₦airaland Forum

*Poverty, Economic Hardship and Governance Failures Continue to Push Nigerians into Financial Traps


By Augustine Aminu

The collapse of another Ponzi investment platform, NRC (National Reading Culture), is more than another financial scandal. It is a painful reflection of the harsh economic realities confronting millions of Nigerians. Behind every lost investment lies a story of desperation—a widow hoping to pay school fees, a civil servant seeking relief from stagnant wages, a trader struggling to restock a small business, or a graduate searching for a way to survive in an economy that offers limited opportunities.

Reports indicate that thousands of Nigerians lost billions of naira after investing in the NRC platform, which disguised itself as a task-based earning scheme. Participants were required to pay money to complete simple online tasks while being promised unrealistic and guaranteed returns. Like many fraudulent schemes before it, the platform relied on funds from new participants to pay earlier investors until the system inevitably collapsed.

While the operators of such schemes must be held accountable, it would be simplistic to blame only the perpetrators. The growing attraction of Ponzi schemes is rooted in a much deeper crisis of poverty, unemployment, inflation, declining purchasing power and widespread economic uncertainty.

For many Nigerians, legitimate investment opportunities appear increasingly out of reach. Rising food prices, unstable incomes and a high cost of living have left millions searching for quick financial relief. Fraudsters understand this desperation and expertly exploit it by offering promises of financial freedom that seem too good to ignore.

Nigeria has witnessed the rise and collapse of numerous Ponzi schemes over the past decade. Despite repeated warnings from regulators and law enforcement agencies, similar platforms continue to emerge because the conditions that make them attractive remain largely unresolved. Economic hardship has created fertile ground for financial fraud.

The persistence of these scams also raises difficult questions about governance and regulatory effectiveness. While agencies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other relevant institutions regularly issue public advisories, many fraudulent platforms continue to operate openly for months before they are shut down. By the time enforcement begins, countless victims have already lost their life savings.

This reality underscores the need for stronger financial regulation, faster enforcement mechanisms and improved coordination among government institutions responsible for protecting investors. Preventive action is always more effective than post-collapse investigations.

Beyond regulation, there is an urgent need for sustained financial literacy campaigns. Many victims are not driven by greed but by genuine economic hardship. Some invest borrowed funds, cooperative savings or retirement benefits because they see no other path to financial stability. Public education on investment risks must therefore become a national priority.

However, financial education alone cannot solve the problem. Nigerians need an economy that creates jobs, supports entrepreneurship, encourages small businesses and rewards productive investment rather than speculative schemes. When citizens have access to stable employment, affordable credit and realistic opportunities for wealth creation, the appeal of fraudulent investment platforms naturally diminishes.

The NRC collapse should therefore serve as another wake-up call for policymakers. Economic reforms must be measured not only by macroeconomic indicators but also by their impact on ordinary citizens. A growing economy means little if millions remain trapped in poverty and are forced to gamble their future on fraudulent promises.

Government must strengthen social protection programmes, improve access to quality education and vocational skills, support local industries and create an environment where legitimate businesses can thrive. Economic growth that fails to improve household incomes leaves citizens vulnerable to exploitation.

The media also has a critical responsibility. Journalists, civil society organisations and community leaders must continue exposing fraudulent schemes, promoting financial literacy and encouraging citizens to verify investment opportunities before committing their hard-earned money.

The collapse of the NRC platform is ultimately a human tragedy. Families have lost school fees, rent, business capital and retirement savings. Some victims may spend years recovering from these financial losses, while others may never recover at all.

Nigeria cannot continue to respond to one Ponzi collapse after another without addressing the underlying drivers. Until poverty is reduced, unemployment tackled, governance strengthened and public confidence restored in legitimate economic opportunities, fraudulent investment schemes will continue to flourish.

The lessons from the NRC collapse are clear. Combating Ponzi schemes requires more than arrests after the damage has been done. It demands responsive governance, inclusive economic policies, effective regulation and renewed public trust in institutions. Only then can Nigeria begin to break the cycle of financial desperation that repeatedly turns hope into heartbreak.

<strong>*Augustine Aminu is Country Director, Volunteer Media Advocacy for Accountable Leadership</strong>

https://thenewcitizen.ng/nrc-ponzi-scheme-collapse-poverty-economic-hardship-and-governance-failures-continue-to-push-nigerians-into-financial-traps/

The Nigerian Youth Solidarity Assembly (NYSA) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately dismiss the Director-General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, over what it described as gross incompetence and abuse of office in the enforcement of the ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottled alcoholic beverages.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, the Secretary-General of the assembly, Comrade Okwute Hilary Akor, expressed dissatisfaction with what he termed NAFDAC's "arbitrary and unlawful" enforcement of the restriction, arguing that the action contradicts existing government directives and undermines the country's economic recovery efforts.

According to the group, the agency's action violates the National Alcohol Policy and disregards earlier directives suspending further enforcement pending the outcome of consultations by a joint committee. NYSA also alleged that the enforcement runs contrary to resolutions of the House of Representatives, which had urged the agency to halt implementation following consultations with stakeholders.

The assembly warned that the continued enforcement of the ban could have far-reaching social, economic and political consequences if not urgently reviewed.

It argued that the restriction could lead to job losses across the manufacturing and distribution value chain, threaten the survival of indigenous beverage producers, reduce government revenue, and encourage the proliferation of illicit, substandard and smuggled alcoholic products.

NYSA further maintained that the policy could negatively affect low-income adult consumers who rely on smaller packaging options, insisting that the products provide consumers with affordable choices rather than encouraging alcohol abuse.

The group also disputed claims that sachet alcohol promotes underage drinking, saying available industry-supported awareness campaigns and responsible drinking initiatives have already strengthened measures against underage alcohol consumption.

While reaffirming its support for efforts aimed at eliminating unsafe and unregulated products from the market, the assembly insisted that regulatory decisions should be guided by credible empirical evidence and broad stakeholder consultation rather than what it described as emotional considerations.

The group cautioned that failure to address the issue could fuel public
dissatisfaction, weaken investor confidence in Nigeria's manufacturing sector, disrupt businesses, and generate avoidable political tensions at a time when the government is pursuing economic reforms.

NYSA consequently urged President Tinubu to remove the NAFDAC Director-General from office, arguing that such action would restore confidence in regulatory institutions and safeguard jobs, businesses and the broader economy.

The agency had not responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report.

The Independent Action Group for the Voiceless has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately dismiss the Director-General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, accusing her of incompetence and abuse of public office over the enforcement of a ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic beverages.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, the group's National Coordinator, Ndubuisi Nwogu, alleged that NAFDAC's decision to enforce the restriction was unlawful and contrary to existing government directives.

According to Nwogu, the enforcement action violates the National Alcohol Policy approved by the Federal Ministry of Health and disregards a presidential directive suspending further disruption of affected businesses pending the outcome of a joint committee's deliberations.

The group further argued that the move runs contrary to resolutions of the House of Representatives, which, following stakeholder consultations and a public hearing in March 2024, reportedly advised against the implementation of the ban and described it as anti-people.

Nwogu claimed that the policy could have far-reaching economic consequences, including job losses, reduced business activities, and disruptions across the alcoholic beverage value chain. He warned that the decision could negatively affect local manufacturers and undermine efforts to stimulate economic growth under the administration's economic reform agenda.

The group maintained that sachet and small-bottle alcoholic products were introduced to cater to low-income adult consumers and should not be prohibited without compelling evidence. It also disputed claims that such products encourage alcohol abuse among minors, arguing that available industry-backed campaigns promoting responsible alcohol consumption have yielded positive results.

According to the group, industry operators have invested substantial resources in awareness campaigns aimed at discouraging underage drinking and promoting responsible consumption practices.

While expressing support for regulatory measures designed to eliminate unsafe products from the market, the group insisted that policy decisions should be guided by empirical evidence rather than what it described as emotional or unsubstantiated claims.

The organization also warned that a complete ban could create opportunities for the proliferation of illicit and unregulated alcoholic products, encourage smuggling, and reduce government revenue from legitimate manufacturers.

Consequently, the group urged President Tinubu to remove Adeyeye from office, arguing that her continued leadership of the agency was no longer in the public interest.

NAFDAC has consistently maintained that restrictions on sachet alcohol and small-volume alcoholic beverages are intended to protect public health and reduce access to alcohol by underage persons and other vulnerable groups.

The agency had yet to respond to the latest allegations at the time of filing this report.

Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has approved the extension of the Buku–Andaha road project to Ancho and neighbouring communities in Nighaan District of Akwanga Local Government Area.

The governor announced the approval on Sunday at the Government House, Lafia, while receiving leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who presented the results of the recent Nasarawa North Senatorial District bye-election won by Umar Danladi Halilu Envulu’Anza.

Sule directed the state Directorate of Rural Roads to commence mobilisation for the project from June 22, saying the extension would cover Arum, Anji, Pamapam and Ancho Wawaye communities.

He said the project was designed to improve rural connectivity, boost access to markets and social services, and stimulate economic activities in the affected communities.

The governor commended residents of Nighaan District for their support for the APC and peaceful participation in the electoral process, describing the party’s victory in the bye-election as a vote of confidence in his administration’s developmental programmes.

He assured the people that his government would continue to deliver infrastructure and other dividends of democracy across the state.

Speaking on behalf of the stakeholders, APC leaders thanked the governor for his commitment to infrastructure development and pledged continued support for his administration’s policies and programmes.

[video width="1024" height="576" mp4="https://dailymirror.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/VID-20260620-WA0009.mp4"][/video]
A wave of electoral violence has reportedly rocked Wakama Ward, where the Director-General of the APC campaign organisation and 12 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) were allegedly attacked by suspected ethnic militia believed to be loyal to Labour Party candidate, Labaran Maku.

Sources from the area disclosed that the attackers, armed with machetes and axes, inflicted serious injuries on several victims during the assault. Many of those attacked sustained varying degrees of injuries, while two victims are currently receiving treatment in hospital for severe wounds.

One of the victims, Ezekiel Baba, was initially declared missing in the aftermath of the attack, raising fears about his safety. However, following a swift response by personnel of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), he was rescued and taken to hospital for medical attention.

Sources further alleged that operatives of the NSCDC apprehended one of the suspected attackers, identified as Peter Assi, a former Councillor of Wakama Ward and a known political associate of Labour Party candidate, Labaran Maku. Security authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the arrest and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The incident has heightened tensions in the area and raised serious concerns about voter safety and the conduct of the ongoing Nasarawa North Senatorial Bye-Election. Residents and political stakeholders have called on security agencies to swiftly investigate the attack, bring the perpetrators to justice, and ensure adequate security for voters and election officials.

The APC has strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a dangerous act of political violence capable of undermining the credibility of the electoral process.

Security authorities are yet to issue a comprehensive official statement on the incident, while efforts to obtain a response from the Labour Party candidate and other relevant stakeholders were ongoing at the time of filing this report.

The Independent Public Service Accountability Watch (IPSAW) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately remove the Director-General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, over what it described as "gross incompetence and abuse of public office" in the agency's enforcement of the ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottle alcoholic beverages.

Addressing a press conference at the Ministry of Health in Abuja on Thursday, IPSAW Executive Director, Amb. Stephen Eriba, accused the NAFDAC boss of disregarding government directives, undermining existing regulatory frameworks, and pursuing policies capable of destabilising businesses and threatening thousands of jobs across the alcoholic beverage value chain.

The group alleged that NAFDAC's enforcement actions contravene provisions of the National Alcohol Policy and violate resolutions of the House of Representatives, which had earlier called for restraint on the implementation of the ban pending broader stakeholder engagement.

IPSAW argued that the move could have far-reaching economic consequences, warning that the continued enforcement of the restriction may cripple affected manufacturing companies, disrupt investments, reduce government revenue, and worsen unemployment at a time the Federal Government is seeking to stimulate economic growth under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

"The Director-General must be relieved of her position without further delay. Her actions have created uncertainty within the industry and are capable of frustrating efforts aimed at strengthening economic recovery and investor confidence," Eriba said.

The organisation further contended that sachet and small-volume alcoholic beverages were introduced to provide affordable options for low-income adult consumers and should not be arbitrarily removed from the market without empirical evidence supporting claims of widespread abuse.

IPSAW also challenged assertions that the products encourage underage drinking, insisting that industry operators have invested heavily in responsible drinking campaigns and awareness programmes aimed at preventing alcohol abuse and restricting access by minors.

According to the group, billions of naira have been invested in public sensitisation efforts across the country to promote responsible alcohol consumption and strengthen compliance with age-restriction regulations.

The watchdog maintained that while it supports measures aimed at eliminating unsafe and substandard products from the market, regulatory decisions must be based on credible research, verifiable data, and broad stakeholder consultations rather than what it described as "emotional considerations."

In a strongly worded warning, IPSAW cautioned that enforcing the ban could create unintended consequences, including the proliferation of illicit and unregulated alcoholic products, increased smuggling, loss of government revenue, and further hardship for businesses operating within the sector.

The group warned that failure to review the policy could jeopardise the livelihoods of workers, distributors, retailers, and other stakeholders dependent on the alcoholic beverage industry, while potentially exposing consumers to unsafe alternatives.

IPSAW therefore urged President Tinubu to intervene decisively, insisting that the continued stay of the NAFDAC Director-General in office is "no longer in the public interest" and could undermine confidence in government policies and regulatory institutions.

