₦airaland Forum

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to revolutionize Nigeria's critical sectors and democratize access to education, according to Mr. Chibuike Aguene, CEO of Bildup AI, Nigeria's first indigenous AI super-intelligent personal tutor has said.

Speaking on Arise TV's Newsnight, Aguene, who is also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bildup Technology, highlighted AI's transformative potential, noting that it has redefined the concept of knowledge.

He urged the authorities to harness the technological innovation, emphasizing that Nigeria has a unique opportunity to take the lead in AI advancement and shape the future of education and economic development.

He said: "For the first time in human, we have an intelligent companion that can reason, think and make judgements. This is the reality that we face today. This might be the greatest invention we have so far in human history. But we are yet to understand the magnitude of what is happening especially in Nigeria and Africa. AI is revolutionizing every industry. Human race as we know has actually changed with AI. So, this is a new era. It's an exciting time to be alive and what I always is that Nigeria should not prepare for AI era. Nigeria should lead. During the mobile phone era, we were preparing. We didn't provide leadership; social media era, we also prepared. We didn't provide leadership. This is Artificial Intelligence era. I think it's time for us to lead. We have once in a generation opportunity to level the playing field when it comes to access to quality education compared to what is happening maybe in the United States or China.

"This is our opportunity to give every child in Nigeria and Africa access to quality education without any barriers. As at today, you see there is a lot of barriers in accessing quality education. You can talk about lack of infrastructure, student to teacher ratio, so many barriers that exist in accessing quality education. But thanks to AI. All these can be in the past if Nigeria will provide the leadership and that's exactly what we are doing as Bildup AI startup.

"So, we have decided to take the lead because we believe that innovation is driven by young people. We don't want to sit back and wait for United States or China to invent things for us. We decided to take that bold step to ensure that Nigeria provides the leadership that is needed in this era and I believe very strongly we stand a chance to lead because we need that more than any other country or continent presently. We may have different challenges but this is an opportunity for us to educate a youthful population that will not just have certificates but will actually have the knowledge to make meaningful contributions to the world. I will say this: we need to sit and have a conversation at this time about what Artificial Intelligence is."

Aguene dismissed the speculations that AI will make students lazy.

"This has come up a lot whenever this conversation is taking place. I think we need to re-interrogate what it means to be educated because that will help us to answer this. Is education going to a place called school and then, getting certificate or is to to acquire knowledge in order to solve problems because if it is about just to go and get a certificate, then access to additional information becomes a threat but education is about acquisition of knowledge to solve problems then access to additional knowledge becomes an asset. So AI is not going to make anybody lazy. It is going to 10X whatever capacity that we have. I will give you a typical example. We run an AI startup and everyday we are solving problems at the office. Now, if you have a someone that is a graduate, may be you create a data set of all the information that person gained throughout from primary, secondary and university, if there is a challenge, can that information alone help that person to solve that problem? You will see that it is practically not possible. At that point, you need access to additional information. You need to research. So, what AI has done is to be your companion to give you access to additional information. What would ordinarily take you may be, 3 years, you can do it in a matter of months.That is a groundbreaking innovation that is going to help humanity across every sector, no just technology. Every sector is going to be affected.

"The way I like to describe it is that human race is on a reset and we are yet realize that. What I believe is that it is going to help us. This is the right time for us to ask what is education because it will now make us to rethink every thing we know from the ground up. And for us to do that, we have to look at the end from the beginning. What is the very essence of education? It's about solving problems. It's about making meaningful contributions to the society. So, memorizing something, answering that and getting marks will not help. Imagine in a class, you have a teacher to the students and everything that the teacher is going to say, for example, AI can actually provide that. At your finger tips, you have access to that knowledge. So, what is that education? That's why we need to have this conversation. So, the way we access knowledge, grade students, this person is the best in class, we need to review it in the light of what AI is doing so that our focus will now be on solving problems", he said.

The Technology Expert further stated that AI will empower teachers and help them to accomplish more tasks easily.

He added that special children will also be aided by AI in their studies.

"AI will help and empower teachers. It will give them 80 percent of their time back. And a student can accomplish what will take 2 to 3 months, that's a term in a matter of days, maybe less than two weeks. This is the power of AI. Teachers can have insightful feedback about different students even before the teacher will enter the class. If a student is struggling with a concept, the teacher can get notifications. This is a new era. Students can learn with the AI while the teacher can provide guidance and mentorship. So, teachers have a role to place but the role will change.

"That is the beauty of AI. You can customize and train the AI depending on the students. In this case, you talk about students with autism. AI can definitely help. You train the AI and it will learn and becomes better. That's is the reality. AI can help whether it's a slow learner, students with disability, it is going to help".

Aguene hinted that his company will soon launch a programme called AI Integrated Classroom across the federation to ensure that no child is left out.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to revolutionize Nigeria's critical sectors and democratize access to education, according to Mr. Chibuike Aguene, CEO of Bildup AI, Nigeria's first indigenous AI super-intelligent personal tutor has said.

Speaking on Arise TV's Newsnight, Aguene, who is also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bildup Technology, highlighted AI's transformative potential, noting that it has redefined the concept of knowledge.

He urged the authorities to harness the technological innovation, emphasizing that Nigeria has a unique opportunity to take the lead in AI advancement and shape the future of education and economic development.

He said: "For the first time in human, we have an intelligent companion that can reason, think and make judgements. This is the reality that we face today. This might be the greatest invention we have so far in human history. But we are yet to understand the magnitude of what is happening especially in Nigeria and Africa. AI is revolutionizing every industry. Human race as we know has actually changed with AI. So, this is a new era. It's an exciting time to be alive and what I always is that Nigeria should not prepare for AI era. Nigeria should lead. During the mobile phone era, we were preparing. We didn't provide leadership; social media era, we also prepared. We didn't provide leadership. This is Artificial Intelligence era. I think it's time for us to lead. We have once in a generation opportunity to level the playing field when it comes to access to quality education compared to what is happening maybe in the United States or China.

"This is our opportunity to give every child in Nigeria and Africa access to quality education without any barriers. As at today, you see there is a lot of barriers in accessing quality education. You can talk about lack of infrastructure, student to teacher ratio, so many barriers that exist in accessing quality education. But thanks to AI. All these can be in the past if Nigeria will provide the leadership and that's exactly what we are doing as Bildup AI startup.

"So, we have decided to take the lead because we believe that innovation is driven by young people. We don't want to sit back and wait for United States or China to invent things for us. We decided to take that bold step to ensure that Nigeria provides the leadership that is needed in this era and I believe very strongly we stand a chance to lead because we need that more than any other country or continent presently. We may have different challenges but this is an opportunity for us to educate a youthful population that will not just have certificates but will actually have the knowledge to make meaningful contributions to the world. I will say this: we need to sit and have a conversation at this time about what Artificial Intelligence is."

Aguene dismissed the speculations that AI will make students lazy.

"This has come up a lot whenever this conversation is taking place. I think we need to re-interrogate what it means to be educated because that will help us to answer this. Is education going to a place called school and then, getting certificate or is to to acquire knowledge in order to solve problems because if it is about just to go and get a certificate, then access to additional information becomes a threat but education is about acquisition of knowledge to solve problems then access to additional knowledge becomes an asset. So AI is not going to make anybody lazy. It is going to 10X whatever capacity that we have. I will give you a typical example. We run an AI startup and everyday we are solving problems at the office. Now, if you have a someone that is a graduate, may be you create a data set of all the information that person gained throughout from primary, secondary and university, if there is a challenge, can that information alone help that person to solve that problem? You will see that it is practically not possible. At that point, you need access to additional information. You need to research. So, what AI has done is to be your companion to give you access to additional information. What would ordinarily take you may be, 3 years, you can do it in a matter of months.That is a groundbreaking innovation that is going to help humanity across every sector, no just technology. Every sector is going to be affected.

"The way I like to describe it is that human race is on a reset and we are yet realize that. What I believe is that it is going to help us. This is the right time for us to ask what is education because it will now make us to rethink every thing we know from the ground up. And for us to do that, we have to look at the end from the beginning. What is the very essence of education? It's about solving problems. It's about making meaningful contributions to the society. So, memorizing something, answering that and getting marks will not help. Imagine in a class, you have a teacher to the students and everything that the teacher is going to say, for example, AI can actually provide that. At your finger tips, you have access to that knowledge. So, what is that education? That's why we need to have this conversation. So, the way we access knowledge, grade students, this person is the best in class, we need to review it in the light of what AI is doing so that our focus will now be on solving problems", he said.

The Technology Expert further stated that AI will empower teachers and help them to accomplish more tasks easily.

He added that special children will also be aided by AI in their studies.

"AI will help and empower teachers. It will give them 80 percent of their time back. And a student can accomplish what will take 2 to 3 months, that's a term in a matter of days, maybe less than two weeks. This is the power of AI. Teachers can have insightful feedback about different students even before the teacher will enter the class. If a student is struggling with a concept, the teacher can get notifications. This is a new era. Students can learn with the AI while the teacher can provide guidance and mentorship. So, teachers have a role to place but the role will change.

"That is the beauty of AI. You can customize and train the AI depending on the students. In this case, you talk about students with autism. AI can definitely help. You train the AI and it will learn and becomes better. That's is the reality. AI can help whether it's a slow learner, students with disability, it is going to help".

Aguene hinted that his company will soon launch a programme called AI Integrated Classroom across the federation to ensure that no child is left out.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to revolutionize Nigeria's critical sectors and democratize access to education, according to Mr. Chibuike Aguene, CEO of Bildup AI, Nigeria's first indigenous AI super-intelligent personal tutor has said.

Speaking on Arise TV's Newsnight, Aguene, who is also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bildup Technology, highlighted AI's transformative potential, noting that it has redefined the concept of knowledge.

He urged the authorities to harness the technological innovation, emphasizing that Nigeria has a unique opportunity to take the lead in AI advancement and shape the future of education and economic development.

He said: "For the first time in human, we have an intelligent companion that can reason, think and make judgements. This is the reality that we face today. This might be the greatest invention we have so far in human history. But we are yet to understand the magnitude of what is happening especially in Nigeria and Africa. AI is revolutionizing every industry. Human race as we know has actually changed with AI. So, this is a new era. It's an exciting time to be alive and what I always is that Nigeria should not prepare for AI era. Nigeria should lead. During the mobile phone era, we were preparing. We didn't provide leadership; social media era, we also prepared. We didn't provide leadership. This is Artificial Intelligence era. I think it's time for us to lead. We have once in a generation opportunity to level the playing field when it comes to access to quality education compared to what is happening maybe in the United States or China.

"This is our opportunity to give every child in Nigeria and Africa access to quality education without any barriers. As at today, you see there is a lot of barriers in accessing quality education. You can talk about lack of infrastructure, student to teacher ratio, so many barriers that exist in accessing quality education. But thanks to AI. All these can be in the past if Nigeria will provide the leadership and that's exactly what we are doing as Bildup AI startup.

"So, we have decided to take the lead because we believe that innovation is driven by young people. We don't want to sit back and wait for United States or China to invent things for us. We decided to take that bold step to ensure that Nigeria provides the leadership that is needed in this era and I believe very strongly we stand a chance to lead because we need that more than any other country or continent presently. We may have different challenges but this is an opportunity for us to educate a youthful population that will not just have certificates but will actually have the knowledge to make meaningful contributions to the world. I will say this: we need to sit and have a conversation at this time about what Artificial Intelligence is."

Aguene dismissed the speculations that AI will make students lazy.

"This has come up a lot whenever this conversation is taking place. I think we need to re-interrogate what it means to be educated because that will help us to answer this. Is education going to a place called school and then, getting certificate or is to to acquire knowledge in order to solve problems because if it is about just to go and get a certificate, then access to additional information becomes a threat but education is about acquisition of knowledge to solve problems then access to additional knowledge becomes an asset. So AI is not going to make anybody lazy. It is going to 10X whatever capacity that we have. I will give you a typical example. We run an AI startup and everyday we are solving problems at the office. Now, if you have a someone that is a graduate, may be you create a data set of all the information that person gained throughout from primary, secondary and university, if there is a challenge, can that information alone help that person to solve that problem? You will see that it is practically not possible. At that point, you need access to additional information. You need to research. So, what AI has done is to be your companion to give you access to additional information. What would ordinarily take you may be, 3 years, you can do it in a matter of months.That is a groundbreaking innovation that is going to help humanity across every sector, no just technology. Every sector is going to be affected.

