad @rrslagos767

Today, the home boy returned to base.

Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu returned to the warm embrace of his jubilant squad, The Good Guys.

Accompanied by AIG Zone 2, AIG Oloundare Moshood Jimoh and CP Tijani Fatai, IGP Disu thanked men of the squad for the good work they are doing for the Force.

He urged them to do good for the people minding that the force is paid by the public taxes.

Receiving IGP Disu, Commander Rapid Response Squad (RRS), CSP Shola Jejeloye thanked the IGP for bequeathing good legacies in the squad and for being a huge asset to RRS and the Nigerian Police Force (NPF).

Today, the home boy returned to base.

Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu returned to the warm embrace of his jubilant squad, The Good Guys.

Accompanied by AIG Zone 2, AIG Oloundare Moshood Jimoh and CP Tijani Fatai, IGP Disu thanked men of the squad for the good pic.twitter.com/i309gSSd75
— Lagos State Rapid Response Squad (@rrslagos767) April 25, 2026

Onyeka Nwelue Praises Wole Soyinka For Japan Residency Recommendation Letter

2026-04-28T08:30:47Z

Onyeka Nwelue, author and filmmaker, has commended Wole Soyinka, the Nobel laureate, for writing a recommendation letter pledging to stand as his guarantor while he sought residency in Japan.

Sharing Soyinka’s recommendation letter on his X handle on Monday, Nwelue described the Nobel laureate as “the greatest literary mind in Africa” and expressed gratitude for the endorsement.

“With the support of the greatest literary mind in Africa, I have become a resident of the greatest nation on earth, Japan,” he wrote.

“I remain indebted to this man till my last day on earth.”

In the letter, Soyinka introduced Nwelue as “a bona fide visitor to Japan in promotion of his artistic preoccupations,” adding that he would stand as guarantor for his mission and ensure compliance with Japanese laws and socio-cultural norms.

“I stand guarantor for his stated mission in Japan, and his compliance with Japanese laws and socio-cultural norms,” Soyinka wrote.

The playwright noted that he had collaborated with Nwelue on several projects, describing him as a “responsible individual and committed professional.”

Soyinka added that Nwalue’s visit would help strengthen cultural ties between Nigeria and Japan, particularly in the arts, and promote knowledge exchange among young writers and artists.

He also referenced his own academic footprint in Japan, noting that his works are studied in several universities and secondary schools, and expressed confidence that Nwelue’s presence would deepen existing cultural relations between both countries.

https://www.thecable.ng/onyeka-nwelue-praises-wole-soyinka-for-japan-residency-recommendation-letter/?fbclid=IwZnRzaARdPbBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEe66hlhnl_YxtiR-hdCGA_wf3F1l23KhvTSuCotRY6sa0LdQBS2ZfN3yhmSAE_aem_TPCwRsneQV47VPWSDtTXGg#google_vignette

South Africa: FG Demands Protection After Two Nigerians Are Killed

2026-04-28T07:51:18Z

A fresh xenophobic violence in South Africa has claimed the lives of two Nigerians, triggering fear and panic within the diaspora community and prompting urgent diplomatic engagement by the Federal Government.

The development comes as Nigerians living in South Africa demanded protection by the Federal Government, saying that protecting Nigerians abroad is both a constitutional and moral obligation of the government.

The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg confirmed that Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew were killed in separate incidents linked to rising anti-foreigner tensions.

The Consul-General, Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, disclosed in a statement on Monday that Emmanuel died from injuries allegedly sustained after being beaten by personnel of the South African National Defence Force on April 20.

Andrew, she said, was apprehended on April 19 in the Booysens area of Pretoria following an alleged altercation with members of the Tshwane Metro Police, and his body was later discovered at the Pretoria Central Mortuary.

The consul-general said the separate cases, involving security personnel, have left the victims’ families, the Nigerian community, and diplomatic missions in shock.

A formal case has since been opened with the South African Police Service, while the Nigerian mission has urged the Independent Police Investigative Directorate to ensure a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation.

“We call on South African authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter and bring the perpetrators to justice.

“No matter the allegations, there are lawful processes. Everyone should be presumed innocent and granted a fair hearing in a court of law. No one should take the law into their hands,” she said.

The Consul General added that the consulate was engaging relevant authorities and would provide necessary support to the families of the deceased, while warning against the growing trend of profiling Nigerians as criminals.

Okey-Uche also urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm and law-abiding as investigations continue.

The killings come amid escalating xenophobic hostility, with multiple viral videos showing threats, intimidation, and attempts by mobs to target foreign nationals.

In one such video, a Nigerian trader was confronted during an anti-immigrant protest and ordered to leave the country with his family.

“How come you are here in South Africa to continue selling goods?” one of the men asked.

Despite explaining his long stay and livelihood, the trader’s plea was dismissed.

“I didn’t come to South Africa today. I have been here for a long time. The only thing is what I’m doing to feed my children,” he said.

The group, however, insisted that foreigners were no longer welcome.

“From now on, we don’t want foreigners in this town. We are fixing our South Africa now,” one voice declared.

“Take your wife and go back to your country. Take your children and go and raise them at home,” a second voice said.

In another disturbing development, an Ethiopian national was shot dead in what appeared to be a targeted killing in downtown Johannesburg, further heightening concerns over the safety of foreign nationals.

CCTV footage circulating online showed the victim being approached and shot at close range at a busy intersection, with no immediate provocation or robbery, suggesting a deliberate attack.

Authorities confirmed that no arrests had been made and investigations were ongoing.

Amid the violence, the South African Police Service condemned acts of intimidation against foreigners.

“These actions are not only unlawful, but they stand in direct opposition to the values of dignity, equality, and human rights upon which our democracy is founded,” the police said.

Nigerians seek help

Reacting, the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa warned of increasing hostility, harassment, and alleged police brutality against Nigerians and other African nationals.

NICASA President, Frank Onyekwelu, described the situation as alarming and called for urgent intervention by Nigerian and African leaders.

“We are alarmed by the increasing normalisation of hostility, manifested through inflammatory rhetoric by certain political actors, unlawful intimidation, and discriminatory enforcement practices by some law enforcement personnel.

“These actions not only undermine human dignity, but also threaten the long-standing bonds of African solidarity.

“On behalf of the Nigerian community, I appeal to President Bola Tinubu, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Nigerian Senate and House of Representatives to act with urgency, firmness, and strategic diplomacy in tackling these developments,” he said.

Onyekwelu further called for stronger diplomatic engagement, accountability for erring officers, and the creation of mechanisms to document and address xenophobic abuses.

“Nigerians in South Africa are law-abiding, economically contributing, and socially integrated members of society. The reckless stereotyping and collective criminalisation of our people must stop.

“NICASA reiterates its commitment to peace, lawful conduct, and constructive engagement within our host nation. We urge compatriots to remain calm, vigilant, and compliant with the laws of South Africa, while we pursue diplomatic and institutional remedies,” he said.

Safety advisory

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission also issued safety advisories, warning of escalating protests in parts of South Africa, including Durban, Cape Town, and KwaZulu-Natal, where incidents of looting, property damage, and violence have been reported.

“Nigerian nationals are also urged to remain law-abiding always,” the commission stated.

The agency advised Nigerians to avoid confrontations, monitor local developments, and, in some cases, temporarily shut down businesses to prevent losses.

Despite the tensions, Nigeria’s Acting Ambassador to South Africa, Alexander Ajayi, maintained that the situation was under control and not a coordinated siege against Nigerians.

“Let me first make the point that right now, Nigerians are not under siege in South Africa. The situation is currently under control. The governments are working on it.

“The two governments are working on it. Actually, the priority right now is to ensure the safety and well-being of every citizen, including foreigners,” he said.

He described the incidents as “isolated tension” and urged caution, noting that authorities had taken steps to contain unrest in affected areas.

Ramaphosa cautions

On his part, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa urged foreign nationals to respect the country’s laws and traditions while reaffirming his commitment to international law and human rights.

In a video during his address on Monday, on the occasion of Freedom Day, he said, “To those who are here legally, respect us as South Africans, respect our laws, respect our conventions and our traditions, as you would want us to respect the laws and traditions of your own country,” he said.

FG engages S’Africa

The Federal Government of Nigeria has formally called on South Africa to ensure the protection of the lives and property of Nigerians and other foreign nationals.

The call was contained in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa.

“Nigeria recalls the recent attacks on foreign nationals in some major cities in South Africa.

“As brotherly countries, Nigeria wishes to use the occasion of the anniversary of Freedom Day to call on the Government of South Africa to protect the lives and property of foreigners from fellow African countries currently residing in their country.

“Nigeria remains confident that the enduring partnership between both nations will continue to contribute to peace, stability, and sustainable development across the African continent.

“The government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria extend their best wishes to the government and people of South Africa for continued unity, progress, and prosperity,” the statement read.

It noted that Nigeria and South Africa share deep historical ties rooted in the anti-apartheid struggle and have since built a strong bilateral relationship spanning trade, defence, education, and cultural exchange, as well as cooperation within the African Union and United Nations.

It also highlighted ongoing collaboration through frameworks such as the Bi-National Commission, while stressing the importance of continental unity and collective progress.

Congratulating South Africa on its Freedom Day, Nigeria said the occasion marked the historic 1994 democratic elections that ended apartheid and ushered in majority rule.

The statement added that the 2026 celebration reflected 32 years of democratic governance and the country’s commitment to constitutionalism, rule of law, equality, and human dignity.

“On this auspicious occasion, Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations with South Africa and deepening cooperation across strategic sectors for the mutual benefit of both countries,” the statement stated.

https://punchng.com/safrica-fg-demands-protection-after-two-nigerians-killed/

No Major Power Plant Financed Since 2015 — Nnaji

2026-04-28T07:46:43Z

Former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, on Monday made an assessment of Nigeria’s power sector, blaming over a decade of stalled investment on policy inconsistency, weak infrastructure development, and the abrupt discontinuation of a financing framework that had begun attracting global capital into electricity generation projects.

Nnaji spoke in Lagos at the 2026 conference of the Nigerian Association for Energy Economics, where he addressed participants on the future of Nigeria’s energy mix, the role of natural gas in powering the economy, the financing bottlenecks facing major projects, and the long-standing delays around strategic assets such as the Mambilla hydropower project.

Nnaji regretted that Nigeria has gone 11 years without financing any new major power plant, a situation he traced directly to the dismantling of a government-backed financing support mechanism introduced during his tenure as minister.

Nnaji explained that Nigeria had already begun attracting large-scale investment into power generation through a government-backed risk guarantee system before it was abruptly discontinued.

He said the mechanism, a partial risk guarantee instrument, was deliberately designed to de-risk investments and unlock financing from global lenders.

“Take, for example, what happened with partial risk guarantee instruments. A number of companies developed their power plants to the level where they could just finance them. And the world was galloping to us to finance power plants. Because we were getting a service guarantee,” he said.

Nnaji explained that the instrument was a risk assurance framework jointly put together by the power and finance ministries to make Nigerian power projects bankable for lenders and investors.

He said, “The former minister of finance at that time, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and I set up what we called a ‘partial risk guarantee instrument’ to finance power. And it was working. In fact, the Azura Edo power plant got financed using that instrument.”

The former minister said the framework had begun to yield results, with projects already securing funding under the arrangement. However, he lamented that the progress was abruptly halted when the administration changed, causing the entire financing momentum to collapse.

“But as soon as the government changed, it got wiped away. And till today, we have not financed any new major power plant in Nigeria. That’s about 11 years ago,” he said.

Nnaji stressed that the discontinuation of the instrument sent a negative signal to investors and lenders, effectively freezing large-scale financing in the sector.

He stated that this remains one of the clearest examples of how policy inconsistency has undermined Nigeria’s electricity ambitions, warning that “what government policy and will can do is tremendous in moving things forward”.

Expanding beyond the financing challenge, Nnaji argued that Nigeria must take a realistic and pragmatic view of energy transition, especially in light of recent global events.

He referenced the Russia-Ukraine war as a turning point in the global energy debate, saying the conflict exposed the limits of an overly ideological transition away from fossil fuels.

He explained that as soon as the Ukraine war started, Europe, which had been harassing the entire world about renewable energy, was the first to abandon the paradigm.

“And Germany, for example, went back to coal, which is the biggest pollutant in the world,” he said.

He noted that the lesson for Nigeria is to make strategic use of its comparative advantage, particularly its huge natural gas reserves.

Nnaji maintained that natural gas remains the most practical energy source for Nigeria’s economic development and predicted that it would dominate power generation for years.

"We happen to be lucky that we have natural gas as the main ingredient for power production, for example. And then, of course, we have the hydros.

“I predict that for the next 20 years, we will be relying on different forms of natural gas to power our economy. And that is a good thing,” he said.

Despite the abundance of gas, however, the don said Nigeria has failed to build the infrastructure required to fully harness it.

“We have over 210 trillion cubic feet of gas, but we are not harvesting this right now. We are not building the infrastructure enough. So, for the infrastructure or financing that will make this happen, government policy needs to be there,” he said.

The former minister also drew attention to gas supply shortages affecting existing assets, including NLNG: “We have the NLNG. And it is operating at about 60 per cent of its capacity because of non-availability of the gas itself.”

He said this underscores the urgent need for investments in gas production, processing, and transportation networks.

On hydropower, Nnaji highlighted the Mambilla project as a symbol of Nigeria’s inability to execute major strategic projects despite their economic importance.

"The Mambilla power plant has been on the drawing board for more than 40 years. Is it doable? Of course it’s doable,” he noted, stressing that the problem is not technical feasibility but the lack of political will and consistent implementation.

He further stressed the importance of regulatory reforms, particularly around tariffs, metering, and energy theft.

Speaking, the President of the Nigerian Association for Energy Economics, Hassan Mahmud, described Africa’s energy challenge as one of execution rather than resource scarcity.

Mahmud said over 600 million Africans still lack access to electricity, while nearly one billion rely on biomass for cooking despite the continent’s vast energy resources.

He noted that Nigeria’s installed generation capacity remains grossly underutilised.

“Nigeria has a strong power capacity of 13,000 MW or so, yet generation typically averages just 4,000 to 5,000 MW… largely due to gas supply, infrastructure, and market constraints,” he said.

Mahmud explained that the country’s challenge lies in bridging the gap between resource potential and actual performance.

He added that Africa requires over $100bn in annual energy investment to achieve universal access by 2030, but current inflows remain far below that threshold.

According to Mahmud, the issue is not resource scarcity but how to convert resources to reliable, affordable, sustainable energy at scale.

https://punchng.com/no-major-power-plant-financed-since-2015-nnaji/

Buhari, Boss Mustapha’s Signatures Forged To Defraud Nigeria Of $6.2 Million

2026-04-28T07:36:21Z

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, insisted on Monday at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory that the signatures of late President Muhammadu Buhari and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, were forged by unscrupulous Nigerians to defraud the country of $6,230,000.

EFCC Assistant Commander II, Mr Chinedu Eneanya, told the court that five officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) moved the money out of the apex bank under the guise that it was meant for the payment of foreign election observers in the 2023 general elections.

The anti-graft agency testified on Monday at the resumed trial of former CBN Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, on a 20-count charge of criminal breach of trust brought against him by the federal government.

Emefiele is being prosecuted by the EFCC in the charge marked FCT/HC/CR/577/2023.

He is standing trial on an amended 20-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, conspiracy to obtain by false pretence, and obtaining money by false pretence while serving as CBN governor.

Emefiele was, among others, alleged to have knowingly obtained by false pretence the sum of $6,230,000 purportedly meant for international election observers for the 2023 general election.

The EFCC accused him of conferring corrupt advantages on two companies — April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges during his arraignment.

At Monday’s proceedings, Chinedu Eneanya, who served on the probe panel, was called to testify as the 13th prosecution witness (PW13).

In his evidence-in-chief, the witness told the court that his team was assigned to investigate the matter.

“The investigation revealed that the money, $6.2 million, was removed from the coffers of the CBN for a purported funding of foreign observers for the 2023 elections.”

He told the court that those connected with the movement of the fund were interviewed.

The witness said documents were recovered from the CBN regarding the release of the money.

Eneanya told the court that investigations also revealed that the signatures of the then President, Muhammadu Buhari, and then Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, were forged to collect the money.

He said forensic examination was carried out, which established that the two signatures were forged.

Drama, however, ensued during cross-examination by Mathew Burkaa, SAN, counsel to Emefiele, when the witness admitted that forensic examination was not carried out on Emefiele’s signature despite Emefiele’s claim that his signature was also forged by the culprits.

The witness said five CBN officers signed the internal memo that authorised the release of the money and that none of them is standing trial alongside Emefiele, but were only suspended by the CBN.

The witness told the court that he was not the one who took Emefiele’s extra-judicial statements.

When asked if any of the investigators established that Emefiele received any money, he said Emefiele’s lawyer, Ifeanyi Omeke, said he received money on behalf of Emefiele, but that he did not interview Emefiele on the claim.

Earlier, Emefiele’s counsel had frowned at bringing another Investigating Police Officer (IPO) on the ground that the witness would say the same thing said by two other IPOs.

He also drew the attention of the court to the last proceedings where the EFCC told the court that it was bringing its last witness.

“We understand their strategy. It seems they are ridiculing the court. All the same, we are ready to go on.”

Emefiele, through his counsel, applied for the foreclosure of the EFCC’s case after prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, told the court that he was not sure of bringing two witnesses on April 28.

Oyedepo informed the court that the EFCC was yet to obtain the subpoena from the court and that the witnesses were outside jurisdiction in Benin and Lagos.

When the court asked the prosecution how many more witnesses it intended to call, Oyedepo said two more and mentioned their names as Jim Obessa and CP Eloho Okpozikbo.

The court then asked the prosecution to bring all the witnesses between April 27 and 28.

At this point, Burkaa applied to the court that the EFCC’s case be foreclosed if it failed to bring the two remaining witnesses to court on April 28.

“If the witnesses do not come on April 28, we apply that they should be foreclosed. Justice is both for the prosecution and the defendant.

“This is an antic by the prosecution to put maximum hardship on the defendant. Please let it be on record that the prosecution has severally brought out this scenario,” he said.

Responding, Oyedepo told the court that he was not there to be a clog in the expeditious trial of the case and prayed the court to refuse the application to shut the doors against the prosecution.

Justice Hamza Muazu advised parties to reserve their arguments till their final addresses and directed Oyedepo to go to the court registrar for the signing of the subpoena.

Justice Muazu then adjourned till April 28 for continuation of trial.

https://dailypost.ng/2026/04/27/buhari-boss-mustaphas-signatures-were-forged-to-defraud-nigeria-of-6-2m-in-cbn-efcc-insists-at-emefiele-trial/

Lagos 2027: I Will Serve Lagosians With Integrity And A Clear Sense Of Purpose

2026-04-28T07:34:46Z

Hamzat Praises Governor Sanwo-Olu after being endorsed to be APC lagos gubernatorial candidate in. 2027

Today, I am honoured by the endorsement of my Governor, my brother and my friend, HE Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

His trust means a great deal to me. We’ve worked side by side in the service of Lagos State, and I don’t take this vote of confidence lightly.

I remain committed to building on the progress we’ve made together, and look forward to serving Lagosians with integrity, focus and a clear sense of purpose.

source

How Apapa-Oworonshoki-Ojota Expressway Looks Now (Video)

2026-04-28T07:32:58Z

Apapa- Oworonshoki - Ojota Expressway Constructed by APC Government

Omo, see Apapa Port down to Oworonshoki Expressway....

if you truly knew how terrible it was before APC

you’d agree with me that APC is indeed a blessing to Nigeria 👇❤️ pic.twitter.com/zycKqOWmXR
— A. Ayofe (@abdullahayofel) April 27, 2026

Security Experts Hail Enugu's Security Investment, Urge Other States To Do Same

2026-04-28T07:29:57Z

Security experts hail Governor Mbah's security investment, urge other states to emulate Enugu

Security personnel and experts drawn from various security and paramilitary agencies have hailed Enugu State Government’s heavy investment in security, calling on other states to emulate the state.

The experts and security personnel were members of the Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC) 19 of the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS), Abuja, who paid a courtesy visit to Governor Peter Mbah today at Government House, Enugu.

Team Lead, Olalekan Fashanu, told Mbah that the team was on a study tour of Enugu State in fulfilment of their course, which focuses on “Ethnic Militia and Resource Competition in Africa: Implications for National Security.”

Fielding questions from Government House correspondents, a staff member of NISS, Dr. Olusola Opa-Ola, singled out the ultramodern Enugu State Command and Control Centre with accompanying AI-enabled cameras mounted across the state for praise, saying it is a very potent infrastructure for fighting insecurity.

“We have come here on a study tour in Enugu State. We are happy with what we have seen so far. We are impressed, especially in the area of security.

“With the command and control they have installed, which has assisted them in so many ways in curbing insecurity and in identifying grey areas, and which is a major factor that enables them to achieve these great lengths that they have achieved.

“We hope other states can come around, copy this type of command and control that they have established here. It has assisted them to nip crime in the bud. Other states around here or even in the federation can copy this kind of security investment.

“It would help us to have fewer problems of insecurity nationwide. The Federal Government will be less in charge, while the state governments can do a lot with political will.”

He also called for greater collaboration among all tiers of government and agencies in charge of security.

“One agency cannot do it alone, and one state cannot do it alone except by collaboration,” he stated.

On his part, Governor Mbah said there was no way his administration could actualise its vision to grow the state’s economy from $4.4bn to $30bn without tackling the huge security challenges inherited at its inception.

He said his administration would continue to prioritise the security of lives and property, and commended the security agencies for their cooperation in restoring the confidence of investors and residents in the capacity of government to secure them.

Governor Mbah observed that Nigeria is one of the most blessed countries on earth, urging the team to interrogate what he described as the "tragedy of the commons," which he said was the real bane of resource optimisation in Nigeria.

"I think we are actually blessed with more resources than we actually need, but the challenge is this tragedy of the commons, which is determining who the owners of the resources are because if we are not able to identify who the real owner is, then we are unable to invest to optimise them. You are unable to spend without taking full ownership. So, we need to have a structure to optimise those resources.

"I think the idea of your studies is for you to come back and teach us and let us learn from your research. It will help you to interrogate some of these things, whether we are really suffering from resource competition or the tragedy of the commons," the governor concluded.

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