The organisation called for an immediate review of the enforcement measures and renewed engagement with industry stakeholders to prevent what it described as a looming economic and regulatory crisis.

By Augustine Aminu

The article titled “Kogi East and the Politics of Selective Amnesia” by Kenneth Akoji is less a defense of Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho and more an elaborate public relations exercise desperately attempting to whitewash years of underperformance, broken promises, and disappointing representation in Kogi East.

What the writer failed to understand is that citizens do not judge leadership by lengthy newspaper lists of boreholes, empowerment handouts, and budget proposals. They judge leadership by visible transformation, economic improvement, quality representation, and the real impact on their daily lives. On those critical indices, Senator Jibrin Echocho has failed Kogi East.

The greatest irony in the article is its repeated celebration of projects that are either ordinary constituency obligations, abandoned, duplicated, politicized, or grossly insignificant compared to the scale of suffering and underdevelopment in Kogi East.

No serious region in Nigeria today measures effective senatorial representation by counting boreholes and distributing tricycles. That is not transformational leadership; it is survival politics designed to keep people permanently dependent while poverty deepens.

For nearly a full term in office, what truly strategic legacy project can Senator Echocho confidently point to across Kogi East?

Where is the industrial revolution promised to the people?

Where are the functional road networks that connect communities and stimulate commerce?

Where is the aggressive legislative advocacy that has translated into major federal presence in the district?
Where are the sustainable jobs beyond politically-selected beneficiaries?

Where is the coordinated regional economic agenda capable of lifting Kogi East from chronic underdevelopment?

These are the real questions the article conveniently avoided.

The writer attempted to overwhelm readers with a flood of project mentions, yet many of those projects remain either incomplete, poorly executed, or too insignificant to reflect the massive federal allocations and political influence available to a serving senator. In many communities across Kogi East, residents still battle collapsing roads, poor healthcare, youth unemployment, insecurity, epileptic electricity supply, and worsening poverty despite all the noise about “visible interventions.”

The truth is simple: Kogi East has not experienced the kind of aggressive, people-oriented representation capable of matching the district’s enormous political and economic potential.

Instead, what citizens have witnessed is media-driven politics where every borehole becomes breaking news and every empowerment programme is packaged like a national achievement.

A senator’s responsibility goes beyond sharing motorcycles and installing solar lights. Leadership requires vision, courage, influence, and measurable development outcomes. Unfortunately, Senator Echocho’s representation has largely revolved around tokenism rather than transformation.

The article also exposed a dangerous mindset common among some political defenders — the belief that citizens should remain eternally grateful for basic amenities funded with public money. Public office holders are not doing communities personal favours by facilitating projects; they are performing constitutional duties financed by taxpayers.

Therefore, criticism of elected officials is not “bitterness” or “propaganda.” It is democracy.

Attempting to silence dissent by branding critics as “anonymous propagandists” only reveals intolerance for accountability. In fact, the growing dissatisfaction across Kogi East is not manufactured; it reflects genuine frustration among citizens who expected far more from someone entrusted with representing one of the most politically strategic districts in Nigeria.

The claim that Senator Echocho facilitated jobs into federal agencies also deserves scrutiny. Public employment opportunities should never be presented as personal gifts from politicians. Furthermore, isolated appointments for a few individuals cannot substitute for broad economic empowerment and sustainable regional development.

More importantly, the repeated reference to motions and bills without corresponding implementation highlights another weakness in the senator’s record. Nigerians are tired of ceremonial motions that generate headlines but fail to produce concrete outcomes. What matters is not how many motions were moved but how many lives were truly changed.

Even the projects highlighted in Odu unintentionally expose the poverty of expectations imposed on the people. After years of representation, should communities still be celebrating ordinary boreholes and classroom blocks as monumental achievements? That alone reflects how low the standard of leadership has fallen.

Kogi East deserves representation that can attract major federal institutions, modern infrastructure, investment opportunities, industrial clusters, agricultural value chains, and sustainable economic growth — not endless political advertisements centered around handouts and scattered constituency projects.

The harsh reality is that Senator Jibrin Echocho has not provided the bold, visionary, and impactful leadership expected from someone occupying such a powerful office. The district remains largely underdeveloped, economically weak, and politically underutilized despite the enormous opportunities available at the federal level.

No amount of emotional writing, political grandstanding, or defensive propaganda can erase the growing public perception that Kogi East has not received commensurate value from its current representation.
History will not judge leaders by newspaper articles written in their defense. It will judge them by the condition of their people.

And today, across many parts of Kogi East, the people are still waiting for the true dividends of effective leadership.

*Aminu is President General, Volunteer Media Advocacy for Accountable Leadership

https://thenewcitizen.ng/wp-admin/post.php?post=12929&action=edit

.....The Role of Intelligence in the Nigeria-US Joint Counter-Terrorism Operations That Neutralized Top ISWAP Commander, Fighters

By Augustine Aminu


On Friday, May 16, 2026, the world was jolted by news of the killing of top commander of the Islamic State's West Africa Province (ISWAP), Abour Mainok and several other fighters. Also known as Abu Bilal al-Minuki, and
considered the second-in-command of ISIL (ISIS) globally, the top terrorist commander was reportedly killed during a joint Nigeria-U.S. Counter Terrorism operation in Metele, Borno State.
Ever since the elimination of al-Minuki, considered one of the biggest blows in recent times to terrorists in the world over, torrents of encomium have been pouring in for the Nigeria -U. S. joint terrorism operations.
Posting on his Truth Social handle, U. S. President Donald Trump, wrote, "Brave American forces ⁠and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission to eliminate the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield,"
Al-Minuki, added President Trump, “thought he could hide in Africa, but little did he know we had ‌sources ⁠who kept us informed on what he was doing."
On his part, President Bola Tinubu stated that both countries had “recorded a significant example of effective collaboration in the fight against terrorism”.
Early assessments indicate that al-Minuki, along with “several of his lieutenants,” were killed during a strike on his compound in Metele, Borno State," Tinubu said.

“Nigeria appreciates this partnership with the United States in advancing our shared security objectives,” he added. “I extend my sincere gratitude to President Trump for his leadership and unwavering support in this effort," he added.

A few days after President Trump praised Nigerian Intelligence services for helping to hunt down Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, a man he described as "the most active terrorist in the world," US Air Force General, Dagvin R.M. Anderson, Commander of U.S. Africa Command, also spoke glowingly of Nigeria's Intelligence services.

Remarked Anderson, "The Nigerians have been instrumental throughout the last several months, developing the target, helping us with the Intelligence and providing support. So, it could not have been done by our own Forces. We needed to do that in conjunction with them."

Security sources who analyzed President Trump's terse statement, alongside that of the to head of AFRICOM, General Anderson, were quick to point out that the "sources" who kept the United States and Nigerian Armed Forces informed of the movements of al-Minuki and his fighters, may be none other than Nigeria's Intelligence agencies: the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Intelligence Agency (NIA), and Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).

Interestingly, six days before al-Minuki's elimination, something crucial to the fight against terrorism happened in one North central town, well over 1,100 kilometres away from Metele, Borno State, where al-Minuki and over 175 of his fighters would meet their Waterloo.

Just as DSS, NIA and DIA operatives were helping US and Nigerian troops monitor the movement of Al-Minuki and his fighters around the Lake Chad region, a set of DSS operatives covertly captured a notorious leader of one of ISWAP's critical cell in Nigeria . His name is Abdulrahman Ozovieh Muhammad alias Abu Ghozi.

Abu Ghozi, security sources believe, masterminded the December 2020 attack on a military checkpoint in Okene, killing two naval personnel and carting away their weapons.

Additionally, Abu Ghozi is believed to have masterminded the 11th March, 2021 bank robbery at Okuku, in Oda-Atin LGA of Osun State; carried out several attacks on police formations in Okene, Okehi and Adavi LGAs. He didn't spare security checkpoints along Okene-Auchi, Okene –Kabba and Okene-Ajaokuta roads.

Also believed to be behind several kidnaps, including the October 2025 kidnap of a Chinese national in Okpella, Edo State, during which eight personnel of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were killed, is Abu Ghozi.

In January, 2026, his group reportedly attacked and burnt down the house of the Chief Priest at Uhodo area of Okehi LGA. Members of his suspected terrorist group were, before his arrest by the DSS, reportedly set to attack detention facilities in Kainji and Abuja, to release detained members of their group.
Security sources believe that Abu Ghozi's capture by DSS officers may have greatly helped the Nigerian Intelligence Services (DSS, NIA and DIA) gather further Intelligence that was ultimately used to nail al-Minuki and his fighters six days later in faraway Metele, Borno State.
No doubt, Nigeria's Intelligence community and their military counterpart again proved very invaluable to the recent successes in the global fight against terrorism, and helped position Nigeria as a very trusted ally in the fight against terrorism.
For the first time since Nigeria began fighting terrorism circa 2010, the country has now fully turned the heat on terrorists, smoking them.out on a daily basis.. The recent successes recorded shows that with our Armed Forces increasingly relying on the intelligence supplied by the DSS, NIA and DIA, Nigeria will sooner than later overcome her security challenges.

Aminu has been online editor of several newspapers, and lives in Abuja

The Nasarawa Youths Vanguard has strongly condemned the attempted abduction, harassment, and intimidation of Professor Emmanuel Dandaura during the recent political primary election in Nasarawa State, describing the incident as a direct assault on democracy, civic freedom, and the dignity of responsible citizenship.

In a statement issued by the Director-General of the group, Comrade Monday Isah, the organisation expressed outrage over what it described as the activities of desperate political hoodlums and non-state actors bent on weaponising violence, intimidation, and mob pressure against respected citizens who refuse to compromise their integrity.

According to the group, the hoodlums were not even present at the venue of the primary election while voting and collation were taking place. However, upon hearing that the outcome of the election did not favour their preferred candidate, they reportedly mobilised in a white Hilux vehicle and laid ambush on the road for Professor Dandaura after the exercise.

The statement explained that the hoodlums attempted to forcefully compel the respected professor to accompany them back to the village so he could lend his respected name, credibility, and influence to their demand that the election result be altered in favour of their preferred candidate.

What reportedly began as persuasion quickly degenerated into harassment, intimidation, and attempted coercion when Professor Dandaura firmly refused to support any attempt to manipulate the democratic process. He reportedly explained to them that elections must reflect the will of party members and that no individual, regardless of status, should interfere with the integrity of a democratic exercise.

The group noted that Professor Dandaura was neither an electoral official nor an agent of any candidate. He merely returned to his hometown to discharge his civic responsibility as a respected member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), like every other eligible citizen.

The Nasarawa Youths Vanguard further described Professor Dandaura as one of the most respected intellectuals and public communication scholars from the Mada Nation and Nasarawa State at large.

“Professor Emmanuel Dandaura made history as the first son of the Mada Nation to attain the rank of professor over twenty years ago. Since then, he has continued to distinguish himself nationally and internationally through scholarship, mentorship, public service, peace advocacy, and community development,” the statement noted.

The group added that throughout his over 37 years of public life as an academic, Professor Dandaura has built a reputation anchored on integrity, discipline, humility, intellectual excellence, and principled leadership. It stressed that he has consistently promoted dialogue, democratic values, youth empowerment, and peaceful coexistence across communities.

“People like Professor Dandaura are assets to society. They represent the moral and intellectual credibility that communities depend upon for guidance and stability. Attempting to intimidate or harass such a figure simply because he refused to compromise democratic principles is disgraceful and dangerous,” the group stated.

The organisation warned that condoning such acts of attempted abduction, harassment, intimidation, and theft would amount to encouraging political hooliganism and discouraging decent, credible, and highly respected citizens from participating in politics and democratic activities.

“If respected and accomplished individuals like Professor Dandaura cannot freely participate in the democratic process without being ambushed or harassed by political thugs, then democracy itself is under threat,” the statement added.

The group also condemned what it described as deliberate attempts by some individuals on social media to circulate false narratives aimed at distorting the facts surrounding the incident.

Nasarawa Youths Vanguard therefore called on security agencies to immediately launch a thorough investigation into the matter and ensure that all identified persons involved are arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

“No citizen should be subjected to intimidation, harassment, or violence for exercising a lawful democratic right. Politics must never descend into criminality and mob action,” Comrade Isah stated.

The group further warned that if no visible action is taken by relevant authorities within the next 48 hours, it would commence legal proceedings against all identified individuals connected to the incident.

“We shall not fold our arms and watch hoodlums intimidate respected citizens and undermine democracy in our communities. The law must take its course,” the statement concluded.

The bail application filed by Chidiebere Justice Mark, popularly known as Justice Crack, on Thursday suffered a setback at the Federal High Court in Abuja after he informed the court that he had ditched Marshall Abubakar for Femi Balogun, as his counsel.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik had, on May 4, fixed today for hearing of Mark's bail request shortly after he was arraigned by the Department of State Services (DSS) and pleaded not guilty to a three-count charge.

The adjournment followed an application by Mark's lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, who told the court of the need to admit his client to bail pending trial.

The DSS had, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/253/2026, sued Crack, as sole defendant over alleged cybercrime offences linked to a viral video concerning the Nigerian Army.

Mark was alleged to have circulated a false information and publication of materials capable of causing public unrest.

The defendant, who was reportedly arrested by the Nigerian Army, was accused of publishing the viral video and accompanying statements through his X handle, @JusticeCrack, alleging inadequate feeding of Nigerian soldiers.

