₦airaland Forum

......Insists "2027 is Kogi West time"


Kogi Conscience Group, a foremost pressure group in Kogi State has on Thursday, January 1, set agenda for political parties in Kogi State ahead of 2027 polls.

In a new year message to commemorate the commencement of the New Year 2026, the group emphasized that all political parties in Kogi State must let conscience prevail in their approach to the next Kogi State Governorship election and cede their tickets to Kogi West zone as it is the present political mood of the people of the State.

"We welcome everyone to the year 2026. This year, we will increase our advocacy towards shining light on the need for fairness, equity and justice in the political conversation of our dear Kogi State.

"It is not a doubt at all that Kogi West in all its contributions to the greatness of the State has not had the opportunity to govern our dear Kogi State," the group said.

"Great academicians have come out of the zone. Great businessmen and businesswomen making their mark in the world of business, have come out of the zone; innovators, engineers, doctors, accountants, captains of industries, legal juggernauts, Judges of high repute, to mention but a few, have come out of the zone and via their works and their contributions to the immediate and larger society, Kogi State has been blessed and has been made proud since its creation till date. We therefore ask that it is *time* for Kogi West to produce the next Governor of the State to occupy Lugard House.

"Kogi West is eager to contribute its own quota in the development of the State as the people of the West have blessed Kogi State in every other positive way.

"We also condemn the undemocratic language of 'no vacancy in Lugard House' by some political groups.

"We therefore request all political parties in Kogi State to zone their 2027 Governorship tickets to Kogi West in the interest of fairness, justice and equity," the group further added.

"The people of the West will remain determined and resolute and ready to deploy all the democratic principles to ensure that power shifts to its zone this time around, because the zone has paid its political price to ensure stability in the State. The zone in 1979 supported the late Adamu Atta during the Old Kwara.

"After the creation of Kogi State in 1991, the people of the West gave one hundred percent support to late former Governor Prince Audu during the NRC days in the third Republic. They also supported the East in 1999 when they fully supported and voted again for late former Governor Prince Audu. The people of Kogi West further supported and voted for former Governor Ibro, former Governor Wada up till 2015. The people of the West supported Central to power when they voted former Governor Yahaya Bello in 2015 till 2023, who served for eight years in that capacity.

"The stakeholders even gifted Central one more tenure when they voted for now incumbent Governor Ododo in year 2023. By the end of 2027, Central would have served for 12 years.

"Now the people of the West are more than determined to ensure it is their turn to govern Kogi State; beyond just being determined, they are ready, come, 2027.

"Once again, happy New Year 2026, everyone," the statement concluded.

Nigeria’s banking sector is experiencing a fast-moving technological shift that is changing the rules of competition. Smaller banks, fintechs, and cooperatives are now deploying enterprise level banking services almost overnight, gaining capabilities that traditionally required years of investment, large IT teams, and billions of naira in infrastructure.

At the center of this disruption is Insolify with their Fincore platform.

By offering ready-to-use
SaaS (Software as a Service) banking solutions, Insolify enables institutions without technical expertise to launch consumer apps, USSD banking, instant payments, and AI-driven workflows at a fraction of the
cost.

Tens of fintechs, banks, and cooperatives have adopted Fincore, achieving in weeks what larger commercial banks struggled to build over years.

This approach echoes Insolify’s track record of destabilizing markets and frustrating competition, in a similar case, when they introduced artificial intelligence (Safi) and fraud
prevention systems.

By leveraging instant deployment and SaaS delivery, Insolify quickly
dominated the market, frustrating competitors and redefining industry standards.

The same strategy is now fueling Fincore’s rise, giving smaller players an unexpected edge and challenging the competitive advantage of traditional banks.

Critics argue that this rapid empowerment creates an uneven playing field.

Commercial banks that invested heavily in technology now face competitors who can match or surpass them with minimal investment.

This not only distorts competition but also raises concerns about market concentration, as a few SaaS providers gain outsized influence over critical banking operations.

The implications are clear. Regulators, investors, and bank executives must confront the reality that the traditional model of incremental IT investment is being bypassed. Institutions that fail to
adopt these rapidly deployable SaaS solutions risk losing market share, while smaller players equipped with enterprise-grade technology move ahead.

Fincore’s rise highlights a critical tension in Nigeria’s banking sector: the push for innovation and
financial inclusion versus the need for fair competition and market stability.

Insolify’s approach demonstrates how strategic SaaS deployment can disrupt entrenched markets, but it also underscores the potential risks when technological advantage is concentrated in the hands of a few.

Ihima Liberation Forum (ILF)

A Community-Based Organization dedicated to fostering community development through collective efforts towards welfare and progress.

Leadership:
Mr. Abdullahi Maikasuwa Abduljabar
President, Ihima Liberation Forum (ILF)

Mission:
ILF aims to drive positive change in the community through collaborative initiatives, empowering individuals, and promoting overall progress.

…Says Conflicting Accounts on Kwara Arms Show ‘Dangerous Sabotage’, Security Cover-Up


A political activist and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Friday, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order an immediate and independent investigation of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, over allegations of arming Fulani bandits and other non-state actors in the state.

Frank also urged the United States government to impose visa bans on the two officials and to exercise caution in sharing intelligence with Nigeria until the controversy is fully investigated.

In a statement issued in Abuja, Frank described the unfolding situation as “a chain of official contradictions, confessions, denials and reversals” which, according to him, has exposed “dangerous fault lines within Nigeria’s national security architecture.”

The controversy followed the interception by Nigerian soldiers of armed men carrying AK-47 rifles and operating in a patrol vehicle reportedly linked to the Kwara State Government in Ifelodun Local Government Area.
The arrested men were said to have claimed that the state government provided them with the arms and vehicle.

Frank noted that shortly after the incident, officials of the Kwara State Government publicly confirmed that the arrested men were members of Miyetti Allah, allegedly operating under a federal security arrangement coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

“Barely days after initial denials, the Kwara State Government itself confirmed that the arrested individuals were part of a security operation linked to the NSA’s office,” he said.

According to Frank, the matter became more troubling when a statement from the NSA’s office initially acknowledged that arms had been issued to vigilantes as part of so-called “hybrid security operations” under the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act.

“That admission was widely reported and not immediately disputed,” he said.

However, Frank faulted what he described as a “sudden and suspicious U-turn” by the NSA’s office, which later denied arming kidnappers, militias or socio-cultural groups, insisting instead that the armed men were merely “vigilantes known to the NSA.”

“This leaves Nigerians with fundamental questions,” Frank said. “Who authorised the arms? Who recruited these armed men? Why did official accounts change repeatedly within days? Is the Kwara State Governor telling the truth, or is the NSA covering up?”

Describing the situation as a “national security scandal,” Frank said the contradictions could not be dismissed as a media misunderstanding.

“You cannot, as National Security Adviser, first appear to justify or explain the issuance of arms and then turn around to deny it completely. Such contradictions suggest either gross incompetence or a deliberate cover-up to protect powerful interests,” he said.

Frank argued that the incident showed that “top government officials know exactly what is happening and are playing politics with Nigeria’s insecurity,” adding that insecurity was being politicised “within the cabinet, within the government and within the ruling party.”

“When a governor says one thing and the NSA says another, Nigeria is not just confused — Nigeria is endangered,” he added.

He also questioned the deployment of armed Miyetti Allah operatives in Kwara, a predominantly Yoruba area.

“What business do armed Miyetti Allah operatives have operating in Yorubaland under any circumstance?” he asked, noting that communities in the state had repeatedly warned that deploying armed migrant herders would worsen insecurity rather than resolve it.

Frank said that in a “sane country,” Ribadu would have stepped aside to allow a transparent investigation, rather than what he described as “evasions, reversals and damage control.”

Calling directly on President Tinubu, Frank said: “The President must immediately order a full, independent probe into the roles of the NSA and the Kwara State Government, investigate the conflicting briefings from the NSA’s office, and punish any official found to have armed or enabled non-state actors outside the law.”

He warned that the contradictions suggested “that someone is lying — or many people are hiding the truth,” and amounted to internal sabotage of the administration.

Frank also appealed to the United States to be cautious in its dealings with Nigeria’s security leadership.

“America must withhold sensitive intelligence sharing, launch its own investigation into these allegations, and impose visa bans on Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq pending the outcome of credible investigations,” he said.

According to him, “when a country cannot tell the truth about who is armed, who authorised it, and who is responsible, that country cannot be trusted with shared intelligence.”

Frank who currently serves as the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East as well as Senior Advisor to the Global Friendship City Association (GFCA), USA,
lamented that the controversy underscored a deeper crisis.