"The way I like to describe it is that human race is on a reset and we are yet realize that. What I believe is that it is going to help us. This is the right time for us to ask what is education because it will now make us to rethink every thing we know from the ground up. And for us to do that, we have to look at the end from the beginning. What is the very essence of education? It's about solving problems. It's about making meaningful contributions to the society. So, memorizing something, answering that and getting marks will not help. Imagine in a class, you have a teacher to the students and everything that the teacher is going to say, for example, AI can actually provide that. At your finger tips, you have access to that knowledge. So, what is that education? That's why we need to have this conversation. So, the way we access knowledge, grade students, this person is the best in class, we need to review it in the light of what AI is doing so that our focus will now be on solving problems", he said.

The Technology Expert further stated that AI will empower teachers and help them to accomplish more tasks easily.

He added that special children will also be aided by AI in their studies.

"AI will help and empower teachers. It will give them 80 percent of their time back. And a student can accomplish what will take 2 to 3 months, that's a term in a matter of days, maybe less than two weeks. This is the power of AI. Teachers can have insightful feedback about different students even before the teacher will enter the class. If a student is struggling with a concept, the teacher can get notifications. This is a new era. Students can learn with the AI while the teacher can provide guidance and mentorship. So, teachers have a role to place but the role will change.

"That is the beauty of AI. You can customize and train the AI depending on the students. In this case, you talk about students with autism. AI can definitely help. You train the AI and it will learn and becomes better. That's is the reality. AI can help whether it's a slow learner, students with disability, it is going to help".

Aguene hinted that his company will soon launch a programme called AI Integrated Classroom across the federation to ensure that no child is left out.

A former Commissioner for Information in Abia State, John Okiyi Kalu, has raised concerns over the alleged overpricing of the N36 billion contract awarded to Julius Berger for the reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road, Aba.

In a Facebook post, Kalu drew comparisons with a similar project in Rivers State, where a 19.7km road project with seven bridges was awarded for N30.4 billion.

He said: "Construction giants, Julius Berger (JB) was hired by two Governors to execute road projects in their respective states. Below are the details as made public by Governor Alex Otti of Abia State and Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State. Feel free to verify.
Governor Alex Otti (Abia)
1. Road: Port Harcourt Road Aba
A. Lenght of road: 5.8km
B. Cost: N36 billion
C. Nature of road: Urban dual carriage way with previous soil stabilization and drains on both sides
D. Number of Bridges, Culverts or Flyover: NIL
E. Award/Flagoff Date: October 2023
F. Contractor: Julius Berger Plc
G. Duration: 24 months
H. Drains: 5.8km x 2 = 11,600 meters
I. Cost per KM: N6 billion

Governor Sim Fubara (Rivers)
2. Buguma-Abalama-Tema-Degema-Abonnema Road
A. Lenght of road: 19.7km
B. Cost: N30.4 billion
C. Nature of road: Swampy unstabllized
D. Number of Bridges: 7 bridges
E. Award/Flag off Date: December 2024
F. Contractor: Julius Berger Plc
G. Duration: 15 months
H. Drains: 12,777 meters
I. Cost per KM: N1.54 billion".

He highlighted the details of both projects, noting that the Abia contract was for a 5.8km dual carriageway with no bridges, while the Rivers State project covered a longer distance with multiple bridges.

"Assuming the Rivers Project is a standard 8.2 meters road, as against dual carriage like in Abia, the cost per KM would still be less than N3 billion per KM if you extrapolate," Kalu said.

The former Commissioner who served under Governor Okezie Ikpeazu also alleged that the Abia contract was not advertised for competitive bidding, and that Governor Otti personally installed Julius Berger as the preferred bidder.

"The Abia contract was not advertised for competitive bidding rather the grade A contractor, Hartland Construction Company, that stabilized the road after carting away debris etc and implementing 11,600 meters of drains as well as 1km mixed materials laying was chased out by Governor Alex Otti and was not given opportunity to even re-bid for the project along with other grade A contractors in Nigeria," Kalu who later became Commissioner for Trade and Investment stated.

He also questioned the payment of N50 million to Ken Ahia SAN, a friend of Governor Otti, for negotiating the contract.

"More curious is the fact that documents leaked from Abia State Government, with subsequent confirmation by the official Spokesmen of Governor Otti established that Nigerian Lawyer and bosom friend of Governor Alex Otti, who donated at least a campaign vehicle to him in 2023, Ken Ahia SAN, of Ken Ahia, SAN & Associates received payment of N50 million from Abia Tax Payers money for ostensibly negotiating and drafting this same Julius Berger contract," Kalu said.

He demanded transparency and accountability, calling on Governor Otti to release the original design and Bill of Quantities for the project.

"We strongly demand for the original design and Bill of Quantities for Port Harcourt Road project to confirm the actual cost. Otti vowed transparency and should walk his talk now," Kalu said.

…. Pledges Continued Support for Security Operations, Intelligence Gathering

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commended the efforts of the Directoratw of State Services (DSS) for its swift and decisive action in apprehending five suspects linked to the kidnapping and brutal murder of a one-year-old girl, Sakina Mamuda, in Duhun Bake village, Gwarzo Local Government Area.

In a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the suspects were said to have abducted the baby girl and demanded a ransom from her family after which they have brutally killed her.

However, the perpetrators heartlessly dumped her dead body in an abondoned open well.

The arrested suspects have been identified as:

Zailani Rabiu, Hafizu Yusuf
Abubakar Abdulkareem,
Umar Lawan and Amadu Salisu all from the same community with thier victim in Gwarzo Local Government area.

They are currently being investigated for criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, and homicide.

Speaking at a joint press briefing held at the Government House in Kano, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Haruna Isa Dederi, along with the Commissioner for Information and other senior officials, reaffirmed the administration’s determination to ensure justice is swiftly and decisively served in this tragic case.

Governor Yusuf expressed deep sorrow over the incident and praised the DSS operatives and other security agencies for their proactive response.

He further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the state’s security apparatus through increased investment in intelligence gathering, logistics, and inter-agency collaboration.

“This senseless tragedy has shaken us to the core,” the Governor stated. “I commend the DSS for acting swiftly and decisively. We will continue to prioritize the safety of our people and ensure that those who threaten our peace are brought to justice.”

The Governor also assured the public that his administration will continue to support all security formations with the necessary tools and resources to fight crime, while calling on citizens to remain vigilant and support the efforts of security agencies through timely information sharing.

The incident has drawn widespread public condemnation, with calls for the suspects to be prosecuted without delay and for the full weight of the law to be brought against anyone who harms children.

*Court orders prosecution to avail defendant all necessary materials


A Federal High Court in Abuja heard on Tuesday how the self-acclaimed leader of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, admitted operating an illegal radio station and inciting members of the public to attack police officers.

An official of the Department of State Services (DSS) said this while testifying as the second prosecution witness (PW2) in Kanu's ongoing terrorism trial before Justice James Omotosho.

Th witness, identified with the acronym - BBB - testified behind a screen provided by the court. He said Kanu confirmed his activities while giving his statement.

Led in evidence by prosecuting lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) BBB said beside being the leader of the proscribed IPOB, Kanu is the founder of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the armed wing of IPOB.

The witness said Kanu also operated an illegal radio station, which broadcast on frequencies 102.1 FM and 88.0 FM. He said the radio was illegal because it was not licensed by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

BBB said he was on July 2021, assigned the duty of taking Kanu's statement following a letter from the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) requesting that the IPOB leader be investigated for his alleged terrorism activities.

The witness said he carried out the assignment in the company of four other colleagues. He said he handed Kanu the letter from the AGF, which the defendant read and also gave his lawyers to read, following which he requested that Kanu respond to the issues raised in the letter.

He said after reading the letter, Kanu volunteered to make a statement in the presence of two of his lawyers, including Alloy Ejimakor.

The witness said he played some of the broadcast made by the defendant on his radio station (Radio Biafra), including where he called for the attack police officers and other inciting comments.

Witness BBB said Kanu admitted that the voice in the broadcast, which he played to his hearing, were his (Kanu's) own.

On what Kanu was agitating about, the witness said Kanu wanted the secession of the five South East states, parts of Kogi and Benue states from the rest of Nigeria.

The witness said the defendant's statement taking session was recorded on video.

At that point, Awomolo showed the witness a copy of a compact disc, which BBB identified as containg the recording of his interaction with Kanu.

Awomolo then applied to tender the letter from the AGF, the disc and a certificate of compliance.

But, lawyer to the defence, Kanu Agabi (SAN) objected to the prosecution's application to tender the items, arguing that the defence was not served with the AGF letter and the video recording.

Agabi said it was part of the right of the defendant to be given copies of all documents and materials that the prosecution planned to rely on in prosecuting the case.

Awomolo said he was ready to furnish the defendant with all the necessary documents and materials that the prosecution wishes to rely on.

Ruling, Justice James Omotosho held that the defence was entitled to all the documents and materials the prosecution planned to rely on.

Justice Omotosho proceeded to order the prosecution to, in line with the provision of Section 36 of the Constitution, serve on the defendant all facilities, including documents that it intends to rely on to prosecute the case.

Upon an application by Awomolo, Justice Omotosho adjourned till May 7 to enable the prosecution serve the defence all the necessary documents and for the PW 2 to continue his testimony.

Earlier, the PW1, identified as PWAAA concluded his testimony after being cross examined by Agabi and re-examined by Awomolo.

Under cross-examination by Agabi, the witness said he was consulted, in relation to the role he played in the case as an investigator, before the charge in the case was filed.

The witness said he is not aware that the defendant was charged with 15 counts, but that he is aware that Kanu was charged with inciting others to attack members of the police force.

PWAAA said "I was not part of the drafting of the charge, but I am aware that he (the defendant) incited people to kill members of the police force," adding said he is not aware that the count relating to that allegation was struck out from the charge in an earlier ruling.

The witness also said he is not aware that eight out of the 15 counts contained in the original charge were struck out by the court in an earlier ruling.

Shorly before PW1 was invited, Justice Omotosho issued an order barring a sister-in-law to the defendant - Mrs. Favour Kanu - from further attending proceedings.

The judge, who barred Favour from the next three subsequent sittings of the court, said the decision was informed by the conduct of the lady, who admitted engaging in live broadcast of the court's proceedings on her social media platform.

Before the judge issued the order, he sought to know who Favour Kanu was. The fair complexioned lady, who was dressed in black and sat in the audience beside her husband, rose to her feet and identified herself as Favour Kanu.

The judge then, ordered her to come to the front of the courtroom, which she did, following which Justice Omotosho said he would cited her for contempt in the face of the court for recording the court's sitting and broadcasting it.

When asked what informed her action, Favour said she was streaming what was happening in the court live, but did not know that the judge was still sitting.

She apologised and promised not to do same again.

Agabi also intervened and begged the judge not to sanction the woman, but the judge insisted that the lady must vacate the courtroom, which she promptly did.

The principal witness of the Department of State Services (DSS) in the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People's of Biafra on Friday told a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja that the illegal radio transmitters found in his hotel room at the time of arrest in 2015, were used to incite violence.

Under cross-examination by counsel to the defendant, Kanu Agabi, SAN, the DSS witness also told the court that Kanu impersonated a reporter of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

The witness, code-named PWAAA, whose identity was concealed for security reasons, told the court that at the time of Kanu's arrest, his hotel room
at Golden Tulip Hotel in Lagos.looked like a radio station with all sorts of illegally sourced radio transmission equipment scattered in the room.

It was from these broadcast equipment, the witness told the court, that Kanu spread hate messages which resulted in attacks that led to the death of several Nigerians.

At the previous sitting, the DSS witness, led in evidence by counsel to the federal government, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, told the court that he has been in service with the DSS for 18 years.

Among the witnesses’ evidence presented before the court was a video recording of Kanu’s interrogation by DSS officials, which played in the open court.

Kanu’s written statement made on October 15, 2015, at the DSS office was read in the open court.

Also was a statement made at the DSS office on the day of his arrest read in the open court.

In Kanu's statement, he admitted establishing Radio Biafra in London. He said the radio wasn’t registered in Nigeria because he knew he wouldn’t be issued a licence, and also because it was pointless.

*Over 4m cows lost to insecurity, says MACBAN

The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, on Monday in Abuja hosted the leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) with a view to finding lasting solutions to the security crisis in the Middle Belt region.

The meeting amidst a revelation by MACBAN that herders in Nigeria have lost over four million heads of cattle valued at over ₦2.8 trillion to insecurity across the country.