When the case was called on Thursday, Leyii Abueh, from the Federal Ministry of Justice, informed the court that the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) had taken over the matter from the DSS in line with the relevant section of the law.

However, things took a dramatic twist as Femi Balogun and Abubakar stood up to announce appearance for the same Crack.

Balogun told the court that he was briefed by Mark's family to take up the case.

He notified the court about the defence bail application already filed.

However, Abubakar stood his ground, insisting that he was the defendant's lawyer, who had been appearing in the case and he had not been disengaged from handling Crack's matter.

Justice Abdulmalik then asked the defendant to identify his lawyer and Mark pointed at Balogun.

Against this development, Abubakar applied to withdraw all the processes he filed in respect of the case, including the bail application which Balogun had relied on.

The judge struck out the processes filed by Abubakar and adjourned until May 18 for hearing of the fresh bail application.

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has recorded significant strides in digital technology development, cybersecurity, and strategic partnerships under its current leadership, according to the Citizen Watch Advocacy Initiative (CWAI).

In a statement signed by CWAI’s Director of Media and Stakeholders Engagement, Mahmud Bello, the agency was commended for advancing its mandate of developing, regulating, and advising on information technology in Nigeria.

CWAI noted that since the appointment of NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the agency has been repositioned as a key driver of digital transformation, innovation, and economic development.

It added that NITDA now plays a central role in implementing the National Digital Economy Policy, setting IT standards, promoting local content, and strengthening cybersecurity frameworks.

The organisation stated that the agency has also improved digital literacy and capacity building across the country, while enhancing data protection and collaboration with industry stakeholders.

According to CWAI, Abdullahi recently called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to unlock Nigeria’s digital economy potential. Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting themed “Creating Opportunities,

Breaking Boundaries,” he described Nigeria as being at a critical point where digitalisation could drive economic diversification, job creation, and sustainable growth.

The statement further highlighted NITDA’s implementation of its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) and the National Digital Literacy Framework, aimed at equipping citizens with digital skills.

It revealed that the agency has established over 100 IT centres nationwide to support learning and innovation.

CWAI also referenced the Director-General’s remarks at the GITEX Africa Summit 2026, where he warned of emerging threats posed by artificial intelligence and stressed the need for a “total resilience” approach to cybersecurity.

Abdullahi, according to the statement, emphasised that cybersecurity is no longer just a technical issue but a national development priority, noting that human error accounts for the majority of digital breaches.

The group said the Federal Government’s National Digital Literacy Programme aims to achieve 95 per cent digital literacy by 2030, with an interim target of 70 per cent by 2027.

It added that NITDA is working with several public and private institutions to strengthen national cyber resilience and protect critical infrastructure.

CWAI further commended NITDA’s collaboration with stakeholders, including its engagement with the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), which focused on leveraging digital innovation and the Orange Economy for economic growth.

The statement noted that the agency continues to promote innovation through initiatives such as the National Digital Literacy Programme and the “3 Million Tech Talent” programme, aimed at developing skills in cybersecurity, data science, and artificial intelligence.

It also highlighted Abdullahi’s call for increased partnerships at the Nigerian Satellite Week 2026 in Abuja, where he urged stakeholders to drive innovation through collaboration and practical solutions.

CWAI concluded that NITDA’s initiatives and regulatory approach are helping to build a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive digital economy, while encouraging continued support for programmes that empower young innovators and attract investment into Nigeria’s technology ecosystem.

The Citizens Watch Advocacy Initiative (CWAI) has commended the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Olumode Samuel Adeyemi, for providing strategic leadership that is consolidating reforms and repositioning the agency for greater efficiency and national impact.

In a statement issued in Kaduna by its Director of Media and Stakeholder Engagement, Mahmud Bello, CWAI said the current FFS leadership has demonstrated strong commitment to sustaining developmental programmes while improving institutional performance.

The group highlighted key achievements under Adeyemi’s leadership to include personnel promotions, enhanced public awareness campaigns, improved firefighting sensitisation nationwide, strengthened fire safety policies, and boosted staff morale.

It also noted the expansion of public-private partnerships and increased collaboration with disaster management agencies as critical steps toward safeguarding lives and property.

CWAI observed that since Adeyemi assumed office, the Federal Fire Service has witnessed improved productivity, accountability, and policy direction, leading to what it described as a “remarkable transformation” within a short period.

According to the statement, the service has recorded milestones such as prompt payment of salaries and allowances, upgraded training facilities, and expanded capacity-building initiatives.

It added that officers now participate in local and international courses, with recent cadet graduates from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) training school identified as part of efforts to groom future leaders.

The organisation further praised the FFS for strengthening strategic partnerships with key institutions, including NEXIM Bank, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Atomic Energy Commission, and Transcorp PLC. These collaborations, it said, are aimed at improving fire prevention systems, emergency preparedness, and national safety standards.

CWAI also cited the service’s push for integrating fire safety frameworks into critical sectors and its advocacy for specialised emergency response systems in sensitive environments such as nuclear facilities.

In the private sector, the group acknowledged joint emergency drills conducted with Transcorp PLC, which led to the company receiving fire safety certification, as well as ongoing engagements with the BUA Group under the Abdul Samad Rabiu (ASR) Africa initiative to address gaps in Nigeria’s fire emergency infrastructure.

The statement quoted Adeyemi as emphasising the urgency of improving response time, expanding fire station networks, and strengthening emergency medical services, describing them as essential priorities for saving lives.

CWAI further commended the service’s rapid response to emergencies, including a recent fire outbreak at Singa Market in Kano State, noting that such actions reflect operational diligence and proactive leadership.

It also lauded the collaboration between the FFS and the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) on postgraduate programmes in disaster and risk management, describing it as a significant step toward professionalising the service.

While applauding the agency’s progress, CWAI called for increased budgetary allocation to enable the Federal Fire Service to address challenges such as inadequate fire station coverage, limited equipment, and insufficient emergency response capacity.

The organisation reaffirmed its vote of confidence in Adeyemi’s leadership, citing his discipline, transparency, anti-corruption stance, and engagement with stakeholders as key drivers of the agency’s ongoing transformation.

By Augustine Aminu

Democracy is not designed to whisper—it is meant to argue, to challenge, to compete. It survives on the oxygen of choice and the friction of opposing ideas. But when one political party begins to tower over all others, drowning out alternative voices, democracy does not merely weaken—it begins to suffocate. That is the uncomfortable reality Nigeria is inching toward, and it demands urgent attention.

Nigeria may not wear the official label of a one-party state, but the signs of creeping dominance are too glaring to ignore. When a single party controls vast stretches of power—across the executive, legislature, and many states—the political landscape starts to resemble a monopoly.

Opposition parties, once vibrant and combative, risk becoming shadows of themselves—divided, ineffective, and increasingly irrelevant. And when that happens, elections lose their essence. They stop being a genuine contest of ideas and start looking like rehearsed rituals with predictable outcomes.

The most immediate casualty of this imbalance is accountability. In a healthy democracy, leaders are kept on their toes by the constant threat of being voted out. That fear forces performance, responsiveness, and at least a measure of humility. But when one party becomes so dominant that it faces little to no credible challenge, that pressure evaporates. Power grows comfortable.

Leaders grow distant. Governance becomes less about service and more about survival within a closed political circle. For ordinary Nigerians, this often translates into broken promises, worsening public services, and a deepening sense of abandonment.

Even more troubling is what this dominance does to institutions. Strong democracies are built on independent pillars—the judiciary, electoral bodies, anti-corruption agencies—designed to check excesses and uphold fairness. But when one party’s influence stretches too far, these institutions risk becoming extensions of political power rather than guardians of the public interest. Decisions begin to raise eyebrows. Trust erodes. Citizens start to wonder whether justice is still blind or simply looking the other way.

Then comes the quiet but dangerous silencing of dissent. Democracy is not just about casting votes; it is about the freedom to question, to criticize, and to demand better. Yet in an environment where one party dominates, opposing voices can be pushed to the margins—sometimes subtly, sometimes forcefully. Critics may face intimidation, exclusion, or simply be ignored into irrelevance. Over time, a culture of fear and resignation can take hold, where people choose silence not because they agree, but because they feel speaking up is futile—or risky.

Policy-making also suffers under such dominance. Nigeria is a nation of immense diversity, with complex social, ethnic, and religious dynamics. No single viewpoint can adequately capture its realities. But when political competition fades, so does the diversity of ideas feeding into governance.

Policies risk becoming narrow, disconnected, and, at times, biased—serving select interests while alienating others. This is a dangerous path, one that can deepen divisions and sow seeds of long-term instability.

Perhaps less visible, but equally damaging, is the rise of political apathy. When citizens begin to believe that outcomes are predetermined, that their votes no longer carry weight, they disengage. Voter turnout drops. Civic participation declines.

Democracy, in essence, begins to hollow out from within. Nigeria, already grappling with fragile public trust in its political system, can ill afford this level of disengagement.

History offers a stark warning. Prolonged dominance by a single political force often leads to the concentration of power in the hands of a few. And where power concentrates unchecked, abuse is never far behind. Authoritarian tendencies do not always arrive with dramatic announcements—they creep in quietly, normalizing excess, eroding freedoms, and weakening democratic safeguards bit by bit. Nigeria’s own past, marked by military rule, should serve as a constant reminder of how easily hard-won freedoms can slip away.

But this trajectory is not inevitable. The drift toward one-party dominance is often a symptom of deeper structural problems—fractured opposition parties, lack of internal democracy, and a political culture heavily influenced by money and patronage. These are issues that can, and must, be addressed.

Opposition parties, for one, must rise to the occasion. They must move beyond internal squabbles and present clear, credible alternatives that resonate with the people. Electoral reforms are equally critical—ensuring transparency, fairness, and a level playing field for all political actors. Civil society and the media must remain vigilant, amplifying diverse voices and holding power accountable without fear or favour.

Yet, the ultimate responsibility rests with the Nigerian people. Democracy is not a spectator sport. It requires participation, awareness, and, above all, courage.

Citizens must resist the normalization of political dominance and continue to demand choice, accountability, and justice. Silence, in moments like this, is not neutrality—it is surrender.

Nigeria’s democracy is still evolving, still finding its footing. But the warning signs are clear. When one voice grows too loud, it risks drowning out the chorus that democracy depends on. The goal must never be the supremacy of one party, but the coexistence of many—each challenging,
refining, and strengthening the system.

Because in the end, a democracy where only one voice truly matters is not a democracy at all. It is something far more dangerous.


*Aminu is the Executive Director, Volunteer Media Advocacy for Accountable Leadership, Nigeria, augustineaminu@gmail.com

https://thenewcitizen.ng/when-one-voice-becomes-a-roar-nigerias-dangerous-slide-toward-one-party-dominance/

The Rebirth Movement Nigeria has issued a strong warning to the Federal Government over what it described as “clandestine and unlawful activities” by the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, particularly concerning the enforcement of a ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottled alcoholic products.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, the group’s President, Comrade Johnson Kolawole Michael, alleged that the enforcement of the ban violates existing national policies and directives of the Federal Government.

He stated that the move contravenes the National Alcohol Policy approved by the Federal Ministry of Health and disregards a presidential directive restraining NAFDAC from disrupting affected businesses pending the outcome of a joint committee review.

The group further argued that the decision runs contrary to resolutions of the House of Representatives, which had earlier advised against such a ban following stakeholder consultations and a public hearing. According to the group, the House described the proposed restriction as “anti-people.”

Comrade Michael warned that the continued enforcement of the ban could trigger widespread civil unrest and negatively impact Nigeria’s fragile economic environment. He noted that the policy could lead to massive job losses across the alcohol production value chain, disrupt legitimate businesses, and reduce government revenue.

“The timing and manner of this enforcement are not only counterproductive but capable of undermining the economic agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.

The group maintained that sachet and small-volume alcohol products were introduced to cater to low-income adult consumers and should not be arbitrarily removed without empirical justification. It also rejected claims that such products encourage abuse, arguing instead that smaller packaging may help moderate consumption.

Rebirth Movement Nigeria further cautioned that banning regulated products could open the market to illicit, substandard, and smuggled alternatives, thereby posing greater public health and economic risks.

While expressing support for efforts to eliminate unsafe products, the group emphasized that regulatory decisions must be evidence-based and not driven by “emotional persuasion or unverified claims.”

The group called on the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, to urgently intervene by ordering an immediate suspension of the enforcement to prevent escalation of tensions.

The group issued a stern warning that failure to halt the enforcement could result in “grave unintended consequences,” including economic disruption, loss of livelihoods, and potential social unrest.

It urged the Federal Government to “call the NAFDAC DG to order,” insisting that the current actions are not in the public interest and could undermine confidence in government policies.

The press conference concluded with a call for dialogue, stakeholder engagement, and adherence to due process in resolving the matter.

A civil society organisation, the Centre for Leadership and Creative Entrepreneurs in Africa, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately remove the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, over alleged “gross incompetence and abuse of public office.”

Addressing journalists on Tuesday in Abuja, the group’s Executive Director, Amb. Kingsley Enwelim Nwanze, criticised NAFDAC’s enforcement of a ban on sachet alcohol and 200ml PET bottled alcoholic products, describing the policy as illegal, arbitrary, and inconsistent with existing national frameworks.

The organisation argued that the enforcement contravenes the National Alcohol Policy approved by the Federal Ministry of Health and allegedly disregards a presidential directive restraining the agency from disrupting affected businesses pending the outcome of a joint committee review.