“Nigeria’s insecurity is no longer just about bandits and kidnappers — it is about deception, politics and betrayal at the highest levels of government,” he said, warning that history would judge Tinubu’s administration harshly if decisive action was not taken.

Signed:

Comrade Timi Frank
ULMWP Ambassador (East Africa and Middle East)
Senior Advisor, Global Friendship City Association (GFCA), USA

Political activist and international affairs leader, Comrade Timi Frank,has welcomed the resignation of Engr. Farouk Ahmed, former Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) but insisted that stepping aside should not bring closure to the matter.

“Resignation is not an admission of guilt, but it is only the first step. What must follow is a full investigation and, where necessary, arrest and prosecution,” Frank, a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and currently ULMWP Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East as well as Senior Advisor to the Global Friendship City Association (GFCA), USA,
said in a statement in Abuja.

He called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC)
to immediately investigate and prosecute Engr. Ahmed over allegations raised by Africa’s foremost industrialist, Alhaji Aliko Dangote( the newest comrade in town).

Frank expressed concern that more than 72 hours after the allegations were made public, the relevant agencies had remained largely silent, apart from the ICPC which only acknowledged receipt of a petition.

“More than 72 hours after these weighty allegations were made public, the silence of our anti-corruption agencies is deeply troubling and unacceptable in a country that claims to operate under the rule of law,” Frank said.

He argued that allegations of such magnitude, especially when raised by a figure of Dangote’s standing, deserved swift and transparent action, warning that the continued silence could further erode public confidence in public institutions.

“If Aliko Dangote cannot get justice in a matter of this nature, then one must ask what hope is left for ordinary Nigerians,” he said.

He drew attention to the gravity of the allegations, noting that the amount reportedly involved, about $7 million, estimated at roughly N10 billion, was significant in a country facing widespread economic hardship.

“This amount is more than enough to fund entire communities, yet Nigeria is constantly on strike over the inability of government to meet relatively small financial demands in the education sector,” Frank said.

He questioned how a public servant, allegedly earning about N50 million annually, could spend such a huge sum on the secondary school education of four children.

“What example is a public servant setting in a country where millions of parents cannot afford N100,000 in school fees?” he asked. “If public funds are indeed being used to fund personal excesses, then this must concern every Nigerian.”

Frank also warned that the unresolved allegations could affect Nigeria’s image and investor confidence.

“No serious investor will put money in a country where allegations of corruption involving a key regulator are left hanging without resolution,” he said.

He noted Engr. Ahmed’s expressed willingness to submit himself to investigation, urging the anti-corruption agencies to act without delay.

“Now that he has stepped aside and indicated willingness to cooperate, there should be no delay. The agencies must act fully, independently and without fear or favour,” Frank said.

He further called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene if the agencies fail to act promptly.

“A government that is serious about fighting corruption must show it through action, not prolonged silence,” he said.

Frank added that Nigerians deserved clarity and accountability, stressing that the case should not be swept under the carpet.

“This is one case Nigerians will not allow to be buried. Only transparent investigation and prosecution can restore confidence in our institutions and in the fight against corruption,” he said.

Signed:

Comrade Timi Frank
ULMWP Ambassador (East Africa and Middle East)
Senior Advisor, Global Friendship City Association (GFCA), USA

Alleged Corruption: Timi Frank Urges Tinubu to Suspend, Probe NMDPRA CEO, Farouk, lauds Dangote

Political activist and international affairs leader, Comrade Timi Frank has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately suspend the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed, following corruption allegations raised by President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote.

Frank, a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and currently ULMWP Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East as well as Senior Advisor to the Global Friendship City Association (GFCA), USA, in a statement on Tuesday, Frank described the claim as “alarming and deeply disturbing,” stressing that it raises fundamental questions about accountability and integrity in public office.

He said the allegation, which suggests that about $5 million was spent on the secondary education of the NMDPRA boss’ children in Switzerland, was too serious to be ignored and must trigger an urgent investigation by anti-corruption agencies.

“Coming from Aliko Dangote, the richest man in Africa and a globally respected businessman, this allegation cannot be dismissed. It is weighty and should be treated with the seriousness it deserves,” Frank said.

He urged President Tinubu to break his silence on the matter, warning that failure to act decisively would cast doubt on the administration’s commitment to fighting corruption.

“The President must act immediately by suspending the NMDPRA CEO and ordering a transparent and independent investigation. Continued silence on this issue is unacceptable and sends a very dangerous signal to Nigerians,” he said.

Frank also called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to commence an immediate probe, insisting that no public official should be shielded from scrutiny.

“Even though EFCC is handling former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello’s prosecution over alleged corruption with kid gloves, the fact remains that the issue at stake borders on payment of school fees for children allegedly using state funds.

According to him, the allegation comes at a time of severe economic hardship, making it morally troubling for any government appointee to be linked with extravagant personal spending.

“Nigerians are hungry and struggling to survive, yet we are confronted with allegations of obscene luxury by public officials. This is the same pattern we have seen in previous high-profile corruption cases,” Frank stated.

He warned that failure to investigate the matter could further erode public trust in government institutions and discourage investors already wary of corruption risks in Nigeria and further lend credence to President Donald Trump’s tag of ‘disgraced country.’

Frank commended Dangote for speaking out, describing his action as an act of patriotism and civic responsibility.

“He had no obligation to raise this issue, but he chose to stand with ordinary Nigerians. This is commendable and should encourage others to speak up against corruption,” he said.

He added that Dangote had reportedly expressed willingness to cooperate with investigators if invited, urging authorities to take advantage of the opportunity to establish the facts.

“I’ll like to use this opportunity to welcome Comrade Aliko Dangote as the newest comrade to join in the fight against corruption in Nigeria.

“Now that he has joined our ranks, we are optimistic that many will take the fight against corruption more seriously and deliberately.

“I hope Comrade Dangote will not stop here, but shall continue to join in the fight to expose more corrupt officials serving in government and public positions,” he added.

Frank insisted that if the NMDPRA CEO is innocent, he should resign and submit himself to investigation to clear his name.

“This issue must not be swept under the carpet. Accountability must prevail. Nigeria cannot afford silence or delay in the face of allegations of this magnitude,” he said.

Signed:

Comrade Timi Frank
ULMWP Ambassador (East Africa and Middle East)
Senior Advisor, Global Friendship City Association (GFCA), USA

Abuja, Nigeria — Political activist and international affairs leader, Comrade Timi Frank, has issued a stern warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over reported actions that point to the politicisation of the Nigerian Army, cautioning that any breach of military tradition, hierarchy and professional standards poses a grave danger to Nigeria’s democracy and national stability.

Frank, a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and currently ULMWP Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East as well as Senior Advisor to the Global Friendship City Association (GFCA), USA, described reports of a special and accelerated promotion of President Tinubu’s Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the rank of Brigadier-General, barely months after elevation to Colonel, as deeply troubling and unacceptable if proven true.

“The Nigerian Army is not a personal guard unit of any President. It is a national institution governed by time-tested rules, traditions and professional standards.

Senior military ranks, especially the rank of General, are earned through years of service, sacrifice, command experience, rigorous training and competitive assessments.
They are not political rewards,” Frank said.

He stressed that promotions outside established procedures send a dangerous and demoralising signal to career officers who have devoted decades to service under strict institutional discipline.

According to him, such actions weaken command authority, erode morale and damage cohesion within the ranks and file.

Frank warned that history, particularly Africa’s recent history, has shown that the politicisation and personalisation of military institutions inevitably breed resentment, frustration and indiscipline, conditions that have often preceded military breakdowns and unconstitutional interruptions of democratic rule.

“Across West Africa today, we are witnessing the consequences of weakened civil-military relations,” he said. “From Mali to Burkina Faso and Niger, military juntas emerged in environments where institutions were abused, traditions disregarded and professionalism undermined.

“Even in those countries, the leaders of military regimes exercised restraint in matters of rank, mindful of the sensitivity of military hierarchy and the backlash that follows its abuse.”

He noted that it is alien to Nigeria’s democratic practice, and unheard of even during periods of military rule, to assign or manipulate the rank of General for aides-de-camp or personal convenience.

“No former military Head of State and no civilian President in Nigeria treated the rank of General with such recklessness,” he added.

Frank rejected any justification based on constitutional authority, insisting that being Commander-in-Chief demands restraint, not arbitrariness.

“Being Commander-In-Chief is not a license to erode institutions. Democracy survives on accountability, due process and respect for established norms,” he said.