Monday's meeting came on the heels of a string of attacks in communities in Plateau and Benue States which left scores of villagers dead. MACBAN has absolved it's members of complicity in the killings.

"Today, Ambassador Mills met with the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria to hear about the concerns of herder communities. The meeting included discussion of the causes of insecurity and opportunities to peacefully resolve conflict," the US Embassy posted on it's "X" handle.

MACBAN had been worried by the narratives by the Plateau and Benue State governments on the crisis.

"These narratives suggest that the state governments have taken a position on the matter and are not ready to yield ground to determine the root causes of these conflicts," MACBAN's national President Baba Othman Ngelzarm said.

He said, "Look at what happened when the Plateau state government organized what it called a security council meeting compared to what happened with the US Embassy where the Ambassador sat with us to hear us out.

"We were completely shut out by the Plateau state government. No member of our organization was invited. And you call that a security Council meeting? Doesn't that suggest a mindset?
Who do you intend to secure when you refused to hear from a key party to the conflict?" he demanded.

"It is such actions that encourage some people to take the law into their hands, kill our people and steal their cattle. Only on Sunday, some locals shot and killed at least 37 cows in Tashek community in the Riyom local government area of Plateau state.

"The average Fulani herder has been so profiled that he is seen as a kidnapper and criminal. People forget that, as is in every society, there are the good, the bad and the ugly. They have made the cattle herder the fall guy for all the violent crimes being committed around Nigeria," he lamented.

"We have said it time and again that MACBAN members are law-abiding pastoralists whose business over the centuries is herding their cattle. We live in peace and pursue peace as that is the only way our cattle business can thrive. We believe in live and let live," Ngelzarm affirmed.

The MACBAN president lauded the federal government for what he called the professionalism of the security agencies.

"Take the DSS, for instance. We know how much pressure that is being mounted on its leadership to twist the narrative or to take sides on the matter. The Service has remained fair and just to all, keeping the peace without fear or favour, even at the risk of being blackmailed.

"We are happy that President Bola Tinubu appointed men of honour, who would not do the bidding of people just to be seen as being politically correct. We are happy that our security agencies are living up to their calling of securing Nigeria," he declared, adding, "as with everything in life, we can do better."

Incumbent member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State in House of Representatives, Hon. Amobi Ogah has filed a petition with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging forgery and uttering of forged documents by the Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Hon. Nkeiruka Chidubem Onyejeocha.

Dated April 14, 2024 and addressed to the chairman of INEC, Ogah in the letter alleged that Onyejeocha presented fake polling unit results for 63 polling units during the last 2023 general elections.

Titled "Re:Forgery, Uttering and Tendering of Allied Forged Polling Unit Result Sheets Arising Out of the 2023 General Elections in Respect of Isikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State, By Hon. Nkeiruka Chidubem Onyejeocha", the letter signed by Ogah himself was received by INEC on April 29, 2025.

The lawmaker said that the results were different from the authentic ones issued and certified by INEC, adding that INEC staff in Umuahia and Abuja also denied knowledge of the results tendered by Onyejeocha.

Seeking the investigation and prosecution of Onyejeocha and her accomplices, Ogah also pledged to provide evidence, including certified copies of authentic results and the forged documents.

He also cited the Court of Appeal's judgment, which allegedly gave credence to his claims.

The letter read in parts: "I am constrained to write you in respect of the above referenced matter, in a bid to make my contribution to the ongoing efforts at sanitizing our electoral system, and, curtailing to the barest minimum all forms of criminality in our country.

"Though time does not run against a complaint against a crime, I am presenting this petition a bit late, due to the fact that I needed to gather all the relevant materials and information relevant to the successful presentation, investigation and prosecution of this complaint.

"I am the Honourable member representing the Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, while Hon. Nkeiruka Chidubem Onyejeocha is at present, the Hon. Minister of State for Labour & Productivity.

"Hon. Onyejeocha and myself, amongst other candidates, were contestants for the Isuikwuato/Umunnecochi Federal Constituency seat during the 2023 general elections.

"At the close of the elections, I was declared winner and a Certificate of Return issued to me by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

"Hon. Onyejeocha proceeded to the Election Tribunal in Umuahia, Abia State to challenge the outcome of the election, seeking that she be returned as the winner of the election.

"Your office had at the close of the elections issued certified copies of the Polling Units, Wards, L.G.As and the Constituency results relating to our said Isuikwuato/Umunnecochi Federal Constituency election, including copies downloaded from the I – REV Portal.

"All persons who applied to your Commission were given copies of the result sheets on payment of the prescribed fees. I applied and was given all the aforementioned results with which I defended the Petition filed at the Election Tribunal by Hon. Onyejeocha, against my declaration as winner of the election.

"Surprisingly, in the course of the Election Tribunal proceedings, Hon. Onyejeocha procured and presented to the Tribunal a different set of Polling Unit results in respect of sixty – three (63) Polling Units, that seemingly had INEC certification on them

"These sixty – three (63) Polling Unit results were entirely different from the authentic results issued and certified by your office in Umuahia, Abia State and the INEC National Headquarters in Abuja.

"Sir, it will interest you to know that relevant staff of the INEC office in Umuahia, Abia State and those in the I.C.T Unit of your headquarters in Abuja denied knowledge of the results procured and tendered at the Election Tribunal by Hon. Onyejeocha. Your staff equally reaffirmed the authenticity of the results tendered by me which were issued and certified by your Commission.

"It is obvious from my narrative above, that these sixty – three (63) Polling Unit results tendered by Hon. Onyejeocha were fake and a product of an exercise in forgery. There can be only one authentic Polling Unit result in an election, which in this case your office confirmed to be the results which were certified and issued to me by INEC.

"It is in the light of the above, that I call on your office to investigate this obvious act of forgery, and, prosecute Hon. Onyejeocha and all her accomplices.

"I am aware that the extant laws empower your Commission to investigate and prosecute electoral offenders, which prosecution of offenders you have long commenced and even secured convictions.

"I undertake to make available to your investigative team, copies of the authentic set of results tendered by myself and the forged results tendered as exhibits by Hon. Onyejeocha during the proceedings at the Election Tribunal. Both sets of results have been certified by the Registry of the Election Tribunal, who have custody of all documents tendered at the Tribunal.

"I will equally make available to your officers, the certified copy of the record of proceedings of the Election tribunal and the judgments of the Tribunal and Court of Appeal, that heard and determined the Petition filed by Hon. Onyejeocha.

"Furthermore, it is important that I mention here that the Court of Appeal in their judgment gave credence to the fact that the results tendered by Hon. Onyejeocha were not the authentic INEC Polling Unit results, thereby affirming my position that the results presented by her were fake and forged.

"Finally, permit me to state that I will not only escalate this demand to the court of public opinion and other relevant agencies of government, but will equally seek an order of mandamus against your commission to enforce my demand, should you fail to commence action timeously.

"It is my hope and prayer that this matter will be thoroughly investigated, in the interest of our electoral system.
Please accept the assurances of my highest regards, while thanking you in anticipation of your prompt action."

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court has pruned the number of persons who applied to observe the trial of leader of the Indigenous People's of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, which resumes on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.

Over 30 persons, including convener of "Take it Back Movement" Omoyele Sowore had applied to be in court as observers.

However, it was gathered that the court approved a list of 20 persons to be allowed into the court as observers. The approved list, it was further gathered, contained the names of close family members of the IPOB leader. The observers must be seated before 9am, the court said.

However, missing on the list of observers cleared for Tuesday's hearing is Omoyele Sowore.

It will be recalled that, in addition to Chief Kanu Agabi and Uchenna Njoku, Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) four Senior advocates, Prof. Onyechi Ikpeazu, Emeka Etiaba, Mela, Dr. Joseph Akubo and Audu Nunghe had indicated a willingness to join Kanu's defence team.

During the last court outing, Justice Omotosho had approved an accelerated hearing on the seven-count terrorism charge against Kanu.

https://thereporterspen.com/terrorism-judge-delists-sowore-others-as-kanus-trial-resumes-tuesday/

...as BildUp Unveils Nation's First Indigenous AI Software

Nigeria cannot afford to lag behind in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BildUp, Mr. Chibuike Aguene has said.

Speaking during the unveiling of the country's first indigenous AI software in Enugu on Saturday, Aguene said that AI has come to stay, highlighting the global dominance of AI and its transformative potential.

He said that the indigenous technology will redefine and transform the educational system, boasts impressive capabilities, including independent thinking, student assessment, and personalized learning solutions tailored to individual pace and learning style.

He said: "Our nation cannot be left behind. What we are witnessing today is the first African Indigenous breakthrough in AI technology, aimed at redefining and transforming our educational system in Enugu state, South East, and Nigeria at large.

"We have gathered here today to unveil the bildup artificial intelligence (AI) startup, with a primary vision to empower everyone, every where to make a difference.

"So, we are happy and excited to announce this breakthrough innovation that will redefine the way students learn, practice, and succeed. And also, what we are witnessing today is a full demonstration of the power of AI in helping students.

"Over the past few days, we had students from different Schools, learning with the AI, interacting freely. And what is even very special about the AI that we are talking about today is it's origin. It is built here in Nigeria, and this is the first of its kind.

"What is very important and interesting about this super AI is that it can think independently, access students, understand their level of proficiency, understand their level of pace, and of course, their learning style and use that to create a personalized learning solution for them".

Arguing that the problem of the education sector was hinged on application of one solution to all issues, Aguene said it was imperative for the federal government to develop the technological sector and boost the economy.

"One of the greatest problems we have in the education sector is one solution for all. If you look at the past couple of months, there had been serious attention on issues concerning AI. The federal government has been going round different states talking about how they want Nigeria to lead in this space. So, we are excited today to announce a full power of AI.

"This is a full expression. You will hear the AI interacting as though they are talking to a real human being. Every student now both in Nigeria and the world can have access to a personal tutor that is super intelligent, smart, think independently, reason and use that knowledge to create a personalized learning for the different students", he said.

Aguene also dismissed the claims in some quarters that AI would soon take over the jobs of human teachers.

"Teachers are great and wonderful people. Rather, what we have built is to enhance what they are doing to enable them to achieve more. Artificial intelligence drives us to explore uncharted territories and break new grounds.

"Together, we are not just building technology, we are shaping the future, stating that they harness the power of artificial Intelligence to create solutions that make difference. Our minds are open, our ambitions are high, and our passion for progress is boundless.

"In this space, we believe in the relentless pursuit of knowledge, the beauty of collaboration and the power of perseverance", Aguene added.

*Service seizes arms stockpiles in Kaduna, Delta, Zamfara states

Kaduna,state governor, Senator Uba Sani has praised President Bola Tinubu for appointing Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi as Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS),
saying the appointment has helped reposition the DSS to tackle the country's security challenges.

Sani spoke in the wake of over 34 successful operations by the DSS in his state, leading to the arrest of 54 suspects, including serving security operatives, and the recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition.

The governor's position came amidst the recovery by DSS operatives of scores of rifles and pump action guns and several thousand rounds of ammunition across the country.

In Delta State, DSS operatives recovered over 50 AK-47 rifles, six pump-action shotguns and more than 3,000 rounds of ammunition during a covert operation in Asaba, the state capital.

The agency arrested an Itsekiri serving in the British Army (name withheld) who allegedly procured the weapons.

The seizure and arrest has drawn commendation from Ijaw communities in Egbema, Gbaramatu, Isaba, and Ogbe-Ijoh kingdoms in the Warri Federal Constituency, who appealed to the Presidency to Investigate the arms seizure. They warned that such stockpiles could lead to provocation and reignite conflict in Warri.

Security sources disclosed that the DSS command in Kaduna State arrested eight suspected bandits and 22 of their suspected informants, four gunrunners, two human traffickers, four cyber fraudsters, two vandals and 12 family members of suspected bandits.

According to the source, the command also reportedly recovered five AK-47 rifles, one GPMG, three RPGs guns and 5,000 rounds of ammunitions of various calibres, while it's operations resulted in the rescue of 79 kidnap victims now in the custody of the state government.

Some of the arrested suspects, it was gathered, which included a security operative serving in Zamfara State, disclosed that he often steals the ammunition meant to fight bandits in Zamfara and environs and sell same to the bandits.

As at the time of his arrest, offered the source, the serving security personnel had on him 217 rounds of assorted ammunition he planned to sell for N4 million.

One suspected gunrunners told journalists in Kaduna that he was arrested with 500 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition he planned to sell for ₦1.5 million to one Suleiman in troubled Birnin Gwari town.

Another suspected gunrunner confessed that he was on his way to Katsina State to deliver 1,087 rounds of ammunition when DSS operatives nabbed him. His associate who was arrested in Futua, Katsina State, said he was to deliver 701 rounds of ammunition to Zamfara State

...highlights Tinubu's achievements in 2 years 


...Urges FG to construct gas pipeline in S/East, dredge Onitsha River, expand Onne port, 


Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has emphasized the need for the South East region of the country to align decisively with the centre. 


He made the call while unveiling the Renewed Hope Partners (RHP), a multipurpose vehicle aimed at realizing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's second-term bid in Umuahia, the capital city of Abia State on Thursday. 


Kalu said that RHP will play a crucial role in translating the national achievements of the President Tinubu administration into regional gains. 


The Deputy Speaker who represents Bende Federal Constituency of the State highlighted an array of legacies the President has recorded in the South East particularly and Nigeria at large in the last two years, assuring the people of more dividends of democracy from the present government.


He said: "As we approach the midpoint of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tenure, the South East must align decisively with the centre. The Renewed Hope Partners (RHP) is a formidable vehicle that is demonstrating our seriousness for this cause by translating the national achievements of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration into regional gains, and by delivering the majority of votes in the South East geopolitical zone for our dear President in 2027. 


"My dear Ndi Igbo, the time for token support has passed. The President’s leadership has fundamentally improved our economy, empowered our youth, and begun to bridge the development gap in our zone. Now, RHP must channel these achievements into electoral victories, ensuring the South East sits at the heart of Nigeria’s renewed hope, as we expect more from the current administration. By embedding these structures, strategies, and ambassadors into every household conversation, Renewed Hope Partners will transform policy wins into popular mandate, guaranteeing that the South East not only benefits from but also drives the continuity of this administration."


To ultimately achieve the mission, Kalu explained that RHP will launch “Renewed Hope Councils” in all South East LGAs, linked to South East Development Commission (SEDC) outreach teams to turn policy wins into grassroots programs. 


"We will launch “Renewed Hope Councils” in all South East LGAs, linked to SEDC outreach teams, turning policy wins into grassroots programs. Align each of the seven pillars with local town-hall campaigns, ensuring every citizen sees the direct benefits of President Tinubu’s agenda," he said.


The Deputy Speaker said that the achievements of the President Tinubu's administration included, attracting proposed investments worth $50.8 billion, doubling aggregate national revenues to over ₦9.1 trillion in H1 2024, and achieving a GDP growth rate of 3.4% in 2024.


Kalu added that the government has recorded a significant increase in foreign remittances, with an estimated $23.4 billion received, representing a 61.1% year-on-year increase. 


The Deputy Speaker also recalled the Compressed Natural Gas initiative, saying it will save over ₦2 trillion per month in petrol imports.


He said: "In 2024, Nigeria experienced a significant increase in foreign remittances, with an estimated $23.4 billion received. This substantial growth, exceeding $4.22 billion through International Money Transfer Operators between January and October, represents a 61.1% year-on-year increase. 


"President Bola Tinubu has so far attracted proposed investments worth $50.8 billion into the country, according to ongoing compilation by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment—evidence that investors trust President Tinubu’s vision.


"The Compressed Natural Gas initiative will save over ₦2 trillion per month in petrol imports. One million low-cost conversion kits are currently being distributed."


Kalu emphasized that the re-commencement of the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri corridor, will ultimately link Aba and Onitsha hubs to northern markets, unlocking ₦50 billion in annual trade throughput.


He also underscored the importance of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), established in July 2024, with a constituted board and executive management team.


 "President Tinubu has recommitted to finishing the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri corridor. Once operational, it will link Aba and Onitsha hubs to northern markets, unlocking ₦50 billion in annual trade throughput. 


"The SEDC’s “Triple-R” mandate (Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, Reintegration) is already off to a great start with steps taken under the able leadership of the commission’s board with its recent MOU signing with the UNDP for a South East Integrated Development Masterplan", Kalu said.


The Deputy Speaker also highlighted several other initiatives, including the construction of housing units, fertilizer distribution, and mechanized equipment for farmers.


 "The first 3,112 housing units in Karsana will soon be completed. Six geopolitical-zone cities and 36 state-level estates will deliver over 100,000 homes, generating tens of thousands of construction jobs across Nigeria", he added. 


Kalu appealed to the Federal Government to prioritize several high-impact interventions, including constructing key gas pipeline infrastructure across the South East, supporting capacity expansions at the AHL and ANOH plants in Imo State, and dredging and rehabilitating the Onitsha River. 


"To leverage the South East’s comparative strengths and fast-track President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Federal Government can seize the following high-impact interventions to accelerate the construction of key gas pipeline infrastructure across the South East to spur industrialization in Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo, Abia, and Anambra states, ensuring affordable compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and industrial feedstock reach transport hubs, agro-processors, and SMEs.


"Support further capacity expansions at the AHL and ANOH plants in Imo State, reinforcing the zone’s energy security and creating thousands of construction and operations jobs.


"Green-light urgent dredging and wharf rehabilitation, linking the Niger inland waterway to regional and international trade routes. Fast-track the Onne container-terminal upgrade under the Port Harcourt corridor plan, integrating South East logistics with South-South hubs.


"Identify and develop sea-ports at Bonny/Opobo and Bakassi to relieve Lagos congestion and unlock export pathways for South East agricultural and manufactured goods", Kalu said.

*Made Firm profitable

The immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, in January called for a forensic audit of the company, The Authority checks revealed.

The media, in January, was awash with how Kyari, who appeared before the National Assembly joint committee on Finance, told the federal lawmakers how NNPCL remitted N10 trillion into the federation account.

He further told the joint committee how, under his leadership, the oil company, which had for several years resisted The Nigerian oil industry had for long resisted reforms, welcomed the auditing of its accounts.

"Until October 1, 2024, NNPCL, as mandated by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), acted as the supplier of last resort for fuel supply,” he told the lawmakers, stressing, " a forensic audit is needed to determine the financial obligations of NNPCL and any owed entities."

He added, "Our transactional accounts are transparent and published annually, reinforcing our status as the top taxpayer and the highest contributor of royalties and dividends.”

Kyari narrated how he encouraged performance transparency, and published financial statements of the national oil company.

Interestingly, protesters under the aegis of Concerned Citizens Against Corruption, on Wednesday swarmed the office of the Attorney General of the Federation in Abuja, demanding the probe of NNPCL's books under Kyari's watch.

Leaders of the group accused the former NNPCL GCEO of mismanaging funds earmarked for the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s moribund refineries and raised concerns about alleged indebtedness to oil trading companies.

The demonstration came a few weeks after President Bola Tinubu appointed
Bashir Ojulari to replace Kyari as NNPCL GCEO. The president also dissolved the NNPCL board.

Several key players in the oil industry expressed surprised at the protests, which some said they believed were sponsored by certain interest groups in the oil industry they felt were hurt by Kyari's policies while in office.

The same sentiment was expressed by a former senator from Kaduna State, Shehu Sani. In a post of his verified "X" handle on Wednesday, Sani said he chanced on some persons at the AGF's office. He noted that many of the protesters he engaged said they were hired to do so by persons ge said were "disgruntled oil interests."

Several other players in the industry told The Authority that the protests may have been orchestrated by the "disgruntled oil interests to de-market Nigeria's oil refineries to prepare the ground to buy them in the near future for peanuts."

Under Kyari’s leadership, they recalled the NNPCL became the only Nigerian company to publish 100 per cent of its financial statements annually.

"The company consistently emerged as the highest taxpayer in the country. These were symbolic of the transparency campaign spearheaded by Kyari shortly after he took over the company’s leadership in 2019," noted a major player in the industry.

"Let's not forget that Kyari launched Transparency, Accountability and Performance Excellence (TAPE) to reform the oil giant long plagued by inefficiency. Under TAPE, Kyari introduced the Monthly Financial and Operations Report (MFOR), which became a regular and public feature, and offered the Nigerian public and the international community unprecedented insights into the activities and performance of the national oil company," he added.

Noted another expert, 'In 2020, for the first time in its history, the NNPCL declared a net profit of N287bn. That performance improved significantly in the following years, with a record profit of N674.1 billion reported in 2021. The achievement marked a turnaround for a company that had, for decades, been synonymous with losses and mismanagement.

"Kyari also played a key role in the transformation of NNPC into a limited liability company under the Petroleum Industry Act, passed in 2021. The PIA laid the legal groundwork for increased operational efficiency and investment inflows into the oil and gas sector, " he remarked.

He pointed out what he said was the irony of Wednesday’s protests "given Kyari's well-documented commitment to transparency and his calls for a forensic audit of the company.

"Under Kyari, NNPCL's commitment to transparency earned commendations from international bodies, including the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), which recognised the company for its enhanced transparency and accountability standards.

"To combat oil theft and pipeline vandalism, Kyari also established the Central Coordination, Data Integration, and Activation Control Room to enhance surveillance of oil and gas assets in the Niger Delta," he declared.

When the Director-General of the Department of State Security (DSS), Adeola Ajayi advocated for self-help and communal approach to insecurity and crimes such as raids on vulnerable communities leading to unprovoked deaths, insurgency, banditry and kidnapping, he ignited a heated debate about whether his suggestion invited anarchy and mutually assured destruction that could plunge the country into technical warfare.

However, DG Ajayi was not pioneering this perspective. In 2022, General Theophilus Danjuma reiterated the same position at a public event in his home state of Taraba, echoing his earlier 2018 statement responding to widespread violence that left destruction and misery in its wake.

“As a soldier, the best defence is attack. Right now, we are all sitting ducks. These people are armed to the teeth with weapons of mass destruction, but we don’t have them. We have the numbers and the land belongs to us…,we must find out the source of the arms of terrorists; Nigerians should equally find a means of arming themselves to face the terrorists.”

As a general, former Chief of Defence Staff and Minister of Defence, Danjuma’s military expertise lends weight to his assessment. His prescription for self-defence, though controversial, addressed the brazen impunity of perpetrators of heinous crimes. His stance was also perceived as an indictment of Nigeria’s failing security architecture and the ruling elite, to which both Danjuma and DG Ajayi undeniably belong.

The escalating killings in Plateau, Benue and other parts of the country have given these views increased traction. Public opinion now increasingly favours what would ordinarily be considered unthinkable. In recent weeks, over 100 lives have been lost in Plateau and Benue, victims of heavily armed unknown assailants terrorising defenceless communities. Simultaneously, Boko Haram resurgence in the Northeast and banditry in the Northwest continue unabated. Political, ethnic and religious polarisation persists, fostering an atmosphere of mistrust. The critically low ratio of law enforcement personnel to the population compounds these challenges.

The government appears bereft of solutions. Experts are proposing alternative approaches based on models that the DSS boss observed succeeding elsewhere. He cited incidents in Azare and Bogoro communities in Bauchi state where residents effectively repelled Boko Haram. At a security personnel event, DG Ajayi urged “Nigerians to emulate the people of Azare and rise to the occasion of supporting the security agencies in their bid to reduce security challenges…If we want to stop this terrorism, we should learn from them.”

Outlining his ‘practical approach,’ he acknowledged, “it is impossible for us to deploy to every community in the country, it is unimaginable that any security agency has the resources to do it… What we have to start experimenting with is how we can make the community a force in the first line of defence. What is our culture? Our culture is communal. We do things together. We celebrate festivals together. We hold ceremonies together. So why can’t we fight some miscreants, some shenanigans among us, together?”

Other prominent Nigerians have aligned with DG Ajayi and General Danjuma, including former military governor and Senate President, David Mark and Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau. “We can no longer stand to watch people killed needlessly for no just cause,” David Mark stated regarding the Benue murders.

Governor Mutfwang, having witnessed repeated failures to restore peace in Plateau state, appears disillusioned with security agencies. “Let me remind you that whatever arrangements the security agencies will make may not solve the problem; the solution will come from the communities. We have come to a point in Nigeria, where every community must defend itself,” though he cautioned against lawlessness, adding, “I will not, however, support lawlessness, but we can’t afford to go to sleep.”

Historically, communities relied on local heroes who defended their territories with unwavering commitment. This tradition waned with the advent of political opportunists who exchanged security promises for votes. The military initially provided some semblance of safety, but politicians’ broken promises, underinvestment in security technology, outdated weaponry, and the emergence of various militias—some disguised as state security but serving as governors’ personal enforcers—have exacerbated security challenges and nullified earlier gains. The situation has devolved into a landscape of mercenaries, insurgency, and armed incursions that have transformed communities into killing fields.