It further claimed that the move runs contrary to resolutions of the House of Representatives following a public hearing in March 2024, which reportedly advised against the ban and described it as anti-people.

Nwanze warned that the policy could trigger economic disruption and social unrest, stating that it undermines the administration’s economic agenda. According to him, the ban threatens jobs, disrupts businesses, and could erode investor confidence.

“The continued stay of the NAFDAC Director-General in office is no longer in the public interest,” he said, adding that the situation is creating policy inconsistency at a critical time for the economy.

The group maintained that sachet and small-volume alcoholic beverages were designed to serve low-income consumers and should not be criminalised, noting that they provide affordability and consumer choice.

It also dismissed claims linking sachet alcohol to abuse, arguing instead that smaller portions may help regulate consumption. The organisation added that producers operate under regulated and hygienic conditions, with certification from relevant authorities, including NAFDAC.

While acknowledging concerns over underage drinking, the group said industry stakeholders have invested significantly in awareness campaigns promoting responsible consumption and restricting access to minors, with over N1 billion reportedly spent nationwide.

The Centre cautioned that enforcing the ban could encourage the proliferation of illicit and substandard products, increase smuggling, and reduce government revenue from legitimate operators.

It urged the Federal Government to adopt evidence-based policymaking, warning that poorly implemented regulations could have unintended consequences for livelihoods and the broader economy.

The group ultimately called on President Tinubu to “wield the big stick” by removing Prof. Adeyeye without delay, insisting that decisive action is necessary to restore public confidence and ensure economic stability.

By Augustine Aminu

My first step into Kuje Correctional Centre was not just a physical movement—it was a journey into a reality many Nigerians never see, yet one that quietly reflects the state of our society.

I visited the facility as part of a charity outreach organised by the Knights of St. Mulumba Nigeria, Central District Sub-Council. What I encountered within those walls has stayed with me, not as a fleeting memory, but as a deep and unsettling truth.
During the celebration of the Holy Mass, I looked around and saw faces—young faces.

Most of the inmates were between the ages of 18 and 30. These were not just prisoners; they were sons, brothers, and dreams interrupted. Among them were a few older men who had spent an average of eight to ten years behind bars. Time, it seemed, had stood still for them, even as the world outside moved on.

What struck me most was not just their number, but their stories.

Many of the offences that brought them there were not crimes of hardened criminals, but acts born out of impulse, poverty, or circumstance—petty theft, minor fights, and avoidable conflicts. Let me be clear: crime should never be justified. But justice must also be humane. It must be thoughtful. It must reflect not only the law, but the possibility of redemption.

It is difficult to ignore a troubling reality: a significant percentage of young Nigerians are currently in correctional facilities across the country. Even more alarming is that many of them are not convicts—they are awaiting trial. Some have spent years in custody without their cases concluded. Years. Not months.

This is not justice. This is delay. This is a silent punishment before judgment.
Our judiciary must rise to the demands of modern justice delivery. Around the world, there are alternatives—community service, restorative justice, rehabilitation programmes—that focus on correction, not just confinement. Nigeria must begin to embrace these systems, especially for minor offences. Sending young people into overcrowded facilities for long periods does not reform them—it risks hardening them.

Yet, amid these concerns, I also saw effort.

The facilities at Kuje reflect a level of commitment by the Federal Government to improve correctional infrastructure. There are visible signs of investment—structures, systems, and provisions aimed at better living conditions. These efforts deserve recognition.

However, infrastructure alone is not enough.

The real challenge lies in how these facilities are managed and utilised. Systems must work efficiently. Justice must be timely. Rehabilitation must be intentional. Without this, even the best facilities become holding grounds for wasted potential.

As I left Kuje that day, I carried more than memories—I carried questions.
How many of these young men could have taken a different path if given a second chance earlier?

How many are victims not just of their actions, but of a system too slow to respond?

And how long will we continue to treat symptoms without addressing the root causes?

My first day in prison opened my eyes, but it also stirred my conscience.
Because behind those walls are not just inmates—they are Nigerians. And their stories, whether we choose to listen or not, are part of our collective story as a nation.

Aminu is Executive Director Volunteer Media Advocacy for Accountable Leadership

By Augustine Aminu

In recent times, many Nigerians have become increasingly uneasy about the growing number of advertisements for diabetes medications flooding television, radio, social media, and even roadside billboards.

Nigeria already carries a significant and growing burden of diabetes. According to the International Diabetes Federation, about 3 million Nigerian adults are currently living with diabetes, representing roughly 3 percent of the adult population. However, experts warn that this figure may understate the true scale of the problem, as many cases remain undiagnosed.

International Diabetes Federation
More recent studies suggest the burden could be even higher. A 2024 meta-analysis estimates that up to 7 percent of Nigerian adults (over 8 million people) may be living with diabetes, reflecting a steady rise driven by urbanization, poor diet, and sedentary lifestyles.

Yet, despite the complexity of managing this lifelong condition, the surge in direct-to-consumer drug advertising is creating a dangerous illusion—that diabetes care can be reduced to simply purchasing a product.

In many of these advertisements, medications are presented as quick fixes, with bold promises of improved blood sugar control but limited disclosure of side effects, contraindications, or the need for professional medical supervision. The result is a growing risk of self-medication, misuse, and potentially life-threatening complications.

For vulnerable populations—the elderly, low-income earners, and individuals with limited health literacy—the danger is even more pronounced. Without access to reliable medical guidance, many may rely on these advertisements as substitutes for professional advice, making decisions that could jeopardize their health.

At the center of this concern is the role of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the body responsible for regulating and controlling the manufacture, importation, advertisement, and distribution of drugs in Nigeria.

Are all these advertisements properly vetted? Are companies adhering to approved messaging? And more importantly, are violations being adequately sanctioned?

Public health experts warn that unchecked drug advertising can blur the line between awareness and exploitation. When pharmaceutical promotions are not tightly regulated, they can create false confidence in medications and undermine the role of doctors and pharmacists. This is especially troubling in a country like Nigeria, where many people already face barriers to accessing quality healthcare.

There is, therefore, an urgent need for NAFDAC to reassess its regulatory framework concerning drug advertisements—particularly for chronic conditions like diabetes. Stricter guidelines should be enforced to ensure that all promotional materials include clear disclaimers, accurate medical information, and strong encouragement for patients to seek professional advice before using any medication.

Additionally, monitoring mechanisms must be strengthened to identify and sanction companies or individuals who violate advertising standards. Collaboration with other stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Health, medical associations, and consumer protection groups, will also be crucial in addressing this growing issue.

Beyond regulation, public education must be prioritized. Nigerians need to be better informed about the dangers of self-medication and the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment. Empowering citizens with accurate health information will help them make safer decisions and reduce reliance on potentially misleading advertisements.

The growing visibility of diabetes drug promotions is not inherently negative—but without proper checks, it can quickly become a public health threat. As the agency entrusted with safeguarding the health of Nigerians, NAFDAC must act decisively to ensure that drug advertising does not compromise patient safety.

If left unchecked, the airwaves could become as dangerous as the disease these drugs claim to treat.

Aminu is Executive Director Volunteer Media Advocacy for Accountable Leadership

https://thenewcitizen.ng/rising-concerns-over-unchecked-diabetes-drug-advertising-in-nigeria/

By Louis Achi

The Igbo idiom "Nwoke nusia ogu, nwanyi enwelu akuko" talks about man's penchant for taking credit for the struggles or sacrifices of others.

For the benefit of those who do not understand Igbo, I'll attempt a translation: when a man finishes a war, the woman takes over the role of telling the story.
This scenario is currently playing out in Southeast Nigeria, particularly in Anambra State. The past few weeks have seen the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, touring markets and schools to, in his words, end the Monday sit-at-home.

Apparently, to underscore his administration's commitment to ending "sit-at-home", Soludo, within the space of three weeks, shut two markets: Onitsha Main Market and the New Auto Spare Parts Market in Nnewi. The move has drawn tons of applause for the governor, especially from those who feel that "sit-at-home" has seriously damaged the economy of the zone.

Social scientists, historians and persons in other fields of study are conversant with the phenomenon called cause and effect. In other words, they believe that every event (effect) is preceded by an action (cause).

Now, Soludo was sworn in as governor of Anambra State on March 17, 2022. The implication is that, by today, March 17, 2026, he has spent four years in office. Worthy of note is that the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) declared Monday sit-at-home on August 9, 2021 - seven long months before Soludo assumed office as governor. For three years and 10 months, Monday sit-at-home didn't appear to be his problem. Well, until now.

Interestingly, Soludo's anger with Monday sit-at-home began in late January, 2026. About two months earlier, on November 20, 2025, a Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, to life imprisonment. Before the court verdict, many had predicted Armageddon in the Southeast region should the separatist leader be convicted, let alone sentenced.

What followed after operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) moved Kanu to Sokoto to begin serving his jail sentence, was absolute calm in the Southeast region. Weeks passed. More calm. Not even as much as a single protest in the entire region.
What is more, many say last Yuletide was the most peaceful the people of the Southeast region experienced in over ten years.

Soludo, apparently now convinced that Kanu's incarceration had greatly weakened IPOB, moved in. Being a politician who wouldn't allow any golden opportunity slip through his fingers, he seized the moment. Suddenly, he realized that sit-at-home was bad for the state. And that, consequently, he had to move to "end it."
What many may not have realized was that Kanu, now apparently feeling home alone in Sokoto, and realizing the enormity of his life sentence, according to sources, began reaching out to influential political and religious leaders. He reportedly began seeking a political solution and soft landing. One of the deals reportedly struck with those he reached out to, was for the imprisoned Kanu to show good faith by announcing the cancellation of the sit-at-home order.

It therefore came as little surprise that, in early February, IPOB spokesman, Emma Powerful announced that Nnamdi Kanu, from Sokoto prison, had “officially and permanently cancelled” the directive with effect from Monday, 9 February 2026.

“This directive comes directly from Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu himself, who has once again staked everything on the line to ensure that our children return to school every Monday and that our people go about their lawful businesses without fear, intimidation, or molestation,” said Powerful.

To the discerning, Governor Soludo's new found bravado wasn't farfetched. It stemmed from the speedy and diligent prosecution of Kanu by the DSS leadership, culminating in his bagging a life sentence.

The determination and coordinated efforts by the Nigerian state through her security agencies, particularly the DSS, not only has, in the estimation of many, proven yet again that, with the necessary political will, anyone who underestimates the might of the State does so at his or her own risk.

The return to normalcy in the Southeast has shown that threats to security, in whatever shape and form, are surmountable.

By early 2026, the result of relentless operations, particularly by the DSS, led to key prosecutions and internal fractures within the IPOB camp. These efforts resulted in citizens having increased confidence in the ability of the State to protect life and property, as well as maintain peace, law and order.

Even after Kanu's sentencing, it was obvious that the DSS didn't rest on its oars. The Service heightened the deployment of human and material resources into gathering accurate intelligence to further weaken what was left of IPOB's capacity to unleash terror on innocent and law-abiding citizens in the Southeast region.

To return peace and normalcy in the south east, the secret police upped its game in smoking out IPOB commanders from their hideouts. They targeted and seized their cache of arms and ammunition, all the while cutting off fresh supplies. For the first time in years, the Southeast began witnessing a return to normalcy.

The end of the sit-at-home menace in the Southeast is a testimony to the fact that the strategy deployed by the DSS in turning the tide against IPOB's sit-at-home stranglehold on Nigeria's Southeast, worked.

The DSS' approach as it were, was, in every sense, holistic. While the agency sustained operations in the Southeast, the leadership pushed for the accelerated prosecution of lingering terror-related cases across the country.
It has become obvious to keen watchers that, intelligence-led security operations by the secret police, combined with adherence to the rule of law, can dismantle even the most deeply- entrenched insurgencies.

What is more, the series of arrests and prosecution of terror suspects by the DSS also sent a clear message that it won't be business as usual. With the DSS changing the strategy of leading the charge in counter-terror intelligence across the country, a lot can be seen to have changed.

For instance, from media reports, the DSS is now speeding up the trials of suspected terror kingpins like Khalid Al-Barnawi and his lieutenants accused of the 26 August, 2011, attack on the United Nations building in Abuja. The attack claimed the lives of over 23 persons from different counties. In September 2025, a Federal High Court in Abuja granted a DSS application for an accelerated hearing on the matter.

So is the DSS, from media reports, accelerating the trial of five men accused of carrying out the June 5, 2022 attack on St Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, in which led to the death of over 40 worshippers.

According to media accounts, the same DSS leadership is vigorously pursuing justice for victims of the August 7, 2012, attack on Deeper Life Bible Church in Otite, near Okene, in Kogi State. About 20 persons died in the attack.

In August 2025, to the credit of the secret police, the media reported the capture of Abubakar Abba, aka Malam Mahmuda or Abu Bara'a, leader of the Mahmuda terrorist group that terrorized parts of Kwara and Niger States. The beauty in Abba's capture is that no single shot was reportedly fired by the DSS. He is currently being prosecuted by the secret police.
Just yesterday, Monday 16th March, a DSS officer narrated before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, how two Ansaru terror commanders, Mahmoud Muhammed Usman aka Abu Bara'a, and Mahmud al-Nigeri (aka Mallam Mamuda) confessed to receiving training in weapons in Libya.
Both men, who are confirmed commanders of Ansaru terrorist organization, Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, an Al-Qaeda affiliate in Nigeria, are reportedly responsible for several high-profile attacks, including the
July 5, 2022 one on Kuje prison.

