₦airaland Forum

Officials of the Department of State Services (DSS) Thursday in Abuja arrested one Kennedy Tabukoi, for allegedly leading an unregistered Non Governmental Organization (NGO), Niger Delta Development Initiative (NDDI) to blackmail certain high profile officials of government.

According to security sources, when such government officials fail to meet Tabukoi's demands, he would resort to organizing other unsuspecting groups to lead protest marches against the government officials.

One of such protest marches held Thursday morning at the National Assembly gate, where Tabukoi led several groups to protest against what he claimed were moves by the federal lawmakers to stall a probe of the petroleum sector.

The sources confirmed that, unknown to Tabukoi, security operatives had been on his trail after certain officials of government reported the several attempts he made to allegedly blackmail them into parting with huge sums of money and contracts, "or risk being embarrassed."

Said a security source, "That man Tabukoi had been boasting to friends and members of his syndicate that, as a Niger Deltan activist, he would use his NGO to deal with any government official who didn't do his bidding.

"Unknown to him, it was the same people he had been intimidating with claims of how much he would make from top government officials in Abuja that tipped off the DSS that he had no NGO, and that he was merely using impersonation to blackmail such government officials."

The source added, "When we invited Tabukoi, he didn't waste time in corroborating the claims of his so-called friends. He said he was aware that several Niger Deltans made money from activism, reason he was in the process of raising money to register his own NGO."

A civil society coalition, Lagos indigenous Youth has said certain unscrupulous individuals, impersonating the coalition has taken to the media to discredit the industrious son of our leader, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a press statement signed by Hon. Tunde Azeez Coordinator Coalition of Lagos indigenous Youth said the post making rounds in some section of the media did not originate from members or executives of the Coalition of Lagos Indigenous Youth.

According to him, Mr. Seyi Tinubu is a proud and industrious son of Lagos.

"We stand firmly in support of him and will back him should he express interest in running for the office of Governor of Lagos.

"We strongly caution the faceless Ibrahim Whyte and his cohorts to cease blackmailing Mr. Seyi Tinubu while falsely impersonating our group.

Hon. Tunde further warned that should this act of defamation and impersonation persist, they will be compelled to take legal action against whoever is behind such evil act.

"It is difficult to believe that in this age and time, some faceless group could desperately discredit the Trailblazzer who at no point discuss Political aspirations with any individual or group in such manner.

"We state categorically that Lagos is home and will remain home for the Mr Seyi Tinubu not just as an indigene but also as a critical player dedicated to helping Young people", the statement added.

A civil society organization, Stand Up Nigeria, has commended the officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for their outstanding commitment to safeguarding the nation’s critical infrastructure.

The commendation is coming on the heels of the heroics of officers of the Corps' monitoring team for the National Grid Installation located in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State which repelled attack by bandits and killed over 50 in the crossfire.

Stand Up Nigeria in a statement by its National cordinator, Sunny Attah said the gallantry of the personnel during Monday's attack is testament to improved training and motivation they are received under the leadership of Abubakar Audi,

Attah praised the NSCDC for its unwavering dedication to its mandate, ensuring national security and stability.


He called on the Federal Government to increase funding for the NSCDC to enhance its operational capacity, particularly in the face of growing security challenges.

Attah highlighted the need for greater investment in training, equipment, and welfare for officers who risk their lives daily for the nation’s safety.

Stand Up Nigeria also urged the National Assembly to resist calls to create new agencies, emphasizing that the NSCDC has proven effective in carrying out its duties.

“Rather than duplicating roles with new agencies, resources should be directed toward strengthening the NSCDC, which has demonstrated excellence under Dr. Audi’s leadership,” the national coordinator stated.

North Central Forum Dismisses Claims Of Favoritism In Appointments Against SGF

The North Central Progressive Forum has dismissed allegations of favoritism against the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

The forum's national coordinator, Dr. Smart Oita, in a statement issued on Tuesday described the accusations as unfounded and politically motivated attempts to undermine the SGF and distract him from his duties.

The controversy stems from claims made by the APC North Central Forum, led by Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, alleging that Akume had favored his ethnic group, the Tiv people, in appointments made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The group also threatened to mobilize for Akume's removal.

Dr. Oita, however, described the accusations as false and misleading, stating that federal appointments are made at the discretion of the President, not the SGF, and that Akume has been instrumental in fostering unity and facilitating development in the North Central region.


The NCPF highlighted several initiatives led by Senator Akume, including facilitating appointments and projects in the North Central region, advocating for the establishment of a North Central Development Commission and supporting infrastructural development and federal appointments from diverse ethnic backgrounds in the region, such as the appointment of Dr. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, a non-Tiv individual, as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

“Senator Akume’s leadership has been exemplary, and his contributions to the North Central’s progress have been significant,” Dr. Oita stated.

The NCPF also accused Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State of orchestrating a smear campaign against Senator Akume.

According to the forum, Governor Alia has been holding clandestine meetings with opposition figures, allegedly plotting a self-sponsored impeachment drama to gain public sympathy and discredit the SGF.

“These distractions are a ploy to shift focus from Governor Alia’s inability to fulfill his campaign promises, such as implementing the minimum wage law and addressing unemployment,” Dr. Oita said.

The forum urged Governor Alia to prioritize the welfare of Benue citizens and focus on economic stability, infrastructure development, and job creation. It also appealed to Nigerians to remain patient with President Tinubu’s administration, noting that his reforms are designed to stabilize the economy and position the nation for long-term growth.

“Nigerians deserve leaders committed to transparency, accountability, and progress. Senator Akume embodies these values and will not be distracted by baseless accusations,” Dr. Oita said

By Fred Olumide

Calling out other civil society organistions as backup to derail DSS’s civil suit against SERAP for “malicious” claims of invasion and instigation of unverified stories from its visit to the NGO’s Abuja office is a diversionary gaffe and sends the wrong message, writes Lewis Chukwuma

Arguably the poster-boy of Nigeria’s non-governmental organizations’ vibrant ecosystem, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has earned her epaulets, tracking her notable interventions in the last two decades.

Recognising the unexplored potential of international human rights law for increasing transparency, accountability and protection of economic and social rights in Nigeria, SERAP has promoted these principles and values and commits to addressing developmental and human rights challenges such as corruption, poverty, inequality and discrimination.

But is SERAP derailing currently? Though it has never publicly claimed to be a candidate for sainthood awaiting final Papal proclamation, the organization would appear to have certainly recently goofed in her recent unfortunate knee-jerk claims of invasion of her office in Abuja recently by operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, on routine duty.

The organisation’s X post read: “Officers from Nigeria’s State Security Service (SSS) are presently unlawfully occupying SERAP’s office in Abuja, asking to see our directors. President Tinubu must immediately direct the SSS to end the harassment, intimidation and attack on the rights of Nigerians.”

In a further statement signed by SERAP’s deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “We condemn the invasion of our Abuja office today by Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS). The Tinubu administration must immediately direct the DSS to end the intimidation and harassment of SERAP and our staff members.”

For context and better clarity, the DSS is Nigeria's primary domestic intelligence agency, which plays a critical role in national security and intelligence gathering. Its main responsibilities are within Nigeria and include counter-intelligence, medical intelligence, economic intelligence, internal security, counter-terrorism, and surveillance as well as investigating some other types of serious crimes against the state.

Against the foregoing background, emerging facts regarding the DSS visit to SERAP’s office in Abuja are in the public square and significantly deviates from the NGO’s claim which verges on the phantom - and needlessly so. According to the state agency, its officers had visited SERAP’s offices on a routine investigation, adding that its two officers were not there to harass anyone.

Many may not realise that DSS under the new leadership of Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi has significantly tweaked its operational strategy away from what was obtainable in the past dispensation. The agency quickly responded to SERAP’s phantom allegations and specifically clarified matters.

“This narrative is inaccurate and misleading in its intent. For the records, a team of two unarmed Service operatives were lawfully detailed on routine investigation to SERAP office in Abuja, which has sadly been skewed and misinterpreted as unlawful, harassment and intimidation of SERAP officials. The Service further wishes to state that such official enquiries and liaison are traditional and do not in any way amount to illegality or raid.”

The agency understandably sued for citizens’ participation in national security management, further stating: “The DSS, therefore, urges the public to disregard these false narratives as it restates its commitment to utmost professionalism in the discharge of its core mandate.”

In a further very civil move, the DSS signaled it would sue SERAP and some media houses for running unverified stories on September 9 that its operatives “raided” the Abuja office of SERAP.

The state agency had simply demanded that SERAP retract what it called a “false statement within seven clear days through the same media channels it used to injure DSS and at least two national dailies.” The secret police, in a letter to SERAP, noted that its new leadership was repositioning the agency to utmost professionalism, and promised to use all lawful means to punish what it said was “the unprofessional reportage of our activities.”

But in its response, SERAP denied putting out the narrative, and advised the DSS to channel its demand for a retraction of the story and apology from the media houses that published the story. For good measure, it declined to take responsibility for the editorial slants given their press statement by the media houses, not minding it instigated the media frenzy.

“The descriptions ascribed to the incident by other media houses cannot be attributed to SERAP,” the NGO stated in a September 23, 2024 letter by its counsel, Tayo Otetibo, SAN. SERAP was responding to an earlier letter by counsel to the DSS, Dr. Alex Iziyon, SAN.

In Iziyon’s letter dated September 17, 2024, the secret police frowned at a September 9 statement by SERAP which created the impression that some DSS operatives raided its Abuja office.

DSS, in the letter by Iziyon, accused SERAP of distorting the facts of the visit to create what he said was a false narrative that its officers raided the NGO’s Abuja office. DSS demanded a retraction and public apology from the NGO. With expiration of the deadline to recant handed to SERAP, the state agency activated its threat and sued the rights organization, claiming N5.5 billion in damages.

In a suit filed on October 17, the first of its kind in the history of the DSS, the Service, through its team of lawyers, led by Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, sued SERAP and its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, as 1st and 2nd defendants.
The service, in its statement of claim, averred that in line with its practice of engaging with officials of non-governmental organisations operating in the FCT to establish a relationship with their new leadership, it directed the two of its officials; to visit SERAP’s office and invite its new leadership for a familiarisation meeting.

According to the DSS, it dispatched two operatives, John and Ogunleye on a "friendly visit to SERAP’s office at 18 Bamako Street, Wuse Zone 1, Abuja on September 9 and met with one Ruth.
It said Ruth, upon being informed about the purpose of the visit, claimed that none of SERAP’s management staff was in the country and advised that a formal letter of invitation be written by the DSS.

The DSS, who claimed that their interactions with Ruth were recorded, said before they immediately exited SERAP’s office, Ruth promised to inform her organisation’s management about the visit and volunteered a phone number – 08160537202.

The DSS said it was surprised that shortly after their visit, SERAP posted on its X (Twitter) handle: @SERAPNigeria, claiming that officers of the DSS are presently unlawfully occupying its office.

It is worthy of note thst the DSS suit came on the heels of SERAP's refusal by apologize for misleading media houses.

DSS told the Federal High Court that the “malicious” claims made by SERAP negatively impacted its reputation and that of Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele, the two operatives involved.


Interestingly, SERAP's statement of defence appeared to corroborate the position of the DSS, "One of the two DSS officials who entered SERAP’s office signed the visitor’s book as “Sarah David” and not “Sarah John” as constituted in this suit. A photocopy of the extract from the visitor’s book showing that the official hid her true identity when she entered SERAP’s premises is hereby pleaded and shall be relied upon during trial," stated SERAP.
The court would have to, among other things, determine if the visit by two DSS operatives whom SERAP even allowed sign their visitor's book, amounted to an "invasion."

In what appears a nifty counter move, SERAP roped in many other CSOs’ to support its stand and jointly rebuff the state agency. In a curious diversionary pitch, the swarm of CSOs supporting SERAP stated: “We are seriously concerned that this intimidatory tactic by the Tinubu government against SERAP solely for peacefully carrying out its mandates illustrates the growing repression of civil society and crackdown on human rights, media freedom, violent repression of peaceful protests, and restrictions on civic space in Nigeria.” The foregoing did not in any way address the claims by the DSS that SERAP misled the public.

The emerging consensus is that over the years, SERAP has won several landmark cases against the government and her agencies. This is the first it is being sued and all hell has been let loose. Is SERAP incapable of defending itself. Has it suddenly lost its belief in the same judicial system it has relied on over the years. Why not allow the same law run its course? Calling out other CSOs, however befuddling their choreographed symphony sounds, as back up sends the wrong message.

Even a coordinator of one of the NGOs who didn’t want to be named stated that: “Some of us are uncomfortable with how the media handled the DSS encounter with our sister NGO which seemed to mislead unsuspecting media houses into believing lies packaged as truth

“However, it is good the DSS are resorting to civility, and asking for retraction and apology. It shows that the DSS is turning a new leaf and respecting the rule of law.”

At a period that insecurity is putting spanners in the works of progressive governance, the least expected from NGOs is close cooperation with critical agencies of government at the forefront of safeguarding society.

*Olumide is the national secretary, Volunteer Media Advocacy for Accountable Leadership, he wrote from Ibadan, Nigeria

A few days after regaining their freedom, some of the protesters detained during the August 2024 #EndBadGovernance protests have denied being tortured while in custody at the Department of State Security (DSS) office in Kaduna State.

Their account appears to contradict that of one Khalid Aminu, who claimed that while in the same Kaduna DSS office, he was tortured and brutalized by DSS operatives, and was denied contact with his family.

"What I went through, what we went through was inhuman, I can’t even begin to tell you everything," Aminu told a popular television station, Channels TV.

However, the protesters, who were released about a month ago, told journalists in Kaduna at the weekend that they were shocked by Aminu's claims, saying that no mistreatment occurred during their detention. They clarified that they were Disc Jockeys (DJs) who played music during the protest in Kaduna, not among those taken to court in Abuja.

They were released earlier in October 2024 on the orders of the new DSS Director General, who reviewed their case immediately after taking over and found them to be innocent.

Dahiru Hamza, also known as DJ Zariya, from Tudun Wada, Kaduna, stated that “their release followed the DSS DG’s decision upon realizing their innocence.”

He said, “I was arrested on the 8th of August, 2024. We were detained, but we were neither tortured nor starved. However, we were released without having to pay any bail and were asked to go and collect our sound systems on the orders of the new DG, DSS."



Hamza said he was misled by some of the protest organisers, who assured him that security agencies had granted permission for the protest. He also urged the government to create more employment opportunities for the country’s youth.

Isa Abdullahi, also known as DJ SP, who also operated in Kaduna, denied being tortured while in DSS custody. He noted that he was able to communicate with his wife during his time in custody without any issues.

He praised the DSS Director General, who “ordered their release without any condition or charges.”

Khaleed, reportedly the coordinator of the protest and the one who hired the DJs, allegedly informed them that they had secured security clearance for the event.

He was also released, with all charges against him dropped on the Director General’s orders, allowing him to reunite with his family.

The federal government on Friday withdrew all six-count charges against an Abuja-based online newspaper, Order Paper, and nine officers of the media organization.

Director-General of the Department of State Security (DSS), Mr. Tosin Adeola Ajayi advised the federal government to withdraw the charges.

It emerged Thursday that the Federal Government had sued the media house for allegedly publishing a false report that DSS operatives, on October 16, stormed the National Assembly on the basis of a rumoured plot to unseat Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Considering what the DSS said was the serious national security threats and local and international embarrassment the story caused, they sued Order Paper and it's officials.

However, a credible source in the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), who filed the suit, disclosed that the charges were withdrawn after the DSS boss reached out to their office.

"The new DG, DSS, Mr. Ajayi, reached out to us. He told my boss that the Nigerian chapter of the International Press Institute (IPI), which facilitated the early release of Order Paper's admin officer, Ms. Edna Ulaeto, also played a key role. The people at Order Paper came to the DSS office, admitted their mistake, apologized, and promised to be more professional," said the DPP officer.

"From the visit of the Order Paper officials, the DSS boss further told my bosses, it was clear that the reporters were misled by less than credible sources in the National Assembly.

"Above all, added the DSS DG, the Order Paper management, on realizing their mistake, had quickly retracted the story. Being an adherent for civility, Mr. Tosin Ajayi therefore felt that the interventions by relevant professional bodies, including the IPI and Nigeria Union of Journalists, and the remorse by Order Paper, were sufficient to warrant the withdrawal of the charges," the official of the Ministry of Justice declared.

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Hon. Ahmed Satomi, disclosed on Wednesday that the House did not summon the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, regarding the rise in crime in the nation’s capital.

Hon. Satomi, speaking during a media chat with humanitarian correspondents, also dismissed reports that the House had summoned the newly appointed Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi.

Recall that on Tuesday, following the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Dabo Haruna (APC Bauchi) concerning the disturbing activities of criminals, popularly known as “One Chance,” in the FCT, the House mandated its joint committees on FCT, Police, and National Intelligence to investigate.

However, some media organizations reported on Wednesday that the House had summoned the FCT Minister, the DG DSS, and the FCT Commissioner of Police.

He said: “I want to correct the mistake made by most of you in the report on the motion moved yesterday on the floor of the House by Hon. Dabo Haruna concerning the killing of his Legislative Aide, Miss Na’imi Sulaiman, and the need to address the activities of ‘One Chance’ operators in the FCT.

“The motion was moved by Hon. Haruna and seconded by Hon. Mohammed Isa Anja. It was passed, and the House referred it to the relevant committees for necessary legislative action.

“In passing the motion, the House only mandated the Committees on National Intelligence, Police, and FCT to conduct a comprehensive investigation and liaise with the necessary stakeholders, such as the FCT Minister, the FCT Commissioner of Police, and the DG DSS, to ensure the culprits are brought to justice and that the problem of ‘One Chance’ incidents is addressed.

“The joint committees have yet to commence legislative duties on the motion as mandated by the House, but I want to assure Nigerians that they will thoroughly investigate the matter and ensure that security agencies apprehend the culprits so they can face justice.”

Hon. Satomi emphasized that the new Director General of the Department of State Services, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, is a seasoned intelligence and security professional who recently assumed duties and is expected to apply his wealth of experience in combating crime in the FCT and its environs.

“I want to appeal to you to always cross-check your facts and be meticulous to avoid misrepresenting information. The media is the mirror through which everyone looks, and we must be factual in our reporting,” he stated.

It will be recalled that the late Miss Sulaiman, a Legislative Aide in Hon. Dabo Haruna’s office in the National Assembly, was tragically murdered by her ‘One Chance’ abductors, even after a ransom was paid.

Move by the Department of State Services, DSS, to replace Adegboyega Fasasi, the Chief Security Officer, CSO, to President Bola Tinubu is drawing strong currents in the top intelligence and political circles in Abuja.

Reports said that the new Director-General of the DSS, Mr Tosin Ajayi, had recently withdrawn Fasasi and replaced him with Rasheed Lawal, a deputy director in the service.

While the move was interpreted as part of the ongoing reorganisation of the service by Ajayi, it has, however, received criticism by some as a witch-hunt directed at the outgoing CSO.

The critics of the move alleged it as a plot to break down what they see as the political clout that has been weaved around the outgoing CSO, and have as such vowed to reverse the redeployment.

However, other sources see it as a bold move by the new DG, saying the withdrawal of Fasasi for the purpose of attending a professional course was part of the moves to restore professionalism in the service.

The basis of sending Fasasi on the professional course, Vanguard gathered, was that he had been promoted at least twice in the last year by the erstwhile DSS D-G, Mr Bichi.

The promotions, it is claimed, were done without the requisite professional courses needed to fit in with his new position.

However, very reliable sources in the intelligence community in Abuja averred that the move was being seen as another move to avert the kind of Major Al-Mustapha scenario during the Sani Abacha regime when a service personnel was seen working outside the loop of the service.

Reacting to the claim that Fasasi was unjustly sent on course, a reliable source told Vanguard yesterday evening: “My brother, the truth is not being painted correctly by politicians.

‘’There is no witch-hunt, the fact is that I can tell you that the move is being applauded by many people who see it as a way of attaining the goals of the service in promoting the overall wellbeing of the presidency. You are looking at minute or perhaps personal goals.

“You remember that Ndume interview about the logjam of seeing the president and all that stuff which I cannot tell you but which this replacement aims to address.

“Even more, the outgoing CSO has to get the requisite professional training to sustain his career path in the service, so I don’t see what the fuss is all about.

“Instead of you, journalists, pointing the pubic at the good work and successful deployment of intelligence in tackling the bad boys and bandits in the last few months, you are going about teasing about a professional deployment.”

*How Rep plotted to appoint Ag nat'l chairman

Governors elected on the platform of the opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday declared the crisis rocking the party over, and called on the National Working Committee (NWC) to recall two suspended national officers.

The reconciliation comes on the heels of the revelation that a serving member of the House of Representatives spearheaded the plot to appoint a factional national chairman for the party.

The Authority checks also revealed that the same federal lawmaker (name withheld) is the brain behind the relatively unknown political party that swept the recent council election in a key south-south state.
Speaking to reporters yesterday in Abuja, chairman of the PDP governors forum, Governor Bala Mohammed said the decision to broker a truce ce after the forum met representatives of the NWC, the party’s National Assembly Caucus, and the Board of Trustees (BoT).
Said the governor, “I want to inform you on behalf of the PDP Governors Forum, Chairman of the Senate Caucus, and the representative of the BoT.

“We had a family meeting, and we wish to reaffirm that there is no faction in the PDP. There is no faction; everything has reverted to the status quo under acting Chairman Damagum, pending the time the governors and other organs of the party will sit down and resolve all the issues.

“There is no party that does not have problems. Some of them are legal, and we do not want to preempt the outcome of legal procedures," noted the governor.

The Authority investigation revealed that the federal lawmaker, who has been very vocal
concerning the party's activities, is reportedly behind the torent of press releases purportedly emanating from National Treasurer, Ahmed Yayari Mohammed.

Last Friday, the National Working Committee, led by acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, suspended National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN) and National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba for alleged anti-party activities.

While Ajibade was suspended for, among other things, filing a Notice of Discontinuance regarding a PDP matter before the Court of Appeal Court, Port Harcourt, without authorization, Ologunagba's bothered on issuing a, statement which "greatly embarrassed the party."

In a statement titled "PDP National Working Committee (NWC) Directs NPS and NLA to Step Aside," the party leadership said it "constituted a committee to be chaired by the Deputy National Chairman (South) H.E. Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, to investigate the issues raised against the officers in compliance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Party."

According to the statement, which was signed by the party's national director of publicty, Chinwe I. Nnorom, the NWC asked brahim Abdullahi Manga, Esq, deputy National Publicity Secretary and Barr. Okechukwu Osuoha, deputy National Legal Adviser, to act for the suspended officers.
However, few hours after PDP announced the suspension of Ajibade and Ologunagba, the suspended spokesman issued what seemed a counter-statement.
According to Ologunagba, the NWC suspended Ambassador Illiya Damagun and Senator Samuel Anyanwu, acting national chairman and national secretary respectively.

"Consequently, the NWC, pursuant to Sections 57, 58 and 59 of the PDP Constitution, has suspended Amb. Illiya Damagum and Sen. Samuel Anyanwu as Acting National Chairman and National Secretary of the Party respectively and referred them to the National Disciplinary Committee for further action," Ologunagba wrote.

A senior staff of the party secretariat alleged that the federal lawmaker has been responsible for several happenings aimed at dividing the NWC.

He said, "The suspended national publicity secretary wasn't at the said NWC meeting, as he is currently out of the country. The National Treasurer, Ahmed Yayari Mohammed, they purportedly appointed acting national chairman is from Gombe State.

"If, indeed, the disagreement is about zoning," he argued, "the logical thing was for them to have appointed the suspended National legal adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), acting national chairman, since he's from Kwara state, in the same north central zone that produced Senator Iyorchia Ayu.

"The NWC has a total of 13 members. How could only two of the 13 members purport to act on behalf of the remaining 15? What is more, did you notice that the national treasurer they claimed to have appointed is playing dumb. He has yet to utter a single word. All you hear he said are statements written by the suspended spokesman and this mischievous federal lawmaker," noted the party official.

" The same federal lawmaker who was in the thick of the Dangote refinery/NNPCL disagreement, is the one spearheading this confusion in our party. He has been deceiving one south-south governor, claiming that he controls over five dozen federal lawmakers. This is his business centre. I'm however happy that his plan for PDP has failed," he declared.

By Louis Achi

According to UK's iconic, dashing spy movie top operative Roger Moore (James Bond), “You can’t be a real spy and have everybody in the world know who you are and what your drink is.” A secret service operative is supposed to keep his identity secret from everyone including family/friends, for the mission to succeed. He or she cannot let anyone know that he/she is a spy or is undercover.

Significant gaps in operational alignment with this critical dimension by Nigeria’s intelligence community has cost many lives, limbs and needlessly undermined many intel-led operations. Even the military has been not been spared from this quirky blight. But Mr. President would have none of that any longer.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must be credited with accurately reading the handwriting on the wall in the unsettling security situation in the country. Unquestionably deriving from the intensity, sweep and scope of security crises festering in the country, he ordered a security architecture tweak of the intelligence community on August 26, 2024.

This significant, audacious shakeup witnessed the appointments of Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi and Mohammed Mohammed as the Directors-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) and National Intelligence Agency (NIA), respectively. The new DGs replaced the duo of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s 2018 appointees - Yusuf Bichi (DSS) and Ahmed Rufai Abubakar (DIA).

Perhaps, not surprisingly, on assuming office as DGSS on August 28, 2024, Ajayi delivered a subtle, cadenced message to the agency he has impactfully served for over 30 years. He pledged to “refocus the service towards covertness and likelihood of studied silence over certain matters.”

The DSS is Nigeria's primary domestic intelligence agency, which plays a critical role in national security and intelligence gathering. Its main responsibilities are within Nigeria and include counter-intelligence, medical intelligence, economic intelligence, internal security, counter-terrorism, and surveillance as well as investigating some other types of serious crimes against the state.

It is also charged with the protection of senior government officials, particularly the president, vice president, state governors and visiting heads of state and governments with their respective families.

Cut to the bone, the unassuming Ajayi had simply told his workers that he is returning the agency to the stealth mode of operations, the fundamental bedrock of secret policing. In effect, Ajayi is expected to introduce fresh perspectives and strategies, particularly in enhancing internal security and addressing both current and emerging threats.

Wait for it: he has hit the ground sprinting, bringing his over three decades of experience in intelligence gathering and security management to his new role.

The emerging consensus is that the appointment of Ajayi as the DG DSS has marked a quiet but significant turning point in the ongoing fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and secessionist agitations across the country.

Some sources disclosed that, from his assumption of office to date, Ajayi has quietly implemented a robust strategy that combines intelligence-led operations, community engagement, and enhanced synergy with sister agencies. This has led to the arrest of about 76 key commanders of banditry/kidnapping and gunrunning syndicates, as well as recovery of arms and ammunition, and neutralization of some of these terrorist elements.

It was gleaned that in the North West zone, Ajayi initiated a psychological-led operations against bandits and kidnappers which resulted in the neutralization of some notorious banditry kingpins, including Kachalla Lawali Dodo, Kachalla All Dan Oga, Kachalla Black and Kachalla Sani Kwalba.

Another reliable source revealed that, in one of the recent series of coordinated operations by the secret Police in Kaduna State, a notorious arms supplier to bandits and terrorists known as Mallam Rabo Abdulkadir was arrested with 3 AK-47 rifles, 1 AR Galil rifle, 1,621 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm, 222 round of 5.56 x 45mm, 138 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm, 6 AK-47 rifle magazines and 1 AR rifle magazine, among others.

In the North Central Zone, particularly in Kogi State where Ajayi last served before his appointment as DGSS, the camps of some major terrorists' kingpins, including Kachalla Bala and Kachalla Shuaibu, terrorizing Kogi, Kaduna, Niger, Kwara and Nasarawa States, as well as the FCT, were raided and dismantled, a source further disclosed.

The source added that, during the raid three foot-soldiers of Kachalla Bala were neutralized, while 11 others were captured, alongside the group's major logistics supplier/informant identified as Baba Gurgu.

It was further gathered that, some kidnap kingpins and gunrunners were also arrested in the FCT, as well as Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger and Plateau States. They include, Isah Adavuruku, Malik Otaru, Mohammed Usman, Usman Iliya, Lawal Shaibu, Umar Musa Keana, Dauda Gongola Keana and Anas BELLO, who masterminded the recent ambush of soldiers and vigilantes in Kabba/Bunu LGA of Kogi State.

Another source revealed that, in the North East zone, 5 members of a daredevil kidnap syndicate, including Salisu Nasiru, Lamiya Bisala and Manuga Sunday were arrested on 30th August, 2024 in Donga LGA of Taraba State, with 3 AK-47 rifles, 61 rounds of 7.62x39mm (special) ammunition, 2 fabricated AK-47 rifles, 2 single barrel guns and 5 AK-47 magazines, among others.

Likewise, one of the arms dealers supplying weapons to militia in Plateau State known simply as Friday Gomna Isaac was arrested in Borno State, while conveying weapons to Jos, Plateau State.

In the South East Zone, a source disclosed that, a notorious Commander of the outlawed IPOB, Mathias Onyebuchi, who masterminded the attack on a Police checkpoint on the outskirts of Enugu, that claimed the lives of two policemen, while 3 AK-47 rifles were carted away was arrested.

The South-South and South West zones are not left out in these coordinated operations, as two members of a militant and sea piracy syndicate terrorizing Akwa Ibom and its neighbouring states, Daniel Etim David and Uwem Asuquo Edet were arrested. This is in addition to other arrests in Rivers, Lagos and Oyo States, another source disclosed.

The successful arrest and disruption of some of these criminal networks have led to a noticeable decline in banditry and kidnapping incidents in the affected areas. These feats are indications that, the days of other banditry kingpins and terrorist elements such as Muhammadu Bello TURJI, Sani Mainasara (a.k.a Sani Black), Gurgu Dankarami (a.k.a Gwaska), Ado Aleiro, Sani Muhdinge and Yusuf Medele (a.k.a Yusuf Yellow), as well as notorious IPOB commander, Chukwunonso Okafor (a.k.a Temple) are numbered.

It is therefore heartening to note that Mr. President's strategic reforms within the intelligence community, coupled with the proactive stance taken by the administration in addressing insecurity deserves recognition.

Ajayi rose through the ranks, having joined the DSS in 1990 as a cadet officer, due to his dedication and sharp insight in handling national security matters. The grounds he has covered in his short period as DGSS speaks to considerable preparation and a philosophy synced with his profession.

It's worth noting that before his appointment, Ajayi held several key positions within the DSS, including the Director of Operations. His leadership has been marked by strategic reforms and efforts to enhance the agency's effectiveness in addressing contemporary security challenges. He has since climbed the ranks, serving as a state director in Enugu, Rivers, Bauchi, Kogi, and Bayelsa states.

Described by DSS former spokesman as diligent, resilient, sophisticated, proactive, and analytic, Ajayi’s extensive foreign training exposure also remarkably served to hone the innate skills of Ajayi.

He has been instrumental in fostering better cooperation between the DSS and other security agencies, as proven by his stint in other states he has served. He believes inter-agency collaboration is crucial for addressing Nigeria's complex security landscape.

Ajayi has been committed to strengthening the DSS's capacity to preempt and counter threats and has been saddled with visionary tasks, including embracing technology - and intelligence-driven strategies to ensure national security and stability. These have reflected in his immediate impact following his appointment by Mr. President.

Interestingly, Ajayi may not be a James Bond, but he certainly cut his professional milk teeth in that nifty cloak-and-dagger career - and meritoriously earned his deliberately understated epaulets.

Today, he has eased DSS into the stealth or covert operations mode and the bad guys are on the backfoot!

Staff and students of Nigeria's premier university, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, now live in fear as several parts of the 76-year-old institution have been submerged in flood water, The Authority investigations have revealed.

Following recent torrential rains, several parts of the school, including hostels and the famous zoological garden, were flooded, leading to substantial damage to property and the death of several rare animals in the zoo.

Three rivers, Ona, Awba, and Ajibode drain into the university. Last year, a substantial part of the school was threatened. This, The Authority gathered, promoted the university authority to appeal for federal government intervention, using the Ecological Fund.

A source in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OS GF), where the Ecological Fund is domiciled, told The Authority that the school's Vice Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale had early in the year appealed for an urgent intervention.

According to the source, the Vice Chancellor had in the letter to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, explained that the university had attempted to contain the problem. He, however, added that, being a huge ecological problem, the estimated cost of civil works to contain the flooding was way beyond what the school could bear.

The 2024 rainy season, added the Vice Chancellor, had heightened the threat level.

Acknowledging receipt of the Vice Chancellor's letter, SGF Akume in a respose dated 5th March, 2024, assured the Vice Chancellor that his request had been captured in the "Ecological Project Office Data Bank for further necessary action."

In the response, which was signed on began of the Permanent secretary in the office of the SGF by the Director, soil erosion and flood control department, Abubakar S. Takuma, however, cautioned that the response should not be deemed an approval of any sort.

"Kindly note that this acknowledgement does not imply approval of the project and it is not a letter of contract award," The SGF cautioned.

Eight months after assuring that the project had been "sent to the Ecological Project Office Data Bank for further processing," The Authority gathered from sources in the OSGF that no approval has been made, and that the flooding in the University of Ibadan has worsened.

"A stitch in time, they say, saves nine. I guess this was how people in Alau dam raised the alarm before the flooding in Maiduguri thst has now claimed lives and billions of Naira in damage to property," noted the civil servant.

"Now that we have a golden opportunity to salvage University of Ibadan, we are sitting on it. We only wake from slumber when a huge disaster happens. Maybe they are waiting for a repeat of the Maiduguri scenario in the University of Ibadan? God forbid!" he declared.

*They distorted our statement -SERAP

The Department of State Services (DSS) is set to sue some media houses for running stories, on September 9, that it's operatives "raided" the Abuja office of the Socio - Economic Rights And Accountability Project (SERAP).
The move followed SERAP's refusal to accept responsibility for the story that DSS operatives stormed it's Abuja office.

DSS demanded SERAP to retract what it called a "false statement within seven clear days through the same media channels it used to injure DSS and at least two national dailies."

The secret police, in a letter to SERAP, noted that its new leadership was repositioning the agency to outmost professionalism, and promised to use all lawful means to punish what it said was "the unpofessional reportage of our activities."

Responding, SERAP denied putting out the narrative, and advised the DSS to channel it's demand for a retraction of the story and apology from the media houses that published the story. SERAP said it wouldn't take responsibility for the editorial slants given their pres statement by the media houses.

"The descriptions ascribed to the incident by other media houses cannot be attributed to SERAP," the NGO stated in a September 23, 2024 letter by its counsel, Tayo Otetibo, SAN.

SERAP was responding to an earlier letter by counsel to the DSS, Dr. Alex Iziyon, SAN.

In Iziyon's letter dated September 17, 2024, the secret police frowned at a September 9 statement by SERAP which created the impression that some DSS operatives raided it's Abuja office.

DSS, in the letter by Iziyon, accused SERAP of distorting the facts of the visit to create what he said was a false narrative that it's officers raided the NGO's Abuja office. DSS demanded a retraction and public apology from the NGO.

However, responding, SERAP stated that, having earlier criticised the Bola Tinubu administration for increasing the pump price of petrol, it was reasonable to suspect that the visit by the DSS operatives was to raid their office.

"It would seem that the response from government was for the State Security Service, otherwise known as Department of State Services, to visit the Abuja offices of SERAP...while a tall, large dark-skinned woman entered the office accompanied by by a, slim, dark-skinned man," noted SERAP.

On September 9, 2024, some newspapers and television stations broke the story that DSS officers raided SERAP's Abuja office.

The Pilot gathered that the matter has attraced the attention of some NGOs, who are of the opinion that the Freedom of Information Act and the constitutional provision of Freedom of Speech should help access to factual information.

Noted the coordinator of an NGO who didn't want to be named, "Some of us are uncomfortable with how the the media handled the DSS encounter with our sister NGO which seemed to mislead unsuspecting media houses into believing lies packaged as truth.

"However, it is good the DSS are resorting to civility, and asking for retraction and apology. It shows that the DSS is turning a new leaf and respecting the rule of law," he declared.

*heads may roll

The failure of officers of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to act on the advisory by the Department of State Services (DSS) removing presidential candidate of African Action Alliance (AAA), Mr. Omoyele Sowore from a security watchlist led to the Sunday morning arrest of the activist in Lagos.
Shortly after Sowore arrived in the country through the Murttala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos, Immigration officers, citing "orders to do so," seized his passport and detained him.
“I had just arrived in Nigeria from the USA at MMIA in Lagos; upon reaching Nigerian Immigration, my passport was seized, and they told me they had orders to detain me. This is not unexpected because I have always known that it is part of the broader clampdown by the fascist @officialAbat regime on dissent and their fear of the upcoming #FearlessINOctober revolt," Tweeted Sowore.

Several news organization quickly broke the story alleging that the Department of State Services (DSS) had arrested Sowore.

The Authority gathered that a top presidential aide quickly contacted the new Director-General of the DSS, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi on the development which, apparently, had embarrassed government.

Unknown to the presidential aide, The Authority gathered, the new DSS boss had on assumption of duty, revieved the security watchlist by his immediate predecessor, Mr. Yusuf Magaji Bichi, removing Sowore and other persons from the list. It was further gathered that Ajayi is is reviewing the cases of all the inmates in their detention facilities.

"It is, true. The DSS relayed the advisory by their new DG removing Sowore and other persons of interest to sister to us in the NIS," an Immigration source told The Authority, adding, "I can't say if our boys at the MMA weren't notified."

"The DSS DG was understandably angry that that we failed to act on a security advisory he shared with security agencies several days before Sowore stepped foot in Nigeria. It was even more shameful that even after Sowore clearly wrote that we (NIS) were responsible for his ordeal, several media houses still falsely accused the DSS of the action," the immigration officer regretted.

"I am aware that the new DSS DG quickly contacted our CG on the embarrassing development. She proptly directed that Sowore s passport be released and he be allowed to go. I am sure she (NIS DG) is going to investigate why the advisory by the DG DSS was not conveyed to our officers at the MMIA," added the immigration officer.

Moments later, Sowore disclosed via his X X account that he had been released by the Nigerian Immigration Service, adding that his international passport which had been confiscated had been returned to him.

“I have just been released by the Nigerian Immigration after a brief detention and my passport released back to me,” declared Sowore.

A group known as Patriots of Nigerian Democracy has berated Dr. Josef Onoh, son of late C.C Onoh, the former governor of Enugu State over what they described as an 'insult' on the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu.

Reacting to a media report credited to Onoh wherein he said that "Ben Kalu is not responsible for establishment of S/East Devt Commission", the group in a statement jointly signed by its national chairman, Comrade Olaolu Esan and the Secretary, Engr. Abdullahi Rabiu said that Onoh is ignorant of the parliamentary practice.

Describing him as an "agent provocateur", the group stated that Onoh is envious of Kalu's rising political profile, adding that he is seeking relevance.

The group also stated that Kalu is grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the SEDC bill into law.

The statement read this: "We are writing to educate Dr. Josef Onoh on the proceedings of the parliament. Obviously he has just exhibited absolute ignorance about the workings of the legislature.

"In a report credited to him, Onoh said that "Ben Kalu not responsible for the establishment of S/East Devt Commission".

"Ordinary, Onoh is not worth any response but his ignorance should not be left to fester. Although, he sounded like a middlesome interloper or an agent provocateur who is looking for trouble here and there, one is surprised that he will sound so ignorant with all his education, political and public service experience.

"We may need to refresh his mind. We remember vividly that Rt. Hon. Kalu immediately after the signing of the bill took several national newspapers to express his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Kalu also held a Press Conference where he equally conveyed his appreciation and that of the people of the South East to the President.

"In many other fora that followed suit, the Deputy Speaker also continued to appreciate the President and has never stopped. All this is to publicly pay tributes to Mr. President for his benevolence. We are therefore shocked that Onoh is now claiming ignorance of that.

"Besides all these, Onoh deserves our collective pity for not knowing that the life span of any bill in the parliament ends the moment that assembly terminates. He also needs to be educated on the possibility of many versions of a particular bill which are often times consolidated. In essence, any returning lawmaker can dust up the bill and run with it to get the buy-in of his colleagues.

"This is exactly what Kalu did. From what we know, he has never said that there was no such bill before the 10th Assembly. As a matter of fact, the Deputy Speaker has always made reference to the 8th and 9th Assemblies where the bill refused to fly.

"On October 12, 2023, the SEDC bill standing in the name of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu and over 40 others was reintroduced on the floor of the House having expanded it. The Deputy Speaker also followed through in the Senate until it was graciously assented to by the President. Similarly, Kalu has also not failed to recognize the invaluable inputs of his colleagues from the South East.

"To this end, one wonders the kind of envy that gave unnecessary impetus to Onoh's comments.

"For emphasis sake, Kalu is not inebriated in self adulation or glorification on the establishment of the Commission. If anything, he is only excited that the South East has finally gotten the attention of the federal government through a bill he sponsored, collectively passed by the members of the House and eventually signed into law by President Tinubu.

"All he needs is the support of his kinsmen to push for more dividends of democracy through legislative interventions. He doesn't need to be distracted by people like Onoh who, shortly after the presidential assent, started sponsoring media articles, craving to be appointed the Managing Director of the SEDC.

"Once again, the Deputy Speaker is eternally grateful to Mr. President, his colleagues from the South East and the entire membership of the 10th National Assembly for the reality of the South East Development Commission".

President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade Joe Ajaero was on Monday morning arrested by officers of the Department of State Services (DSS) because he failed to honour an invitation by the agency sources have revealed.

DSS sources said that they had invited Ajaero last week. The invitation, it was gathered, had to do with a petition by some top NLC leaders against Ajaero, and that certain aspects of the petition bordered on national security.

"You know that our new DG (Director-General), Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi resumed duty less than two weeks ago. This was one of the petitions he inherited. He insisted that we invite the NLC president to clear the air on some of the allegations.," explained the source.

"Last week, we invited him (Ajaero) through the normal channel, which is on the telephone. A very senior director extended the invitation, and was mandated to handle the investigation.

"Ajaero promised to come today, Monday. The next thing we heard was that Ajaero was sighted at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, trying to board an international flight.


"No responsible security organization will fold its hands in the face of such contempt. The law setting up the DSS empowers us to defend Nigeria against domestic threats, to uphold and enforce the criminal laws of Nigeria, and to provide leadership and criminal justice services to federal and state law-enforcement organs.

"This, we have done over the decades without fear or favour. We often praise the CIA in the United States for operating without fear or favour. See the way former President Donald Trump is being dragged around, even though he has the chances of returning as president.

"We must learn to live within the ambit of the law, including honouring invitation by security agencies. I'm sure he'll be released after he clears the air on the allegations against him by some of his colleague-officers in the NLC," assured the officer.

Former Minority Leader of Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu says the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon.Benjamin Kalu has been vindicated over his viral interview where he called on Governor Alex Otti to join the All Progressives Congress.


Honourable Chukwu in an interview with Newsmen, disclosed that the comment by Labour Party Governorship Candidate in 2023 election in Lagos, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour that his party would takeover Lagos State in 2027 from the ruling APC is not different from Kalu’s position that APC will clinch the seat of power in Abia State in next election.


Recall that Rhodes-Vivour on the sidelines of Labour Party's extended stakeholders meeting in Umuahia said the opposition party is now positioned to end the grip on Nigeria's Commercial capital of Lagos by the APC.


"LP is now well structured, not just to win but to take power in 2027. What we have come to do here in Umuahia is to bring everybody on the same page. We are set for new victories in 2027.


“I believe Labour Party will win Lagos State more convincingly in 2027. Since after the 2023 elections, work has not stopped; we have not gone quiet. Every day, we get stronger and stronger. So, we are not just going to win but stand up and take power," He affirmed.


Reacting to the statement, Hon Chukwu wondered why the deputy speaker is being villified by Labour Party Supporters for showing his desire to grow his party and have Abia State benefit fully from the Federal Government like other APC controlled states.


"One of the major characteristics of a good leader and a calculative politician is your ability to say first what people will or may want to say later when yours have trended with convincing and controversial comments not withstanding. 


"RT. Hon. Benjamin Kalu is the man in the recent happenings of politics from South-East who have contributed the positive repositioning of the aged long agony of NDI IGBO. He is respectful and responsible yet does not fear to speak with boldness without fear or favour (mincing words) when the need rises. 


Recently, he boldly stated that the labour party in Abia State will not win the 2027 governorship election and that his party APC will be the one to produce the next governor of Abia State. He further stated that he doesn't know who that person will be...as his friend and brother, the current governor of Abia State, is doing well at the moment," He disclosed.


The Former Bende North State Constituency Representative urged Labour Party stakeholders to eat the humble pie and apologise to the deputy speaker for taking his comments out of context.


"The former Lagos State governorship candidate who is now in labour party senator Rhodes Vivour made the same statement during the labour party stakeholders meeting in Abia State. He said, "Labour party will win the 2027 governorship election in Lagos State."  That they will win and take over power from the current party. 


Now, my next question is, why haven't these bought over E-rats started fooling themselves on social media with attacks to the former senator?

 Does this mean that what I thought about the paid media group against Benkalu was actually true? Are they trying to demarket someone who has not made his intention of contesting the next election on governorship position known? 

 I think Ben has become a force that everyone wants to align with. If you can not criticize the Senator Rhodes, you have no justification to talk down on the people's Deputy speaker of the House of Representatives." He stated.

The constituents of the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia federal constituency of Abia State in the House of Representatives, Hon. Obi Aguocha have written to the speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Ph.D informing him of their plan to stage a protest against the lawmaker.


In a letter dated August 16, 2024, the constituents under the aegis of Niger Delta Youth Peace Builders alleged that Aguocha has failed to represent them effectively. 


They also alleged that the lawmaker mismanaged the palliatives given to them by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu amongst other issues. 


The constituents in the letter titled " Notification of Peaceful Protest" signed by the group's national president, Comrade Chibuike Emmanuel and copied to the National Security Officer (NSA), the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Commissioner of Police, FCT and the National Assembly said that the main purpose of the protest is to draw the attention of the speaker to the issues, promising that the protest will be peaceful. 


The letter read thus: "We, the Niger Delta Youth Peace Builders, the good people and Youths of Ikwuano/Umuahia federal constituency of represented by Honourable Obi Aguocha in the Federal House of Representatives, are writing to formally inform the Federal House of Representatives of our intention to conduct a peaceful protest against our representative, on September 4, 2024, by 8:00AM at National Assembly, Lower Chamber. 


"The purpose of this protest is to draw attention to the pressing issues of lack of constituency projects, unfulfilled promises, mismanagement of Mr. President's Renewed Hope Pailiatives (Rice), and lack of accountable representation affecting our constituency adversely. 


"We believe that a peaceful demonstration is a legitimate means of expressing our concerns and seeking redress. We are committed to ensuring that the protest remains peaceful and orderly. We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter. We look forward to a positive and collaborative response".

By Austin Nwanwa


The chicken are coming home to roost. The bubble is about to burst and the public will soon be made to know those who masterminded the release of the viral controversial video. 


Since the release of the video a few days ago in which the deputy speaker of the House of the Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu was said to have called on Governor Alex Otti of his home state of Abia to rejoin APC, his former political party, I have been immersed in this eerie feeling that something sinister was in the offing. I am aware of Kalu's relationship with the proprietor of ABN TV to have necessitated an interview but I am not sure about Spin FM. So, it was then shocking to see a branded, watermarked video of Kalu from Spin 95.3 FM, Umuahia. Then, I sensed an insider's job which largely speaks to unethical and irresponsible journalism.


Just yesterday, Spin FM management proved me right via a statement issued by the station manager, Elder Chidi N. Uluka that Kalu never granted them an interview thereby shooting themselves in the legs. 


Read Uluka: "As a responsible media organisation, we wish to state as follows:


1. Spin 95.3 FM did not produce, air, or post the interview in question on any of our platforms or elsewhere.


2. The video in question was first aired on ABN’s social media platforms (Facebook and YouTube Live) on July 30th.


3. Spin 95.3 FM obtained the video from ABN’s page and credited ABN when we posted it on our TikTok page on July 31st, 2024. 


4. At no point did Spin 95.3 FM grant an interview to Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu.


5. The video was subsequently posted on our Instagram page on August 19th, 2024, at 16:08 hrs, after it had already gone viral.


Surprisingly, in quick succession, ABN TV's director, Ifeanyi Okali also refuted Spin FM's claims. 


He said in a statement: "The attention of Fakzy Media Ltd, owners of ABN TV and Radio has been drawn to a press statement by Spin 95.3 FM based in Umuahia in which our organisation was mentioned regarding a viral video of the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu. We wouldn't have bothered making any comment but allow anyone who has made mockery of ethical and responsible journalism bear his/her cross. But for the avoidance of doubt, it has become necessary to categorically state thus:


1. ABN TV granted an interview to the Deputy Speaker, which was posted on our Facebook and YouTube pages on July 30 and 31, 2024.