The absence of national outrage, with only localised protests from affected areas, suggests widespread apathy. The DSS Director-General’s admission that resources are insufficient to “deploy to every community” underscores the necessity for self-protection initiatives.

His commitment to organise communities as a “first line of defence” should be fully embraced by vulnerable populations. Self-protection principles should be codified into national law, potentially encompassing community policing, intelligence gathering, collaboration, and neighborhood watch programmes, while prioritising peaceful approaches and human rights. Indeed, isn’t community mobilisation for self-protection preferable to pooling resources for ransom payments?

Critics cite America’s gun violence epidemic as evidence against armed civilians. However, Nigeria faces organised, premeditated attacks on an unprecedented scale, distinct from American dynamics. Finding localised solutions to indigenous challenges is more appropriate than importing foreign models.

What, then, is the controversy about self-protection when traditional security measures have proven inadequate? A fresh approach warrants serious consideration.

Zainab Suleiman Okino is chairperson of Blueprint Editorial Board and a syndicated columnist. She can be reached via: zainabokino@gmail.com

A member of the House of Representatives from Rivers State, Hon. Solomon Bob has taken a swipe at the Nigerian Bar Association, accusing it of insincerity, hypocrisy and "misguided praetorian pretentions" following the association's condemnation of the state of emergency in Rivers State in another statement on Thursday 10th April.

Recall that President Ahmed Bola Tinubu had on 18th March issued a proclamation declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State after a prolonged crisis involving Governor Siminilayi Fubara and the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike.

The crisis had assumed a dangerous dimension following a fresh impeachment move against the governor, leading to the blowing up of petroleum infrastructure amid threat to violence and social unrest before the president stepped in.

The president's proclamation was followed two days later by the National Assembly's ratification as required by section 305 of the constitution.

Justifying the declaration of a state of emergency in his home state in a statement made available to news men on Thursday, Hon. Bob said the NBA "cannot circumscribe or amend the clear untrammelled and discretionary powers granted the President by Section 305 of the constitution.

"Neither is the NBA in a position to interpret or determine what measures qualify as extraordinary - which the President is required to adopt under the same section"

The lawmaker stated further that the NBA does not have "the jurisdictional competence or ethical example to be a barometer for measuring democracy and constitutionalism."

He claimed that an association of lawyers, which should be a model of democratic participation, has become a cartel for pursuing narrow interests to the point where the NBA is "unable organise its elections based on the principle of universal franchise, devoid of zoning."

Hon. Bob said that since after the fiasco of the 1992 conference, "so-called NBA elections are no more than predetermined coronation of regional or even ethnic hegemons"

While also describing the NBA's statement as a distraction, the federal lawmaker stated further: "Having witnessed Fubara's dangerous and incomparable incompetence first-hand, and the embarrassing diminution his actions have exposed my state to, I consider the statement arrogant and a gratuitous insult."

He charged the NBA of "rank hypocrisy and insincerity because it stood idly by without a whimper when suspended governor Siminilayi Fubara exhibited the type of crass lawlessness and wanton irresponsibility never before seen in any state in Nigeria."

Hon. Bob said that NBA's priorities lay elsewhere. He claimed that "the NBA had got itself entangled in a sweetheart deal with Fubara, a quid pro quo, and it was set to use the Port Harcourt conference to whitewash the worst misgovernment of any state in Nigeria."

He further stated that NBA's statement on the Rivers situation carefully concealed their pecuniary interest and only belatedly admitted receiving a huge part payment from Fubara after the authorities in Port Harcourt exposed the deal by publicly demanding a refund of the money.

He said NBA's grudging claim that the sum of three hundred million naira was a gift is unreasonable and unbecoming of a "self-appointed ombudsman", and proof that they were engaged in a relationship of corruption and compromise with Fubara.

He demanded that the money be returned to the coffers of the Rivers State government, failing which the authorities in Port Harcourt should take every necessary step to recover same.

The Northern Ethnic Youth Group Assembly (NEYGA) has lauded the Department of State Services (DSS) for its contributions to national stability and its ongoing fight against banditry and terrorism.

In a statement signed by spokesperson of the group, Ibrahim Dan-Musa, the group noted what it said were indications of a campaign launched by certain persons to impugn the integrity of the DSS and make the public distrust the agency.

"We read stories quoting some phantom local hunters on the alleged misuse of sophisticated telephone tracking technology by some DSS operatives. The report alleged that technology intended for rescuing kidnap victims, was instead being used by some DSS operatives to extort money from criminals in exchange for concealing their locations.

"While we do not and certainly cannot hold brief for the DSS, we, however, dare say, without fear of contradiction, that such stories were conjured to give the agency a bad name," noted the group.

"We aren't surprised that this falsehood is coming from the same self-styled activist who falsely accused the DSS of abducting civil rights activist, Comrade Usman Okai Austn, to please certain political interests. Comrade Austin has since disowned the said activist and publicly apologized for his unfounded allegations against the northern governor," stated the group.

"The same 'activist', in a viral video, falsely accused the DSS of storming the Federal High Court on the day the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned former Governor Yahaya Bello. It turned out that no single DSS operative was anywhere near the court on the said day.

"We can't thank President Bola Tinubu enough for appointing a thoroughbred professional like Mr. Tosin Ajayi as Director General of the DSS. From the exploits of the DSS since Ajayi took charge, we are proud to say that President Tinubu made a great choice.

"We, in the North, are particularly happy with how the DSS is working tirelessly to make the North and the rest of Nigeria safe. Very recently, Governors Dauda Lawal and Ahmadu Fintiri of Zamfara and Adamawa States respectively, publicly commended the agency for not only seizing large cache of arms, arresting or neutralizing a large number of bandits and kidnappers, but also for securing the release of kidnapped Roman Catholic priests," added the group, stressing, "all these puncture the tissue of lies bring peddled by the self-styed activist."

Added the group, "In 2018, a court awarded ₦10 million damages against the DSS for the 2016 accidental shooting in Bauchi of one Sokoto-born businessman. No DG agreed to pay the money until Tosin Ajayi came. Not only did he pay the ₦10 million, he doubled the figure. Nothing could be more humane. We deeply commend DG Ajayi for that."

The group recalled the recent apologies tendered by several media houses for falsely reporting that the DSS stormed the Lagos State House of Assembly.

According to the group, "the acceptance by the DSS of the apologies and their dropping of charges against the media houses were signs of civility by the secret police which we commend."

Added the group, "We had imagined that, as a serial contestant for the office of the President, this activist would be more circumspect, lie a lot less, and be more patriotic in telling stories about Nigeria- if, by chance, some day he finds himself occupying the seat of the President. Sadly, this has not been the case with our Aluta without sense," lamented NEYGA.

"We commend the maturity of the DSS leadership in stomaching the tissue of lies being constantly hurled at it by these self-styled activists. Nigerians have seen through them and know that they do not mean well for our blessed country. We urge the DSS not to be distracted by these merchants of liesgroup, and remain focused on the path of making Nigeria safer," prayed the group.

Nigeria’s Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, recently displayed a performance that resonated across continents. His address at the 150th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Tashkent, was no ordinary political speech – it was a carefully composed thoughts that harmonised Nigeria’s achievements with global aspirations, elevating the nation’s standing before the world’s most discerning audience.

Like a master painter, Kalu deftly blended the bold colours of Nigeria’s legislative achievements with the finer shades of diplomatic nuance. Each stroke of his speech revealed another facet of a nation in transformation – not the Nigeria of tired stereotypes, but an emerging powerhouse of social innovation and democratic resilience. The effect was nothing short of alchemical, transmuting the base metal of international scepticism into the gold of renewed respect.

At the heart of this transformation lies Nigeria’s legislative renaissance, a flowering of progressive governance that Kalu presented with the pride of a cultivator showcasing his prize blooms. The establishment of regional development commissions represents more than bureaucratic restructuring; it is the political equivalent of crop rotation – understanding that different soils require different treatments to yield their best harvest. By tailoring policies to regional specificities, Nigeria, under the present administration, has sown the seeds for a more equitable national growth, allowing each region to blossom according to its unique potential.

The education reforms Kalu highlighted form the intellectual trellis upon which Nigeria’s future will climb. The Student Loan Act, that eventually gave birth to NELFUND, and specialised commissions for marginalised learners are not merely policy instruments but the scaffolding for a new edifice of opportunity. These initiatives promise to invigorate Nigeria’s human capital with fresh vitality, ensuring no talent withers on the vine of circumstance.

In healthcare, Nigeria has been administering not just medicine but dignity itself. The provisions for free emergency treatment represent more than clinical intervention – they are societal bandages applied to the wounds of inequality. Like skilled physicians, Nigerian legislators have diagnosed systemic failures and prescribed targeted solutions, creating a healthier body politic where even the most vulnerable receive life-giving attention.

The economic measures Kalu outlined function as metabolic boosters for Nigeria’s commercial ecosystem. The startup legislation and entrepreneurship initiatives serve as nutrient-rich soil for the country’s burgeoning business landscape, where young innovators are the tender shoots pushing through concrete obstacles towards the sunlight of success. These are not mere financial mechanisms but the economic equivalent of photosynthesis, transforming the energy of youthful ambition into the organic matter of national progress.

What makes Kalu’s diplomatic performance particularly noteworthy is its tonal balance. Like a virtuoso pianist, he played both the major and minor keys of Nigeria’s situation – celebrating achievements while honestly addressing challenges. His discussion of Africa’s debt burden was particularly masterful, neither minimising the issue nor allowing it to dominate the melody. Instead, he transformed this discordant note into a call for harmonious international cooperation, positioning Nigeria not as a supplicant but as a partner in global problem solving.

The Deputy Speaker’s approach exemplifies a new paradigm in African diplomacy – one that combines unflinching self-awareness with quiet confidence. His speech was neither the bombastic chest-thumping of insecure nationalism nor the grovelling supplication of economic desperation. Rather, it struck the perfect chord of dignified partnership, acknowledging areas needing improvement while demonstrating tangible progress worth celebrating.

This sophisticated diplomatic narrative has profound implications for how Nigeria is perceived internationally. Like a skilled cartographer redrawing outdated maps, Kalu has helped redefine Nigeria’s position on the mental geography of global leaders. No longer merely Africa’s demographic giant or oil producer, Nigeria stands in this new representation as a laboratory of democratic innovation and social policy experimentation – a nation worth watching not just for its challenges but for its solutions.

Kalu’s references to social contracts and inclusive governance, created conceptual bridges between Nigerian realities and global ideals. Like a skilled translator, he rendered domestic policies into the universal language of human development, making Nigeria’s experience relevant to parliamentarians. This translational work is crucial in an era where attention is the scarcest diplomatic commodity.

Perhaps most importantly, Kalu’s address demonstrated that soft power is not about shouting the loudest but about having the most compelling story to tell. He wove Nigeria’s complex reality into a narrative arc that moved from challenge through innovation towards hope. In doing so, he didn’t just describe Nigeria’s progress – he performed it, using the IPU platform as a stage to showcase the nation’s evolving political maturity.

The ripples from this diplomatic tour de force will likely extend far beyond the conference halls of Tashkent. Like stones cast into a pond, Kalu’s words create concentric circles of influence – affecting how international investors perceive Nigeria’s business climate, how development partners assess its governance credentials, and how global media frames its ongoing transformation.

As the echoes of his address fade into diplomatic memory, what remains is the indelible impression of a Nigeria confidently reclaiming its narrative sovereignty. Through Kalu’s articulate advocacy, the world has glimpsed a nation transitioning from potential to actualisation, from promise to delivery. In the theatre of international relations, where perception often shapes reality, such redefinitions can be as consequential as material progress itself.

*LTV apologizes to secret police over Assembly story

Convener of a civil society group, Nigeria Renaissance Group, Comrade Usman Okai Austin has punctured the claim by the converner of Take-it-Back Movement, Omoyele Sowore, that the Department of State Services (DSS), abducted and harassed him for accusing Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo of embezzling N13.4 billion local government funds.

This comes as the management of Lagos State Television (LTV) apologized to the DSS over a report last month that it's operatives stormed the State House of Assembly.

The media organization said it "has since revised the facts and established that the acting clerk of the Lagos State House of Assembly wrote to invite the DSS to forestall breakdown of law and order," and "tendered unreserved apology to the DSS."

Recall that Sowore, had on the heels of a recent allegation by Austin, published several stories and uploaded video clips. In the clips, he claimed that Governor Ododo orchestrated the DSS to harrass, intimidate and abduct Austin from his house, greatly traumatizing his family.