The DSS didn't stop at nabbing radicalized terrorists. Their operatives have gone several steps further to arrest persons who, under the guise of communal clashes, unleash violence on law-abiding citizens. The trial of persons linked to the Yelwata massacre of June 2025, in Guma LGA of Benue State, readily comes to mind.

The attack, in which dozens of people were killed and 107 injured, drew worldwide condemnation. So much so that President Bola Tinubu had to pay a condolence visit to the state. There, the president demanded the arrest of the killers and attackers.

In August 2025, the DSS filed terrorism-related charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja, against nine suspects. Two suspects, Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi of Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, who are still at large, were charged with four counts of terrorism, among which is the concealment of information about the attacks, before they were staged in Abinsi and Yelwata villages between June 13th and 14th.

In total, the secret police filed six separate charges against the arrested suspects, who are now undergoing trial. They are Adamu and Abdullahi are Musa Beniyon, Bako Malowa, Ibrahim Tunga, Asara Ahnadu, Legu Musa, Adamu Yale, Boddi Ayuba, and Pyeure Damina.

The DSS also charged two other suspects, Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede of Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, with three counts for allegedly carrying out reprisal attack against the terror suspects involved in the Abinsi and Yelwata attacks.

The ongoing trial before Justice Emeka Nwite began with their arraignment in early September, with the defendants pleading not guilty.

On Yelwata, the DSS DG, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, according to a post on the official X handle of the secret police, remarked, "The various arrests and trials of terrorism suspects showed that Nigeria's security agencies have been diligent in dealing with the perpetrators of terror in the country. The men we are prosecuting are separate from the hundreds of suspects under the military's protective custody, whose cases are being handled by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation. In July last year, 125 of the terrorists were convicted."

The post further quoted the secret police boss as saying, "We shall continue to make the suspects accountable for disrupting the peace of our country, in consonance with the rule of law."

As I write this, I have it on good authority from my usually dependable security sources that DSS operatives have arrested a key ISIS commander. Given the new DSS strategy of using silence to achieve more, it may not be until a few more weeks before the arrest of the ISIS commander becomes public knowledge.

Given the vigour with which the DSS is arresting and prosecuting suspected terrorists and criminal elements, at the same time cutting off their supplies of arms and ammunition, my sources disclosed that the criminal elements are devising new strategies to move weapons and ammunition.

Several sources hinted that the criminals now use unsuspecting women and young girls to move arms, especially in the northern part of the country. The women and girls are reportedly offered between N20,000 and N50,000 to deliver "grains in sacks" to particular destinations. In those sacks of grains, they often conceal weapons and rounds of ammunition.

In a particular case, offered one of my sources, one middle-aged woman travelling with those deadly consignments, even "hired" a child to make her look like a nursing mother.

"Given the rising cases of arms couriers posing as grain dealers, the DSS boss, who is certain that ignorance cannot be an excuse for breaking the law, has ordered his officers to prosecute any arms courier posing as a grains merchant," said a source, adding, "the DG believes the country can only be safe if people are held to account for their actions."

According to one source, the DSS now believes the only way solve the problem of insecurity is by strictly enforcing the law.

The courage, determination, zeal, and precision-intelligence deployed by the DSS and other sister security agencies is, no doubt, paying off. So has collaborating and sharing intelligence. These efforts have greatly decimated the ability of terrorists to transport arms and ammunition. These actions reassure citizens that, no matter the challenges, the state is working round the clock. Not only to make them feel safe, but to, indeed, keep them safe.

As our security agencies work tirelessly to keep us safe, all that is required of us as citizens is to support them with all we can, particularly, with vital information. Together we shall overcome.


Achi, a senior journalist who has edited several national newspapers, lives in Abuja

After years of legal battles and prolonged uncertainty, a group of Military veterans has finally secured victory at the Supreme Court of Nigeria, which ruled in their favour in a dispute involving landed property and restoration of Major General Ibrahim Sani's rank.

The judgement brings to a close a long-lingering case between the veterans and the Nigerian Army, ending a protracted legal contest that had moved through several layers of the judicial system before reaching the nation’s apex court.

At the heart of the dispute was a parcel of land Plot 2303 Asokoro Cad A04 behind Mogadishu Cantonment (formerly Sani Abacha Barracks) originally allocated to veterans who served the country in various military operations, including peacekeeping missions under the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) and other national assignments.

The veterans had argued that the property was meant to serve as part of their welfare and post-service entitlements in recognition of their sacrifices during active service, particularly in conflict and peacekeeping operations.

Following years of litigation, the Supreme Court affirmed the position of the veterans, ruling that their claims were valid and that the rights attached to the property should be respected.

In the case marked SC/1497C/2019, the Nigerian Army is the appellant while Major General I. Sani is the respondent on behalf of the veterans. The judgment was delivered on January 30, 2026, by Justice Obande Festus Ogbuinya (Justice, Supreme Court) alongside alongside other four justices of the apex court.

According to the court records, the appeal stems from an earlier decision of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, delivered on April 18, 2019, which nullified the ruling of the Special Court Martial and ordered a retrial of the case. The Special Court Martial had earlier convicted the General and sentenced him to a reduction in rank and restitution of money contributed by Military veterans for infrastructure development.

Court documents indicate that the case originated from allegations involving the misuse of public service property, falsification of documents and related offences under the Armed Forces Act. The charges were linked to issues surrounding an uncharted land bordering Nigeria Army's Land Plot 2302 behind Mogadishu Cantonment Asokoro Abuja.

The respondent, who served as a Major General and Chief of Transformation and Innovation at Army Headquarters at the time, was arraigned before the General Court Martial on a nine-count charge. After the trial, the court martial found him guilty on several counts and imposed sanctions, though he was acquitted on some of the charges.

However, stakeholders at that time expressed concern on the jurisdiction of the special military court marshal to preside over land matters as provided in the incorporation of the Land Use Act of 1978, which is solidified in Section 315(5)(d).

Dissatisfied with the outcome, the General approached the Court of Appeal, which subsequently ruled in his favour, setting aside the conviction and directing that the matter be retried.

However, the Nigerian Army challenged the appellate court’s ruling at the Supreme Court, arguing that the Appeal Court erred in law by overturning the decision of the Special Court Martial.
"On the whole, having resolve the duo issues against the appellant, the destiny of the appeal is obvious. It is destitute of any morsel of merit and the reserve penalty of dismissal. Consequently, I dismiss the appeal. Accordingly, the judgement of the lower court, in appeal No. CA/A/791C/2017, delivered on the 18th April, 2019, which set aside the decision of the GCM and ordered a retrial of the respondent in charge No. NA /COAS/G/1/39, delivered on the 20th July, 2017 is hereby affirmed in it's entirety."
- OBANDE FESTUS OGBUINYA (Justice, Supreme Court).

In a further clarification, an Abuja based Legal Practitioner explained that the term "set aside" as uphold in the ruling of the Apex Court simply means that the court has vacated or void a prior order, as if the order/judgement never existed i.e that the Court Martial effort/exercise never existed.

During the proceedings, the apex court also considered a preliminary objection raised by the respondent, which sought to dismiss the appeal on grounds that some of the grounds of appeal were incompetent. After reviewing the arguments of both parties, the court dismissed the objection and proceeded to consider the substantive issues raised in the appeal.

The decision was received with excitement and relief among the affected veterans, many of whom had waited for years to see justice served after what they described as a difficult and exhausting legal journey.

Some of the surviving beneficiaries of the land and next of kin of the deceased expressed gratitude to the judiciary for standing by the principles of justice and fairness, noting that the ruling restores confidence in the rule of law.

Family members of some of the deceased veterans who died while waiting for the resolution of the case also welcomed the judgement, saying it brings honour to the memory of those who served the country but did not live to witness the outcome.

Legal observers commented that the ruling underscores the authority of the courts in safeguarding the rights and welfare of military personnel, especially in matters concerning their entitlements after service.

For the veterans, however, the judgement represents more than a legal victory. It marks the end of a long struggle and the beginning of the renewed hope agenda of the current administration for military veterans.

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), the apex Muslim authority in Nigeria, has expressed confidence in the ability of the Director General of the Department of State Services, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, to be just and fair in investigating an allegation that a DSS operative abducted a minor from Jigawa State, forcefully converted her to Christianity in Abuja, and thereafter impregnated her.

The NSCIA said Ajayi's antecedents cemented his reputation as a thoroughbred professional who has zero tolerance for religious bigotry, stressing that Ajayi's penchant for fairness had never been in doubt.

NSCIA's position was conveyed in an interview with its Secretary General, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, Wednesday in Abuja.

"The antecedents of the DSS Director-General are clear for all to see, and do not portray him as a religious bigot. He is a thoroughbred professional who can be trusted to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the facts of the matter," he stated.

"In fact, from our investigations, and from the testimonies of those who have worked with the DSS DG, it is clear that the man operates purely on the basis of professionalism. We even hear that his closest sides are Muslims, so fears that he won't be just and fair in the investigations are clearly unfounded" stated the scribe.

The NSCIA scribe further stated that the Council was also mindful of the sensitivity of the matter, in view of how the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) conducted what he called an unfair trial of a Muslim man from Kano, who, in 2015, was accused of abducting a minor girl from Bayelsa State.

“We do not want to be seen as behaving like the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). In 2015, they instigated what many considered an unfair trial of a Muslim Kano man, Yunusa Dahiru, accused of abducting a Christian girl from Bayelsa State, Ese Oruru.

"Without proper verification, CAN jumped into the matter resulting in the jailing of the Kano man. Till date, the man continues to insist that he iis innocent of the accusations," said the NSCIA scribe.

He promised that the Council was working with the DSS to resolve the matter and urged restraint on the part of those who might be tempted to exploit the matter to inflame religious passions.

The controversy revolves around Walida Abdulhadi, a young Muslim woman from Jigawa State, who has been romantically involved with a young DSS officer, Ifeanyi Onyewuenyi. The relationship has led to Walida birthing a baby girl.

That aside, Walida's relatives have accused Ifeanyi of forcefully converting her into Christianity, and changing her name to Chinasa.

The controversy deepened after Weekend Trust published an exclusive interview with Walida. In the interview, Walida, who claimed she is 22, absolved Ifeanyi of any culpability in her ordeal.
She claimed that a certain woman had lured her away from her hometown, Hadejia, in Jigawa State, and brought her to Abuja, and she abandoned her to the elements.

It was in the bid to escape from the hardship her abductor subjected her to, said Walida in the interview, that she met Ifeanyi, who assisted her. In the course of time, she stated, the relationship blossomed leading to her getting pregnant and birthing a child for Ifeanyi.

Members of the Coalition for Nigerian Change Movement on Monday staged a protest against the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) over the commencement of enforcement of a ban on sachet and small PET bottle alcoholic beverages.

The protest, led by Comrade Kelvin Akerele, followed NAFDAC’s decision to begin enforcement of the ban, a move the coalition described as “hasty, anti-people and detrimental to livelihoods” within the wines and spirits sector.

Addressing journalists during the protest, Comrade Akerele accused NAFDAC, under the leadership of its Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, of disrupting legitimate businesses and undermining contributions of the affected companies to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“The decision to ban the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and small PET bottles is in clear disobedience to the directive issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on December 15, 2025, and also contradicts the resolutions of the House of Representatives,” Akerele said.

He recalled that the House of Representatives, following a public hearing with key stakeholders, had restrained NAFDAC from implementing the ban, describing it as anti-people. According to him, the agency instead relied on a later Senate resolution which, he said, did not adequately accommodate the views of all stakeholders.

The coalition noted that the conflicting directives from different arms of government have thrown operators in the sector into confusion, raising concerns about regulatory certainty and policy consistency.

Akerele argued that sachet and PET bottle alcoholic beverages were introduced to serve adult consumers with limited purchasing power, stressing that the ban would deny such consumers their right of choice.

He also dismissed claims that sachet alcohol encourages abuse, stating that smaller portions discourage excessive consumption and that locally produced sachet alcohol is manufactured under hygienic conditions and duly certified by regulatory agencies, including NAFDAC.

He further stated that allegations of underage abuse used to justify the ban had been contradicted by independent empirical research, adding that industry operators have invested over ₦1 billion in nationwide campaigns promoting responsible alcohol consumption and discouraging underage use.

“The coalition supports pragmatic measures to eliminate unsafe products from the market, but such decisions must be guided by empirical evidence, not emotional appeals,” he said.

According to the coalition, the ban threatens thousands of jobs across the value chain and could open the market to illicit, sub-standard and smuggled products, while also reducing government revenue from legitimate manufacturers.

The protesters therefore called on the Federal Government to intervene and direct NAFDAC to immediately halt the enforcement of the ban, warning that continued implementation could lead to factory closures and widespread job losses.

They also appealed to the National Assembly, particularly the Senate, to reconsider the matter through broader consultations with stakeholders in the interest of economic stability and social welfare.

A covert intelligence operation coordinated by the Army Headquarters, the State Security Service (SSS), and the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), helped thwart a deadly plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government and assassinate key political figures, PREMIUM TIMES can authoritatively report.

Multiple senior administration insiders said the plot began to unravel in late September 2025 after an unnamed military officer with direct knowledge of the coup contacted the then Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede. The officer reportedly disclosed the scheme, saying he feared being implicated as an accessory to treason if he failed to alert authorities.

Our sources said around the same time, the SSS independently gathered intelligence indicating that some serving army officers were plotting to “destabilise the government and undermine Nigeria’s democracy.” An official familiar with the matter said the Director-General of the SSS, Oluwatosin Ajayi, personally briefed Mr Oluyede on the findings.

Faced with converging intelligence from multiple sources, the two security chiefs agreed to act swiftly. A wide-ranging but discreet joint operation was launched by the army and the SSS, with coordinated arrests planned across different parts of the country to neutralise the coup’s masterminds and other collaborators.

On 30 September 2025, as President Tinubu travelled to Imo State for an official visit, unaware of the plot to depose and possibly assassinate him, the joint operation went into effect. The sweep led to the arrest of the alleged principal architects of the coup, alongside other military and civilian suspects.

The Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), Emmanuel Undiandeye, and the then Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, were subsequently briefed. Mr Undiandeye was then requested to detain the suspects in the underground holding facility of the Defence Intelligence Agency.

Following the initial arrests, President Tinubu was formally informed of the foiled plot. A visibly shaken president immediately ordered the cancellation of the 1 October National Independence Day parade. He also approved the constitution of a special investigative panel, which later led to additional arrests. The investigative panel was led by General Undiandeye.

One of the detained soldiers later escaped custody but was rearrested by SSS operatives in Bauchi, a military insider said. Meanwhile, a retired officer identified as General Adamu and a former governor, Timipre Sylva, accused of bankrolling the coup plotters, remained at large.

Mr Tinubu later fired and retired the then Chief of Defence Staff, General Musa as well as the chiefs of the navy and airforce. Mr Oluyede was appointed CDS and promoted to the rank of General. Weeks later, Mr Musa returned to government as minister of defence.

In a statement issued on 4 October, the Defence Headquarters said the arrested officers were being investigate for “indiscipline and breach of service regulations.” It added that preliminary findings suggested the officers’ grievances were linked to “career stagnation and failure in promotion examinations.”

Despite mounting evidence and a series of detailed reports by PREMIUM TIMES and other media outlets, the military repeatedly denied that a coup plot existed.

In an 18 October statement the Defence Headquarters described the probe involving the 16 arrested officers as a routine internal investigation aimed at maintaining discipline and professionalism within the armed forces.

However, on 26 January, the military publicly acknowledged for the first time that officers had indeed plotted to illegally overthrow President Tinubu’s administration. It announced that those indicted would be arraigned before a military judicial panel.

According to the Defence Headquarters, the investigation was “comprehensive” and conducted in line with established procedures, examining “all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel.”

It said the findings revealed “a number of officers with allegations of “plotting to overthrow the government,” describing such conduct as “inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”

“Accordingly, those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before an appropriate military judicial panel to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations,” the statement added.

The plot to oust, kill Tinubu and others
In an earlier report, PREMIUM TIMES quoted sources with direct knowledge of the investigation as identifying top officials allegedly marked for assassination. They include President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.

“There are other people targeted,” one source said. “But those are the key targets.”

The plotters also planned to detain senior military officers, including the service chiefs. “They did not want to kill them,” the source added.

According to the sources, the conspirators intended to assassinate the political leaders simultaneously. “They were waiting for a day when all of them would be in the country,” one official said. “Wherever they were, they would be assassinated.”

The sources said the plotters relied on informants within the Presidential Villa and around the officials slated for elimination.

“They have people inside the Villa who monitor the movements of these officials,” the source said. “The plan was to kill them at the same time and install a military government.”- PREMIUM TIMES

A coalition of consumer rights advocates on Monday staged a protest at the Lagos office of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) over the agency’s proposed enforcement of a ban on sachet alcoholic beverages.

The protest, led by Comrade Olufemi Lawson under the banner of the Coalition for the Protection of Consumers Right, followed a press conference by NAFDAC in which the agency’s Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, was reported to have announced the commencement of enforcement actions against sachet alcohol products.

Addressing protesters and journalists at the scene, Lawson described the planned enforcement as “draconian, economically insensitive and poorly thought out,” arguing that it contradicts the federal government’s efforts to tackle unemployment and economic hardship.

According to the coalition, the proposed enforcement would unfairly punish manufacturers, distributors and consumers, while exposing what it described as regulatory inconsistencies within NAFDAC.

Lawson alleged that sachet alcoholic beverages currently in the market were duly tested, registered and approved by the agency, questioning why the same products are now being classified as dangerous.

“The issue of underage drinking is a regulatory and enforcement failure, not a product crime,” Lawson said. “These products are clearly labelled ‘not for sale to persons under 18’. If minors still access them, then enforcement at the retail level has failed.”

The coalition also disputed claims that sachet alcohol products contain excessively high alcohol content, stating that licensed distilleries in Nigeria operate within internationally accepted alcohol-by-volume standards. It further dismissed environmental pollution arguments, noting that sachet packaging is widely used across other consumer goods sectors such as water and detergents.

Protesters carried placards with inscriptions such as “Suspend the Sachet Alcohol Ban”, “Save Jobs, Save Livelihoods” and “Regulation, Not Prohibition.” They warned that a sustained ban could lead to massive job losses across the distillery value chain, including factory workers, distributors, transporters and retailers.

As part of its demands, the coalition called for the immediate suspension of the enforcement, reopening of sealed factories, and the initiation of dialogue and stakeholder engagement to develop data-driven and inclusive regulatory solutions.

The group also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly to intervene, warning that failure to do so could trigger nationwide protests across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

NAFDAC officials at the Lagos office did not address the protesters directly, and the agency had yet to issue an official response to the demonstration as of the time of filing this report.

https://thenewcitizen.ng/protest-erupts-at-nafdac-lagos-office-over-planned-enforcement-on-sachet-alcohol/

THE TRAVAILS OF A DEPUTY SPEAKER IN THE SEARCH FOR SCHOLARSHIP AND ACQUSITION OF KNOWLEDGE

By Akongbowa Bramwell Amadasun

This piece is a rejoinder to Professor Abiodun Ojo, illusory exposition. He is the Provost, College of Post Graduate Studies, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD). His writeup is titled “The New Certificate Craze: How Politicians are Quietly Eroding Academic Standards in Nigerian Universities”.
<img src="https://thenewcitizen.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG-20251217-WA0098-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-4717" />
Ordinarily I would have taken such illusory exposition as a fiction but because of the strangulating, untrue, biased and targeted nature of the exposition, I am forced to put up a rejoinder because this exposition is deliberately calculated to:

From the beginning to the end the writeup is designed and driven with the aim of tarnishing the image of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representative, National Assembly, Federal Republic of Nigeria. It was certainly not about system reset.

Mislead the public opinion that political office holders are incapable of genuinely acquiring academic Ph.Ds. qualifications without fraudulent manipulations. The obvious target being the Deputy Speaker and the political class.

Give the impression that Nigerian Universities are awarding Ph.Ds. degree certificates to politicians who have not met the required standards or have circumvented laid down process and procedures.
<img src="https://thenewcitizen.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG-20251217-WA0099-300x224.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="224" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-4718" />
Say that the political class is incapable of engaging rigorous academic exercise like every other class of the Nigerian society. This is not only a fallacy but a delusion of extreme order.

For the benefit of doubt Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representative, National Assembly is academically very sound. Before enrolling for a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Strategic Studies at the University of Abuja (now Yakubu Gowon University), he possesses an impressive academic profile:

Bachelor of Law (LL. B) University of Calabar.

Master of Law (LL.M) in Terrorism and Humanitarian Law (with Distinction) from University of Calabar.

Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Oxford Brookes University.
Various certifications from renowned institutions like Harvard Kenedy School, University of Oxford and the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI).

It is unfortunate that before Professor Abiodun Ojo embarked on his repugnant writeup he failed to verify the fact. I dare state that Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representative is a sound scholar by any standard. I say this without fear of contradiction. This is because I was his External Examiner and I can attest to the capacity and capability of the human material I interacted with. He not only possesses the capacity to scholarly and provocatively defend his empirical opinion but also intellectually interrogate traditional, conservative and contemporary school of thoughts in a new world order.
<img src="https://thenewcitizen.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG-20251217-WA0100-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-4719" />
Consequently, I challenge Professor Abiodun Ojo to pick up a copy of his Ph.D thesis and evaluate it if it is not standard enough for external examination. I also challenge him to come out with a proof that Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representative was not a Ph.D. student at Abuja Leadership Center, University of Abuja for a minimum period of three years.

Let it be clear that he not only met the requirement for admission into the degree programme but diligently attended classes and participated in other activities connected with the completion of the programme. It is also pertinent to state that he was in the programme for about four (4) years and not five (5) months as Professor Abiodun Ojo dubiously want the World to believe. His lecturers and classmates are there to be interviewed about his class participation, examinations, and internal and external defense.

Let us evaluate Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representative on Professor Abiodun Ojo criteria:

Did he by-pass the timeline? The answer is no. At the University of Abuja where I examined him as the External Examiner, he spent over three (3) years of rigorous study.

Did the Supervisors adjust expectations? The answer is again no. The thesis is there for anybody to verify.

Were internal checks weakened? No. The relevant internal approval units approved; the relevant possesses was adhered to; and he presented his seminar papers, proposal and field work for both internal and external defense.

Did political pressure override academic independence? No, he was even very careful not to reveal his identity. On the day of his defense, his security details were asked to leave the hall and none of his political friends and colleagues were there to witness his defense.

Was the admission requirement followed? Yes. His file is there for anyone to peruse and verify.

Did he complete the course work? Yes, he did, he wrote and passed the prescribed courses. The records are there for anyone to verify.

Was the proposal approved through the correct chain? Yes. There was a proposal development, presentation and approval in a rigorous internal defense conducted by the Abuja Leadership Center.

Was the External Examination conducted? Yes, with the approval of the Postgraduate School. I was the External Examiner. In attendance was the Postgraduate School Representative, Internal Examiner, his supervisor, other academics in the center (Professors Inclusive), the Director of the Center and his course mates and other students of the center. He was examined in the open and not behind closed doors.

Is there any law (statutory or quasi) that prohibit a student enrolling in two different universities in Nigeria? None.
As I pounder over what should have given rise to the despicable writeup, I am forced to question the rational for the illusionary exposition that was disguised as an attempt to cleanup a systemic decay. The emerging questions are:
<img src="https://thenewcitizen.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG-20251217-WA0102-300x208.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="208" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-4720" />
Is Professor Abiodun having an axe to grind with Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representative.
Was Professor Abiodun Ojo simply writing out of conviction for a systemic cleanup? If yes why the undue concentration on the person of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representative: an articulate and hardworking middle age politician.

Was Professor Abiodun Ojo paid to dance naked in the market place: this appears to be the case. My candid opinion is that there is the need to caution him not to bring politics into the classroom. Questioning the status quo will provide answers to these questions.

Professor Akongbowa Bramwell Amadasun, Professor of Public Administration and Political Economy,
Federal University Wukari,
Wukari, Taraba State.

THE TRAVAILS OF A DEPUTY SPEAKER IN THE SEARCH FOR SCHOLARSHIP AND ACQUSITION OF KNOWLEDGE

By Akongbowa Bramwell Amadasun

This piece is a rejoinder to Professor Abiodun Ojo, illusory exposition. He is the Provost, College of Post Graduate Studies, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD). His writeup is titled “The New Certificate Craze: How Politicians are Quietly Eroding Academic Standards in Nigerian Universities”.

Ordinarily I would have taken such illusory exposition as a fiction but because of the strangulating, untrue, biased and targeted nature of the exposition, I am forced to put up a rejoinder because this exposition is deliberately calculated to:

From the beginning to the end the writeup is designed and driven with the aim of tarnishing the image of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representative, National Assembly, Federal Republic of Nigeria. It was certainly not about system reset.

Mislead the public opinion that political office holders are incapable of genuinely acquiring academic Ph.Ds. qualifications without fraudulent manipulations. The obvious target being the Deputy Speaker and the political class.

Give the impression that Nigerian Universities are awarding Ph.Ds. degree certificates to politicians who have not met the required standards or have circumvented laid down process and procedures.
Say that the political class is incapable of engaging rigorous academic exercise like every other class of the Nigerian society. This is not only a fallacy but a delusion of extreme order.

For the benefit of doubt Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representative, National Assembly is academically very sound. Before enrolling for a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Strategic Studies at the University of Abuja (now Yakubu Gowon University), he possesses an impressive academic profile:
Bachelor of Law (LL. B) University of Calabar.
Master of Law (LL.M) in Terrorism and Humanitarian Law (with Distinction) from University of Calabar.

Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Oxford Brookes University.
Various certifications from renowned institutions like Harvard Kenedy School, University of Oxford and the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI).

It is unfortunate that before Professor Abiodun Ojo embarked on his repugnant writeup he failed to verify the fact. I dare state that Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representative is a sound scholar by any standard. I say this without fear of contradiction.

This is because I was his External Examiner and I can attest to the capacity and capability of the human material I interacted with. He not only possesses the capacity to scholarly and provocatively defend his empirical opinion but also intellectually interrogate traditional, conservative and contemporary school of thoughts in a new world order. Consequently, I challenge Professor Abiodun Ojo to pick up a copy of his Ph.D thesis and evaluate it if it is not standard enough for external examination. I also challenge him to come out with a proof that Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representative was not a Ph.D. student at Abuja Leadership Center, University of Abuja for a minimum period of three years.