He further cautioned that exposing an officer to irregular promotion places that officer at professional risk and invites institutional backlash, while dragging the Armed Forces into political controversy.

He urged the Minister of Defence to urgently advise the President on the far-reaching implications of any decision that undermines military tradition, morale and Nigeria’s international standing.

“This does not stand in isolation,” Frank said. “It fits a troubling pattern of preferential treatment for presidential aides within the security services, raising legitimate fears about the personalisation of state power and the erosion of institutional independence.”

Frank called for: Immediate public clarification of the legal and professional basis for the reported promotion; suspension or reversal of any action that violates Nigerian Army guidelines; and a firm commitment by the Presidency to end personalised promotions and the abuse of military ranks.

He also urged civil society organisations, retired military officers and professional associations to speak out, warning that silence in the face of institutional abuse carries severe consequences for civil-military relations.

“Nigeria’s democracy has already witnessed the weakening of several institutions. The Armed Forces must not be dragged down the same path.

“Undermining military tradition fuels frustration within the ranks and file and dangerously incentivises coup plotting as a means to truncate democracy. This is a red line Nigeria must never cross,” he said.

Frank insisted that the Nigerian Armed Forces must remain professional, apolitical and governed by established rules and not personal discretion.

Signed:

Comrade Timi Frank
ULMWP Ambassador (East Africa and Middle East)
Senior Advisor, Global Friendship City Association (GFCA), USA

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has condemned in strong terms the recent killing of nine protesting women in Yola Adamawa state by military operatives.

Soldiers had allegedly opened fire on protesting women in the Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa State on Monday.

Also, 51 others were said to have been hospitalised where most of them are still receiving treatment for varying degrees of gunshot wounds, many of them life-threatening.

Frank in a statement in Abuja described the killing of the nine women as “senseless, unforgivable, inhuman and avoidable.”

He noted that the victims - ordinary women, mothers and breadwinners who had stepped out only to protest the insecurity consuming their communities - were met with lethal force when all they sought was protection for their children. “Their only offence was demanding safety,” he lamented.

The incident, which has triggered widespread outrage, adds to what Frank called a mounting record of state violence and military impunity in Nigeria and across Africa.

He cited troubling statistics indicating that over 10,000 Nigerian youths have been killed or disappeared in recent years through military operations and extrajudicial actions.

“This culture of violence and unaccountability must end,” he declared, his voice breaking with emotion.

Frank rejected what he described as the government’s habit of announcing panels of inquiry that ultimately serve as “political theatre” designed to bury justice.

From the #EndSARS killings at Lekki Toll Gate to crackdowns in Cameroon, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Zimbabwe, he said, those who issue shoot-to-kill orders have repeatedly escaped responsibility. “This time, we will not accept delays, excuses or another meaningless probe,” he vowed.

The ULMWP Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East issued a set of demands he said must be met urgently.

He called for the arrest and prosecution of military officers - both those on the ground and their commanders - who played any role in what he described as the “barbaric” slaughter of the Yola Nine.

He insisted that the federal and state governments owe full compensation to the bereaved families, including scholarships for the victims’ children and long-term welfare plans to prevent the tragedy from plunging entire households into destitution. “These women must not die in vain,” he said.

Given what he termed the consistent failure of Nigeria’s justice system to punish human rights violations, Frank urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to open investigations into military abuses in Nigeria and across Africa.

Frank who also serves as the Senior Advisor to the Global Friendship City Association (GFCA), USA, further demanded sanctions, travel bans and international prosecutions for military leaders who authorise or enable the killing of unarmed civilians.

Frank also called on the global community—human rights organisations, civil society groups, women’s coalitions and all citizens—to amplify their voices for the Yola Nine. In a direct appeal, he urged President Donald Trump and the U.S. government to speak out, demand accountability, and support international action.

“The U.S. has shown willingness to stand with oppressed African citizens. We appeal for that moral leadership now,” he stated.

He said the tragedy is more than a national wound; it is “a stain on Africa’s conscience” and a test of whether governments will continue to allow soldiers, whose duty is to protect, to open fire on peaceful citizens without consequence.

“The killing of the Yola Nine is a tragedy Nigeria must not brush aside,” he said. “Justice must be non-negotiable. Accountability must be immediate. And this barbarism must never happen again.”

Signed:

Comrade Timi Frank
ULMWP Ambassador (East Africa and Middle East) and
GFCA Senior Advisor

....."Turaki must stop parading himself as PDP chairman now!" - Andrew Enantomhen



PDP chieftain and good governance advocate, Andrew Enantomhen on Wednesday reiterated his call for sanity in the Peoples Democratic Congress (PDP).

"You can't continue to dwell on illegality and expect the law to favour you. The law is not emotional, the Constitution is guided by principles.

"It is high time Turaki stop parading himself as PDP chairman, the damage he has done to PDP is enough!

"This is the only party we have to call our own.

"We are losing more Governors, more senators, more House of Reps Members at a record rate never imagined. Enough is enough!" Andrew Enantomhen said.

He criticised "the illegality being perpetrated by Turaki and friends on PDP".

Andrew Enantomhen called on well-meaning Nigerians to join hands with patriots to take back PDP from "Turaki and friends".

He commended Senator Samuel Anyanwu for his efforts toward bringing sanity to PDP.

"Posterity will favour you and every other patriot trying to keep the PDP on the path of legality," Andrew Enantomhen said to Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

Talking about the PDP convention in Ibadan, Andrew Enantomhen restated his stand that the Ibadan convention is an illegality that will not stand in court. He refered to it as "lacking legal bearing when it is tested in any law court of competent jurisdiction".

From Plan to Reality: Why Extending Social Protection to Nigeria’s Informal Workers Is Still So Hard

By Segun Tekun


A former International Labour Organization (ILO) Social Protection expert, Segun Tekun, has warned that Nigeria’s plan to extend social protection to more than 60 million informal sector workers may fail unless the country urgently confronts the deep structural weaknesses embedded in its social protection system.

In a statement issued on Monday, December 8, 2025; Tekun said that while Nigeria has progressive social protection laws, they remain largely ineffective for the informal economy, where over 80 percent of Nigerians work.

“Nigeria’s social protection system was built for offices and factories,” he said. “But Nigeria’s economy runs in markets, on farms, in motor parks, along coastal waters and across informal trade corridors,” he further said.



A National Problem Cutting Across All Regions

According to Tekun, the failure to extend social protection is visible across every region of the country.

In the South-West, market women in Ibadan and Abeokuta still pay out-of-pocket for healthcare despite the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act making health insurance mandatory. In Aba, dispatch riders and informal transport workers injured on the road rarely receive compensation under the Employees’ Compensation Act.

In the South-East, traders in Onitsha and Aba, despite running thriving commercial hubs, remain excluded from pensions and injury insurance. Across the North-West and North-East, smallholder farmers, herders and agro-pastoralists face droughts, insecurity and health shocks with almost no formal social protection support.

In the North-Central, artisanal miners and rural farmers experience frequent work-related injuries but lack access to compensation schemes. Along the South-South coast, fisherfolk lose livelihoods to flooding and oil pollution but have no structured insurance, health or income protection.


Health Insurance: Universal in Law, Selective in Practice

Tekun pointed to the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act 2022, which legally mandates health insurance coverage for all Nigerians, including informal workers, farmers and the self-employed. “Three years after the Act, universal coverage exists more in law than in real life,” he said.

He noted that State health insurance schemes in Lagos, Anambra and Kano still cater largely to civil servants and formal private-sector employees, while rural farmers and traders remain largely uncovered. “In rural communities in Jigawa or Benue, farmers sell produce to pay medical bills. In riverine areas of Bayelsa, fisherfolk still rely on traditional care or debt,” he explained.

According to him, fixed premiums, weak outreach and poor service quality continue to discourage informal workers from enrolling.


Workplace Injury: Invisible Risks in the Informal Economy

Tekun criticised the weak application of the Employees’ Compensation Act (2010), saying it rarely reaches workers outside registered companies. “A bricklayer injured on a site in Ilorin or a farmer injured by equipment in Kebbi bears the cost alone,” he said. He added that; small-scale farmers frequently experience injuries from farm tools, agrochemicals and machinery, yet remain completely excluded from compensation mechanisms.

“The law protects employers who register, not workers who suffer injuries,” Tekun stated.


Pensions: The Ageing Crisis Waiting to Happen

Tekun further expressed concern over the implementation of the Pension Reform Act 2014, which established the Micro-Pension Plan for informal workers. “In practice, micro-pensions have barely reached traders, farmers or artisans,” he noted. “Across Katsina, Osun, Enugu and Cross River, informal workers see old age coming with fear, not security.”