Sowore, in the company of some associates, further accused the DSS of arbitrariness, violating the rights of citizens, and stressed that the Secret Police attempted to gag and punish the activist as punishment for speaking against Governor Ododo.

However, puncturing Sowore's claims, Comrade Austin in a press conference in Abuja, denied being tortured by the secret police. He said the additional information his group sourced on its earlier narrative that Governor Ododo embezzled ₦13.4 billion, helped his group realize that it misrepresented the facts of the matter.

According to Austin, Sowore's narrative on when and how the DSS arrested him were clearly his personal opinion, stressing that Sowore's account may have been sourced from a third party that clearly wasn't aware of what truly transpired.

The activist expressed regret over what he described as the embarrassment and inconvenience his actions caused Governor Ododo and the general public.

The Renaissance Group leader, during the course of the press conference, apologized and retracted his previous publications.

It was not clear at the time of publishing if, given Comrade Austin's apology and retraction in the face of Sowore's theatrics, allegations and disparaging remarks on the DSS, the secret police would seek legal action against Sowore and his associates.

By Desmond Obasi

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (OUK) is at it again, doing what he knows how to do best: political scheming and treachery. On Thursday, April 10, 2025, Kalu defiantly summoned a meeting of stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abia State chapter, at his Abuja private residence.

On a good day, such a meeting which can be better described as the gathering of his friends would not have drawn any attention, but because OUK clandestinely made it a tool of political maneuvering to throw other party stakeholders under the bus, a few concerns have arisen.

Call it a "kangaroo peace meeting", "media stunt" or "OUK and friends get-together", the indisputable truth is that the meeting has intrinsically sparked widespread criticisms and concerns within the circle of stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State.

The meeting, which was notably absent of key stakeholders, has been perceived as a blatant attempt by the Senator to further his own selfish interests in the lead-up to the 2027 general election. This has potentially raised questions about his commitment to the party's unity and progress.

His decision to convene a meeting without the involvement of key party officials has been seen as a power play to consolidate his own influence within the party.

This move has also been interpreted as a clear indication of OUK's intentions to usurp the position of the party executive in the state. The meeting's legitimacy has been disputed, with many party members accusing him of attempting to undermine the state chairman's authority. What happened to the State Executive committee charged by Article 12.9 of the APC constitution with the responsibility of identifying issues of concern to the state? What of the State working committee in Article 12:11 of the APC constitution which states the responsibility of the party ?

According to Article 12.10 of the constitution, there is an organ known as the State Caucus that listed those who are the members. Was it a caucus meeting that Senator Orji kalu called with 99 percentage of those in attendance not qualifying as members? Was this a meeting of a faction that refused to recognise the existing structure of the national working committee and their state working committee? Or just the gathering of those that worked with him as a governor because there is nothing to link this to APC stakeholders meeting or any other meeting recognised by the constitution of APC.

The party constitution in Article 26 speaks of quorum, with the number of major stake holders in Abia state. Were those 16 people that gathered the stake holders of Abia APC? OUK obviously has some explanations to make.

From what is already public knowledge, Article 27 of the APC constitution does not allow any one including Senator Kalu to just wake up and unilaterally fix party meetings in his private residence. The venue of every meeting gets the approval of the leadership of the party. But here, OUK still thinks the infamous days of "Mamacracy" when he was governor of Abia State are still running and that party meetings could hold at any place of his choice including his mother's kitchen to the angst of everyone.

May be, someone needs to wake him up from his wide-plains dreams and remind him that APC is not Progressive People's Alliance (PPA) which died because of his greed and high-handedness. Founded by progressives with a people-oriented constitution, APC Abia has come to stay and Senator Kalu's attempt to hijack it failed even before he contemplated it. The President he is apparently trying to impress with this kangaroo media stunt knows his game and will never support him disregarding the constitution of the Party.

Assuming, without conceding, that OUK even called a peace meeting, he needed the blessing of the state executive, who, by its own powers, would first gather any warring parties to give vent to any peace meeting thereafter. Why did he ignore the State chairman when he advised that leadership should first meet and agree on issues before the meeting and that no meeting should be held in any private residence? Why did he hire the National Welfare Secretary of the party, Hon. Donatus Nwankpa to usurp the powers of the state chairman? The powers of the National Welfare Secretary by Article 14.12 of the APC Constitution is to promote the welfare of members of the party generally. He is also responsible for protocols and logistics of the party at the national level. It is definitely not to call meetings at the state when the state has a state executive committee. The National chairman should immediately call his National Welfare Secretary to order to avoid an implosion.

If the meeting had the endorsement of the party executive and, indeed, the stakeholders in Abia State, then, one would be quick to drop a plethora of names that were not there.

Key figures, including the State Party Chairman Dr. Kingsley Ononogbu, the state secretary, treasurer, women leader, youth leader, legal adviser and other party executives, were conspicuously absent.

Other bigwigs, such as the the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, who, at the time of the meeting, was understandably delivering the one-year memorial lecture of late Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu in Abuja; the 2023 Flag standard bearer of the party in the state, High Chief Ikechi Emenike; the former Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uche Ogah; former Deputy Governor of Abia State, Dr Chris Akomas; and the member representing Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency of Abia State in the House of Representatives, Hon. Chris Nkwonta, were also noticeably absent at the meeting.

Yet, where was the Chairman of the South East Development Commission Board (SEDC) and former minister of labour and productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu? Where was the SEDC's Executive Director, Finance, who is also a two-time Speaker of the Abia House of Assembly and former Acting Governor of Abia State, Rt. Hon. Stanley Ohajuruka? Where was also the former Speaker of the State Assembly and currently, federal commissioner representing the South East in the FCT Civil Service Commission, Rt. Hon. Martins Azubuike, who was also the running mate to former minister, Uche Ogah? Where was Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji, the immediate past Speaker of the State Assembly? Where was the former Deputy Speaker of the State Assembly and 2023 PDP presidential aspirant, Rt. Hon. Cosmos Ndukwe? What of Chief Charly Ogbonna, a former deputy chief of staff to the governor of Abia State? Where was Dr. P.C. Mba, a former Commissioner in Abia State many times? Where were Sir Don Ubani, a Chieftain of the party from Ukwa? What about Mr. Chris Igwe, the oil and gas industrialist? Why was the former Chief of Army Staff General Azubuike Ihejirika absent? What about Professor Victor Ukogu, the chairman, Governing Council of the National Institute for Nigerian Languages (NINLAN)? Where was Senator Nkechi Nwogu, several times a legislator? What of Dr. Blessing Nwagba, 2023 senator candidates for Abia South? What of Mrs Odochi Orji, the wife of former Governor T.A. Orji? What about the former member APC BoT, Prince B.B. Apugo? What about a former Deputy Speaker of Abia State Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emeka Stanley? Why was Chief Dimgba Eruba, the NDDC commissioner representing Abia state absent? What about the federal commissioner representing Abia on the board of the National Population Commission, Mr. Emmanuel Trump Eke? Also the federal character commissioner, Henry Egbulogu? What about the CEO of Niger Delta Power Holding, Engr. Jennifer Adighije ; and Engr. Uzoma Nwagba, incharge of Credit corps?

Where was Hon. Sam Onuigbo, the south east commissioner in the North East Development Commission? What of the former minority leader of the House of Assembly and commissioner in North West Development Commission, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu? How about the only House of Assembly member of APC in Abia State? Where was Hon. Solomon Okogwuo, the former minority leader House of Assembly? The list goes on almost endlessly.

Did OUK deliberately leave out those appointed by Mr. President, knowing they are strong allies of the president?

What sort of peaceful meeting would have held without these stakeholders? Let it be loudly stated that what happened at OUK's residence on Thursday was nothing but an attempt by him to hoodwink some party faithful and railroad them into endorsing Labour Party or the coalition party .

The meeting's connection to a new coalition has already sparked rumors that OUK is building a power base for the Labour Party, both at the state and national levels. Dr. Ndukwe Adindu's presence, who openly campaigned for Peter Obi in 2027 and still does it, adds fuel to these speculations.

At best, it can be said that OUK assembled Labour Party apologists, some of whom have openly declared support for the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti and the 2023 presidential candidate of the party, Mr. Peter Obi at many fora in the State.

For instance, Chief Marc Wabara as well as former Senator Chris Adighije are notorious with these open endorsements. Similarly, Professor ACB Agbazuare who recently joined APC did not hide his feelings when he recently, publicly endorsed Otti. The viral video is all over the social media.

It is however gratifying that some independent minded personalities like the State former Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Obinna Oriaku, former CEO of NALDA, Prince Paul Ikonne, Chief Emeka Atuma, Hon. Nkiru Onyejiocha, former governorship candidate of the party, Dr. Anyim Nyerere, and few others frowned at what they were invited to attend.

These developments have potently raised questions about OUK's loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the party. Could it be said that OUK is just willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his personal goals, willy-nilly?

Recall that he did not support the president during primaries and went on to void his vote for President Tinubu in the 2023 general election, which he boldly exhibited in the line before the votes were counted, perhaps, thinking Peter Obi would have won.

For a man who openly worked for the Labour Party with his political structure, and now, turns back to call stakeholders meetings in his bedroom, only the gullible will follow him.

OUK to many APC members in Abia is ultimately seeking self-glory and attempting to undermine the party leadership. Of course, his actions can only exacerbate the infighting in the party. He should be warned to respect the party structure and be reminded that he is no longer governor.

Again, kudos must be timeously given to the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkiru Onyejiocha, who was said to have left the meeting after understanding that the right audience of the party stakeholders was not present. A similar tribute must also be paid to Chief Emeka Atuma, who was said to have reminded OUK at the meeting that the right channel of invitation was not followed and advised him to respect the current leadership structure of the party in Abia state to reduce internal conflict.

It must be revealed that there is no love lost between OUK and the presidency at the moment, and this is ultimately responsible for his political tantrums in all directions in a bid to regain relevance. He is basically struggling to impress the President. His deep seated hatred for the President whom he claimed sent him to jail will never ebb.

Keen political watchers have not forgotten that OUK took sides with a certain man in the Senate for the 2023 APC presidential ticket as against the choice of the party. Similarly, he also supported another choice for the Senate Presidency as against the party's choice, yet wants to fake his love for President Tinubu.

But gladly, the President is wiser and always a thousand steps ahead of him. “He will never have the soul of Abia APC to use as a tool against the President, come 2027”, one of those who attended said.

As the 2027 general election approaches, it is imperative that the APC in Abia State unites behind a common purpose. OUK's self-serving actions and media stunts for withered political relevance must be checked and condemned by all men of goodwill, and party members must come together to ensure the party's survival. The party's leadership must take a strong stance against his attempts to undermine the party's unity and progress.

These actions have exposed his true intentions and raised serious concerns about his commitment to the APC. As the party looks to the future, it is essential that members prioritize the party's unity and progress over personal ambitions. The people of Abia State deserve a leader who will serve their interests, not just a select few. The party must belong to the people not an individual, his model killed his PPA, we will not allow him kill APC in Abia state . State chairman of the party should meet with party leaders and call for a constitutionally recognised meeting as soon as possible.

Desmond Obasi, a public affairs analyst, writes from Umuahia, Abia State capital

By Bako Abdul

Growing up on the dusty streets of Sabon-Gari in Kano saw me take a liking to several newspaper columnists. One of these columnists is Sonola Olumhese. Perhaps, owing to his ability to deliver his message in simple yet flowery language not minding whose ox is gored, his penchant for delving into topical issues, or his sense of humour, I always found his columns delightful, educative and insightful. I, therefore, was understandably perturbed, if not disheartened reading his piece of April 6, 2025, titled "We Have To Shut Down The Department Of State Services."" I kept wondering if it was the same Sonola Olumhese who penned this piece. Or a hilarious parody?

Uncle Sonola, as I love to call him, began by narrating how, in August 2024, Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi became the new Director-General of the Department of State Service (DSS).

"Six months after his arrival, Mr. Ajayi is proposing new thinking about Nigeria that suggests the collapse of the government’s traditional security architecture and its responsibility for fixing its growing insecurity," he noted.

He continued, "According to the DSS chief, communities—not the country’s security agencies—should now become the nation’s first line of defence in tackling the current issues.

“You do not expect the Nigerian Army, police, and SSS to protect every Nigerian. It is not going to work," he quoted - and rightly so - the DSS boss as saying.

Apparently, the position of the DSS boss did not sit well with the respected columnist. And he didn't conceal his sentiments.