Let it be clear that he not only met the requirement for admission into the degree programme but diligently attended classes and participated in other activities connected with the completion of the programme. It is also pertinent to state that he was in the programme for about four (4) years and not five (5) months as Professor Abiodun Ojo dubiously want the World to believe. His lecturers and classmates are there to be interviewed about his class participation, examinations, and internal and external defense.
Let us evaluate Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representative on Professor Abiodun Ojo criteria:

Did he by-pass the timeline? The answer is no. At the University of Abuja where I examined him as the External Examiner, he spent over three (3) years of rigorous study.

Did the Supervisors adjust expectations? The answer is again no. The thesis is there for anybody to verify.

Were internal checks weakened? No. The relevant internal approval units approved; the relevant possesses was adhered to; and he presented his seminar papers, proposal and field work for both internal and external defense.

Did political pressure override academic independence? No, he was even very careful not to reveal his identity. On the day of his defense, his security details were asked to leave the hall and none of his political friends and colleagues were there to witness his defense.

Was the admission requirement followed? Yes. His file is there for anyone to peruse and verify.
Did he complete the course work? Yes, he did, he wrote and passed the prescribed courses. The records are there for anyone to verify.
Was the proposal approved through the correct chain? Yes. There was a proposal development, presentation and approval in a rigorous internal defense conducted by the Abuja Leadership Center.

Was the External Examination conducted? Yes, with the approval of the Postgraduate School. I was the External Examiner. In attendance was the Postgraduate School Representative, Internal Examiner, his supervisor, other academics in the center (Professors Inclusive), the Director of the Center and his course mates and other students of the center. He was examined in the open and not behind closed doors.

Is there any law (statutory or quasi) that prohibit a student enrolling in two different universities in Nigeria? None.

As I pounder over what should have given rise to the despicable writeup, I am forced to question the rational for the illusionary exposition that was disguised as an attempt to cleanup a systemic decay. The emerging questions are:

Is Professor Abiodun having an axe to grind with Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representative.

Was Professor Abiodun Ojo simply writing out of conviction for a systemic cleanup? If yes why the undue concentration on the person of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representative: an articulate and hardworking middle age politician.

Was Professor Abiodun Ojo paid to dance naked in the market place: this appears to be the case. My candid opinion is that there is the need to caution him not to bring politics into the classroom. Questioning the status quo will provide answers to these questions.

Professor Akongbowa Bramwell Amadasun, Professor of Public Administration and Political Economy,
Federal University Wukari,
Wukari, Taraba State.

*Says dodging the issue was mere face-saving


The Njoku Chita Family of Umuchima has said the press statement issued by the elder brother to the works minister Engr Dave Umahi , Eze Laz Umahi Nweze was face-saving , irresponsible , distractive and not in sync with the allegations and petitions of land grabbing and threat to lives against the minister .

The family in a statement said it is not against the expansion of the Dave Umahi University of Health Sciences and called on the Minister of works Engr Dave Umahi , his elder brother Laz Umahi and the former Health Commissioner in Ebonyi state Dr Umezurike Akuma to address the issues and stop playing to the gallery .

In a statement entitled : RE: Community Backs Expansion of David Umahi University, Clears Minister of Land Grabbing Allegations", the Njoku family said the publication was an orchestrated plan to change the narrative and create misinformation , adding that the works minister has a responsibility to defend himself and clear the air on the various allegations contained in their petition before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, The Director of Department of State Services , the Inspector General of Police as well as the National Security Adviser .

The statement said : "The attention of Njoku Chita family have been drawn to the face-saving press release organized by the elder brother Minister David Umahi - Eze Laz Umahi Nweze, claiming that the community was responsible for securing lands in favour of the University.

"As a case in point, we are not against the University expanding its lands, but wonder what interest any group of individuals operating under the guise of community leaders will have in using their personal money to pay for land and give to a federal university."

The family also accused the works minister of forcefully acquiring the land on which the university was first built , "Even at the onset when the University was conceived and built, the land upon which it was built was forcefully taken by the Governor Umahi.

"Another question to ask the elder brother of Minister Umahi and his former Commissioner for health - Umezurike, including his benefactor Nicholas Odii, is when did the Njoku Chita family ever claimed that their complaint against Umahi was for or on behalf of Umuchima village or Uburu Community? The complaint through our lawyer is personal to us, as the land Umahi is grabbing belongs to us, not Umuchima or Uburu. Anyone can plant their family members and loyalist in places of traditional influence for a time like this and it is obvious that they are all working hard to shield the Minister from his own actions that led to our petition."

"In any case, we have him on audio where he threatened our family of consequence for not allowing him into our land. We can share this audio with the world.

"Apparently, the Police are incapable of securing our lives as our petition has been abandoned because Umahi is a big man, but we will not give up an inch of our land, unless we are all killed as they apparently plan to do. We are aware of the threat issued by Dr. Umezurike during a meeting they called on Monday and his subsequent trespass into our home that night in an apparent show of force.

"It is a shame that those who claim to be community leaders are all out in defense of a big man who placed them there to do his bidding. Shouldn’t a community leadership aim to embark on customary arbitration to resolve the impasse and ensure that no one losses their ancestral land to an insatiable individual? No, this ones are out to defend the offender."

It continued ," If the Umuchima village or Uburu as a Community, under this leadership appointed by Umahi has any land to give to the University, they are free to do so. Instead of deceiving people into giving up their lands and giving them stipends through a privately owned company named Black Legend Technologies Ltd. Why should a community buy land in the name of a private company?

"All the people cannot be stupid at the same time.

"Finally, none of us is a politician and we have no political interest whatsoever. Therefore, attempting to paint our legitimate concern as “politically motivated” is disingenuous as our land is not a political property."

The family further accused Eze Laz Umahi, elder brother to the works minister , the former Health Commissioner Dr Umezurike Akuma and their Kingsmen of plots hatched at a meeting convened by the Eze to use thugs and take over their ancestral land .

They particularly accused Dr Umezurike of providing the strategies and volunteering to lead the mop operation on their ancestral land .

In his response over the alleged invasion , the former Health Commissioner during the Dave Umahi reign as Ebonyi state Governor denied leading thugs to the Njoku family land saying ," I was there personally . What happened was we want to start clearing the areas that are not in contention and I was there to show them these areas and not to take their land".

On his part , Engr Umahi's elder brother , Eze Laz Umahi Nweze earlier turned down a request for his response as the convener of the meeting where strategies were allegedly mapped out against the Njoku family land but moments after he replied through WhatsApp : " Good morning dear. I am HRH Eze Laz Umahi. I am from Uburu Ancient Kingdom in Ohaozara LGA of Ebonyi State.

"You called me on phone earlier this morning, making inquiry about a meeting Ndi-Uburu held in its Multipurpose Hall few days ago. I have drawn the attention of my Attorney to the interaction I had with you and he asked me to go ahead and help you with whatever information you need regarding the referenced meeting.

"Let’s do it either of these two ways to avoid misrepresentation: Send a questionnaire to me on the information you need.
"Alternatively, if you'd prefer i provide a written statement, that too can works.

"Please let me know how you'd like us to proceed.

Best Regards."

Barely hours after the Eze addressed a press conference which read in parts: "The people of Uburu community, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, have supported the acquisition of more lands for the expansion of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Science(DUFUHS).

"In a communique signed by leaders of the host community, HRH Lazarus Umahi, Chief Shedrack Onu and Chief Odi Nicholas Enyi, the community said the expansion of the university was a collective agreement of the host community which was endorsed by the Uburu traditional rulers council."

A reputable national newspaper based in Abuja is recruiting various categories of under listed editorial staff

1. Editor (Daily)
2. Deputy editor
3. News editor
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Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 general elections, Omoyele Sowore, on Wednesday failed to appear before a federal high court where he is facing trial for alleged defamation.

Sowore is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) alongside "X" Meta Corp (Facebook) for allegedly calling President Bola Tinubu "criminal" on the social media platforms.

During proceedings on Wednesday, Counsel to the DSS, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, urged Justice Mohammed Umar to issue a bench warrant against Sowore for being absent in court without justification, having been served the charges and hearing notice from the last adjourned date.

The senior lawyer said that staying away from court despite being served with the charges is an affront to the sanctity of the court and must be treated with the punishment deserving of such behavior.

Kehinde said Sowore's action was disturbing and unacceptable because no lawyer appeared for him as required by law.

He urged the Judge to invoke its inherent power to issue a bench warrant for the arrest of the defendant by security agents whereever he may be.

Earlier in the proceeding, the DSS lawyer drew the attention of the court to a letter by a lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, calling for an adjournment of the case, hence his request for a bench warrant, noting that Sowore is only taking the court for granted.

META (Facebook) INC, through their lawyer, Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, aligned himself with the prosecution's request for a bench warrant against Sowore, stating that he (Sowore) had accused them of taking sides with the prosecution.

Oyetibo noted that the letter for adjournment is a from of distraction as Sowore knows what he is doing.

Justice Umar however noted that the submission of the 2nd defendant, X Corporation that they have not been served the charge sheet even though they received hearing notice, was a ground to excuse Sowore's absence.

The trial Judge then directed that all parties be duly served and thereafter adjourned the case to December 2, 2025 for arraignment to take place.

Meanwhile, counsel to "X" Corp, Christabel Ndiokwelo told the court that the complainant had yet to serve the formal charges on their client, noting that only a hearing notice was served.

After taking arguments, Justice Umar fixed December 2 for arraignment of all the defendants and also directed that hearing notices be served on them.

A civil society organization, the Southeast Good Governance Advocates (SGGA), has criticized the Abia State Government for attempting to downplay what it described as a “reckless and dangerous threat” made by Governor Alex Otti during his October 2025 media chat.

The group’s reaction followed a clarification issued by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, who sought to defend the governor’s comments. During the media chat, Governor Otti, while responding to a political statement by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and member representing Bende Federal Constituency, was quoted as saying that critics and political opponents should “write their will first before writing election results.”

In a statement signed by its Coordinator, Maxwell Adindu, the Southeast Good Governance Advocates condemned both the comment and the government’s subsequent clarification, insisting that the governor’s words amounted to “an outright threat” and “a clear incitement to violence and intimidation.”

“Our attention has been drawn to the purported clarification made by the Commissioner for Information of Abia State, Prince Okey Kanu, on the outright threats dished out by Governor Alex Otti during his October 2025 edition media chat,” the group stated. “It will be recalled that the governor, apparently responding to the declaration by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and member representing Bende Federal Constituency of the State that his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), will win the State in the 2027 election, threatened his critics and political opponents with death by asking them to ‘write their will first before writing election results.’”

According to SGGA, the subsequent clarification issued by the state government was not only “unconvincing” but also “failed to acknowledge the governor’s reckless remarks.”

“We are appalled by the Abia State government’s attempt to clarify Governor Otti’s egregious threat to Abians,” the statement read. “The Commissioner’s clarification is unconvincing and fails to acknowledge the governor’s reckless remarks.”

The group maintained that “Governor Otti’s statement that critics should ‘write their will before writing election results’ is unacceptable and condemnable.” It added that “it’s a clear incitement to violence and intimidation, and we reject any attempt to downplay its implications.”

Adindu, speaking for the group, said the state government should take full responsibility for the governor’s comment, rather than trying to rationalize it. “We insist that Governor Otti was wrong in his remarks, and the government should take full responsibility for it. Instead of issuing a feeble clarification, the government should focus on guaranteeing a free, fair, and violence-free election.”

He further noted that Nigeria already operates within a legal framework that provides for punishment of electoral offenders, emphasizing that “it is out of place and a serious issue for a governor to threaten those he perceived as political enemies to scare them.”

“The people of Abia deserve better than a governor who uses threatening language to silence opposition,” the statement continued. “The people will not be intimidated by reckless rhetoric. We call on the relevant authorities to take decisive action to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and protect the rights of all stakeholders.”

SGGA urged the Abia State Government to “prioritize the rule of law, ensuring that electoral authorities can function without intimidation or interference,” warning that “anything less undermines democracy and the will of the people.”

By Dennis Umeh

The recent commissioning of state government projects by Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has sparked intense debate in Abia State.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu weighed in, praising the APC-led federal government for facilitating the projects and suggesting that Abia State should consider aligning with the APC in 2027.

Kalu's comments have been met with reactions from Labour Party members and supporters of Governor Alex Otti, who see his remarks as an affront to the government. The Abia APC Renaissance Group has defended Kalu, urging party members to focus on building and uniting the party rather than engaging in distractions.

Critics argue that Otti's administration has not done enough with the state's resources. Barr. Eze Chimkanayo, Convener of Abia Best Interest Association, has raised concerns and questioned the value of projects commissioned by the state government.

As the debate continues, Abians are calling for accountability and transparency in governance. Criticisms and scrutiny are expected in any government, and it's up to the leadership to respond constructively.

The call by Deputy Speaker, Kalu for Governor Alex Otti to do more for Abia State with the increased revenue is not out of place. Considering the substantial increase in federal allocations, from about ₦4 billion to ₦35 billion monthly, Governor Otti's administration should be delivering more impactful projects and programs.

It's concerning that despite this significant funding, the state's development hasn't matched the revenue growth.

Kalu's comments are not driven by political vendetta but rather a desire for accountability and transparency in governance. However, Governor Otti should not resort to name-calling but instead engage Kalu on the issues raised. Constructive criticism can help improve governance, and responding to concerns in a dignified manner can foster a more productive dialogue.