He warned that without pension inclusion, Nigeria faces a future surge in elderly poverty, especially in rural and agrarian communities where family support systems are already under strain.


A System Built for a Formal Economy That Barely Exists

Tekun argued that the common thread across Nigeria’s health insurance, compensation and pension laws is a heavy reliance on formal employment structures, despite informal workers accounting for the majority of the labour force.

“Our laws mention informal workers, but the machinery still runs on deductions, registrations and enforcement mechanisms designed for offices and factories,” he said.

He warned that the Federal Government’s pledge to reach 60 million informal workers will fail unless social protection delivery is radically simplified and adequately financed.


What Must Change Now

Tekun called on Government to move beyond announcements and take practical steps, including:
• Using associations as entry points, by enrolling workers through market unions, transport groups, cooperatives and digital platforms.

• Subsidizing health insurance and pensions for the poorest informal workers instead of relying solely on contributions.

• Creating a single access point for health, injury compensation and pensions to reduce complexity.

• Amending regulations to clearly accommodate self-employed workers under existing laws.

• Publishing transparent coverage data, showing how many informal workers are actually benefiting.




Segun Tekun is a social protection expert with over a decade of experience supporting social protection reforms across Africa. He has worked on policy and programme design in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Liberia and Somalia, and previously served with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UNICEF.

…Commends President Trump for stepping in where Nigerian leaders have failed

Nigerian political activist and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Friday, accused the Nigerian government of deliberately shielding financiers of terrorism while the country sinks deeper into violence and mass killings.

Frank said recent actions by U.S. President Donald J. Trump and the U.S. Congress have “embarrassed and compelled” the Nigerian government into reluctantly taking steps it should have taken years ago.

“I wish to thank President Trump and the good people of the United States who have shown sympathy and support for Nigerians at a time when terrorists and bandits threaten to overrun our nation,” Frank who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, said.

“I commend Secretary Marco Rubio for the strong visa restrictions placed on terror sponsors. This action is a welcome development and proof that the U.S. is more committed to ending insecurity in Nigeria than our own leaders.”

According to him, the visa restrictions imposed by the U.S. on sponsors of terrorism, announced by Secretary Marco Rubio, mark “the first serious international move that has forced Nigeria’s government to even pretend to act.”

“Let it be clearly stated: if President Trump had not stepped in, Nigeria’s leaders would still be looking the other way,” Frank declared.
“The U.S. has shown more will, more commitment, and more empathy toward Nigerians than the very government elected to serve and protect them.”

Frank said the biggest evidence of the Nigerian government’s unwillingness to confront insecurity is its refusal, across two administrations, to release the full list of terror financiers earlier exposed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

“The government already has the list. The UAE gave it to them during the Buhari administration,” he said. “Yet, till today, the names have not been released because many of those sponsoring terrorism are politically connected. Some are members of the ruling party. That is the truth they do not want Nigerians to know.”

He added that corruption and political protection have made it impossible for the government to truly fight insecurity despite having the capacity to do so.

“The Nigerian government is not helpless,” he said. “It is simply compromised. And that is why terrorists and bandits have become emboldened enough to threaten the very soul of our country.”

Frank emphasised that the U.S. government’s intervention reflects a level of concern that Nigeria’s own leaders have failed to demonstrate.

“The U.S. has no obligation to spend its taxpayers’ money to protect Nigerians,” he noted. “Yet President Trump and members of Congress have shown more outrage over the kidnappings, genocide and mass killings in Nigeria than our own government, which continues to act with disturbing indifference.”

Frank urged the U.S. government not to share any intelligence with Nigerian authorities until the federal government releases the full, unedited list of terror financiers exactly as submitted by the UAE.

“There are terrorist sympathizers within the system,” he warned. “Sharing intelligence with people who may be compromised is dangerous. Until the names are publicly released and prosecuted, no sensitive information should be handed over.”

He condemned the Nigerian government for what he described as “reckless insensitivity,” citing reports of new luxury vehicles being purchased for political supporters while citizens are being massacred.

“At a time when Nigerians are being slaughtered daily, the government is busy buying jeeps and cars to prepare for the 2027 elections,” Frank said. “This shameful display shows exactly where their priorities lie, and it is not with the people.”

Frank who also serves as the Senior Advisor to the Global Friendship City Association (GFCA), USA, thanked the U.S. Congress, particularly Senator Ted Cruz and Representative Riley Moore, for championing the call to rescue Nigeria from escalating violence and instability.

“On behalf of millions of Nigerians who have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods, we express profound gratitude to President Trump and the U.S. government,” he said.

“Their intervention has exposed what our own leaders have refused to confront and has given Nigerians renewed hope that this nightmare can end.”

Signed:

Comrade Timi Frank
ULMWP Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East and GFCA USA, Senior Advisor

Main opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has on Wednesday, informed members of the public about its decision to expel some members.

In a disclaimer notice by the National Secretary of the party, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Bauchi State Governor and Oyo State Governor have been expelled from the party.

"DISCLAIMER!

"The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party noted with concern the embarrassing misrepresentation of;
1. Bala Mohammed
2. Dauda Lawal
3. Seyi Makinde
4. Emmanuel Udom
5. Adolphus Wabara
6. Taofeek Arapaja
7. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki
8. Ben N. Obi
9. Bode George
10. Okechukwu Obiechina
11. Emmanuel Ogiad
12. Emmanuel Ebiden
13. Suleiman Kadade Mohammed
14. Sumaita Adamu Bunza
15. Koshoedo Setonji|
16. Daniel Woyengikuro
17. Umar Iliya Damagun
18. Umar Sani

"falsely parading themselves as members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

"The general public and PDP faithful should be aware that in accordance with the PDP constitution, 2017 as Amended, these individuals were duly expelled by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Party held on November 18, 2025 for various offences bordering on anti party activities and gross misconduct," the disclaimer read.

"The public and PDP faithfuls are therefore advised not to yield any support or accord recognition to any of these individuals falsely parading themselves as officers and members of the PDP. Anybody who does that, does so at his/her own peril.

"Again, the public should be aware that the peoples Democratic Party has not held her National Convention yet. The purported convention held in Ibadan was a charade and mere social gathering, which is not recognized by law, for its failure to adhere to validly delivered court judgements.

"Anybody parading himself as a newly elected national officer of the party is an imposter and a meddlesome interloper," the notice further said.

PRESS RELEASE
2/12/2025

Timi Frank Raises Alarm Over Alleged Assassination Plot Against Atiku Abubakar
Following Withdrawal of Security Personnel




Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has raised a serious alarm over what he describes as a grand plot by the Presidency to assassinate former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Frank said the sudden withdrawal of all police personnel attached to Atiku, despite his statutory entitlement as a former Vice President, was not only suspicious but part of a wider scheme to expose him to danger.

Frank, who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, in the strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday, said:

“No administration since 2007 has ever tampered with Atiku Abubakar’s security, despite his consistent role as a major opposition figure. Why now? Why at a time when insecurity is at an all-time high across the country? This action clearly reveals an ulterior motive.”

He stated that the claim that security was being withdrawn broadly from VIPs was a smokescreen, insisting that the main target is Atiku Abubakar.

“This so-called blanket withdrawal is a cover-up. The real objective is to isolate and eliminate Atiku ahead of the 2027 election. The pattern is too obvious to ignore. Atiku, by law, is entitled to police protection as a former Vice President. Removing his security at this critical time is deliberate and dangerous,” Frank said.

Frank warned that the move mirrors dangerous political trends across Africa, where incumbent leaders intimidate, arrest, detain, prosecute and, in extreme cases, eliminate opposition leaders to retain power.

“President Tinubu is now following the disturbing trend in parts of Africa where incumbents use state power to silence their opponents. Atiku has been very vocal in exposing the failures of this administration, and this withdrawal of security is nothing but political witch-hunt,” he declared.

The activist further alleged that the composition of the country’s security architecture, dominated by individuals loyal to the President, suggests an attempt to ensure that state institutions carry out political assignments without resistance.

“It is no coincidence that nearly all top security positions are held by people from the President’s ethnic group. They were appointed to carry out political dirty jobs, and this is one of them,” Frank who is a Senior Advisor to the Global Friendship City Association (GFCA), USA, declared.

Frank urged Nigerians and the international community, especially the United States, United Kingdom, African Union, and ECOWAS, to immediately take note of the development.

“We alert Nigerians and the international community. If anything happens to Atiku Abubakar, this government should be held responsible.

The pattern is the same used in communities where security agents are suddenly withdrawn before bandits strike. They are attempting to create room for something sinister,” he said.

He challenged the government to prove its claim of a general security withdrawal by also stripping the President’s family members, close associates and political appointees of their police orderlies and escorts.

“If this directive is truly nationwide, then let the President’s family members, friends and appointees also lose their security. They are also VIPs. But we know the truth: the main target is Atiku Abubakar, nobody else.”

Frank concluded by warning that democracy is being pushed to the brink, saying: “Nigeria is entering dangerous territory. Any attack on Atiku or any opposition leader will plunge this nation into crisis. The world must not wait until it happens.”

Signed:

Comrade Timi Frank
ULMWP Ambassador (East Africa and Middle East) and
GFCA Senior Advisor

Timi Frank Demands Immediate Release of Guinea-Bissau Opposition Leader, Election Results


Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Comrade Timi Frank, has raised fresh alarm over what he describes as “a dangerous assault on democracy in Guinea-Bissau,” following reports of a staged coup plot leading to the detention of main opposition leader Domingos Simões Pereira and the withholding of presidential election results.

Frank said credible account from former President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria who witnessed the election, point to a coordinated political-military conspiracy allegedly engineered to halt transition after indications emerged that Pereira, candidate of PAIGC, may have secured majority votes against incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló.

He noted that early reports naming General Biagino Nhanca as a key figure in the alleged coup only strengthened growing suspicion that the military intervention was “a smokescreen designed to sabotage electoral outcome rather than protect the republic.”

Frank, who serves as the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, in a strongly-worded statement, demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Pereira and the full declaration of results “as cast by the people, not edited by power.”

“What we are witnessing in Guinea-Bissau, if confirmed, is not a coup but a calculated civilian-military conspiracy to overturn the people’s verdict,” Frank, who was recently appointed Senior Advisor by the Global Friendship City Association (GFCA), USA, declared.

“This is unacceptable. It is an attempted robbery of democracy, an assault on the ballot, and a threat to the stability of the entire sub-region.”

He warned that silence from the international community would amount to endorsement, adding that Africa must not allow a precedent where incumbents can manufacture crises to thwart transition after defeat.

“If this goes unchallenged, it becomes a manual for dictators: lose an election, announce a coup, detain the opponent and freeze the results. Africa must reject this script before it becomes our new political culture,” he said.
“Democracy must never be negotiated - it must be defended.”

Frank called on ECOWAS, the African Union, the European Union, the United States and global pro-democracy institutions to “apply pressure without hesitation” to ensure Bissau authorities announce the official results and restore full civilian power without delay.

“The people of Guinea-Bissau have spoken through the ballot. The world must insist their voice be honoured,” he added.

“Let the results be released. Let democracy stand. Let Domingos Simões Pereira walk free.”

‎He called on the US, UK, EU and other development partners to immediately commence the seizure of assets and freezing of grants extended to the Guinea-Bissau administration and enforce strict disciplinary actions against President imballo and his accomplices.

Enough is enough! African leaders must know that there are consequences for illegality especially disenfranchisement of citizens and frustrating credible electoral process,” he said.

Frank reaffirmed his solidarity with the people of Guinea-Bissau and all Africans committed to democratic governance, insisting that “the ballot - not the barrel of a gun - must determine who leads.”

Signed:

Comrade Timi Frank
ULMWP Ambassador (East Africa and Middle East),
GFCA Senior Advisor

.....Blames African Leaders for Democratic Failures

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Global Governance Advocate, Comrade Timi Frank, has strongly condemned the recent coup in Guinea-Bissau, describing it as “an unacceptable interruption of democratic order and a tragic reflection of the deepening governance failures across Africa.”

In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, Frank warned that while coups are unlawful and must never be encouraged, African leaders and regional bodies must also accept responsibility for enabling the circumstances that lead to forceful power seizures.

“I unequivocally condemn the coup in Guinea-Bissau. Military rule is never the answer,” said Frank, who was recently appointed Senior Advisor by the Global Friendship City Association (GFCA), USA.

“However, the rise of coups is a direct consequence of the persistent breakdown of democracy in Africa - rigged elections, constitutional manipulation, suppression of opposition, and leaders who refuse to relinquish power.”

Frank expressed concern that although the African Union (AU) and ECOWAS are swift in condemning military interventions, they often ignore democratic erosion caused by civilian leaders who undermine elections, alter constitutions for personal gain, and disregard the will of the people.

“How do AU and ECOWAS condemn coups with moral authority when they look away as leaders rig elections, intimidate opponents and illegally extend term limits? Democracy must be protected at its roots — not only after it collapses,” he added.

Frank, who also serves as the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, cited controversies in Tanzania, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire and other countries as examples of weakened democratic systems driving instability.

He also commended Ghana, Namibia and Botswana for sustaining credible electoral processes.

While affirming that no military takeover is justifiable, Frank urged Guinea-Bissau’s junta to immediately commence a transition programme and restore civil rule within six months.

“The military authorities must prioritise national stability and conduct a free, fair and transparent election within 180 days,” he said.

“Only then can Guinea-Bissau rebuild trust, restore constitutional order and protect its sovereignty.”

Frank further called on the international community - particularly the United States - to impose sanctions on African leaders who subvert democracy through election rigging or unconstitutional tenure extensions.

He urged the AU to revive the founding ideals of Kwame Nkrumah, Julius Nyerere, Haile Selassie, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Jomo Kenyatta and others who envisioned a united, democratic and accountable continent.

“The AU was created to unite Africa — one passport, one currency, one future. But today that dream is stalled. Many leaders have become toothless, and the continent is paying the price,” he said.

“We often blame the West, yet there are no coups there because institutions work and elections are credible. When opposition loses, they accept results because the system is fair. In Africa, the reverse is true.”

Frank referenced Cameroon’s recent election as a “classical example of democratic decay,” noting that President Paul Biya, 92, “again manipulated the system to retain power despite public rejection.”

“Political coups - the rigging of elections and manipulation of constitutions - are even more dangerous than military coups. Until African leaders change their conduct and respect the will of the people, instability will persist,” he warned.

He challenged the AU to evolve from a reactive body to one that prevents democratic breakdown rather than merely responding after power is seized.

“Without transparency, accountability and credible elections, more coups are inevitable.”

Frank reaffirmed his commitment to justice, constitutionalism and democratic stability in Africa.

“We will continue to oppose illegality - whether military or civilian. A new Africa is possible, but it must be built on truth, term limits and respect for the people’s mandate.”

Signed:
Timi Frank
ULMWP Ambassador (East Africa & Middle East)
GFCA Senior Advisor

Kogi State PDP Youth Leader, Hon. Yunusa Halidu Adazaki has joined the people of Bassa-Nge in mourning the loss of their respected monarch, His Royal Majesty, Alhaji (Dr.) Abu Ali Mopa III He described his death as a significant loss to Bassa land, Kogi State, and the nation as a whole.

Hon. Adazaki also expressed his sincere condolences to the family of the late Hajiya Halimat Abdullahi from Kogi Local Government. She was a dedicated and prominent supporter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He noted that her sudden death has left many in deep shock and sadness.

Youth Leader prayed for Almighty Allah to forgive her mistakes and grant her eternal rest. He also offered his sympathy to Hajiya Halimat Abdullahi's immediate family, praying that Allah gives them the strength to cope with this painful loss.

Hon. Adazaki prayed that Almighty Allah grants HRM Brigadier Gen. Abu Ali Mopa III of Bassa-Nge eternal peace and welcomes him into Aljannatul Firdaus.

Signed:
Comr. Musa Adamu
Special Assistant on Media and Publicity Kogi State PDP Youth

GFCA Appoints Nigeria’s Timi Frank as Senior Advisor to Boost Africa–USA City Partnerships



The Global Friendship City Association (GFCA), a U.S.-based international cooperation body, has appointed Nigerian politician and diplomat, Ambassador Timi Frank, as Senior Advisor in a move aimed at strengthening Africa–USA relations through city-to-city diplomacy, youth empowerment and cultural exchange initiatives.

The appointment, announced in San Francisco, California, on November 25, underscores GFCA’s growing commitment to advancing sustainable partnerships between African cities and communities across the United States.

GFCA Executive Director, Jonathan Ginsberg, described Frank as a strategic addition to the organisation’s leadership, citing his political experience, diplomatic exposure and advocacy for accountable governance.

“Ambassador Timi Frank’s experience across African political and diplomatic circles makes him an invaluable addition to GFCA,” Ginsberg said. “His leadership will significantly strengthen our mission to expand Africa–USA friendship city partnerships, empower young people, and create meaningful cross-cultural exchange.”

Frank, a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has long been involved in governance advocacy and civic participation.

On the international front, he serves as the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, where he supports global outreach and engagement initiatives.

In his new role, Frank will provide strategic guidance for GFCA’s global partnership development, particularly in building long-term links between African and American cities.

He is also expected to play a key role in expanding programmes in education, culture, innovation, public service and youth leadership.

Reacting to his appointment, Frank said he was honoured to join the organisation at a time when Africa–USA relations are increasingly driven by people-to-people diplomacy.

“I am deeply honored to accept the appointment,” he said.

“Connecting African cities and U.S. communities, and building sustainable bridges across continents, is both a profound responsibility and a privilege.”

He expressed enthusiasm about supporting GFCA’s efforts to expand friendship city partnerships and empowering young people across both regions.

GFCA is an independent, non-profit cultural and educational organisation based in the Bay Area of California.

Its mission is to connect cities, businesses and individuals to promote global cooperation through dialogue, exchange and collaborative development.

With Frank’s appointment, the association says it is positioning itself to accelerate cross-regional collaboration and deepen its footprint in Africa.

END

Dr. Folabora Bryhm has joined the people of Bassa-Nge in mourning the passing of their revered monarch, His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Dr. Abu Ali Mopa III.

Describing the shocking demise as heartbreaking, Dr. Folabora noted that HRH Abu Ali’s passing comes at a time when the people of Bassa and Kogi State needed his leadership the most.

He praised the late monarch as a mentor to the younger generation, recalling his distinguished service in the Nigerian Army and his long-standing commitment to guiding many towards achieving their goals across various institutions.

As a royal father, HRH Abu Ali upheld peace in Bassa, often resolving disputes with wisdom and offering thoughtful, effective solutions to complex challenges. His leadership, integrity, and dedication to unity remain exemplary.

Dr. Folabora prayed for the peaceful repose of the monarch’s soul and extended his sincere condolences to the people of Bassa-Nge, Bassa Local Government Area, and the immediate family He affirmed that HRH Abu Ali will forever be remembered and honoured daily across Bassa and Kogi State.

Dr. Folabora Bryhm Media Office.
Monday, 24th November 2025

In Kogi State, Dr. Folabora Bryhm is known for his years of real service, humility, and commitment to people. Many stakeholders see him as reliable, compassionate, and purposeful.

People who have worked closely with him, including community leaders, youth groups, professional organizations, and everyday citizens, recognize his leadership style. It is calm, thoughtful, and focused on solutions instead of seeking applause. He earns respect not through ambition but through the quiet and consistent impact he has made.

Through the Folabora Foundation, countless individuals in Kogi State have received support in education, healthcare, empowerment, and community development. These efforts show what responsible, people-centered leadership should look like.

Stakeholders often mention three key qualities:

Humility: Despite his achievements and influence, he stays accessible, respectful, and connected to the people.

Sincerity of purpose: His actions show a genuine desire to uplift others. He seeks meaningful change, not personal gain.

A Proven Record of Touching Lives: His work in humanitarian efforts, youth empowerment, and community support is visible and widely acknowledged throughout the state.

These qualities build the trust many have in him. They also explain why discussions about Kogi State's future often include his name as an example of admired leadership.

At a time when communities need direction, stability, and development-focused leadership, Dr. Folabora's example stands out. His journey reflects a vision based on service and a passion for real, measurable impact.

New Vision. Real Impact.
A leadership style defined by character, compassion, and consistency can inspire real progress across Kogi State.

With Folabora, we see hope.
With Folabora, we see progress.
Let us stand together for a greater, united, and prosperous Kogi State.

Dr. Folabora Bryhm Media Team
Monday, 24th November 2025

IMPENDING LEADERSHIP VACUUM AND OVERSTAYING COMMISSIONERS:
A LOOMING THREAT TO POWER SECTOR REFORMS AND INVESTOR CONFIDENCE

Nigeria’s electricity sector is edging toward an avoidable leadership crisis. In less than two weeks, the tenure of both the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) will expire. The Electricity Act 2023 does not provide for an Acting Chairman when both offices are vacant, raising the possibility that the Commission could soon be left without any lawful leadership.

For a sector already battling liquidity issues, metering deficits, and persistent operational lapses, a leadership void at the regulatory level could halt key decisions, slow down ongoing reforms, and further weaken already shaky investor confidence.

Engr. Abdullahi Garba Ramat, the President’s nominee for NERC Chairman, has completed the required screening and has only the final step of confirmation left. Industry watchers warn that delaying his confirmation or failing to announce a replacement quickly may plunge the Commission into uncertainty at a critical moment.

His recent appearance on TVC changed many minds within the industry. He spoke confidently about market operations, regulatory structures, digital transformation, and reforms needed to strengthen transparency and consumer protection. Many who initially doubted his competence now consider him adequately prepared and forward-thinking.

Delays driven by political calculations will only deepen the impression that federal appointments have become inconsistent. The electricity sector cannot afford instability at a time when reforms should be accelerating.

Concerns are also growing about the influence of political actors who are believed to pressure the Presidency into postponing or reversing appointments. This perception, whether accurate or not, feeds the narrative that the Tinubu administration is hesitant or inconsistent in handling sensitive postings. Clear and decisive action is needed to correct that impression.



Overstaying Commissioners in Violation of the Electricity Act

Another serious issue is the continued stay of several NERC commissioners whose tenures have already expired, some by almost a year. This clearly violates the Electricity Act 2023, which specifies the duration of appointments: 5 years for the Chairman and 4 years for Commissioners.

Despite this, the following officials remain in office beyond their lawful terms:

Commissioners Who Have Exceeded Their Tenure:
1. Musiliu Oseni, Market Competition and Rates – Appointed 7 February 2017 – End of Tenure 7 February 2025 – Overstayed 9 months
2. Aisha Mahmud, Consumer Affairs – Appointed 1 December 2020 – End of Tenure 1 December 2024 – Overstayed 11 months
3. Shatti Nathan Rogers, Finance and Management Services – Appointed 7 February 2017 – End of Tenure 7 February 2025 – Overstayed 9 months
4. Dafe Akpeneye, Legal, Licensing and Compliance – Appointed 7 February 2017 – End of Tenure 7 February 2025 – Overstayed 9 months

Legal analysts, civil society organisations, and energy stakeholders have repeatedly warned that allowing commissioners to stay beyond their legal tenure is improper and unlawful. Civil society groups are reportedly preparing to challenge the issue in court, while investors are becoming increasingly uneasy about a regulator that does not follow its own laws.



The Path Forward

To stabilise the sector and prevent an avoidable breakdown, President Tinubu should act urgently by: Confirming Engr. Abdullahi Ramat without further delay or nominating a replacement immediately.



Gabriel Kefas PhD wrote from Lagos
Public Affairs Analyst.

Tinubu’s Silence over Wike’s Outburst Undermines Discipline, Fuels Impunity, Says Timi Frank



Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has condemned the recent altercation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a Naval officer in Abuja, describing it as a shameful reflection of Nigeria’s decaying governance culture and a dangerous signal for the nation’s democracy.

Frank said the incident, where a senior minister was captured publicly berating a uniformed officer during an enforcement exercise, was not just an act of poor judgment but a manifestation of the arrogance and moral decline that continue to define the Tinubu administration.

“This unfortunate episode goes beyond one man’s temperament. It represents a deeper rot in our leadership culture, one where power is exercised without restraint, and where political loyalty now outweighs accountability,” he said.

Frank noted that Wike’s conduct has consistently shown a disregard for due process, open hostility toward dissent, and a pattern of imperious behaviour unbecoming of a public officer.

“Since assuming office, Wike has carried on as though the FCT were his personal fiefdom. His abrasive style of governance, marked by disregard for court orders and contempt for opposition voices, makes a mockery of public service,” he added.

Frank who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East, expressed deep concern over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s continued silence on the matter, warning that failure to discipline the minister would send a dangerous message that certain figures within government are “above the law.”

“President Tinubu’s refusal to publicly caution or reprimand Wike has emboldened impunity and reinforced the perception that political expediency comes before good governance.

“It tells Nigerians that loyalty to the President is more important than loyalty to the country,” Frank said.

He described the Naval officer’s calm and professional conduct as exemplary, urging the Nigerian Armed Forces and the public to commend the officer’s discipline and restraint.

“The Naval officer’s composure in the face of provocation reflects the highest ideals of service, patriotism, and respect for uniform.

“In any decent society, such conduct would earn him commendation, perhaps even national honours,” Frank stated.

He lamented that the minister’s outburst and the President’s silence have once again embarrassed Nigeria before the international community.

“Incidents like this reinforce the unfortunate perception once voiced by U.S. President Donald Trump, who described Nigeria as a ‘disgraced country.’

“While Trump’s rhetoric was harsh, this kind of leadership failure gives weight to that label,” he said.

Frank warned that unchecked arrogance and impunity at the top threaten Nigeria’s democracy and further erode public trust in government institutions.

“A democracy cannot thrive where arrogance is rewarded and accountability ignored.

“When ministers act with impunity and the President looks away, it weakens the moral fabric of governance and invites chaos,” he cautioned.

He called on President Tinubu to take decisive action by publicly reprimanding Wike and reaffirming his administration’s commitment to discipline, humility, and respect for institutions.

“Authority must come with humility; enforcement must come with respect. Leadership is not intimidation.

“Nigeria stands at a moral crossroads between arrogance and accountability. The President’s silence cannot endure,” he said:


Signed:
Comrade Timi Frank
ULMWP Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East

How Nigeria can indeed tackle its poverty problems via effective and deliberate social protection implementation




By Segun Tekun






According to a November 2025 report by the World Bank, social protection in Nigeria accounts for just 0.14% of Nigeria's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) spending, a figure that is insignificant in the fight against poverty, and thus, a clear indication of under-investment.


Furthermore, the report says Nigeria stands the risk of social protection decline in an event where foreign donors withdraw their support as foreign donations account for about 60% of social protection spending in Nigeria, 90% of which comes from World Bank.


This statistics is a disturbing truth about the state of social protection in Nigeria.


From available statistics, Nigeria's investment in social safety net programmes is far below the international threshold.


According to ILO (International Labour Organisation) Nigeria’s budgetary allocation to social protection between 2010 and 2021 has been as low as an average of 0.45 of its GDP.


According to available reports, only 14.8 percent of Nigerians are covered by social protection despite it being a right guaranteed in various international laws including universal declarations of human right.


According to further reports, Nigeria's spending on social protection is below the budgeted figures year in year out, inspite of the fact that the budget itself is already low and below the threshold enough to make any noticeable impact in the lives of the citizens.


It is a fact that despite numerous social intervention schemes in Nigeria, ranging from conditional cash transfers to school feeding programmes and national social safety nets programme, to mention but a few, poverty is still on the increase in Nigeria. According to the November 2025 World Bank report, the various Government-funded social protection programmes in Nigeria have not been able to reduce poverty in Nigeria due to "poor design and benefit dilution".


Furthermore, the report emphasized the fact that because the Government through the National Social Safety Nets Programme disburses a flat amount per household, poorer households in their larger structure are less impacted as "the money is stretched among more mouths" hence are less likely to become less poorer yet still.


The World Bank, talking about the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, while appreciating its purpose of feeding primary school pupils, lamented the fact that the programme by design, targets individuals instead of households. "Yet, they reach only children in grades one to three and cover a limited number of schools," the World Bank said in a November 2025 report.


Having understood the issues, there is a need to proffer solutions. The solution revolves around how poverty can be effectively tackled in Nigeria, based on the peculiarities in Nigeria.


Poverty is a cancer in any society, it must therefore be fought with every goodwill and political will possible.


Nigeria is an LIMC (Low and Middle-Income Country), hence the poverty prevalence is a serious concern.


According to an October 2025 World Bank report, as quoted by BusinessDay as of October 8, 2025; "Poverty levels (in Nigeria) are projected to hit 61 percent in 2025 as 139 million people slipped below $3 per person per day, compared to 129 million people last year (2024) as weak growth and high inflation eroded purchasing power more sharply since 2019, largely reflecting pre-2023 policy missteps and external shocks."


“Between 2019 and 2023, average consumption fell by 6.7 percent, especially in urban areas, while poverty rose from 40 percent (81 million people) to a projected 61 percent (139 million people) by 2025, with three-quarters of the increase occurring before 2023,” the report further said.


To solve these problems and reduce poverty, the social protection programmes should be given increased budget support especially in the aspect of budget implementation. The social register should be expanded and updated to correctly take into consideration the population that indeed needs social protection.


The school feeding programme should be expanded to cover more school children.


The national safety net programmes should be re-designed in ways they can impact significantly even in large families.


The practice of diversion and embezzlement of relief materials by Government officials should also be seriously frowned upon. Transparency must be the core of social protection in Nigeria.


The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and other sister anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria should get involved to ensure that relief materials meant for the vulnerable don't end up in the storage facilities of the powerful members of the society or in market places.


With the right reforms and the needed political will on the part of the Government and on the part of those implementing social protection programmes; poverty can be reduced via effective planning and deliberate implementation of social protection programmes.


In addition to the calls for deliberate reforms in social protection programmes, it is important to emphasize on a side-note, the fact that social protection alone cannot get people out of poverty, but it however provides a starting point.


To address poverty, we need combination of interventions including livelihoods support to existing beneficiaries. These interventions must be sequenced and layered carefully to ensure they produce maximum results, and that is where accountability and transparency on the part of Government officials and the intervention programme officials come into the conversation.


On one hand, we need well designed programmes, to effectively address poverty in Nigeria; on the other hand, we need people with integrity to lead the intervention programmes, to ensure the intervention materials and the intervention efforts are not diverted into private pockets under any guise.


More often than not, intervention materials have ended up in the market in contravention of the "not for sale" tags on them, hence integrity on the part of the intervention programme officials is as important as the good design of the intervention programmes if we must effectively and efficiently address poverty in Nigeria.






Segun Tekun is a former UNICEF and ILO Social Protection expert

As committed members of the Democratic Youth Alliance of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), we reaffirm our strong commitment to unity, progress, and the overall success of our party.

We welcome any open and inclusive process that fosters harmony and shared goals.

However, we strongly oppose the imposition of candidates whose capability, visibility, or track record within the party is unclear. The future of the PDP youth structure cannot be left in the hands of those who are unfamiliar or untested.

At this critical moment, the PDP needs leaders who have been consistent, visible, and loyal to the party. Hon. Abdulkadir Ibrahim embodies these qualities. Over the years, he has shown a deep understanding of party values, a strong record of youth engagement, and a readiness to lead with strength, inclusion, and vision.

We call on our leaders at all levels to reflect on past mistakes and take this opportunity to rebuild trust among our young members by prioritizing competence over convenience.

The task ahead requires a vibrant, committed, and visionary youth leader—someone who truly represents the voice and aspirations of the PDP youth across the country. That person is undoubtedly Hon. Abdulkadir Ibrahim—a symbol of loyalty, courage, and ability.

Let us unite for the restoration of trust, fairness, and meaningful leadership within our youth ranks. The time for renewal is now.

We urge all stakeholders across Kogi West, Kogi Central, Kogi East, and throughout Nigeria to support Hon. Abdulkadir Ibrahim as the next National Youth Leader of our party to drive the next phase of youth inclusion and transformation.

Signed:
Comr. Salifu Joel
Publicity Secretary
Democratic Youth Alliance (PDP)

Nigerian political analyst, Dr. Mahmoud Alfa has on Thursday described Nigeria's foreign policies as lacking the inputs of political economy analysts.

In a media statement made available to journalists while discussing his weekly series titled "Who speaks in our stead?", he said; "Nigeria’s international engagements are expanding rapidly through investment roadshows, bilateral agreements, and high-level summits. Yet our representation in these critical spaces often lacks a dedicated political economy lens. The outcome of this limitation is that our international negotiating posture tends to be transactional rather than strategically focused on the immediate projects and the broader national interests such projects could serve even in the long term.


"As a nation with international interests, our negotiators and technocrats are often equipped with technical expertise but not the analytical tools they ought to have to understand the deeper economic and geopolitical implications of international agreements.



"When we as a nation engage with global partners, whether in manufacturing, energy or finance, the global partners come to the table with integrated teams of seasoned economists, experienced strategists and policy experts in their negotiating arsenal while those negotiating on behalf of our country are just there at the negotiation table with less capacity to match such skill combinations and hence getting less for Nigeria while being made to offer more on behalf of Nigeria.



"We must match that readiness from our global partners and prospective investors with our own political economy insight. Nigeria as a country is rich in intellectual capital. We have the people with the skill set. What is left is for those who decide who speaks for Nigeria at the negotiation table, to apply the needed political will. We just need to hire our country's bests to be at the negotiation table, we need to hire them to lead policy formulation for the country. People who are versed in political economy, we need them to lead the conversation for our dear nation Nigeria, if Nigeria must begin to get the best out of international deals and if Nigeria must begin to get more better offers during international negotiations."



The Kogi-born former World Bank Adviser opined that "Nigeria can adopt an institutional mechanism to address this decisive gap that makes all difference between international progress and backwardness, by establishing a Political Economy Co-ordinating Unit (PECU) which can be strategically embedded within the Presidency.


"The unit would embed political economy analysis across major engagements ensuring that decisions on trade, infrastructure, finance and foreign partnerships align with Nigeria's own national interests from time to time, depending on the prevailing policy of the Government.


"The strategic benefits of the Political Economy Co-ordinating Unit (PECU) are enormous. One of such is that it will provide clearly defined coherence between economic policy, foreign policy and national security decisions."


"Another benefit of the PECU is that it will help Nigeria anticipate the long-term implications of agreements on sovereignty and competitiveness. It will also enhance Nigeria’s bargaining capacity and strategic clarity in negotiations," the Vibranium Group CEO said.


"When Nigeria engages with global manufacturing powers or international financiers, they do so backed with up-to-date data and rigorous political economic analysis. If Nigeria does not match that capacity, Nigeria risks being blind-sided and speaking in numbers while the other nations or international partners come to the table with reliable facts, up-to-date data and capacity to speak in strategy," he lamented.


"The time has come for Nigeria to speak with one voice; clear, confident, and deeply informed by the dynamics of power and production that altogether shape the world and global trade.


"There are moments when nations gather around the table of trade and diplomacy and one question lingers quietly in the air; "who speaks in our stead?" The answer to this pertinent question is not far-fetched as the question itself is not rhetorical or out of place.


"The question talks about the essence of the right presence and the right voices. It is about presence, understanding, and intent.


"When decisions about finance, infrastructure, and development are made; whose mind frames the story Nigeria tells at the negotiation table? Whose analysis shapes the terms of the agreements reached by the partners?


"Too often, those who speak for us abroad are fluent in the language

of transactions, but not in the language of political economy, the grammar of power and production that defines world trade and global order," he emphasized.


"As a world, we live in an era when capital moves faster than consensus; and where deals, not doctrines, shape international destinies.


"Yet still in that rush to put pen to paper to append signatures to seal deals on paper, only few stop to ask whether our negotiators understand the full implications of what is being signed and what benefits such deals indeed bring and what hidden unfair terms lie there in if there be any such hidden unfair terms against Nigeria at a time.


"A road contract, a loan facility, a refinery; these are not just projects, they are instruments of leverage windows into the future.


"A political economy analyst reads beyond numbers. He or she interprets the context of how a debt instrument today may shape sovereignty tomorrow and how a trade agreement may recalibrate our place in global value chains. Such understanding must no longer be optional as it is national

infrastructure in itself. It is such understanding that can make all the difference when it matters between a country suddenly finding itself at the mercy of an international partner due to some hidden unfair terms in the contract being carried out. Some of such instances include the controversial mambila power project and the issues surrounding the Ajaokuta Steel Company," he added.



"Nigeria deserves a voice that is armed with a vision that sees beyond the need for immediate deliverables, a voice that can translate between the language of finance and the imperatives of statecraft.


"That voice should sit close to power; advising, interpreting and aligning our national choices with the currents of a world that rewards foresight and punishes indiscretion.


"It is time we institutionalized this perspective, as it will also save Nigeria from failed projects scenarios and expensive international court cases that do arise from cases of Nigeria's inability to later fulfill terms of an already signed contract. A co-ordinating unit grounded in political economy bridging the silos of finance, diplomacy and security; would ensure that our national interests are not fragmented, subject to blind-side but fortified against every unfair antics of any best negotiator from the international community who wants to do business with Nigeria.


"The fact is; in the end, the world will always negotiate deals with or without Nigeria but Nigeria as the giant of Africa and as the most populous black nation on earth and as one of the fastest growing economies in the world, deserves to be at the global negotiation table, getting the best out of deals and nothing less. The question is not whether we will speak, but whether we will be understood loud and clear by the international community," he further added.


"We have watched closely how the United States under President Trump has been very business-minded in terms of how the foreign policy of the United States is shaped at a time. For President Trump's US, it's been about "deals, deals and deals". We even see how he goes as far as threatening sovereign nations and backing down with a business deal(s) that will favour United States businesses and the economic interests of the United States both in the short term and in the long-term.


"Nigeria can toe this path and it will massively benefit the economy of Nigeria and businesses in Nigeria. It boils down to who and who sits in the room where Nigeria's foreign policies are shaped. Nigeria must begin to lead the way in terms of how to use foreign policies to benefit a nation's economy and the private businesses in the country.


"Nigeria is a country of potentials, but the potentials are at risk of remaining what they are, just potentials waiting to be tapped, if the right persons are not brought and locked in a room to brainstorm on the best foreign policies Nigeria should adopt from time to time. Nigeria needs a deliberate foreign policy. It is about international relations, it is about the art of the deal when nations sit in rooms where international deals are sealed.


"Much as the diplomats have their jobs cut out for them, the room is not complete without a political economist present to advise on what is best for a nation, economically. There is a trade-race among nations of the world today. Nigeria cannot afford to be missing from the top of the list of who is getting the best out of global trade talks, not at a historic time when one of our own in the person of Mrs Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is the Director-General of WTO (World Trade Organisation). Given the right foreign policies, Nigeria can go from being an import-dependent economy and a nation where foreign powers dump goods because nobody is watching them on Nigeria’s behalf, to being one of the most exporting nations on the planet like the USA and China. It all depends on who is speaking in our stead as a nation when the diplomats, businessmen and businesswomen, investors, deal makers, and international lobbyists sit together in a room to make these deals that affect their individual nations of interest at a time," he said.



He concluded by saying, "if we fail to define our interests as a nation, even economically, others who can define theirs will define ours for us, but if we act with clarity and conviction, guided by those who can read both the numbers and the nuance, then when we speak, we will do so not as a petitioner-nation or some cap-in-hand beggar-nation waiting to be exploited over and over again by foreign powers who gives her less and gets so much from her in exchange due to economic ignorance on her part; but as a participant-nation who knows her worth, her left from her right in these economic conversations and is ready to shape a favourable future of her own, and then hence earning a right to shape the future of world trade even for the super-powers like how the United States is currently doing with its foreign policies that are favouring American businesses even on foreign lands."

By Hon. M. Sani

When we discuss true leadership, it's easy to focus on grand speeches and titles. However, some individuals show us what it really means: strength of character, sharp intelligence, and a deep desire to do good. For many, Dr. Folabora Bryhm is that person. His life and career serve as a powerful example of a statesman who is respected not just for his achievements, but for who he is.

One of Dr. Folabora’s greatest strengths is his ability to see the bigger picture. In a time when politics often divides people into "us versus them," he consistently works to build unity. He avoids narrow, local arguments and focuses on connecting people from all backgrounds. He recognizes a simple truth: we are stronger together. His skill in bringing people together, finding common ground, and earning trust across communities makes him a true leader.

His intelligence is evident, but what truly matters is how he applies it. He has a rare talent for transforming complex ideas into practical programs that change people's lives for the better. His focus is always on achieving results and creating positive change where it matters most.

Above all, Dr. Folabora is defined by his strong integrity. In public life, character is everything, and his is unquestionable. He keeps his promises, and his principles remain steady. The lasting impact he has made across Kogi West and the broader Kogi State proves his moral compass. He leads with quiet strength and a deep sense of duty. A perfect example is his steadfast rule against negative campaigning; he insists that his team never insults opponents or critics. For him, politics should focus on debating ideas, not attacking individuals. This disciplined respect for others, even in disagreement, truly sets him apart. He reminds us that real leadership isn't about being the loudest voice, but about being someone people trust to do the right thing.

In summary, Dr. Folabora embodies the ideal leader. He skillfully combines intellect with decisive action and ambition with unwavering integrity. He rises above conventional politics, serving as an example that illustrates to the emerging generation the deep importance of service done with honor. His lasting legacy will be measured not just in tangible projects or policies, but fundamentally in the deep trust he has built and the lasting standard of exceptional character he embodies.

As Kogi State stands on the brink of renewal, seeking leadership that will restore its lost glory and lead it toward a modern and united future, I present to you a man of his word. Dr. Folabora Bryhm. He represents a unifying figure for the West, Central, and East Senatorial Districts of our dear State—an alternative vision for a new and prosperous Kogi.

Dr. Folabora Congratulates the People of Kogi Central and Senator Natasha H. Akpoti-Uduaghan


Dr. