₦airaland Forum

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria on Monday urged the Federal Government to cancel the planned five per cent tax on petroleum products.

The Labour Centre, in a press statement issued in Lagos said it outrightly rejects the Federal Government’s planned 5% tax on petroleum products, describing the proposal as an act of economic wickedness against already overburdened Nigerians.

The Federal Government introduced a five per cent surcharge on petrol and diesel sales, a measure that has sparked debate among citizens, businesses, and policy analysts.

The levy is part of the newly signed Nigeria Tax Administration Act, one of four tax reform bills signed into law by President Bola Tinubu on June 26, 2025.

The regulation requires that the surcharge be applied to every supply or sale of refined fossil fuel products in Nigeria, whether locally produced or imported, with the money collected at the point of sale. Cleaner fuels such as renewables, household kerosene, cooking gas and compressed natural gas are exempt.

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria, said the law, if enforced could cause its members to close businesses.

Stakeholders in the extractive sector such as Extractive360 who opposed the plan to impose a 5% tax on petroleum products beginning from January 1, 2026, said that the move will further increase the pump price of petrol which most Nigerians depend on for transport and energy.

They noted that with the average national pump price of petrol at N950 per litre, about 382 per cent from N197 per litre when President Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023, Nigerians will be impoverished further.

Speaking in the statement, TUC’s national president, Festus Osifo, and its Secretary General, Nuhu Toro noted that Nigerian workers currently undergoing pains from the removal of fuel subsidy will not be subjected to further “pains” to be inflicted by the new tax rule.

“Let it be clear: workers and citizens are still reeling from the pains of subsidy removal, skyrocketing fuel prices, food inflation, and a collapsing naira.

“To now introduce another levy on petroleum products is to deliberately compound suffering, cripple businesses, and push millions of citizens deeper into poverty.

“Government cannot continue to use Nigerians as sacrificial lambs for its economic experiments. Instead of offering relief, jobs, and solutions, it has chosen to further squeeze citizens dry. This is unacceptable!

“The TUC hereby urge the Federal Government to immediately stop this anti-people’s plan in its entirety. Failure to do so will leave us with no option but to mobilise Nigerian workers and the masses for a total nationwide resistance. Strike action is firmly on the table if the government dares to ignore this warning and go ahead to implement this policy.

“Accordingly, the TUC directs all its state councils, affiliates, and structures nationwide to remain vigilant, watchful and wait for further communication that may culminate in a decisive action should government dare to further ignore the collective will of the people.

“We also call on our allies, civil society organisations, professional bodies, student unions, market associations, faith leaders, and all patriotic Nigerians to stand in solidarity with us in this struggle.

“Together, we must resist policies that seek to further impoverish citizens and mortgage our future.

“Enough is enough. Nigerians deserve economic justice, not endless punishment.”

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has raised alarm over Nigeria’s rising debt profile, warning that it has crossed the country’s statutory threshold and now threatens fiscal sustainability.

Speaking on Monday at the opening of the 11th Annual Conference and General Assembly of the West Africa Association of Public Accounts Committees (WAAPAC) at the National Assembly, Abuja, Abbas said Nigeria’s debt had reached “a critical point” and called for urgent reforms in borrowing practices and oversight.

“As at the first quarter of 2025, Nigeria’s total public debt stood at N149.39 trillion, equivalent to about US$97 billion. This represents a sharp rise from N121.7 trillion the previous year, underscoring how quickly the burden has grown. Even more concerning is the debt-to-GDP ratio, which now stands at roughly 52 percent, well above the statutory ceiling of 40 percent set by our own laws.”

He described the breach of the debt limit as “a signal of strain on fiscal sustainability,” stressing the need for “stronger oversight, transparent borrowing practices, and a collective resolve to ensure that tangible economic and social returns match every naira borrowed.”

Abbas warned that across Africa, several countries are in dangerous debt-to-GDP territories, with governments spending more on servicing loans than on healthcare and essential services.

“This is not just a budgetary concern, but a structural crisis that demands urgent parliamentary attention and coordinated reform,” he said.

To address the growing fiscal risks, Abbas announced that Nigeria is ready to champion the establishment of a West African Parliamentary Debt Oversight Framework under WAAPAC.

The framework, he explained, will harmonise debt reporting across the sub-region, set transparency standards, and empower parliaments with timely data to scrutinise borrowing practices.

He also disclosed plans for a regional capacity-building programme for Public Accounts and Finance Committees, equipping members with modern tools for debt sustainability analysis and fiscal risk assessment.

Abbas, while warning against reckless debt, said borrowing should be for the purpose of bridging critical infrastructural gaps.

“Borrowing should support infrastructure, health, education, and industries that create jobs and reduce poverty. Reckless debt that fuels consumption or corruption must be exposed and rejected. Oversight is not just about figures, but about the lives and futures behind those figures,” he said.

The Speaker reiterated the 10th House’s commitment to accountability, saying that under its Open Parliament policy, major borrowing proposals would be subjected to public hearings, while simplified debt reports would be made available to citizens.

The conference, which brings together parliamentarians from across West Africa, development partners, and financial experts, is focusing on the theme: “Strengthening Parliamentary Oversight of Public Debt: The Role of Finance and Public Accounts Committees.”

Abbas urged participants to approach deliberations with dedication, noting that the resolutions of the gathering would help strengthen fiscal responsibility and accountability across the continent.

CORPSE FOUND AT CAR PARK NEAR NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

A yet to be identified male has been found dead in a car parked outside the Annex building Gate of the National Assembly, near the office of the secretary to the government of the Federation, SGF building.

The body according to a police report was found in a sleeping position at the back seat of a red Peugeot 406 with registration number BWR 577 BF.

The deceased according to the report is suspected to be a laborer at a construction site within the National Assembly.

Due to the advanced state of decomposition of the deceased, investigations are on for identification after evacuation to the mortuary.

FULL LIST: Multidimensional poverty across states — Sokoto, Bayelsa, Gombe lead

(9 in 10 Residents in Sokoto are poor)

1. Sokoto: 90.5%
2. Bayelsa: 88.5%
3. Gombe: 86.2%
4. Jigawa: 84.3%
5. Plateau: 84%
6. Yobe: 83.5%
7. Kebbi: 82.2%
8. Taraba: 79.4%
9. Ebonyi: 78%
10. Zamfara: 78%
11. Cross River: 75.4%
12. Benue: 75%
13. Bauchi: 73.9%
14. Kaduna: 73.9%
15. Katsina: 72.7%
16. Borno: 72.5%
17. Akwa Ibom: 71.3%
18. Niger: 69.1%
19. Adamawa: 68.7%
20. Ogun: 68.1%
21. Kano: 66.3%
22. Enugu: 63.1%
23. Rivers: 62.4%
24. Kogi: 61.3%
25. Nasarawa: 60.7%
26. Oyo: 48.7%
27. Kwara: 48.3%
28. FCT: 48.3%
29. Delta: 47.6%
30. Imo: 40.7%
31. Osun: 40.7%
32. Ekiti: 36%
33. Edo: 35.4%
34. Anambra: 32.1%
35. Abia: 29.8%
36. Lagos: 29.4%
37. Ondo: 27.2%

Note: Percentage of the population who are multidimensionally poor

<NMPI 2022>

#TheCableIndex

PRESS RELEASE

FG URGES NUPENG TO SHELVE PLANNED STRIKE OVER DISPUTE WITH DANGOTE GROUP

The Federal Government has appealed to the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to reconsider their stance on commencing a nationwide industrial action from Monday, September 8, 2025 over their dispute with the Dangote Group, bordering on the company’s policy against unionisation by its employees.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, who made the appeal today, also pleaded with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to withdraw the red alert it issued to its affiliate unions to be on standby for a nationwide strike in solidarity with the petroleum workers, who are protesting alleged anti-workers and anti-union agenda of the Dangote Group.

He said that since his Ministry has intervened in the matter, the unions should shelve their plan of shutting down the petroleum industry, with a view to maintaining peace in this highly critical sector of the Nigerian economy.

Dingyadi stated: “I have invited all the parties for a conciliation meeting tomorrow, Monday, September 8, 2025. Since I have intervened, I plead with NUPENG to rescind their decision to shut down the petroleum sector from tomorrow. I also appeal to the NLC to withdraw the red alert it issued to its affiliate unions to be on standby for a nationwide strike in solidarity with NUPENG.

“The petroleum sector is very important to this country. It constitutes the core of the country’s economy. A strike in the petroleum sector, even for just a day, will have an adverse consequential impact on the economy. It will not only lead to heavy revenue losses by the country, running into billions of Naira, but also cause untold hardship and difficulties for Nigerians.

“Hence, I plead with the unions to give peace a chance. I assure them that this matter will be resolved amicably to the satisfaction of all the parties involved.”

The Minister also assures Nigerians that the dispute will be resolved harmoniously to ensure that no disruption occurs in the petroleum sector, which is vital to the Nigerian economy.

Patience Onuobia
Head, Information and Public Relations
7 September 2025

LAGOS STATE POLICE COMMAND,DEPLOYED POLICE JOINT TEAMS TO ALIMOSHO LGA TO ENSURE PROTECTION OF LIFE AND PROPERTY AND PREVENTION OF BREAKDOWN OF LAW AND ORDER, THE COMMAND REAFFIRMS NEUTRALITY AND COMMITMENT TO PUBLIC PEACE AND SAFETY IN LAGOS STATE

(1)The Lagos State Police Command has distanced the Police personnel of the command from insinuations linking it to party politics and political issues in Lagos State.

(2) The allegations by a section of a Political Party of the Police Personnel supporting one Political Party against the other is completely false, misleading and a disservice to the Lagos State Police Command.

(3) The Command deployed joint Police teams of conventional Police,the tactical squads and anti riot Police units to patrol the entire area of ALIMOSHO LGA and other parts of Lagos State for Crime Prevention and Control and to nip in the bud any likely disturbance of Public peace and safety throughout the State. The deployment which started from the 4th September, 2025 throughout today and beyond is aimed to protect the citizenry, lives and property of the people of the affected area and remove the fear of crime from the minds of the people and these are clearly parts of the constitutional mandates of the NPF in the maintenance of law and order, protection of lives and property and ensuring public peace across the Lagos State.

(4) For the avoidance of doubt, the Command wishes to categorically state that, up till now there was no any complaint or report by any Political party or any individuals at any Police Station anywhere in ALIMOSHO LGA or any other Police formation throughout Lagos State regarding any attack or counter attack on any person or group of persons or on property throughout ALIMOSHO LGA or in any other location in Lagos State. The Police teams deployed out were very professional and polite, they provided adequate security and protection to all and were not partisan. At no time were Police officers from the Lagos State Police Command provided cover to any of the Political Party member(s) to attack members of the opposite Political Party as claimed in the report.

(5) The Police will continue to remain neutral, impartial and very professional, with no alignment to any political interest but strictly to its constitutional responsibilities of maintenance of law and order in the State.

(6) The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Olohundare Jimoh, who operates an open-door policy, urges political stakeholders and residents to channel genuine complaints to the Police rather than resorting to mischief and blackmail to mislead the public. He assures that all credible complaints will be promptly and fairly addressed.

(7) The Commissioner of Police further appeals to Lagosians to remain law-abiding and go about their duties and other responsibilities without fear or apprehension, as the entire State is peaceful, while reiterating the Command’s commitment to fairness, professionalism and integrity in the collective interest of public safety and security of the good people of Lagos state.

DSP BABASEYI B. OLUSEYI
DEPUTY POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
FOR: COMMISSIONER OF POLICE
LAGOS STATE COMMAND
IKEJA.

September 6, 2025.

As the November 16, 2025 National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) approaches, the governors elected on the party’s platform and the loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike are in fresh battle of wits for the positions of the National Chairman and the National Secretary of the main opposition party, THISDAY’s investigation has revealed.

THISDAY gathered that both the PDP governors and Wike’s camp are of the view that the next national chairman of the PDP should be a former governor, to command respect from party faithful.

However, following the failure of the Governor Douye Diri-led zoning committee of the party, which zoned the position of the national chairman to the North, to micro-zone it to any geopolitical zone, the governors may have settled for the former governor of Kano State, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, from the North-west.

On their part, Wike’s loyalists, who were formerly considering Hon. T.J. Yusuf from Kogi State as their candidate, are said to be rooting for the former governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, from the North-central.
Ortom was a former Benue State secretary of PDP, former deputy state chairman, and the National Auditor before he became a minister and Governor for eight years.

THISDAY gathered that Ortom’s national chairmanship ambition is the reason the Wike’s camp is insisting that the national chairman should be retained by the North-central, and rejected the micro-zoning of the office to Shekarau’s North-west. Investigation also revealed that the PDP governors and Wike’s group disagreed on the zoning of the office of the national secretary.

The three zonal chairmen of the party from the South have zoned the office of national secretary, which is currently in the South-east, to the South-west.
The party’s stakeholders are contending that since Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State could emerge as the presidential candidate of the party, it would be unfair to zone the office of the national secretary to the South-west.
Consequently, this position was swapped with the office of the deputy national chairman.

It was also for this same reason that the office of the national chairman was moved from the North-east, which is the zone of the outgoing national chairman, Ambassador Illya Damagum, due to the presumption that the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, who is from the same zone, could aspire to become Makinde’s running mate.
With these developments, the office of the National Chairman was zoned to the North-west, while the zoning of the National Secretary to the South-west was also being reviewed.

In a document sighted by THISDAY, the zoning arrangement was formalised in a memo dated September 1, 2025, and signed by the three National Vice Chairmen from the South – Dr. Ali Odefa (South-east), Ajisafe Kamorudeen (South-west), and Chief Emmanuel Ogidi (South-south).

In the document, the South-east was allocated the office of the National Financial Secretary (NFS), Deputy National Secretary (DNS), National Women’s Leader (NWL), and Deputy National Youth Leader (DNYL).

The South-west got the positions of the National Secretary (NS), National Auditor (NA), and Deputy National Organising Secretary (DNOS). Also, the South-south was allocated the positions of the Deputy National Chairman–South (DNC-S), National Publicity Secretary (NPS), Deputy National Treasurer (DNT), and the Deputy National Legal Adviser (DNLA).
But the outgoing National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, has kicked against the proposals by the three zonal chairmen.

He said he was unaware of the said zoning agreement in the South-east. Anyanwu, who is Wike’s close political ally, told THISDAY that one of the signatories to the said letter, Ali Odefa, is no longer a member of the party.

But reacting to Anyanwu’s claim, Odefa, who signed the letter as the South-east zonal chairman, also told THISDAY that he would not join those who decided to go so low.
THISDAY gathered that Anyanwu kicked against the move to zone the party’s national secretary to the South-west, arguing that it could effectively tilt the balance of power in the party’s secretariat in favour of the South-west and boost Makinde’s presidential ambition.

Makinde is locked in a supremacy battle with Wike.
Wike’s loyalists described the zoning of the offices as unfair and unacceptable.
The FCT minister’s camp had rejected any form of micro-zoning and called for an inclusive national convention where all would be allowed to contest in line with the zoning arrangements by Governor Diri’s zoning committee.

Competent sources told THISDAY that Makinde and the South-east stakeholders are lobbying to retain the office of the national secretary in their respective states.
The contest for the national secretary was what nearly marred the recent stakeholders’ meeting of the PDP in Lagos.

THISDAY gathered that the South-west is plotting that the deputy national chairman, Taofeek Arapaja, becomes the new national secretary, thus moving the deputy national chairman to the South-south. The three zonal chairmen of South-east, South-west, and South-south in their jointly signed sharing letter have agreed to this.

THISDAY was told that the South-south is also rooting for the office of the National Publicity Secretary, which is currently held by Ondo State.
The office of the National Auditor currently held by Anambra State is said to have been zoned to Abia State.
The position of Wike’s camp is that Odefa can’t negotiate for the zone to the extent of signing the letter, having been sacked by an Ebonyi State High Court.

The minister’s loyalists also noted that Odefa has not challenged his sack by the High Court. In the South-east, the Wike’s camp said that the recognised South-east chairman is Chidi Ebere Egwu, as directed by the Ebonyi State High Court. Meanwhile, the Cross River State chapter of PDP has broken ranks with the Wike-led faction of the party by unveiling its chairmanship candidate for the September 27 Congress.

The party’s caucus in Cross River Central senatorial district on Thursday unveiled Tim Ekawu as their candidate for the forthcoming state congress, insisting that they have no apologies for taking the stand.
With the latest development, the district has now joined the southern senatorial district, which had earlier on Wednesday also pledged its support for Ekawu, in defiance of the position of the state party caucus considered loyal to Wike.

Rising from their stakeholders’ meeting, the Central senatorial district caucus unanimously argued that Wike is now a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and is not in any position to dictate what happens in the PDP. In a communique signed by Anthony Edako, who is also the state secretary of the PDP, the caucus endorsed the party’s decision regarding the date and venue for the national convention.

Immediate past governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has been summoned by the Kaduna State Police Command.

He was summoned alongside key members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna.

According to the letter sighted by Daily Trust, they were invited for questioning over alleged criminal conspiracy, incitement of public disturbance, mischief, and causing grievous hurt.

The letter dated September 4, 2025, was signed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Uzainu Abdullahi.

The letter reads, “This Department is currently investigating the above mentioned case involving the following members of your party. You are requested to come along with them to SCID to clarify allegations reported against them by the complainants on 8th September, 2025.

“Mal. Nasir El-Rufa’i, Bashir Sa’idu, Jafaru Sani, Ubaidullah Mohammed, aka 30, Nasiru Maikano, Aminu Abita, and Ahmed Rufa’i Hussaini, aka Mikiya.”

When contacted, the ADC North-West Vice Chairman, Jafaru Sani, whose name was also listed, told Daily Trust that most of them got to know of the invitation through social media.

“Yes, most of us only saw the statement on social media,” he said, declining further comments.

Last week, the Kaduna State Government and El-Rufai engaged in heated exchanges over the violence which rocked an ADC meeting in Kaduna.

The Government had accused El-Rufai of plotting to destabilise the state through provocative actions and inflammatory statements, an allegation he denied.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Suleiman Shuaibu, the government said it would not fold its arms and watch El-Rufai plunge Kaduna back into violence, division, and insecurity.

“This Government will not fold its arms and allow a discredited former leader, who left the state in ruins, to ignite chaos and plunge the state into another era of ethno-religious tension, insecurity, and economic stagnation,” the statement read.

According to the Commissioner, El-Rufai’s recent activities including convening what he described as an “illegal and chaotic” political meeting that reportedly ended in violence are part of a calculated attempt to incite unrest.

The statement accused him of exploiting old wounds and peddling dangerous lies in response to the defeat of his political allies in the August 16 by-elections.

But the former governor maintained his innocence, accusing the ruling party in the state of attempting to silence the opposition.

FARMER GOVERNOR UMARU BAGO DISSOLVES CABINET, RETAINS SSG, COS, DCOS, AND OTHER PRINCIPAL OFFICERS

Niger State Governor, farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, has dissolved his cabinet.

The farmer governor announced the decision during the State Executive Council meeting at the Council Chamber, Minna.

He appreciated them for the services they had so far rendered towards the development of the state and wished them the best in their future endeavours.

The farmer governor, however, said he has retained his Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, and other principal officers in his office

Bologi Ibrahim
Chief Press Secretary
to the Governor of Niger State
1/9/2025.

The local government election conducted by the occupation government in Rivers State is an awful absurdity and a travesty to the very notion of elective democracy.

By the shameful and shambolic manner in which the occupation government went ahead to conduct local government elections in RiversState, it is clear that the ruling APC party is not leaving anyone in doubt that it is prepared to throw caution to the wind in order to achieve an inordinate political advantage.

It therefore becomes necessary to call the attention of well-meaning Nigerians. international community and all friends and partners of Nigeria to the dangerous curve that the President Bola Tinubu regime is taking our dear country.

I will also call on all opposition parties in Rivers State to reject the local government election on the premise that the occupation government that conducted the exercise is extraneous to our laws, with absolutely no legitimacy to undertake such a crucial and sensitive assignment.

In the same breath, I wish to share my unflinching solidarity with the good people of Rivers State, who are currently victims of political brigandry to a power cabal which is bent on overturning their democratic rights at all cost. -AA

A 75-year-old grandpa Uchelue Ikechukwu was among six suspects arrested with illicit substances in raids by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in parts of Anambra state just as 30-year-old Alfa Andrew was taken into custody following the destruction of 178, 750 kilograms of skunk on his 71.5 hectares of cannabis farm in Mayodoga forest, Sardauna local council area of Taraba state.

While Uchelue was nabbed at Umudioka, Dunukofia local government area of Anambra with 26.7kg skunk on Thursday 28th August 2025, Eneh Makuo; Emmanuel Chiemeli; Uwakwe Matthew; Chukwujekwu Ehirim; Ifeanyichukwu Olisa and Odoh Chukwuma, were arrested with various quantities of opioids and skunk at Nkwelle and Amichi areas of the state.

In his case, Andrew was arrested with a Dane gun on Tuesday 26th August when NDLEA operatives supported by personnel of the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Forest Security Service, Mambila Youth Vanguard and Vigilante, stormed his 71.5 hectares of cannabis farm located at Mayodoga forest, Mayosabere ward in Sardauna LGA, Taraba State, where they destroyed 178, 750 kilograms of skunk, a strain of cannabis.

No fewer than 104,900 capsules of tramadol concealed in the driver compartment of a fuel tanker, suspected to be an illicit consignment going to insurgents in parts of Borno state, were intercepted by NDLEA operatives at the Abuja/Kaduna tollgate in Kaduna on Friday 29th August while a suspect Hassan Buba was immediately taken into custody. Another suspect Kabir Sulaiman, 45, was nabbed with 34.150kg skunk by NDLEA officers at Gwargwaje - Zaria check point on Saturday 30th August.

Following intelligence and surveillance, NDLEA operatives in an interdiction operation on Saturday 30th August arrested a major supplier of illicit opioids in Borno state, 33-year-old Uchenna Umeh shortly after he received his supplies from Onitsha, Anambra state. Recovered from his apartment at Chescon, Pompomary area of Maiduguri include 30,640 pills of tramadol 225mg; 7,940 tablets of rohypnol and a cash of Seven Million Nine Hundred and Ninety-Nine Thousand, Two Hundred Naira (N7,999,200.00) only in N200 new notes.

In Nasarawa state, NDLEA operatives on Thursday 28th August arrested a suspect Abubakar Dauda, 36, with 79,040 pills of tramadol and diazepam at Abacha park, Mararaba Karu. This followed the arrest of Babangida Tungura, 47, in Lafia, with 30,410 pills of tramadol and Rohypnol as well as 38 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup concealed in a deep freezer from Asaba, Delta state on Tuesday 26th August.

A 23-year-old suspect Mohammed Ali was on Wednesday 27th August arrested in a follow up operation at Ngorore, Adamawa State following the interception of his way billed consignment of 15,000 capsules of tramadol concealed in sacks of animal feed at the Gombe mega park.

In Kano, the duo of Ashiru Garba, 20, and Aminu Abdu, 22, were arrested on Tuesday 26th August along Kano-Hadeja road, with 1.5kg skunk and 25,000 pills of exol-5 while two other suspects: Ali Muhammad, 37, and Muhammad Maishanu, 42, were nabbed by NDLEA officers on Thursday 28th August along Zaria-Kano road, Gadan Tamburawa, with 8,080 bottles of a New Psychoactive Substance and 25.7kg skunk in their possession. No fewer than 250,000 tablets of exol-5 were seized from a suspect Alhasaan Musa, 25, in Zango area, Ungogo LGA, Kano by NDLEA operatives on Saturday 30th August.

A suspect Hamisu Abdullahi was on Monday 25th August arrested in a follow up operation in Yola, Adamawa state after NDLEA operatives on patrol along Mararraba Lamurde intercepted a golf saloon car marked GME 253 HP driven by Sani Suleiman and coming from Gombe state loaded with sacks of pepper, used to conceal 79 blocks of skunk weighing 58kg belonging to Hamisu.

In Edo state, NDLEA operatives on patrol along Ewu-Auchi road, Etsako West LGA intercepted 64,250 pills of opioids mainly tramadol in a commercial bus coming from Onitsha, Anambra state and going to Okene, Kogi state, while a suspect Mohammed Halidu, 36, was arrested in connection with the seizure.

Two suspects: Elves Odogwu, 45, and David Jeremiah, 35, were arrested on Wednesday 27th August when NDLEA operatives raided Queen Elizabeth, Aponmun Reserved Camp, Ondo in Ondo state where 117.5kg processed cannabis and seeds were recovered from them. A total of 164 kilograms of skunk were recovered from the base of a suspect Michael Ayodele in Mushin area of Lagos where he was arrested by NDLEA operatives on Saturday 30th August.

‎In what appears to be the single largest seizure of Loud and Colorado, two strong strains of cannabis, in Ekiti State, NDLEA operatives acting on credible intelligence on Friday 29th August raided Nova street, behind New Creation School, Ado-Ekiti where 5.3 kilograms of Loud and Colorado as well as 2.5grams of Methamphetamine were seized from a 42-year-old drug kingpin Ajayi Ayodeji Idowu (a.k.a Atiku).

Meanwhile, across the country, NDLEA Commands continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitization lectures and advocacy visits to worship centres, schools, workplaces, palaces of traditional rulers and communities all through the past week. Instances include: WADA sensitization lecture to secondary school students in Onitsha during their annual holiday lessons at Ezechima Primary School, Onitsha, Anambra state; youths of Anglican Church Diocese, Abakaliki, Ebonyi; WADA advocacy visits to HRM De Wheno Aholu Menu-Toyi, the Akran of Badagry, Lagos State; the MD/CEO of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho and his management team in Lagos; the First Lady of Ogun state, Her Excellency Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun; and the Olofin of Isheri, HRM Oba Suleiman Adekunle Bamgbade Ayodele 111, Lagos, among others.

While commending the officers and men of Anambra, Taraba, Kaduna, Kano, Nasarawa, Adamawa, Gombe, Lagos, Ekiti, Ondo, and Edo, Commands of the Agency for the arrests and seizures of the past week, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) also applauded their compatriots in all the commands across the country for intensifying the WADA sensitization lectures and advocacy messages to every part of their areas of responsibility.

Femi Babafemi

Director, Media & Advocacy

NDLEA Headquarters Abuja

Sunday 31st August 2025

The prime minister of Yemen's Houthi Government and several other ministers were killed in an Israeli strike on the capital Sana, the news agency run by the group said on Saturday, citing a statement by the head of the Houthi Supreme Political Council, Mahdi al-Mashat.

A number of others were wounded in Thursday's strike, it said, without providing details.

Israel said on Friday that the airstrike had targeted the Iran-aligned group's chief of staff, defence minister and other senior officials and that it was verifying the outcome.

Mashat's statement did not make clear whether the Houthi defence minister was among the casualties.

Ahmad Ghaleb al-Rahwi became prime minister nearly a year ago but the de facto leader of the government was his deputy, Mohamed Moftah, who was assigned on Saturday to carry out the prime minister's duties of Prime Minister.

Rahwi was seen largely as a figurehead who was not part of the inner circle of the Houthi leadership.

The Israeli military said its fighter jets had struck a compound in the Sanaa area where senior Houthi figures had gathered, describing the attack as a "complex operation" made possible by intelligence-gathering and air superiority.

On Thursday, Israeli security sources said the targets had been various locations where a large number of senior Houthi officials had gathered to watch a televised speech recorded by leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi.

The Iran-aligned Houthis have attacked vessels in the Red Sea in what they describe as acts of solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza.

They have also fired missiles towards Israel, most of which have been intercepted. Israel has responded with strikes on Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, including the vital Hodeidah port.

KADUNA STATE POLICE COMMAND
PRESS RELEASE
16 AUGUST 2025

*KADUNA STATE POLICE COMMAND IN COLLABORATION WITH DSS AND OTHER SECURITY AGENCIES CRACKDOWN ON VOTE BUYERS AHEAD OF BYE-ELECTIONS, ARRESTED ONE SUSPECTS AND RECOVERED THE SUM OF TWENTY FIVE MILLION, NINE HUNDRED AND SIXTY THREE THOUSAND NAIRA CASH*

In a sustained and collaborative effort by security agencies to ensure that the forthcoming bye-elections in Kaduna State are conducted peacefully and without interference from criminal elements, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in conjunction with the Department of State Services (DSS) have successfully apprehended vote buyer in Kaduna.

At about 0330hrs of today, arrested one Shehu Aliyu Patangi at a popular hotel located along Turunku Road in Kaduna metropolis and recovered a total cash sum of Twenty-Five Million, Nine Hundred and Sixty-Three Thousand Naira (₦25,963,000) from the suspects, believed to be earmarked for the purpose of inducing voters to compromise the electoral process.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect had planned to use the said amount to bribe eligible voters. On interrogation the suspect confessed to the crime and pleaded for leniency.

The Commissioner of Police, CP RABIU MUHAMMAD psc, mni, expresses appreciation to the other sister agencies for the synergy and swift collaborative action. He warns, in the strongest terms, that anyone, regardless of status, found attempting to undermine the electoral process will face the full wrath of the law.

The Kaduna State Police Command reassures residents of its commitment to providing maximum security before, during and after the elections, and calls on the good people of Kaduna State to go out and exercise their franchise peacefully and lawfully without fear or intimidation.

DSP MANSIR HASSAN anipr,
PPRO KADUNA STATE POLICE COMMAND
FOR: COMMISSIONER OF POLICE

House of Representatives, National Assembly
Office of the House Spokesman

Press Statement
For Immediate Release

BASELESS ALLEGATIONS CANNOT SUBSTITUTE ACCOUNTABILITY: REP. AUYO SHOULD SUBSTANTIATE HIS CLAIMS

Abuja, FCT | Friday, August 15, 2025 – The House of Representatives has taken note of a viral video in which Rep. Ibrahim Usman Auyo, Member representing Hadejia, Auyo, and Kafin Hausa Federal Constituency of Jigawa State, alleged that Members of the House receive payments to sponsor Motions, Bills, and Petitions.

These allegations are unsubstantiated and, if left unclarified, risk undermining public confidence in the National Assembly. Statements of this nature must be backed by verifiable facts and presented through the appropriate parliamentary channels.

As the 10th Assembly recently crossed its midterm mark, stakeholders nationwide are rightly demanding accountability from their elected representatives, a legitimate and essential expectation in any thriving democracy. The House remains focused on delivering its mandate under the Legislative Agenda (2023–2027), which emphasizes transparency, accountability, and responsiveness to the people.

The leadership of the House has consistently encouraged Members to engage with their constituencies during recesses and report on their stewardship. This commitment is reflected in frequent town halls and public hearings, including a series of midterm engagements held in June and July, presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON.

In just two years, the People’s House has introduced 2,263 Bills, passed 237, and moved over 1,100 Motions, generating significant interventions across critical sectors such as education, health, infrastructure, security, and economic development. These efforts have triggered substantive executive action and positively impacted the lives of constituents nationwide.

The National Assembly is an institution of records, with well-established and transparent procedures for introducing Bills, Motions, and Petitions, governed by the Constitution, House Standing Orders, and parliamentary ethics. The insinuation that sponsoring a Motion or Bill is a “contract job” involving bribes is inconsistent with these processes and must be clarified.

When the House reconvenes, Rep. Auyo will be invited to substantiate his claims before the House. Should he be unable to provide evidence, the matter will be referred to the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges for appropriate consideration, in line with parliamentary procedure.

The House remains committed to fostering mutual respect among Members while upholding the dignity of Parliament. All Honourable Members are encouraged to engage constructively, address concerns through due process, and work together in the collective interest of the Nigerian people.

Signed:

Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr.
Spokesman. House of Representatives

#HouseNGR #10thAssembly #PressStatement

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Thursday ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to accept all candidates of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to participate in the 16 by-elections scheduled to hold in 12 states on Saturday, August 16, 2025.

Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order in a judgment delivered in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1525/2025, filed by the SDP against INEC over the reported rejection of its candidates for the upcoming polls.

The party alleged that INEC acted beyond its powers by refusing to recognise its candidates, despite their nomination through duly conducted primaries.

The SDP argued that its candidates were validly nominated in accordance with the party’s constitution, the Electoral Act, and INEC regulations.

In his judgment on the substantive matter, Justice Nwite ruled in favour of the party and 13 others against INEC. He ordered the commission to allow the SDP to participate in the forthcoming by-elections and to publish the names of all its candidates, ensuring that the party’s logo appears appropriately on all relevant election materials.

In a statement issued after the judgment, the National Secretary of the SDP, Dr. Olu Agunloye, said the by-elections would be held in 12 states and would cover two senatorial seats, five federal constituencies, and nine state constituencies.

According to him, the senatorial districts are Anambra South and Edo Central in Anambra and Edo states, respectively.

The five federal constituencies are Ovia South West/Ovia South East (Edo), Babura/Garki (Jigawa), Chikun/Kajuru (Kaduna), Ikenne/Shagamu/Remo North (Ogun), and Ibadan North (Oyo).

The nine state constituencies are Ganye (Adamawa), Onitsha North (Anambra), Dekina/Okura (Kogi), Zaria Kewaye and Basawa (Kaduna), Bagwai/Shanono (Kano), Mariga (Niger), Karim Lamido I (Taraba), and Kauran Namoda South (Zamfara).

The only reason the @officialEFCC has detained the former Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, @AWTambuwal, is because he is a member of the opposition Coalition. It is a continuation of the Tinubu-led administration’s agenda to harass, intimidate, and decimate the opposition.

The reality unfolding before us today is that the Tinubu administration, as with other aspects, has objectified the fight against corruption as a political tool to coerce opposition leaders into the ruling party.

We are living witnesses to a growing trend where the state and its operators have assumed the roles of a bully by making corruption and the fight against it a political agenda.

Certainly, that is not the objective for which I worked hard during our administration to create the EFCC.

It is as though today, anyone who associates with the opposition is a target for phantom corruption allegations and, it is as though, as soon as they are coerced into the political agenda of President @officialABAT, their ‘sins’ are forgiven.

That, definitely, is not how to build institutions. That, certainly, is not how to fight the monster of corruption. Indeed, such tendencies provide the stimulant for corruption to thrive.

We have seen how the EFCC has been used to empty opposition state governors into the ruling party, and the tea party is not about to end anytime soon.

While the genuine fight against corruption is a matter that requires the total support of all Nigerians, the objectification of it as a political agenda should be roundly condemned by all in civil society spaces and friends of Nigeria in the international community.

We have in recent times witnessed the use of anti-corruption agencies in coercing political leaders into the ruling party. Our assurance to Nigerians is that we would never succumb to this anti-democratic machinations of railroading our people into a one-party dictatorship. -AA

After months of fleeing abroad to evade arrest, the founder and General Overseer of The Turn of Mercy Church, Prophet Adefolusho Aanu Olasele (alias Abbas Ajakaiye) has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for masterminding multiple shipments of illicit drugs into Nigeria.

Prophet Adefolusho was arrested at his church located in Okun Ajah, Ogombo road, Lekki area of Lagos on Sunday 3rd August 2025 by NDLEA officers who waited for him since morning to conclude the Sunday worship service in the evening before moving in on him the moment he stepped out of the church premises.

The arrest came after he had evaded arrest twice and fled to Ghana to hide since June when operatives started trailing him following the seizure of two shipments of Ghana Loud, a strain of cannabis linked to him. The first seizure of 200kg of the psychoactive substance was made at Okun Ajah beach on 4th June 2025 while another consignment of 700kg of same substance was recovered from his delivery van on 6th July 2025.

In his statement, he admitted ferrying the illicit consignments through the waterways from Ghana into Nigeria, adding that he had fled to the West African country to hide after he escaped arrest twice in the recent past.

In another operation in Lagos, NDLEA operatives on Thursday 7th August raided an apartment at Kishi House 11 Layi Ajayi Bembe street, Parkview Estate Ikoyi where they arrested a suspect Benjamin Udo Ukoh and recovered 32 pouches of Canadian Loud, a strain of Cannabis with a total weight of 15.63kg.

In Nasarawa state, NDLEA operatives on Saturday 9th August recovered a large consignment of skunk, a strain of cannabis weighing 3,093 kilograms from the trio of Emmanuel Asoquo Johnny, 51; Okem Raphael, 33, and Chekwube Odo, 25, at New Karu area of the state.

While 29-year-old Nura Yahaya was nabbed at Geza area of Kumbotso Kano State with 639 blocks of skunk weighing 359kg on Friday 8th August, another suspect Umar Adamu Umar, 27,was taken into custody on Wednesday 6th August by NDLEA officers after seizing 9kg of Colorado, a synthetic strain of cannabis from him along Zaria-Kano road, Kano.

In another interdiction operation in Kano, 20,000 pills of tramadol and 200 ampoules of diazepam injection were recovered from a suspect Usman Musa, 30, at Gadar Tamburawa along Zaria-Kano road on Friday 8th August.

A raid at an uncompleted building located at Tudun Wadan Pantami in Gombe town, Gombe state on Friday 8th August led to the recovery of 550, 266 pills of opioids mainly tramadol while a suspect Usama Isah was arrested. The following day Saturday 9th August, another suspect Ibrahim Adamu, 23, was arrested by NDLEA officers along Potiskum road, Bajoga with 50,000 capsules of tramadol.

In Edo state, a white Toyota Hiace bus marked YAB 5522 K coming from Onitsha Anambra and heading to Isanlu in Kogi was Wednesday 6th August intercepted at Ewu junction, Edo by NDLEA operatives who after a search recovered 23, 940 capsules of tramadol, 1,100 tablets of same opioid and 400 ampoules of pentazocine injection with a suspect Taiye Jethro arrested.

In like manner, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week. These include: WADA enlightenment lecture to students and staff of Mind City College, Saki, Oyo; Gwagwarwa Primary School, Nasarawa LGA, Kano; officers of the Nigerian Army 241 Recce Model Battalion, Nguru, Yobe; members of Engine Grinders Association, Gboko, Benue; while the Ekiti state command of NDLEA paid WADA advocacy visit to the Nigerian Correctional Service in Ado Ekiti, just as the Anambra state command of the Agency paid a similar WADA advocacy visit to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly.

While commending the officers and men of the Lagos, Nasarawa, Gombe, Kano, and Edo Commands for the arrests, seizures and their dexterity, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) enjoined them and their colleagues across the country to continue with the ongoing balanced approach to the drug control efforts of the Agency.

Femi Babafemi

Director, Media & Advocacy

NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja

Sunday 10th August 2025

The attention of ADC has been drawn to a story circulating that the @inecnigeria has refused to recognise the new leadership of our party under the Distinguished Senator David Mark.

This story is entirely false and should be ignored. We urge Nigerian people to ignore such misleading reports from any quarters and stay focused on mobilising the long suffering people of Nigeria for the great task to save our dear country.

A former Edo State Coordinator of the Obidient Movement in the 2023 presidential election, Ikhuenbor Felix Igbinevbo (aka Mr Figo), on Tuesday officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State.

He officially joined the party when he paid a visit to the leadership of the All Progressives Congress in Ohuan Ward, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of the state.

Ikhuenbor, an activist, said that he decided to become a card-carrying member of a political party for the first time in over five decades of his life because of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

He said it has come to his firm conclusion that it was no longer enough to support such a man from the outside, that he believes in strengthening his voice of advocacy from within the APC family as a party man.

Ikhuenbor vowed to add real value to the governor’s people-focused government.

“For the first time in my life, I have taken the decision to become a card-carrying member of any political party. I’m doing so because of one man, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Executive Governor of Edo State.

“My engagement with the governor in the past week, and particularly during my journey with him to several local government areas in Edo North and Edo Central, my perspective shifted when I saw firsthand the zeal and sincerity in his developmental drives for Edo State,” Ikhuenbor said.

Governor of Imo State Hope Uzodinma has honoured Super Falcons players of Imo origin with a plot of land and a cash gift of N30 million each, following the team’s recent victory in the just concluded 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON, in Morocco.

The governor, while receiving the seven players at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Owerri, said that the honour for the Imo-born players was part of efforts by the entire state to domesticate and celebrate the feat achieved by the Nigerian female players.

Uzodinma, who expressed happiness during the dinner held in honour of the Imo players, announced a reward of a plot of land in a choice area of Owerri and a cash gift of N30 million to each of the seven players from the state, including the technical team members.

Atalanta CEO Antonio Percassi has revealed that Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman will only be allowed to leave the club this summer if the offer comes from a “super top club” outside Italy.

The pact with Lookman was made one year ago when we rejected €20m from PSG.

We told him: we’ll let you leave in 2025 for a super top club and not in Italy. Now, the situation [with Inter] is different... and as always, it’s us deciding - Atalanta CEO, Percassi

Nigeria’s Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned of widespread thunderstorms and heavy rains across the country beginning Monday, raising fears of flash floods in several states.

The three‑day forecast, released Sunday in Abuja, signals heightened risks as the nation enters a critical phase of the rainy season.

The agency predicted morning thunderstorms on Monday in the northern states of Adamawa, Taraba, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kano and Katsina, with conditions expected to intensify later in the day.

“There is a high possibility of flood occurring over parts of Adamawa, Taraba and Bauchi states during the forecast period,” NiMet said in its statement.

In central Nigeria, light rains are anticipated in the morning across Benue, Niger, Kogi, Nasarawa, and the Federal Capital Territory. By afternoon and evening, showers are expected to spread into Plateau, Kwara, and other neighboring states.

Cloudy skies are forecast for much of the south, with light rains likely in Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Anambra, Abia, Ogun, Edo, Delta, Lagos, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa in the early hours. Later, more widespread rains are expected, with NiMet warning of potential flooding in Oyo, Ogun, Edo, and Delta.

On Tuesday, the agency projects continued morning thunderstorms across the northern belt, particularly in Taraba, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Kaduna, and Zamfara. “Thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over the entire region later in the day,” the agency noted.

Central states, including Abuja, are expected to experience intermittent rains, while southern states from Lagos to Calabar may see persistent showers. NiMet specifically cautioned residents in Anambra, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom to prepare for possible flooding.

By Wednesday, thunderstorms are forecast to sweep through Taraba and Kaduna in the morning, with isolated storms and moderate rainfall later across Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, and Kano. The central region will again see light showers in the morning, with more widespread rains by afternoon. In the south, intermittent rainfall is predicted in states including Lagos, Rivers, Bayelsa, and Cross River. Bayelsa faces the highest flood risk mid‑week.

Warnings for residents
The agency urged residents to take precautions. “Avoid driving under heavy rain, and states with the possibility of flash floods should activate their emergency response systems immediately,” the forecast said.

NiMet also advised households to secure loose objects, wear warm clothing during cooler nights, and disconnect electrical appliances during storms.

Airline operators were told to seek airport‑specific weather briefings for flight planning. NiMet encouraged Nigerians to follow updates on its official website to remain prepared.

I have dispatched a Presidential Delegation to Abidjan to stand with our superlative D’Tigress as they pursue a fifth consecutive AfroBasket title for Nigeria. #MissionV

Led by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, this team of senior government officials represents the full weight of our national pride, belief, and support.

Our girls have shown character, discipline, and the Nigerian spirit in every game. As they prepare for the final in two hours, we stand behind them - not just as fans, but as a grateful nation inspired by their excellence.

Go for gold. Go for glory, girls! 🇳🇬

~ President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

In a development reminiscent of Nigeria’s dark military days, top officials of two federal law enforcement and security bodies have abducted the head of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd, Peoples Gazette can report, forcing him to resign at a secret rendezvous in Abuja.

Bayo Ojulari was seized on Friday and pressured to sign a resignation letter by Ola Olukoyede, chairman of anti-graft EFCC, and Adeola Ajayi, director-general of the State Security Service.

The incident on Friday night was narrated to The Gazette by national security and law sources familiar with the matter, with some of them describing the operation as a coup d’état because President Bola Tinubu did not sanction it.

Officials said Mr Ojulari was repeatedly questioned about what he might know of Olatimbo Ayinde, a British-Nigerian oil businesswoman who has recently emerged as one of the most powerful forces steering the Tinubu administration.

“Mr Ojulari told us he didn’t know Olatimbo Ayinde,” an official said under anonymity to disclose the matter to The Gazette. “He also said he heard she was trying to control businesses at NNPC and he rejected such moves.”

Ms Ayinde, long known in business circles for her wheeling and dealing, was charged in the United Kingdom for bribing two former Nigerian oil ministers. The Gazette reported on Thursday that anti-graft operatives were ordered to slowwalk and frustrate a request for evidence from British prosecutors for use in their ongoing trial of Ms Ayinde.

Mr Ojulari was appointed in early April by Mr Tinubu, with the Nigerian president saying the decision was largely due to Mr Ojulari’s expertise in hydrocarbon as a former Shell executive in Nigeria.

Mr Ojulari did not immediately return multiple requests seeking comments about the development on Saturday morning. The Gazette has contacted the presidency, SSS and the EFCC for comment.

Mr Ojulari has been under fire since he authorised a trip of NNPC executives and mid-level officials to attend an oil and gas conference in Kigali earlier this month. Mr Ojulari was said to have spent millions of dollars on the trip, although the specific amount remained fuzzy. He denied the allegations, saying his detractors were behind the campaign.

PRESS RELEASE

Tinubu Should Fix His Troubled Government, Broken Economy, Not Meddle In The Affairs Of The Opposition

At the 14th meeting of the APC today, President Bola Tinubu took yet another swipe at the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the opposition’s Coalition platform.

Attacking the opposition has now become his favourite pastime — even while the country burns under his watch. This constant attack on the opposition is "a distraction by a man clearly overwhelmed by the mess in his own house."

President Tinubu should first sort out the obvious rift between himself and Vice President Kashim Shettima and the broken Nigerian economy before poking his nose into the affairs of the ADC.

We wish to state for the records that Tinubu and his political camp have been sponsoring crises within the opposition parties. It beats our imagination as to why the presidency is resorting to wasting scarce public funds to stir up internal conflicts in a bid to weaken alternative political voices.

"We are fully aware that the supposed tensions between supporters of Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi within the Coalition were orchestrated by the presidency. Unfortunately for them, their divisive game has failed - the cracks have been sealed, and the Coalition stands stronger than ever."

It’s alarming that more than halfway into his controversial and widely rejected mandate, Tinubu is still leading an APC government that is directionless, incompetent, and completely disconnected from the suffering of ordinary Nigerians.

While Nigerians grapple with worsening insecurity, hunger, and poverty, Tinubu is busy playing petty politics. He has abandoned governance and is fixated on a 2027 re-election campaign despite having nothing to show for his 2023 mandate.

Rather than wipe out the bandits ravaging Benue, Plateau, Zamfara, Niger, and other states, Tinubu is more interested in wiping out opposition voices. His goal is clear: to force Nigeria into a one-party state.

He is now using state institutions — especially anti-corruption agencies — as tools to harass and blackmail opposition leaders into joining the APC. But let the truth be told: Tinubu fears the Coalition. He knows it is the Coalition that will send him packing — either back to Bourdillon or Iragbiji.

Signed:
Paul Ibe
Atiku Media Office
Abuja
July 24, 2025.

The strongman of Kano politics, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has criticised the President Bola Tinubu administration for what he described as the neglect of the northern region of Nigeria and the concentration of the nation’s resources on developing the southern part of the country where the president comes from.

“Let me advise the Federal Government on the distribution of federal resources,” the former Kano governor said on Thursday at the Kano State Stakeholders’ Dialogue on the 2025 Constitutional Amendment.

“From the information available to us, it’s like most of the national budget is now tilting in one direction in this country.”

Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of lopsided allocation of scarce resources between the two regions of the country.

President Bola Tinubu presents the 2025 budget proposal to members of the National Assembly on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 in Abuja. Photo credit: Presidency

He said, “Let me advise those who are struggling by all means to take everything to remember that some of the issues that we have in this part of the country today have to do with the lack of enough resources and mismanagement of the little that comes in.

“That is why we have insecurity, we have poverty and so on. It is happening here mainly, but like a desert, it would go everywhere.”

Kwankwaso said most roads in the northern region remained in deplorable condition, whilst the APC government continued to allocate lump budgetary allocations for infrastructural development in the southern region.

“Yesterday, I was to come by air, but unfortunately, my airline decided to shift our takeoff from 3pm to 8pm. I had to come by road. From Abuja to Kaduna to Kano was a hell. Terrible. Very bad road. This is a road started many years ago, right from the beginning of the leadership of the APC.

“Now, we are told that there is a road from the South to the East. We support infrastructure anywhere in this country…and any other thing that is good for the masses but a situation where government is taking our resources and dumping it in one part of the country and other parts of the country are left just like that, I don’t believe that is the right thing to do by the government itself.”

He urged the Tinubu administration to change for the better and ensure the equitable distribution of scarce resources for the development of all parts of the country.

“This is the time for the government to change, to convince our people that the government is not just on one side of the country,” he said.