But it appears Governor Otti missed an opportunity to address the substantive issues raised by Kalu during his recent media chat. Or would you rather say it was deliberate? Instead of engaging with the concerns about the state's development and resource utilization, he seemed rattled by Kalu's comments, throwing jabs and threats. The governor's decision to label fellow governors who defected to APC as "fools" not only sidesteps the real issues but also undermines the dignity of the office he holds. What about his comment on 2027 elections? Otti has forgotten so soon the hue and cry that trailed the so called local government election he conducted in Abia some months ago. He must he paranoid. Otti's holier-than-thou attitude actually betrayed him during the media engagement. What Abians are asking for is good governance and nothing more. Be accountable. Be transparent. Follow your own preachments.

This approach of amassing sentiments to hoodwinked the people rather than addressing the issues may resonate with some of his supporters, but it does little to address the pressing concerns about governance and accountability in Abia State.

But as the debate continues, Abians will be watching to see how both sides respond to the criticisms and calls for accountability. Ultimately, the people of Abia will determine the trajectory of the state's development in 2027 even as the pendulum swing to the side of APC because of Kalu's stellar legislative performance at the National Assembly.

Umeh, a public affairs analyst writes from Umuahia, Abia State

The 17 Local Government Areas in Abia State have received a total of N36.87 billion from the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) for the period spanning December 2024 to April 2025.

The local government areas included Aba North, Aba South, Arochukwu, Bende, Ikwuano, Obingwa, Isiala Ngwa, Isiala Ngwa South, Isiukwuato, Osisioma, Ukwa East, Ukwa West, Umunneochi, Ohafia, Umuahia South, Umuahia North, and Ugwunagbo.

According to the FAAC disbursement reports, the revenue allocations to the local government areas are as follows:
* December 2024: N6,810,454,419.97
* January 2025: N8,322,362,088.70
* February 2025: N7,734,554,159.83
* March 2025: N7,319,467,343.23
*April 2025: N7,684,861,825.40

This brings a total revenue allocation of N36,871,699,836.13 for the 5 months.

While this is seen as a significant development arising from the removal of oil subsidy and FAAC's role in equitable distribution of revenue to support governance and development across all tiers of government, concerns are rife as to whether the substantial allocations reflect in the development and infrastructure of the local government areas.

There are also concerns whether the roads have been improved, healthcare facilities upgraded, and social services enhanced.

The impact of the allocations on the lives of residents in the local government areas is worth monitoring, as transparency and accountability in governance are crucial to ensuring that the funds are utilized effectively for the benefit of the people.

The development may have also underscored the recent call on Governor Alex Otti of Abia State by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu who represents Bende Federal Constituency to do more for the state, considering the increased revenue arising from the removal of oil subsidy.

Experts believe that with Abia State contributing about N8.68 billion to the VAT pool and receiving N63.78 billion, a 734.8% return on investment, there is a pressing need for prudent management of the resources to drive development and improve the lives of Abia residents.

By James Nwachukwu

Once again, Orji Uzor Kalu (OUK), the senator representing Abia North has chosen to travel the ridiculous route of infamy, spewing lies and hatred against the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu. This time, he is cashing in on the face-off between Ben Kalu and the governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti over 2027.

In a piece purportedly written by the Media Advier to Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, Ferdinand Ekeoma but laden with his imprints, OUK tagged Ben Kalu a serial betrayer just to cast aspersions and portray him in bad light. This is rather unfortunate. I am not perturbed because that's OUK's stock in trade. It's so familiar to everyone who knows him. Just as expected, Ekeoma has denied the press statement.

But in defence of Benjamin Okezie Kalu, I am compelled to make this clarification which will take me into memory lane to let the world know who the real betrayer is.

For once, let's shout it to the mountain tops that Benjamin Kalu's political profile is OUK's greatest hurt. And so, at every turn, the Senator hurls darts at him, deriding him with choreographed story of betrayal. If he has any iota of truth in his story, let him activate the relevant laws against the Deputy Speaker but he can’t because the consequences will be great for him.

For far too long, I have chosen to be silent amid the barefaced lies peddled by OUK but not any more. I am a witness to what transpired and I hereby present the facts to put an end to this character assassination by OUK.

First, the Senator has never been Benjamin Kalu's benefactor and never made him to become who he currently is. Let that sink. Perhaps, the first question that will challenge this lie is to ask OUK about Ben Kalu’s loss of 11million Euros during his imprisonment.

At this juncture, I am forced to retell the story of mutuality between OUK and Ben Kalu.

Orji Kalu and Ben Kalu met for the first time outside the country in year 2000. This happened in the presence of Chief Daniel Akwari who is from the same Bende LGA and he is still alive and others. Before this time, the Deputy Speaker was already an employer of labour with over 150 people in diaspora working in his own micro finance bank, major real estate business, ICT firms etc. Besides, he met Ben Kalu as the national chairman of PDP in diaspora with a huge follower-ship under his leadership. At that time Benjamin Kalu was leading the party and the Nigerian nationals. A former cross river state governor as well as the former deputy national chairman of PDP from the south west, Alhaji Shuib Oyedokun will attest to this.

The first picture OUK took with Ben Kalu, in diaspora is still in the archives and can be exhumed and tended as a hardcore evidence to this. And this is why, it amuses me when OUK says he bought air ticket for the Deputy Speaker for the first time. The question now becomes: At what point did he buy his ticket even when it is vividly clear in my head that OUK drove around town in the brand new Grand Jeep Cherokee of the Deputy Speaker and was negotiating to buy one of Ben Kalu's properties in diaspora.

Benefactor? What makes him Ben Kalu’s benefactor when in the 22 years they worked together, he never gave him a Kobo except N2 million to print posters and campaign materials for OUK, delivered in two cheques by his younger brother Mascot Uzor kalu (the cheques pictures are there for evidence). To recount the dishonesty, OUK later confessed he severally sold the house of reps seat to a lady, PDP candidate in all the elections he participated and this happened after Ben Kalu had spent millions of Naira of personal fund to grow his party, the PPA. What wickedness? This is after he sent his younger brother to beg Ben Kalu to run with his party against his intention but to show loyalty, he agreed and again OUK sold the seat. He also made sure he used the PPA chairman to ensure Ben Kalu’s name never saw the light of the day as names submitted to INEC. The evidence is there. The party chairman then who got his instructions is still alive. Now, who is the betrayer?

So, this is why it gives me infantile convulsions to hear OUK say he is Ben Kalu's benefactor or mentor. This is unfounded. Mentioning flight ticket when Ben Kalu has been the one buying him first class tickets for his over seas trips through his nominated travel agent owned by him and operated by one Madam Shola. Evidence abound if he challenges this.

On business claims, let me state that Benjamin Kalu brought an export business idea to OUK in Abuja on his invitation. This business was supposed to be between Ben Kalu and Mascot but since Mascot who was the best man during Ben Kalu’s wedding in 2005 did not show interest, his elder brother heard of it and invited Ben Kalu. Of course, he accepted the idea but decided to take 75% against all insistence of Ben Kalu to share 50/50%. Ben Kalu accepted, thinking he will invest according to his equity in the business but again he betrayed him, took more and invested less. The picture of the cheque from his company and the amount is still available if OUK contests this. To state the level of the deceit, he insisted that his partner, Ben Kalu as shareholder should report to his MD of Slok, DR Josef from Lebanon but he refused, insisting to report only to the board. His company secretary, a lady is still alive to attest to this if he contests it.

When Ben Kalu eventually raised it with OUK at the board meeting, he invited one of his brothers, a chartered accountant from his home town, Igbere to audit the account from inception. It was later confirmed that the man with 25% had invested more than a man with 75% and that angered OUK. He wanted the chattered accountant to change it and he said, no, it was unprofessional. That’s the deceit and betrayal of OUK, yet this man Ben Kalu will not discuss him publicly while OUK goes about thinking we are not aware.

For emphasis sake, let me also state here that OUK invested N150m while Ben Kalu invested N175m. The stamped audited report of the company is ready to be presented if he contests this.

For the umpteenth time, OUK should be told that the Deputy Speaker built the business over the years to become a multi million euro company in Belgium with branches in France as well. Ben Kalu took him every three months to Belgium for board meetings with all expenses paid by Ben Kalu. He should be told that Ben Kalu has also continued to maintain a calm and gentle demeanor, refusing to tell the world that he lost 11million euros the second week he was imprisoned at Kuje, Abuja prisons because he refused to leave his shares for his wife and children despite several warnings from three banks in Europe financing the businesses. Ben Kalu visited him severally in jail, asking him to replace his name with any of his relatives (wife, son, daughter, brother, mother ) but he refused. Ben Kalu lost a business he took 9 years to build and yet, you will not hear him call OUK out publicly as a betrayer. So who is the benefactor and who is the betrayer now?

I can recall that the bank claimed he was a criminal and can’t work with such a character. His refusal to replace his name led to the banks withdrawing their credits as well as the collapse of the business Ben Kalu built for years. Ask him what he did about it when he left jail And he turns around to claim a business he destroyed with his criminal conviction was squandered? Orji Kalu, where is the 11 million euros of Ben Kalu in the business you destroyed?

Now, among these two, who is the real benefactor here and who is the betrayer here? Please, ask Orji Kalu.

Orji Kalu should be told to stop lying to people because Ben Kalu without his input has built the remnant of the business in another African country to a multi million dollar company without any penny from him before joining politics, which is still prospering. He does not know any thing about the business. He was only invited but decided to take it over to destroy it.

Is it in politics that Orji Kalu played the benefactor role? I recall he was unequivocal when he told Ben Kalu to his face that he masterminded all his electoral woes, accepted entering into agreement with Ben Kalu’s opposition yet claiming to be working with him during elections. That’s the real betrayer. Two sets of elections and in all, he confessed selling it to a female candidate of another party. That’s the betrayer.

Simply put, Orji Kalu severally betrayed Ben Kalu because he never wanted him to join politics or to grow. Let him challenge this and I will show the world how he has always worked for Labour Party, yet claiming to be a member of APC.

He made his choice of who to support for presidency. Ben Kalu chose President Tinubu and this annoyed him the more. He felt betrayed that he refused to choose his candidate for presidential primaries and why should Ben Kalu be marketing President Tinubu under the National Assembly Tinubu Ambassadors. He betrayed him for refusing to betray Tinubu. If that’s the betrayal, then Ben Kalu will betray him again. Ben Kalu does not give President void votes, does not play APC in the morning and Labour Party at night. Unlike OUK, Ben Kalu’s position at all times and in all matters are known and clear. You know where he stands and you can take it to the bank. You can’t say that about OUK.

Factly, OUK didn’t want Ben Kalu to go for deputy speakership because of his Senate President ambition. It pained him that all his efforts to stop Ben Kalu from the primaries to general elections failed woefully. How will a man who willfully frustrated your political growth at the constituency level be happy seeing you run and become the Deputy Speaker? But this is what OUK serves the world as betrayal to the extent of accusing Benjamin Kalu of infidelity, and then, clandestinely sponsoring media attacks to damage his image and calling him unprintable names? He has started again but this time we will show the world who truly he is .

Truth the told, the Senators never wanted OUK as the President of the Senate. Of course, it is obvious he lacks the charisma, the education, the intellectual wherewithal, the technical competences, the political sagacity and the trust worthiness to occupy such a high office in the land. But reverse is completely the case when it comes to Ben Kalu. He has all it takes to be deputy speaker and more. He can be trusted but any one making OUK Senate President is signing his impeachment ahead of time. And the best of them all is the love his colleagues have for Ben Kalu and that was the reason he was unanimously elected unopposed into office as the Deputy Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives.

He bragged before the traditional rulers in Bende that if Ben Kalu fails to come and bow down before him for the 2023 elections, he will ensure he fails but Ben Kalu called his bluff and won his elections which was announced before his. That remains one of his pains. He felt demystified at all points and when he failed to stop Ben Kalu as Deputy Speaker, he cried like a baby in senate, that Nigeria has not been fair to him because Nigeria chose the best in a young dynamic man and left the deceit in a chronic betrayer like him.

The world should ask Orji Kalu to state when he has given a penny to Ben Kalu, contract as a governor or project as a principal officer of the senate. The deputy speaker is the one giving to him. Who then is the benefactor? The Deputy Speaker became a Local government chairman as a compensation for growing the party in 2003. It was a settlement for stepping down for the House of Reps office, still OUK fought him as a LGA chairman with his usual deceit. Ask Bende people about the story.

The world should know that Orji Kalu's frustration is beyond business and politics. If he pushes further, we will unearth it. He hates Benjamin Kalu for failing to do his bidding, for being a man of grace and favour. It's high time he allowed the innocent young man who is doing Nigeria proud to be. Orji Uzor Kalu is not God. He is rather the serial liar and betrayer.

As for Gov Alex Otti, Ben Kalu never had any contact with Alex Otti or anyone from his bank in the course of his business with Orji Kalu. I doubt it there was any reason to meet him.

It was later that his law firm was retained by Access Bank and it was not through Alex Otti. The company secretary of the Access Bank did it not Otti. So, attacking him personally is a weak response to his constructive criticism. Instead of addressing the issues, you are throwing in OUK awful relationship with Ben Kalu. The deputy speaker still insists on more transparency you promised Abians and accountability. You should do more than embarking on media attacks against your critics.

Nwachukwu is a public affairs analyst from Umuahia