2. Spin FM claimed to have obtained the video it shares from ABN TV page. We want to challenge the organization to reproduce which part of our watermarked video that has similar content with the one it shares. 


3. The Deputy Speaker's interview posted on our platforms clearly bears our watermark. Spin FM should explain how ABN TV watermark suddenly disappeared in the content it shares. 


4. If Spin FM did not grant an interview to the Deputy Speaker as it rightly admitted, how did it end up stamping its watermark on a content it never originally produced?


5. In one breath, it claimed that it did not post the said interview on any of its platforms, in another it claimed that it was posted on its TikTok page. 


6. Claiming ownership of intellectual property that is not your is also a breach of extant laws. 


7. Lastly, Spin FM should explain the source of the 2-Minutes and 21-secs video it publishes as it never emanated from any of the ABN TV platforms."


So whodunit? This is the question now. Obviously, this is the case of two irresponsible media houses battling each other over who deceitfully edited the viral video of the deputy speaker to cause disaffection and dissatisfaction in the public places. It is akin to a double tale of a single story. 


This even validates the fears in some quarters that the viral video may have been manipulated or edited out of context to malign the deputy speaker who has done and still doing so much for Abia and Ndi Igbo gburugburu.


Kalu and Otti, I know share an affinity privately and publically. They are political missionaries who want the best for Ndi Abia. And now, it appears many have so misconstrued the message in the video to create some bad blood between them. This is mischievous. 


Come to think of it, what is Kalu's sin? That he asked his home state governor who was also a member of the APC to comeback to the fold so that the combined effect will bring rapid growth and development in the State? Who wouldn't do so? When did it become a taboo to woo people into one's political party? Why would the heaven fall now? For me, I do not see any wrong in Kalu's call to Governor Otti to come back to APC. This what any leader of his status would rightly do.


For the video, Kalu should conduct a thorough check to know who sold him out between the two stations. Somehow, somebody must be made to come clean. Both stations can't keep trading words, thinking it will convince Kalu or the public. It can't. The truth should be told to serve as a deterrence to other social media enthusiasts and bloggers. Ethical and responsible journalism must be encouraged and upheld at all times. 


Austin Nwanwa, a public affairs analyst writes from Umuahia, Abia State

Labour Party (LP) lawmakers in the House of Representatives have clashed over the recent call by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu to rejoin the All Progressives Congress (APC).

It will be recalled that the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South, Hon. Obi Aguocha in a statement on Monday picked holes in the call.

But investigations have revealed that other LP lawmakers challenged Aguocha on his position, saying that the deputy speaker's call was a duty he owed his party.

They added that any loyal party would naturally woo people outside his political party to join them.

They also warned Aguocha against causing a division in the LP fold in the parliament, accussing of sowing a seed of division an effort to paint them black before the governor to get more accommodation in his government.

Recall that Otti was a member of APC where he equally obtained Expresssion of Interest Form and the Nomination Form for 2023 governorship election in Abia State and only left the party during the primary elections.

In a recent video on social media, the deputy speaker urged Otti to return to the party.

Reacting to Aguocha's statement, the chairman of Abia Caucus in the House, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe who also represents Isiala North and Isiala South federal constituency of Abia State said he saw nothing wrong with the call, adding it was a way of marketing one's party.

He cautioned Aguocha against making unnecessary remarks that will heat up the system and cause a face off among brothers and colleagues.

Onwusibe also cautioned against dropping his name as a possible pick for Kalu's running mate for Abia governorship contest in 2027 as alleged by Aguocha.

He said: "This is exactly how the PDP forced me out of the party with unfounded lies".

Similarly, another Abia born lawmaker representing Isikwuato/Umunneocha federal constituency of Abia State, Hon. Amobi Ogah alao asked Aguocha to desist from disparaging the person of the deputy speaker.

"If you don't like what the deputy speaker did to market his party, do your own to counter the video", he said.

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is driving digital transformation, partnerships, productivity, pivotal to national development of the country. This is handled through its ongoing endeavour to establish Nigeria as a globally renowned centre and hub of technology and innovation. And it is in order to promote economic diversification and increase productivity in all areas, especially with the youthful population with the highest demography in the country. The agency is prepared to work and build synergy with pertinent organizations to efficiently and effectively cascade the advantages of the digital technology to each and every local government area in the nation.

In a recent engagement and collaboration on Nigeria’s digital transformation journey, the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi CCIE, outlined the Agency’s vision for Nigeria emphasizing how the technological innovation will promote inclusive economic growth which is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s eight priority areas in his Renewed Hope Agenda.

While listing the eight (SRAP) pillars, the lead initiator, singled out to “foster Digital Literacy and Cultivate Talents” as one of the most crucial milestones, because it is the cornerstone of the document’s inclusivity. Through collaborations with technological hubs, educational institutions and industry stakeholders, NITDA is laying the groundwork for a thriving digital economy. NITDA is also birthing a new generation of highly talented Nigerians who are on the verge of taking Nigeria to the promised land of digitalization and economic prosperity like never before.

Technological hubs across the country are buzzing with activities where participants are engaged in different learning experiences that cover the latest advancement in technology, while educational institutions are also critical in this endeavour. As such, NITDA is working assiduously with the Federal Ministry of Education to integrate these programmes into their curricular so as to provide meaningful graduates ready to meet the demands of the digital age and compete effectively across the globe.

In a press statement signed in Lagos by the Executive Secretary of Citizens Watch Advocacy Initiative (CWAI), Omoba Kenneth Aigbegbele, the CSO stated that it is important to note the benefits of a young, growing population depending on factors such as education, employment opportunities and the ability to harness the demographic potentials. It added that effective policies and investment in areas like healthcare, education and job creation are crucial to realize what NITDA is aiming at and foreseeing in the future of the country.

The strategic collaboration and partnerships NITDA is establishing on daily basis with organizations such as the World Bank, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), CISCO, TikTok, United States Consulate, Deutshe Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammonarbeit (GmbH), known as the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), Digital Transformation Centre, etc, are just a few of the examples of NITDA’s ongoing efforts to foster collaborations with the technological ecosystem that will be an added advantage to the youths demography in the country. This is aimed at enhancing the need for a digitally literate workforce, in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which is aimed at equipping the youthful population with skills for the digital age in achieving a remarkable target of 70 per cent digital literacy by the year 2027.

This initiative aims at addressing the digital divide and equip Nigerians with critical digital skills, underscoring its ongoing commitment to fostering digital inclusion across the nation, which is a stimulus for a thriving nation where the largest populations are very active in the latest technology as envisioned by the Agency and create cultural dimensions as the younger population can inject vitality, creativity and new ideas into the society, driving social and cultural change.

The statement added that with this foremost drive of the Agency, most of the productivity and workforce in the country, particularly the youths, will be the focal point of the Tinubu administration’s strength that relies on the all-important demography to drive its policies and programmes to every nock and crannies, so as to put Nigeria in the comity of nations. CWAI added that it will also increase the dividends of democracy as the youths population are educated and healthy, which can provide boost to the economic development thereby reducing dependency ratio.
CWAI asserts that, in its collaboration with the World Bank to enhance data services, NITDA DG emphasized on the essence of the Presidential Priority areas of reforming the economy for sustained inclusive growth as well as accelerating diversification through industrialization and digitization.

The CSO recalls that the meeting which was centred on fostering deep collaboration between both organizations was aimed at enhancing digital trade, cross-border data services and sharing ideas on developing regulatory policies and the technological innovations also delved on the framework and extensive research work into international best practices and substantial investment in necessary infrastructure, which is mainly centred on the youthful population as majority of this age bracket are deeply involved in all the innovations initiated.

This, CWAI emphasizes, can be best captured also in the Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) Pillar of “Foster Digital Literacy and Cultivate Talents,” adding that, when the Agency, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports, and well as the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), launched a comprehensive initiative to enhance digital literacy across the nation that seeks to bridge the digital bridge, the digital divide and empower the next generation to thrive in an increasingly digital world. This, no doubt, aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration to reform the economy and deliver sustainable inclusive growth by leveraging digital literacy and cultivating a pool of technological talent of the youths population.

Accordingly, the initiative will focus on providing training in key areas such as software development, data analytics, cyber security and digital marketing. This initiative also aims at reaching 30 million Nigerian youths, including NYSC members, with the goal of equipping them with skills necessary for the digital economy by 2027.

CWAI further notes that the lead Chief Executive of NITDA reiterated that, “We have set up the team working to explore and infuse technology into the NYSC process, experiment emerging technologies like block chain, to secure NYSC Certificates and build digital skills capacity among corps members. Today, we are here on the bigger mission,” he concluded.

CWAI recognizes that the global research which predicted 85 million talent deficits by 2020, could result in a loss of 8.5 trillion US Dollars in annual value if unaddressed. This initiative will not only enhance employability, but also drive innovation growth of the country.

Kashifu Inuwa stated that we have developed the national digital literacy framework with an ambitious target of achieving 95% digital literacy by 2030, with a mid-term target of 70 per cent by 2027. The framework, as he disclosed, “promotes universal access to digital literacy, skills development and remains proficient levels and work force readiness for future digital demands.”

While giving further details about the implementation plan, which includes tracing the corps members during their service year and using them as digital literacy ambassadors across Nigeria, he re-emphasized that “our target is: how can we leverage the platform to deepen that digital literacy? The Initiative will involve on boarding corps members on digital platforms, provide continuous learning opportunities, and selecting ambassadors to teach digital skills in their communities.”

Consequently, when signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the CISCO to advance Nigeria’s digital transformation and a bold vision for Nigeria’s future in the global technological landscape, the Chief Executive of NITDA reiterated the immense opportunities available and untapped youthful talent present in Nigeria. Kashifu said: “with our youthful population, growing innovation hubs and supportive government policies, Nigeria is on the blink of a technological revolution. We have the potential to outpace countries like India if we leverage our resources effectively.”

CWAI is optimistic that with Nigeria’s youthful population and talent pool that Nigeria boasts a population of over 200 million, with more than 6 per cent under the age of 25, the demographic advantage presents a fertile ground for technological innovation. More Nigerians are increasingly showcasing their prowess in various technological domains, hubs, from software development to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and fintech.

According to the NITDA DG, “Nigerian youths are not just consumers of technology but creators and innovators. We are witnessing a surge in technological startups, many of which are developing solutions tailored to local challenges with global outreach.” He added that these hubs spread across the country offer essential support to startups, offering resources such as funding, mentorship and networking opportunities for the youthful population.

On a courtesy visit to NITDA by Afre. Lib Academy led by the Executive Director (Operations), Mrs Joyce Gomina recently, in seeking the Agency’s partnership in its proposed boot camp for the youths, the Director-General of NITDA stated three key areas of collaboration and futuristic plans of the Agency in taking advantage of the youthful population, engaging them in meaningful digital literacy and skills acquisition, as well as competitiveness in the marketplace of knowledge and technology.

He stated: "We have three key areas: Firstly, is the formal education, where we are working with the Minister of Education to review the curriculum and getting the equipment available. Secondly, for those outside the formal education criteria (informal), we have an initiative called "Digital Literacy for All" where we are working on building a learning management system where people can learn at their pace and we are looking at translating it into Nigerian languages, so that people who cannot read and understand English can do so in their own local languages.”

Howbeit, in continuation of what he said, the Agency is exploring partnering with the NYSC as they are in the 774 local government areas spread across the country, to be on boarding people and making the contents as simple as possible, adding that, going through the NYSC will help use and reach critical mass of people.

Kashifu finally echoed that the formal workplace needs to be carried along; that is, to train people working for the government and private sector, because the workforce needs to be digitally literate to increase productivity at work.

CWAI states that just recently, in consolidation of the former efforts to carry the youths along in all the policy framework, the Federal Government, in collaboration with NITDA, is to implement a nationwide initiative to provide digital literacy training to more than 30 million Nigerian youths. This, no doubt, is a noble initiative that will drive the up-and-mobile youthful population to its peak of performance and productivity and shore up the economy like never before seen.The groundbreaking programme seeks to equip citizens with essential skills to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

CWAI adds that, through this partnership, the government has demonstrated its avowed commitment to empowering young people with the knowledge and expertise needed to fully participate in the digital economy and boost the morale of the energetic youths to fully give in their best and drive the potentials in wherever they find themselves.