He snarled, "We DO expect the security agencies to do their work. That is what the constitution provides, affirming that 'the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.' Not secondary purpose, but the 'primary.'"

Not done, the columnist continued, "This means that this is the first order of business of the government of the federation, which is the level of governance that has—and controls—the security agencies."

Apparently, he was miffed that Mr. Ajayi, arguably one of the finest Secret Service officers in the history of Nigeria, "cited examples of communities in Nigeria that are on record for combating and defeating attacks, trying to frame them as a template for Nigeria if she is to defeat insecurity."

He blurted, "It is a bad argument. Nigerian communities have always defended themselves and they still do, despite the imbalance in modern firepower where they find themselves holding sticks and cutlasses as against the handguns and assault rifles routinely deployed against them by kidnappers, terrorists or even security agents."

Mr. Olumhese, in his piece, noted that "it is the responsibility of the state to protect its citizens," noting, "it is a debt the government incurs when it takes the oath of office."

He noted that "the problem is that in Nigeria, after the government has been sworn in, the love of luxury and sense of power kicks in over and above a sense of obligation."

Over the years, I have time and again seen columnists fall into the trap social scientists call value judgement. For those who may not be familiar with the term, value judgement is a statement expressing an opinion about the worth, goodness, or importance of something, based on personal values or beliefs rather than objective facts.

To be sure, the protection of life and property is the core responsibility of governments the world over. What remains a global challenge is how to tackle this arduous, if not impossible, task.
Like what Economists call the "Problem of Scarcity" where we have an unlimited number of desires in the face of limited resources, the challenge becomes how to allocate these limited resources.

In 2024, the world population was estimated to be 8.2 billion people. Mr. Olumhese would agree that it is impracticable to assemble 8.2 billion policemen for the sole purpose of policing 8.2 billion people. Attempting to do that would mean that we wouldn't have teachers, drivers, firemen- and columnists!

It was against the grain of this reality that the United Nations recommended the minimum ratio of one policeman to protect 450 citizens. Nigeria has a police to citizen ratio of 1 to 600.

It is interesting to note that even in the United Kingdom, which has a relatively high police to citizen ratio of 1:179, there were over 570 recorded homicide victims in 2024. In other words, in 2024, the UK government was unable to prevent the murder of 570 citizens. Imagine if these hapless victims had the opportunity to defend themselves. Perhaps they'd be alive today!

It is against the realization that it is practically impossible to protect the life of each citizen at all times that led to the universal concept of self-defence which the DSS DG tried to highlight as the possible solution to our security challenges.

The universality of self-defence refers to the inherent and widely recognized right of individuals and states to use force for the purpose of defending themselves against an imminent or actual threat, a concept found across cultures, religions, and philosophies, and enshrined in international law.

In fact, so important is the principle of self-defence that it found its way into the United Nations Charter.

Article 51 of the UN Charter states, "Nothing in the present Charter shall impair the inherent right of individual or collective self-defence if an armed attack occurs against a Member of the United Nations..."

In other words, according to the UN, self-defence is an inalienable right of an individual. It has nothing to do with the government.

Even at that, the most powerful country in the world today in terms of military might and security is the United States. In 2023, the country spent a whopping
$820 billion on security. However, it still is the country with the highest number of guns in private hands in the world. With 340 million people in 2024, there were 393 million privately owned firearms in the US. This translates to 120.5 firearms per 100 persons. Nobody has accused the US government that, in spite of its $820 billion security budget, Americans are still responsible for protecting themselves. Nobody has called for the scrapping of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) which, by the way, has budgeted $11.3 billion for 2025. Nobody has said, well, since nearly all Americans bear arms, the over 2.63 million military personnel in six branches of the US military should be disbanded.

Self-defence is standard practice all over the world, so the DSS DG didn't say or propose anything new. Even in Switzerland, considered one of the safest countries in the world, private gun ownership is common. Citizens, including those who have completed military service, are allowed to own firearms, but with regulations and permits required for acquisition and carrying in public. The same kind of egulation the DSS boss advocated.

Back home in Africa, several countries encourage their citizens to bear arms for self-defence. There was this recent case of a Namibian man arrested by Nigerian security officers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

He had a pistol. When Nigerian authorities reached out to the Namibian High Commission, after running some checks, they confirmed that the arrestee was duly licenced by their home government to carry the weapon. Nigerian security officers had no choice but to release him.

From Ghana to South Africa, from Egypt to Angola, citizens are permitted to bear arms for self-defence.

Centuries before countries came together to form the United Nations, our forefathers understood the principle of self-defence. This is captured in this very common African proverb:

"it is only a tree that would hear it is going to be cut down, and it would stay unmoved."

On a final note, it is important to note that the DSS DG, Mr. Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi isn't the first high-profile security chief to call for self-defence as a solution to our insecurity.

In October 2022, retired Army General, Theophilus Y. Danjuma advised Nigerians to take up arms and defend themselves against terrorists’ attacks. Danjuma, it would be recalled, served as Chief of Army Staff, and later, Minister of Defence. He made the call way long after leaving office.

In my opinion, for having the uncommon courage be the first serving security chief to openly call for the design of a system that would allow Nigerians bear arms to defend themselves, Mr. Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, whom I understand bagged the national honour of MON for his security exploits in the early 2000s, deserves another higher national honour! We should learn to reward excellence!

Abdul wrote from Kano

Imagine achieving something so groundbreaking that the world catches up 56 years later, yet your name is barely mentioned.

That is the story of Professor Felix Oragwu, a brilliant mind who led Biafra’s Research and Production (RAP) team during the war.
https://thereporterspen.com/celebrating-man-who-powered-biafran-aircrafts-with-palmoil/

Three officials of the Lagos, State House of Assembly arrested for assaulting officers of the Department of State Services (DSS) during the recent leadership crisus that rocked the legislative house have apologized to the Service.

The Assembly, in a letter dated February 14, 2025, and signed by the acting clerk, A. T. B. Ottun, had invited the DSS to beef up security at the assembly.

According to the letter with reference number LSHA/FAD/0/7554/323, the acting clerk begged the DSS to secure the facility "from February 15 till further notice."

However, when DSS operatives arrived to beef up security at the Assembly, three workers at the facility reportedly attacked them. Relying on CCTV footage, the DSS arrested the assembly workers and filed charges against them.

In separate letters of apology dated March 28, 2025, Ibrahim Abdul-Akeem Olarenwaju, a public affairs officer at the assembly, Miss Adetola Fatimoh Oluwatosin and Adetu Samshudeen Adekunle, both officers with the Sergeant-at- Arms told the DSS Director General, Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi that they were deeply sorry for their actions. The letters were routed through the State Director of Security, Lagos State Command.

"I, Ibrahim Abdul- Akeem Olarenwaju. .., hereby tender my unreserved apology for any act or ommission that I might have caused your distinguished office (DSS) and personnel in the course of my duty at the hallowed chamber of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Alausa, on the 27th day of February, 2025," one of the letters addressed to the DSS Director Genera, read.

In the apology letters by the three assembly workers, they promised the secret police to be of good conduct and refrain from any future acts that could undermine their personnel.

It would be recalled that, in the wake of the Assembly leadership crisis, several media houses published misleading reports that DSS operatives invaded the assembly.

However, upon realizing their error, several media organizations, including AIT, Channels TV, The Punch, Blueprint, Tribune, The Guardian, among others, retracted the stories and apologized to the DSS. It is uncertain if Lagos Television (LTV), which the DSS also wrote to apologize, has complied, prompting fears of an impending lawsuit by the secret police.

*Ologunagba may face legal practitioners disciplinary c'ttee

By Our Reporter

Several lawyers have decried what they described as the mischievous stand of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) spokesman, Hon. Debo Ologunagba on last Friday's judgement of the Supreme Court which reinstated Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the party's national secretary.

The lawyers vowed to report Ologunagba, who is also a lawyer, to the The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC), a panel of senior lawyers responsible for investigating and addressing cases of misconduct among lawyers. This committee ensures that lawyers stick to ethical standards and professional conduct, and uphold accountability of lawyers.

The five justices of the Supreme Court on Friday unanimously set aside the judgements of the High Court of Enugu State, which last October declared Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye as national secretary of the PDP, and that of the Court of Appeal, Enugu, which upheld the judgement.

Justice Jamilu Tukur, who delivered the lead judgment, consequently struck out the judgment of the trial court delivered in October last year and also set aside the majority judgment of the Court of Appeal which had in December affirmed the sack of Anyanwu as PDP’s National Secretary.

Few minutes after the judgement was delivered, Ologunagba issued a statement claiming the judgement upheld Ude-Okoye as national secretary.

"Today’s judgment of the Supreme Court reaffirms the standing position of the Party and emphatically settles the emergence of Rt. Hon. SKE Udeh Okoye as the substantiative National Secretary of the PDP having been duly nominated, endorsed and ratified through the internal mechanism of the PDP statutory Organs and bodies in line with provisions of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017)," stated Ologunagba.

Curiosly, Ologunagba's Friday statement appeared to contrast with his earlier statements that were emphatic that the decision to recognize Ude-Okoye was borne out of the party's respect for the judgements of the Federal High Court and that of the Court of Appeal.

On January 7, 2025, the PDP spokesman had stated: "There were two court orders and on December 24, 2023, after consultation with the PDP National Legal Adviser, it was confirmed that we have received the judgment on the appeal affirming Hon S. K. Udeh-Okoye, as the National Secretary of the party. We are a rule of law compliant party, we believe in this finality of the judicial process.

"We have always respected judicial pronouncement and we will always abide by that culture;. The position of the party has not changed to that; in consistence with our position in the past as rule of law compliant party, we are obeying the order of court; we will follow the processes and ensure full compliance with the pronouncement of the Court of Appeal."

Ologunagba added: "We have received the judgment of the Court of Appeal that affirmed, Right Honorable S. K. E. Udeokoye, as National Secretary of PDP as as a party, we are bound by that judgment because it’s the judgment from the highest court to date,”

About a month later, on February 13, 2025, Ologunagba told journalists that the position of the PDP had not changed, especially after receiving a memo from a committee the party set up to advise it. The panel was headed by a former minister on the Goodluck Jonathan administration, Tanimu Turaki, SAN.

The national publicity secretary stated: "The NWC, in considering the memo, thoroughly examined the attached documents, namely the declaratory judgement of the High Court of Enugu, the judgement of the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division, which pronounced and declared Rt. Hon. S.K.E Udeh Okoye as the national secretary of the PDP; the legal opinion and advice by Dr. Kabiru T. Turaki, SAN, as well as that of the national legal adviser of the PDP.

"After due consideration of the memo and the attachments, the NWC overwhelmingly recognises, acknowledges and confirms Rt. Hon. S.K.E Udeh-Okoye as the substantive national secretary of the PDP in full compliance with and obedience to the judgement of the Court of Appeal, recognising that there is no subsisting or superseding judgement or order from any court of superior authority or hierarchy.

"The NWC has commenced the transmission of its resolution/decision affirming Rt. Hon. S.K.E Udeh-Okoye as the PDP national secretary to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant bodies for recognition in line with the judgement of the Court of Appeal.”

Several senior lawyers who spoke to The Authority expressed disappointment with what they described as "the embarrassment caused the legal profession by the utterances and conduct of Debo Ologunagba Esquire on the judgement of the Honourable Justices of the Supreme Court."

Said a lawyer, "I know Debo ditched legal practice long time ago for politics. And we all know that nothing is beyond a politician. However, I never imagined that I'd see a day when a lawyer would stand a judgement delivered in an open court by revered justices of the Supreme Court on its head. Must everything be politics?

"I was in the Supreme Court on Fruday for another matter and was supprised, if not shocked, to note that Debo, who is a lawyer and the PDP spokesman, as well as the party's national legal adviser, Kamaldeen Adeyemi Ajibade, SAN, were both absent in court on a matter that should be of grave concern to them.

"My shock was amplified by that reckless statement Debo put out after the judgement. The statement did a lot of harm to his good self, their Lordships, the reverred justices of the Supreme Court, as well as the legal profession. I won't be surprised if and when he'd be dragged before the LPDC," declared the lawyer.

Another lawyer pointed out what he said was the hypocrisy in the spokesman’s position before and after the judgement of the Supreme Court.

"I well recall Debo stating that the reason they wanted Ude-Okoye was to abide by the judgement of the Enugu High Court, and that of the Court of Appeal. That they even tried to swear in Ude-Okoye when the other man's (Samuel Anyanwu) appeal was pending before the Supreme Court suggested ulterior motive.