CWAI unequivocally supports and applauds NITDA in these efforts as the youths are Nigeria’s future leaders and it is important to engage them, so as to meet the global need and compete favourably with their age groups in relation to digital literacy at a very early stage of development.

This endeavour by the management of NITDA, CWAI acknowledges, is holistically supported by all Nigerians who are very optimistic of the role of this demography places in the country as it will improve the self-esteem, sense of purpose and belonging of the population; increased skills and knowledge, improved employability and connect in all ramifications.

CWAI, therefore, endorses NITDA’s proactive initiative of engaging the youthful population in digital literacy as it will also increase economic productivity, while a large portion of working age individuals can drive economic growth through increased labour force, participation, innovation and consumer demand.

CWAI also notes that “this initiative will improve dependency ratios, with more working age adults relative to retired or dependent individuals, there will be less strain on social safety nets and public services as well as generational renewal as a growing youth population provides for generational replacement and the transfer of knowledge, skills and values to the next generation of Nigerians.”

...ratifies Joshua Apebo appointment as GS


The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) on Monday, elected new members to the Central Working Committee (CWC) on Monday, to lead the union for the next four years.

The election was held at the 5th Quadrennial National Delegates Conference in Lagos, attended by representatives from the union's units, branches, and chapters across all 36 states and the FCT.

A communiqué, signed by the new National President Comrade Shehu Muhammed and General Secretary Comrade Joshua Apebo, and made available to journalists announced the newly elected executive officers. They are: Comrade Shehu Muhammed, National President; Comrade Olubunmi Adebayo Fajobi, National Vice President; Comrade Samson Ejike Okere, National Vice President; Comrade Onjeh Enewa, National Vice President; Comrade Archibong Etim Okon, National Vice President;

Others are Comrade Adebayo Mubashiru Haroun, National Treasurer; Comrade Martin Bolum, National Internal Auditor; Comrade Shuaibu Afusatu, National Trustee; Comrade Amodu O. Yinka Isiaka, Ex-officio Member; Comrade Babayo Mohammed Hamma, Ex-officio Member; Comrade Prince Excellent Efedhoma, Ex-officio Member; Comrade Mike Nwonu, Ex-officio Member; and Comrade Balogun Babatunde, Ex-officio Member.

The communiqué also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the ₦70,000 per month National Minimum Wage Bill, 2024 into law on Monday, July 29, 2024.

It urged the Government to form a committee to address the consequential adjustments from the new National Minimum Wage Act, 2024, to ensure that no worker grade level is disadvantaged. Immediate implementation of the new minimum wage was also called for.

Additionally, the communiqué urged State Governments to take measures to prevent wastage and leakage in government spending to facilitate the implementation of the new minimum wage, noting that they have been receiving increased funds from the Federal Account Allocation Committee since the removal of the fuel subsidy in May 2023.

Delivering his acceptance speech, the new National President of ASCSN, Comrade Shehu Muhammed, said; "I want to assure you that as your President alongside my colleagues in the CWC, we shall remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing the mandates of our great Association especially in the area of addressing the most critical and numerous challenges that threaten the fabrics that unite, promote and protect our common well-being as public servants and members of our association.

"As your President, the full implementation of the new national minimum wage and its consequential adjustments at both the federal and the 36 states of the Federation would be our immediate priority in collaboration with the leadership of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC). 

"While I shall continue to advocate for strong and unwavering commitment to the unity and solidarity of members of the association"

By Emmanuel Obisue

Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff, CNS, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla has labelled Nigerians as “gullible”, and has alleged that they are being sponsored to protest against the current administration by “subversive” individuals who are rich and highly influential.

Ogalla made this condescending remarks against Nigerians on Tuesday in Abuja while speaking at a joint press briefing by Service Chiefs and Heads of other security agencies on national security, at the Nigerian Defence Headquarters, DHQ. Read more: https://defencenewsng.com/amidst-hunger-protest-naval-chief-labels-nigerians-gullible/

The National Security Council, NSC, rose from a meeting on Monday with a warning that it will not accept any push for change of government in the country.

The meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja, was called amid nationwide protests over the ravaging hunger and poor state of the economy occasioned by government policies. Read more in https://defencenewsng.com/hunger-protests-we-wont-allow-push-for-change-of-govt-security-council/

...Move sparks outrage as CSO says directives illegal, unenforceable, and threat to democracy

By Augustine Aminu

The directives of the leadership of the House of Representatives to muzzle lawmakers from speaking on matters concerning the legislative house have sparked outrage in the public.

The Speaker Tajudeen Abbas-led House of Representatives in a statement signed by the House Spokesperson, Hon. Akin Rotimi on Monday restricted members of the House from forming or belonging to any WhatsApp group except authorised by Speaker, the Speaker also banned formation of any political association by Members of the House of Reps including speaking out publicly on National Issues and ordered that only his appointed Spokesperson will be speaking.

But in a swift reaction, a Civil Society Organisation (CSO) Center for free speech and public commentary in a statement issued by its coordinator Israel priye said the House leadership directives were illegal and unenforceable, especially in a democracy.

In the statement issued in Abuja, the Cordinator said the decision of the House was a draconian move thwart the freedom of expression and information, which are laws made by the National Assembly.

According to the group, the directives of the House leadership was also an attempt to censor independent minded lawmakers from speaking to the media on the activities of the parliament that were at variance with public interests.

"The nation is awaken today to the directives from the leadership of the House of Representatives under the Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas that members should henceforth cease to speak for the House and concentrated dissemination of parliamentary information to the designated spokespersons and leadership.

"The directives conveyed by Hon. Akin Rotimi, House Spokesman reads in parts: To maintain the integrity of parliamentary communication, only channels authorised and sanctioned by the House are to be used for any official communication.

"Unauthorised media engagements by Members are considered unparliamentary and
unethical. Speaking on behalf of the House is reserved exclusively for the House Spokesperson, Deputy, and Leadership. Recognized caucuses may only address
matters related to their specific geo-political zones.

"Parliamentary rules restrict members from addressing the media on official matters to ensure public communications reflect the House's collective position. Therefore, individual members must refrain from making statements to the media that could be misconstrued as representing the House's official stance, ensuring only authorised communications are disseminated.

"All members are strictly advised to adhere to the House Rules concerning communication with the media. Representing individual opinions as the official positions of the House is considered a breach of privilege and will be referred to the Ethics and Privileges Committee for appropriate sanctions."


"We view this as draconian and undemocratic as well as unconstitutional because this is akin to gaging lawmakers from speaking on an institution which they have the mandate of their constituents to b part


"Democracy thrive of freedom of expression and information and these are guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution and Acts of parliament so the decision of the Abbas-led House is not only illegal but unenforceable.


"Such restriction is also harmful for accountability which the media and CSOs demands from lawmakers on behalf of the people and in an event where the House Spokespersons and leaders are not reached or willing to talk, the electorate will be shut out.


"The directives are equally ill-timed coming at the period Nigerians are out there protesting against lawmakers without any concrete steps from the House leadership except rhetorics, but its preoccupation is to gag members."

https://newsdeskng.com/2024/08/05/reps-leadership-bars-lawmakers-from-speaking-out/

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, earlier scheduled for Monday afternoon, has been postponed.

Ministers who had arrived for the meeting were seen departing the Council Chambers at the Presidential Villa venue at about noon.

The rescheduling is believed to be connected to a security meeting currently underway at the Presidential Villa, chaired by President Bola Tinubu.

The meeting comes after President Tinubu's nationwide broadcast on Sunday, urging protesters to suspend their action and come forward for dialogue.
https://defencenewsng.com/tinubu-postpones-fec-meeting-summons-security-chiefs-to-aso-rock/

A media group, Volunteer Media Advocacy for Accountable Leadership has described the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio as a disappointment to democracy and the upper chamber of the National Assembly.

National Secretary of the group, David Enemali said Akpabio seems not to be ready for the position he currently occupies.

Enemali said Akpabio, having been a one time Governor, a minister and now the Senate President should know that he is not a small boy that in the past three weeks should be in the media for the wrong reasons.

"How can the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio be telling Nigerians “We’ll Be Eating; Protesters Can Go Protest,” this clearly shows that Akpabio is not in anyway interested in what Nigerians are passing through".

"This statement, aside from being very unfortunate is also irresponsible. It shows the Senate President is detached from the reality the people he represents face on daily basis. It is unfortunate that under Akpabio's leadership, the Senate chamber is becoming a circus.

"It is no wonder, amidst the economic hardship experienced by Nigerians, Akpabio was so insensitive to host a lavish 61st birthday party at a 30,000-seat stadium where senior members of the political class flew in private jets and chartered aircraft to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

"Nigerians have also not forgotten how he made infamous remarks of sending prayers to the emails of senators and approving the purchase of luxurious cars for senators amidst the economic challenges in the country."

Enemali recalled that only a few days back, the Senate President was in the news for the wrong reason after his insensitive remark to senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan which was derogatory to women.

https://newsdeskng.com/2024/08/03/well-be-eating-group-slams-senate-president-godswill-akpabio-over-insensitive-reckless-comments/

Ahead of the August 1 planned nationwide protest tagged #End bad governance, the South South Zonal Organising Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Dr. Blessing Agbomhere has appealed to Nigerians, especially the youth, to jettison the idea of a protest, adding that it would create more problems than it is meant to solve.

In a press statement which he released in Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital on Monday, Agbomhere stated that a protest coming a year into the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would be the greatest Injustice to a political office holder who has a four year mandate to deliver on his promise of renewed hope to Nigerians in an already battered economy.

"When a seed is planted, it has to die first before it germinates, grows, and bears fruit for Harvest. The planting season is the most hectic time in the life of a farmer because that is the season he has to put the seed in the ground in expectation of a bumper harvest ahead. This is exactly the situation in the country with the current administration, which is toiling day and night to ensure that it provides a better life for all Nigerians.

"Bringing economic prosperity to Nigeria is never going to be an easy task and that is why it is necessary to give President Tinubu more time, seeing that some of the complaints raised for the protest such as galloping inflation and high fuel price are global phenomena that are not peculiar to Nigeria alone" Agbomhere said.

The former governorship aspirant in Edo state also harped on the need for Nigerians to hold their state governors accountable especially those from the Niger Delta region, insisting that the penchant to always lay the blame of maladministration on the government at the centre is like an Ostrich burying it's head in the sand in a bid to hide from danger.

Agbomhere also advised all political office holders from the Niger Delta region such as the Ministers, Lawmakers, Heads of Boards and parastatals to live above board while discharging their duties, as President Tinubu cannot be everywhere at the same time monitoring the affairs of governance; "I'd like to make it clear that we know all those that are instigating this talk of protest, they are individuals who lost elections in the past and rather than waiting for the next election cycle, are going ahead with this devilish attempt at bringing down a democratically elected government. Hopefully, in due time, we will expose all of them.

Agbomhere said; "those threatening to burn down Nigeria shall not succeed. We will not allow them to burn down our beloved nation, no one group has a monopoly of violence. At this juncture, I want to make a passionate appeal to Alhaji Aliko Dangote to desist from his recent attacks on the government of President Bola Tinubu. It is a known fact that Nigeria has been fair to Dangote, Nigeria has helped him and he has profited from Nigeria, even at the detriment of other manufacturers, entrepreneurs and the Nigerian buying and consuming public. He must therefore stop forthwith from inciting Nigerians against the Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration, now.

"Going forward, I want to once again warn the Executive Vice President, Upstream of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan that her attempt to rubbish the government of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu through the sponsorship and incitement of opposition parties against the government under which she is serving just because she wants to replace Mele Kolo Kyari, the current Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPCL is being keenly observed and we assure her that we have taken note and would be applying the necessary sanction soon. The ruling APC can no longer accommodate saboteurs in its government at this time of unprecedented public scrutiny, " Agbomhere concluded.



Dr. Blessing Agbomhere
South South Zonal Organising Secretary
All Progressives Congress (APC)
29/07/24

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

If not for the good and protection of the unsuspecting members of the public who may be hoodwinked into believing the series of invidious hogwash deliberately written against my principal, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu in the media recently, I wouldn't have batted an eyelid for a rebuttal because the purveyors would certainly feel dignified with a response.

For starters, I had taken a position earlier to ignore those claptraps as they didn't speak to any significant issue of social or economic importance or development which has been the drive in our political trajectory. But consequent upon the delugeness of the onslaughts and the need to correct the wrong narratives, I am persuaded to change my position.

Besides, I have been inundated with calls from various quarters of the society for my reactions and, naturally, when calls reach a crescendo, showing sufficient predilection for a response, anyone would be compelled to budge. And this is it.

First. It was an opinionated piece title "Kalu’s Quest To Promote Regional Agenda As House Deputy Speaker" authored by one Dayo Akinwale published in Thisday Newspaper on July 1, 2024 wherein he spewed unprovoked hate and animosity, painting the Deputy Speaker with an ethnic brush.

The second piece ensued from one Mbaukwu Ihedigbo. Apparently coming from a known background, the minion, understandably an e-rat, propelled by his affinity with the powers-that-be in Abia State, danced naked on Facebook through a piece titled "The Urgent Need to Halt Hon. Ben Kalu’s Political Maneuvering and Why Governor Alex Otti Should Be Vigilant".

Yet, on a dramatic dimension and in quick succession, one Adebiyi Omotosho Dan collated the publications in his article titled "Local Boy Gone Bananas: Kalu’s Descent into Controversies" published on Opera news on July 12, 2024.

What a tittle-tattle from a bunch of delusional ignoramuses who obviously deserve our collective pity.

To my chargrin, Dayo struck the cord of infantilism when he fathomed and justified his diatribe with Kalu's consistent efforts to advance the cause of Ndi Igbo and catalyze the development of the eastern region.

Worst of it all is that a reputable national newspaper like ThisDay tolerated Dayo's unabashed indiscretion when he submitted that Kalu's advocacy on the release of the IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was a sin.

One would have thought that Dayo who is understood to be a parliamentary reporter, covering the proceedings of the House of Representatives would have picked up a better faultline like incompetence and tell the world that Kalu was not fit for the job but no, he took the unsavory route, plunging himself into pettiness and rabble rousing in abject ignorance and crass idiosy, displaying his tremendous hatred for Kalu.

He did not punctuate on the self embrassing, delusional punchline afterwards but elatedly ethnicized the piece, thereby casting a slur on the sanctity of journalism profession. For anyone who knows his onions in the noble profession of journalism, truth, substance, accuracy and objectivity are the cannons as well as the golden rules. Put succinctly, they are the hallmarks of journalism, anywhere. But Dayo chose to dance naked on the pages of the newspaper with some celebratory air, unabashedly.

But it is gratifying to read him eulogize the legislative acumen, the oratory prowess and adept intellectual sagacity that define the political persona of Kalu. Even Kalu's political opponents will agree that those are the distinct features that have made him a deputy speaker extraordinaire.

Read Dayo: "No one ever doubts the competence and capacity of the Deputy Speaker, even his political adversaries doff hat for him. Despite being a second term legislator in the House, he is well grounded in the legislative processes. The Bende-born lawmaker is also a delight to watch whenever he presides over the plenary. He’s a beauty to watch".

Yes, Kalu may not be your regular politician but he's surely your passionate leader that is promoting patriotism and and typifying nationalism, not ethnicism or parochialism. Kalu's passion for the oneness of Nigeria is covert and unassailable. In his legislative duties and responsibilities, he has equally shown remarkable zeal and zest. No ethnic jingoist or tribal enthusiast would embark on a sprawled advocacy to relaunch his region into the mainstream politics for national cohesion and integration. No ethnic bigot would wear Nigeria and the embroidery of diversity. No tribal activist would spread appointments to accommodate the heterogeneity of Nigeria. But that is Kalu in his pure Nigerianness. He did it. Kalu would rather be championing secession and similar preachments with his position if he was pursuing a regional agenda. Far from it. The deputy speaker is a nationalist. A pan-Nigerian and this is exemplified by the preponderance of his engagements across the federation.

And then, you ask, what is wrong in appealing to the authorities for the release of his kinsman who has been in the gulags for years? You also ask, what is wrong in Kalu preaching peace and amplifying the message of love amongst Nigerians? You also ask, what is wrong in Kalu calling and galvanizing his people to support the party in power? You ask again, what is wrong in Kalu inviting Nigeria to his native town of Bende in Abia State during the unveiling of his pet project, Peace In South East (PISE-P) to declare the restoration of peace and treat his august visitors to the hospitality of Ndigbo? And what is wrong in the appeals for non kinetics as a measure to quelling youth restiveness and addressing insecurity and the concomitant sociological effects and disparities?

This must be Kalu's array of misdemeanours that elicited anger in Dayo and his co-travellers and catapulted them to the path of infamy and perfidy. Dayo's journey to the wide plains can only find summary in one word: Ignorance of the ethos of his journalistic calling. And this suffices.

Equally, the lackey from Abia, my home State went suicidal in his wailing and wilful attempt to create a deceitful social media narrative that Kalu was plotting to take over the government house by 2027.

Referring him as an agent provocateur may be appropriate just to describe his clomping around, struggling to be noticed, at least for his nuisance value. This is why I was reluctant, ab initio, to rebut.

Ihedigbo's headache is that Abians and indeed, Nigerians have fallen in love with Kalu's legislative prowess and technical competences. His worry is that individuals across the State have decided to group themselves in solidarity to his growing political profile and influences. So, for him, this is all about 2027 elections and for that, Kalu should be checked and stopped before he outwits and outflanks Governor Otti from the government house.

Of course, this alarm may be a sundry display of youthful exuberance but, for me, it is of cataclysmic impudence. Anyone who is very familiar with Kalu's style of politics will attest to the fact that he has never been inebriated by the strength of the federal politics. He might be an opposition in Abia from Abuja but it is not in his totems to distance himself from issues that will contribute to the growth and development of his home State. Recall that he always attended important meetings of State during the administration of Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu who was PDP. In the present regime, Kalu I'd also giving his unflinching support to Governor Otti. So, to have one street urchin line up some combustibles, ostensibly to injure the wall of relationship and destroy the affinity that exists between Otti and Kalu is to play the Devil's advocate. And people like him should be kept far from the corridors of powers with serious alacrity as a way of containing their toxins.

For purposes of recapitulation, Kalu has a job in Abuja that he is passionately and diligently discharging. He is not talking politics. He's talking governance and that is his lot for now.

It is needless to tell these mischief makers and alarmists that while they were basking in the euphoria of their unbridled, ignoble and ludicrous fantasy of gossips, Kalu was busy with state matters, engaging with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja, presiding over the plenary sessions, chairing the meetings of the Constitutional Review Committee in Lagos and attending the south east stakeholders meeting of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State for the good of the country.

Now enter the Omotosho Dan guy from Opera news. For a better understanding of his role, call him a middlesome interloper. His swift chronological compilation of the publications and their torrential timelines gave him up as a mercenary. He wears the toga of a man recording many slips of his enemy but I got news for him: Kalu's colleagues are pleased with him and he clearly understands that his position is a privileged one. The deputy speaker does not see himself as anybody's boss but a servant-leader unanimously called by his contemporaries to serve them.

Dan also needs to understand the age-long rules of the House and the constitutional provision that in the absence of the speaker, the deputy speaker presides. And it also suffices to inform that speaker Abbas has explicit confidence in Kalu to run the affairs of the House in his absence with the support of the members.

Incidentally, these haters and wailing wailers (apologies to Mr. Femi Adesina) completely forgot the place of divine grace in Kalu's geometric rise in politics.

Maybe, it will be right at this juncture to tell Dan that Hon. Cyril Hart did not stage a walk-out. You call it a walk-out when one leaves one's seat in the course of an argument. But in this case, Hon. Hart resumed his seat after baring his mind to the deputy speaker at the plenary. He remained there until the gavel went down on the issue at stake. It was after the motion had been referred to the appropriate committee of the House that he left his seat. This was the case and nothing more. Maybe, I should also tell Dan that, procedurally, a matter of personal explanation has its time and does not happen midway into the proceedings or be allowed to take the place of matter of privilege. But Kalu as the presiding officer was fair on his colleague to have allowed him to speak under personal explanation instead of privilege at the time. Maybe, I should also go a step further to tell Dan that the lawmaker has since apologized and reconciled with Kalu as revealed by the deputy speaker at the plenary on Thursday last week. Maybe, I should also tell the writer that when a member at the plenary that same day demanded an unreserved apology from Hart for his conduct that painted all the first timers with the same brush, Kalu pleaded with him to allow the sleeping dog lie. That is the application of emotional intelligence. That is leadership.

Of course, he doesn't see himself as a demi god or a man on infallibilities. No. Kalu is human and therefore not immune from flaws and frailties. He also needs the support of his immediate colleagues, all and sundry to succeed. Success is what should matter to us all and not this orchestrated plan to pull him down.

As the days go by, watch him deliver on his mandate in another appreciable dimension.


Nwabughiogu is the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu.

The Nigeria Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has been commended for its efforts in securing the country's mining sector, a vital component of Nigeria's economy.

Addressing journalists at the ongoing Civil Society Organizations annual conference in Lagos with over hundred CSOs in attendance, national Coordinator, Stand Up Nigeria Comrade Sunny Attah said it has observed that the Corps has been working tirelessly to curb the activities of illegal miners, who have been undermining the sector's potential and posing a threat to national security.

"The mining sector is a significant contributor to Nigeria's GDP, with minerals such as iron ore, coal, and limestone being extracted and exported. However, the sector has been plagued by illegal mining activities, which have resulted in revenue losses and environmental degradation," Attah said.

He, however commended the NSCDC for scaling up operations which have dislodged many illegal miners thereby promoting economic growth in Nigeria.

He disclosed that "We have seen how the Corps has deployed personnel to mining sites across the country, where they have been conducting surveillance and arresting illegal miners."

According to the Attah over 100 illegal miners have been arrested in the past month alone, and several illegal mining sites have been shut down.


"The NSCDC has been doing a fantastic job in securing the mining sector," he said.

He said the efforts of the NSCDC are in line with the vision of the President Tinubu administration to diversify the economy and promote economic growth.

"The NSCDC is playing a critical role in securing the mining sector, which is a key component of our economic diversification strategy," Attah said

He added that "We will continue to support the Corps in its efforts to tackle illegal mining and promote a safe and secure environment for mining operations."

The CSO also emphasized the activities of the NSCDC Intelligence Squad which he said has been at the forefront of the fight against oil theft in Nigeria, adding that their efforts have significantly reduced the activities of oil thieves in the country.

He said various successful operations by the Corps Intelligence Squad have resulted in the discovery and subsequent shut down of illegal oil bunkering sites in the Niger Delta region.

He said, "The Squad has been working tirelessly to gather intelligence and conduct operations to disrupt the activities of oil thieves, who have been causing significant economic losses to the country."

He called for more support for the NSCDC and its leadership

... EFCC Chairman should tell Nigerians why he wants Bello to follow the back door to see him?

PRESS STATEMENT


Since the establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, ( EFCC) in 2002, its activities have elicited both support and suspicion in the fight to tackle graft cases in Nigeria. Patriotic citizens from all walks of life have consistently stood by the EFCC in the difficult mandate given to it through an Act of the National Assembly.

Going through the recent press statement issued by the EFCC in which it has accused an imaginary named former Governor and two ex- ministers of spearheading a planned protest against the Commission is not only baseless, absurd but also cowardly. The story credited to the EFCC giving credence to some faceless 259 civil society organisations under the aegis of nonexistent Coalition for Transparency is a disgrace carried too far in the anti- graft war in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

With the story credited to the EFCC, one would think that the Commission was deliberately fashioned for lies, gross mischief and drain pipe purpose - a channel of deception and castration of Nigeria's puberty. From all indications, the groups being celebrated by the EFCC are either the creation of the Commission or the agency cash and carry, non existent nor unregistered NGOs/ CSOs arrangement and hatchet jobbers with them on retainership basis. Not long ago, one of such beneficiaries wrote a petition to the National Judicial Council,( NJC) against a Judge handling the case between the EFCC and a former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello. Sadly, the author of the said petition to the NJC was once arrested and charged to court by the Nigeria Police for mischief, falsehood and frivolous claims against a former Attorney-General of the Federation. What a shame and a coincidence for the EFCC- to be hobnobbing with such a disgruntled and malicious character parading himself as an activist.Has the EFCC forgotten the ethos of crime101 of profiling and carrying out due diligence of any of its friends before association?

Rather than remain a vile witness of dishonour, false alarms, arbitrariness and politicization of the anti- graft war, we must posit that the era of fighting the anti-corruption war with disobedience to court orders, selective prosecution, intimidation, gestapo like arrests, defamation of character and blackmail are gone forever with the wind. The Commission should rather concentrate its energy on the investigation of N23 billion Kano- Maiduguri abandoned rail line contract, the CCTV contract scam awarded for Lagos and Abuja worth over USD100 million, monies in billions spent by NDDC, the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry's mind boggling "N729 billion" fraud, among others and also during the COVID-19 lock down.
Consequently, they also have an obligation to identify the Nigerian government officials that have been collecting bribes and perpetuating money laundering through Bitcoins platforms since 2016. But they all left these serious state matters in the coolers to go after a political assumed enemy and a juggernaut who has become a rallying point for the youths in Nigeria and a formidable ally of Mr President. These are all in a bid, to please their monstrous paymasters and retain the office of the Chairman of the EFCC. How long will Olukayode be using unethical methods and gestapo like arrests and movements to persecute and hound Yahaya Bello in order to please his self-serving ambition and cohorts?

Nigeria is a country founded on constitutional democracy, anchored on the rule of law and due process. Therefore, we challenge the EFCC to disclose the identity of the ex-Governor and two former ministers spearheading the concocted protest against the EFCC, including the venue and time where the meeting took place. They must furnish Nigerians with details of attendance list of the meeting and the money earmarked for the imaginary and phantom protest as alleged! How can the Commission stoop so low to embark on the dissemination of such hearsay, falsehood, orchestrated plots, red imaginary shadows, misrepresentation and innuendos without due process and the rule of law? The EFCC has become the accuser, prosecutor and judge in its own case. What a misnomer?

We must state categorically, to those who are either ignorant of the law establishing the agency or trying to display some affinity with the arrogance of the EFCC to note the motive behind the creation of the Commission wasn't meant for the abuse of prosecutorial powers or usurp political authority. This presupposes that the Commission and its agents must act in accordance with the constitution and civil conduct in the discharge of their duties in consonance with the rule of law and civility in all its obligations to the citizenry, but the reverse is now the case under the present leadership.

We wish to ask the EFCC some salient questions relevant to the handling of their case against Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello. Why are they shopping for a pliable Judge to handle their persecution of Bello? Contrary to the standing operational procedure? Why did the Chairman place a call directly to Bello and wants him to follow the back door if there is no hidden agenda? What was the motive behind the Chairman's placement of direct call to Bello? Why was he interested in ushering him via the Chairman's special entrance gate and exclusive door? A back door arrangement that Bello rejected outright till date, has become his being hounded regrettably!

This brings us to the shadow boxing placement of Bello on the watch list of Interpol. The apt description of the action of the EFCC in this regard can be described as ultravires, premeditated, teleguided and an agenda for settling scores, having an axe to grind.

It is a big shame, ridiculous and embarrassing for obvious reasons, the EFCC is granting interviews and issuing statements in a clearer attempt to ambush and preempt judicial officers handling their case against Bello who are already in various courts of competent jurisdiction. What a shameless act by the agency!

The EFCC must desist from further overheating the polity, from undemocratic and unconstitutional practices in the handling of this case and others. The era of plotting shenanigans and suffocating excuses in the fight against graft is over. Therefore, all cases before the courts must be allowed to be exhausted in full and the outcome decided. The anti-graft body must not be seen to probate and reprobate in a desperate bid to crucify any accused persons under investigation or prosecution under its watch. Actions of resorting to self help, amounts to prejudicial and subjudicial, that are entrenchently intolerable in terms of both legal and moral compliance.

Only an institution that has abandoned its core mandate would embark on a proxy war, name calling and grandstanding. Blaming white witches and village people for their incompetence, lack of due diligence and unprofessional conduct. Wasting tax payers' monies on wild goose chase that would lead Nigerians to no where, except the land of voodoo warriors insinuating about planned and sponsored protest against the EFCC.

For the umpteenth time, let us state that the placement of Bello on the watch list which is already before the court is mischievous, self serving, arbitrary obnoxious and devoid of fairness.
It is on this ground that we are urging the Chairman of the EFCC to resign from office forthwith, due to his inability to discharge his mandate without fear, favour and biases.

Let us make it abundantly clear, that natural justice is anchored in the will of Almighty God taught to mankind. The EFCC should always act with fear of God devoid of sentiments and preferential treatment of requesting suspects to see the Chief Prosecutor through his special backdoor. Nigerians are still waiting for explanation on other high suspects granted such merited or unmerited favours. The criteria used for the selection process and the fate of those who accepted and others who rejected such private gestures! The Nigerian people are interested in the overall outcome of what transpired during both day and night visits through the Chairman's exclusive door!

Finally, the desperate agenda to crucify Bello amounts to giving a dog a bad name in order to hang it. The constant review of human regulations and laws is evidence of civility, as Edmund Burke aptly captures it plainly when he said "Bad laws are worst sort of tyranny". The EFCC has goofed once again and should explain to Nigerians the extant rule of the exclusive backdoor passage which Yahaya Bello declined and rejected.
We therefore call on the International Community, Donor Agencies and Partners to dispassionately read in between the lines in terms of the backdoor arrangement/exclusivity offered by the Chairman of EFCC to Bello and the glaring double - standards and inconsistencies in the handling of the anti-graft war as it relates to politically exposed persons in Nigeria!
With the above, the Chairman of EFCC has no moral right to stay a day longer in office as the Chairman of the agency!

Signed:

Comrade Musa Abdullahi
Secretary General, Movement for the Protection of People's Rights(MPPR)

Comrade Abiola Adegbite
Dir, Media & Publicity,(MPPR).
12th July, 2024.

To forge strategic partnerships and collaboration for the advancement of Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda; accelerate collective prosperity through technical efficiency with the aim to stimulate the effective implementation of Nigeria’s renewed hope digital economy agenda; And Nigeria’s digital journey at the forefront of this unprecedented growth is the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and one of its key strengths lies in its collaborative approach and partnerships with major industry stakeholders, technological hubs, educational institutions building a robust digital ecosystem through strategic partnerships.

The Agency lead strategist and Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi has reiterated the need for safe and inclusive online environment responsible for human and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its practices in the country.

While playing host to TikTok lately, which aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s priority area of strengthening national security for peace and prosperity; the Director-General stated that content moderation strategies will help in addressing online problems like hate speech, misinformation and cyberbullying in relation to the protection of minors across the country.

He stated that “With the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries in place, it will ensure digital safety in accordance with global best practices and content moderation to enhance safety.”

A press release signed in Enugu by the Executive Secretary, Citizens Watch Advocacy Initiative (CWAI), Omoba Kenneth Aigbegbele, emphasizes that NITDA’s partnerships span across various sectors and this multifaceted approach ensures a comprehensive strategy for digital literacy and innovation.

Among the critical area of focus are training programmes in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Coding, Cybersecurity, and basic digital literacy. These initiatives are not just about imparting knowledge, they are also about equipping Nigerians also with skills necessary to thrive in a digital economy.

NITDA’s involvement in developing guidelines for AI and data protection, which are crucial as the world increasingly relies on data-driven decision making. These regulations not only protect users, but also provide a clear framework for companies to innovate confidently. The statement also captures the need that these targets and plans are needed to stimulate timelines and achieve targets crucial for Nigeria to develop a digital system that is efficient, modern economies that enhance business operations, smart public services and job creation for the teeming youths of the country.

CWAI believes that NITDA is pushing and leveraging the narratives of Africa to the world where creators are being equipped with information that are centred on creating contents for products and services, and thus can be exported to other countries, attracting investments and also providing the opportunities where Nigerians can use AI, cybersecurity and online platforms to market, sell and export their services as well as talents to the outside world and also making a living from it.

CWAI considers online safety as one critical area to secure the cyberspace by providing an avenue for users to thrive and be productive in their various activities as CWAI revealed that NITDA is one of its biggest and critical stakeholder in Nigeria that has an outstanding strides and performance in advancing the digital economy sector by partnering with both government and private sector leaders to develop sustainable, secure, safe and inclusive communities powered by ethical and innovative technology solutions.

The Director-General of NITDA has reiterated and emphasized optimally that “What we want to do is to make sure that we leverage technology to bring the right level of economic opportunity to Nigeria that will contribute towards economic growth and job creation.”

NITDA is birthing a new generation of highly skilled talented Nigerians as Tech hubs across the country are buzzing with activity, where participants are immersed in learning experiences that cover the latest advancement in technology, the educational institutions and the Federal Ministry of Education are critical to these endeavours to integrate these programmes into their curricular to produce graduates that are ready to meet the demands of the digital age.

CWAI also reiterates that beyond the educational sector and training, NITDA’s role includes the co-creation of policies that create a conducive environment for tech startups and established companies alike by setting standards and regulations to ensure that innovation flourishes while maintaining the integrity and security of the digital infrastructure.

The lead strategist of NITDA believes that “Nigeria is poised to surpass India in technological exploits, highlighting the nation’s potential to become a leading power house in the tech ecosystem.”

He added that, “With our youthful population, growing innovation hubs and supportive government policies, Nigeria is on the brink of a tech revolution,” stressing that, “We have a potential to outpace countries like India if we leverage our resources effectively.”

Accordingly, Nigeria boasts of a population of over 200 million, with more than 60 per cent under the age of 25. This demographic advantage presents a fertile ground for tech innovations. Young Nigerians are increasingly showing prowess in various domains from software development to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Fintech.

CWAI agrees that Nigerian youths are not just consumers of technology but creators and innovators. As the D-G aptly captures it, “We are witnessing a surge in tech startups, many of which are developing solutions tailored to local challenges with global scalability.” He added that, “This burgeoning talent pool is evident in the success of Nigerian tech entrepreneurs and developers who are gaining recognition on the international stage.”

As regards government’s support and policy framework, NITDA has been proactive in creating a conducive environment for tech growth. Initiatives such as the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) and the Start-up Act aim at driving digital transformation and support to start-up ecosystem: “Government policies are increasingly geared towards reducing barriers for tech entrepreneurs; that government is focusing on improving digital infrastructure, providing fiscal incentives and enhancing digital literacy across the country.” He added that these efforts are designed to make Nigeria an attractive destination for tech investment and promotion.”

CWAI states categorically that the future is bright and secure with NITDA’s pivotal role in the digital space, but the enormous challenges remain; issues such as unreliable power supply, Internet connectivity and regulations bottlenecks need to be addressed to fully realize and optimize the country’s tech potential. The Agency is committed to fostering an environment where innovation thrives, ultimately positioning Nigeria as a global tech leader.

Nevertheless, the Director-General of NITDA, stated that “no organization or institution can operate in silos. We need each other for the actualization of our goals and objectives towards service delivery and an advancement of the country through Digital Literacy 4All, (DL4ALL), capacity building, knowledge sharing, trainings, curbing misinformation, digital safety with the aim of creating a safer cyber space and empowering online environment for the Nigerian users,” Drumming home that with the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries in place, it allows for creative expression through filters, stickers and editing tools, entertainment and comedy are dominant themes and informational videos on various topics are gaining traction which has become a launch pad for influencers and trends that can go viral.

Engr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi concluded the statement that with NITDA’s Strategic and Action Plan 2.0 (SRAP 2024-2027) that is structured around eight pillars which include: Fostering Digital Literacy and Cultivating Talents, Building a Robust Technology Research Ecosystem, Strengthening Policy Implementation and Legal Frameworks, Promoting Inclusive Access to Digital Infrastructure and Services, Enhancing Cybersecurity and Digital Trust Nurturing and Innovative and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, Forging Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations and Cultivating a Vibrant Organizational Culture with an Agile Workforce.

With the foregoing, the Director-General maintained that the “future is indeed in our hands and we need to work assiduously with our various partners to achieve our collective goals and mission.”

Therefore, CWAI commends NITDA for its various initiatives, ideas, programmes and policies put in place and align with other industry stakeholders of NITDA’s giant strides and transformative role in providing opportunities where Nigerians use the various platforms available to market, engage, sell and export their products and services as well as talents to the outside world.

CWAI endorses the performance indices of the management of NITDA for always being ahead of its peers and thinking outside the box, thereby making Nigerians globally competitive in the market place and driving the African dream as well as putting policies in place and a convivial environment for standardization and technological growth.