"Now that the Supreme Court has set aside the judgment of the Enugu High Court and the Court of Appeal, I had thought that, his personal interests notwithstanding, Debo would have, as a lawyer, counted his losses and moved on.

“Instead, he is running from pillar to post, clutching at straws and issuing statements that will jeopardize his legal career, that is, if he is still interested in practicing after his PDP job ends in December," the lawyer declared.

The Deputy Speaker, House of  Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu  has offered scholarships to young orphans at Infant Jesus Orphanage in Calabar, Cross River State from primary to the university level. 


He also made a cash donation of N2 million as well as food items to the Orphanage.


Kalu's visit was part of the 37th Convocation ceremony and 50th anniversary celebrations of the University of Calabar, his alma mater where he delivered the convocation lecture.


The young orphans which included Chidera Emmanuela Maduka and Chimankpa Emmanuel Maduka, 12 year old twins had indicated interest to study law when the Deputy Speaker asked the children at the home who amongst them wanted to be lawyers.


Moved by the kindness of the Deputy Speaker, some members of the House of Representatives who accompanied him to the visit made a donation of N1 million, while his former classmates of '98, faculty of law, donated N300,000.


Similarly, a chieftain of All Progressives Congress( APC), Anambra State, Mr. Johnbosco Onunkwo donated N200, 000 while the members of Peace In South East Project (PISE-P) also gave N500,000, totaling N4 million


Kalu said: "I'm here with my classmates from University of Calabar, and my colleagues from the National Assembly to show our love and support to you.


"We will take over the training of Chidera and her twin to University level. I'm happy and proud they want to study law. We will support them. We will pay your school fees.


"We brought you some food stuff and we will send you more. We will bring you toiletries. The people you're seeing here are your fathers and mothers. We are going to appoint a commitee that will be taking care of you.


"Aside the food stuff, I'm giving a cash donation of N2 million, N200,000 from friends of Benjamin Kalu, N1 million from members of House of Representatives here with me, N300,000 from my classmates and N500, 000 from PISE-P members.


Speaking to Journalists shortly after the brief visit, Kalu added "I came here not only to give them something that they will eat today and not have tomorrow. But to draw up a programme that will be sustainable. 


"You know I came with my classmates. Some of the kids here want to be lawyers like us. I have given them scholarships up till law school. This is to inspire them and that's projecting education. Education can take you from this position and put you on a pedestal you never imagined. 


"Like in the speech I delivered at UNICAL 50th anniversary, I studied under a tree, no classroom. That's the truth. But today through education I have built schools where I used to sit. These kids are potential leaders of tomorrow. If you see my pictures under the tree in the 70's, you won't believe I will be Deputy Speaker today."


The coordinator of the orphanage, Sister Chinyere Chukwuka, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Kalu and his team, praying for God's blessings upon them.

"We appreciate you all. We pray Almighty God that sees our hearts bless you all. May God bless your family, businesses,  offices and keep you away from enemies. As you've remembered us, you will be remembered. On behalf of the arch bishop of the arch diocese, we say a big thank you", she said.

By Victor Oguamalam

Inpunty has become a trait closely associated with the name of Governor Alex Otti. Apparently, he is in a fierce battle to conceal his hypocritical dispositions and tendencies. Otti prides himself on being smart, but this self-adulation can be seen as self-delusional.

To outsiders, particularly non-Abians and Nigerians in the diaspora, Otti may appear as a messiah figure, credited with building social amenities and managing the resources of Abia State prudently but this curated image can only be perceived as a carefully crafted media creation, rather than a genuine reflection of his accomplishments.

The reality is that Otti's administration in Abia State has been marred by controversy and a blatant disregard for transparency and accountability.

Otti's government has been accused of squandering N54 billion on renovating "ghost public schools" that exist only on paper. The absence of tangible evidence or a comprehensive list of the renovated schools has continued to raise serious questions about the governor's commitment to education and fiscal responsibility.

On another plank, Otti's Primary Health Care projects have been plagued by allegations of fraudulent duplication. This is a clear indication of the governor's lack of regard for the welfare of Abia's citizens and his propensity for mismanaging public funds. Yet Otti has been so taciturn on the outrage that trails the projects.

However, his most egregious offense is the decision to unilaterally, unjustifiablly and unconstitutionally run the state's affairs from his private residence in Umuehim Village, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area. This blatant disregard for the principles of transparency and accountability is a major dent on his administration in Abia State.

Running a state more like his personal fiefdom yet with state funds is the most fetid, most unconscionable thing to do. The disservice it is doing to the state may not be known until Otti leaves office. The State Executive Council meetings, major state functions that involve diplomats, guests and dignitaries for contracts signing amongst others which happen in Otti's private residence in the village on daily basis paint a vivid picture of the malodorous situation. This simply means that Otti can as well choose not to document the activities for accountability sake.

But let's not mince words. The people of Abia State are still reeling from the shock of Otti's self righteousness and over hyped performance, which has left many wondering if they made a grave mistake by electing him. Of course, the honeymoon is over, and the harsh reality of Otti's governance style has begun to bite.

Of a truth, those who enthusiastically supported Otti's candidacy are now grinding their teeth in regret and disbelief. His holier-than-thou attitude, which many saw as a refreshing change, has turned out to be a facade. The warning signs were there, but many chose to ignore them.

Otti's chameleonic nature and selfish behavior were well-documented long before he became governor. The PDP family warned us. His deceptive claim of biological affinity with the Ngwa people, which he rode to power, has been exposed for what it is, a cynical ploy to exploit ethnic sentiment.

While Otti proudly flaunts his Arochukwu heritage, he has also been accused of meddling in its ezeship tussle for his own selfish interests. This is a man who built a grand castle in his Arochukwu village, while neglecting the Isiala Ngwa people welfare of the people who he claims to have biological relationship with.

Otti's questionable business dealings are another cause for concern. As the former Managing Director of Diamond Bank, he was accused of stifling the bank's growth before floating his own Signature Bank. Today, Signature Bank has expanded exponentially with 18 branches sprouting up in just two years, the same period Otti has been governor.

Intelligence suggests that Otti's high-handedness is driving away members of the bank's board. This is a man who claims to be perfect and all-knowing, but his actions betray a more sinister motive.

But it is highly commendable that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a short video that is making the rounds publicly berated and criticized Otti's governance style, calling attention to the obscure and opaque nature of his administration. The president's stance is no doubt, his commitment to good governance and his willingness to hold public officials accountable.

The truth is that Otti who was very vociferous against the government of Okezie Ikpeazu to the extent that he printed a vest to mock Ikpeazu's radio studio jokes about the public enquiry on the completion of Osisioma, Aba bridge some years ago would have mounted a massive delirious media campaign against any governor who would resort to be operating from his private residence since May 29, 2023 he assumed office.

It will be recalled that for no plausible reason, Otti demolished the Abia Governor's Lodge on TY Danjuma Street in Asokoro, Abuja even when the economy is in dire straits. The Governor's Lodge in Aba has also become an eyesore just as the new Government House built and commissioned by the immediate past government of Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has been taken over by snakes and rodents.

Governor Otti is hereby urged to take a cue from the president's criticism and relocate to the Government House, Umuahia where he can conduct the state's affairs in a transparent and accountable manner. Anything less would be a betrayal of the trust reposed in him by the people of Abia State.

The people of Abia State deserve better. They deserve a government that is transparent, accountable, and responsive to their needs. It is time for Governor Otti to rise to the challenge and deliver the kind of governance that Abians deserve.

It is high time all men of goodwill joined President Tinubu to prevail on Otti in moving into the Government House, old or new. Otti can't be right all the time while the rest of the people continue to be wrong in a democracy. Abians are not a conquered people. A day of reckoning is underway.

How can Otti pocket the entire Abia state and railroad everyone into accepting his own selfish proposals without proper debate such as the ignoble reason for staying in his own private residence instead of the Government House? May be, soon, there will be a protest on the streets of Abia to return the government to the state capital for easy accessibility by the citizens of the State.

The writing is on the wall. Otti's administration is a recipe for disaster, and it's time for the people to wake up and demand change.


Victor Oguamalam, a public affairs analyst writes from Umuahia

The management of Guardian Newspapers Limited has apologized to the Department of State Services (DSS) over a story the newspaper house published portraying the secret police as meddling in the affairs of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Entitled "Lagos Assembly Crisis Worsens, Reveals Deeper Crack in State Power Dynamics," the newspaper claimed that several DSS operatives invaded the Lagos Assembly.

However, in response to a letter by lead counsel to the DSS, Adedipe and Adedipe demanding retraction and apology, the media house said it published the report without realizing that it was the Assembly management that invited DSS officers to secure the legislative facility, and, therefore, was without malice to the secret police

"Upon realisation that the publication misrepresented albeit inadvertently, the motive behind the presence of the security operatives at the State Assembly on February 17th 2025, Guardian released a sequel on Monday February 24th, 2025 tagged: Lagos State Assembly Crisis: No Malice Against DSS wherein it apologised and fully retracted its earlier story," The Guardian stated in the response signed by its legal adviser, Eki Durojaiye, Esq.

He further stated that the mix-up in the publication was an innocuous slip devoid of any malice against the DSS, nor was it intended to mislead or misinform the public.

"Accordingly, we convey our sincere and unreserved apologies to your client (DSS)and regret any inconvenience it might have suffered as a result of the publication ", the letter concluded.

The National Secretary General of Jama'atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Prof. Khalid Aliyu Abubakar has commended the Director General of State Services (DGSS), Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, for deeming it worthy to host Muslim Ummah to a befitting Iftar.

Prof. Abubakar underscored the significance of the secret police boss's action, saying it would go a long way in promoting religious harmony.

The University don described Ajayi’s initiative to unite Muslims and Christians as historic.

He reckoned that, despite being the son of Christian clerics, Ajayi had demonstrated an exceptional commitment to religious tolerance. Prof further acknowledged the presence of the less privileged who were invited to the feast, saying, " I understand that Mr Tosin traditionally does this and empowers them, this is commendable and should be emulated"

He prayed for Allah’s wisdom to guide him in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.

The event, held on March 1, 2025, brought together both Muslim and Christian leaders, alongside less privileged individuals and those with special needs from across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The event was attended by notable Islamic leaders, including Bar. Harun Muhammad Eze, Imam of the National Mosque; Sheikh Dr. Tajuddeen Adigun, Chairman of the FCT Imams Committee; Imam Fuad of Al-Habibiyyah Mosque; and Dr. Bashir Abdullahi Ismail, Imam of FOMWAN. Also, revered Christian clerics including, Rev'd Fr. Peter Babangida Audu - Catholic secretariat of Nigeria, Fr. Michael Banjo - Catholic secretariat of Nigeria , Fr. Boniface idoko - Catholic secretariat of Nigeria, Revd. Saboyaro Adams - CAN FCT SECRT, Revd. Canon smart S.Simon - CAN FCT SECRT, Spe snr. Ap. Beneni iyaye - CAN FCT SECRT, Rev. Nicodemus Izuduchukwu - CAN FCT, Rev. Timothy Amakom - CAN CHAIRMAN FCT and Ogbonife Nnamdi - GCFN, joined to felicitate their Muslim counterparts.

Prof. Khalid Aliyu Abubakakr
Secretary General, Jama'atu Nasirl Islam (JNI)

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested three persons linked to the assault on its officers during the uproar which greeted fears early in the week in the Lagos State House of Assembly, that Mudashiru Obasa, who was removed as Speaker, would be reinstated.

According to security sources, lawmakers had mobilized supporters to the Assembly complex, and that they attacked some DSS officers who were invited by the Assembly leadership to secure the facility. DSS source said "after extensive analysis of CCTV footage, we were able to clearly identify three of the suspects".
"The suspects, Ibrahim Olanrewaju Abdulkareem, a photographer and two others attached to the Assembly's Seargent at Arms, Adetu Adekunle Samsudeen and Adetola Oluwatosin Fatimoh, a lady, were consequently tracked and arrested during the week in different parts of Lagos," The trio have since confessed to the crime and will soon be charged to court, added the source.

Recall that, the Lagos Assembly had in a leaked memo dated 14th February, 2025 and addressed to the DSS Director in the State, and Heads of other Security Agencies in Lagos State, told the Security Agencies in Lagos that, there was credible information to the effect that, Obasa had planned to forcefully reinstate himself today, February 18, 2025.
Accordingly, the Assembly management, held the view that, the development posed “a potential security threat” to it and its members.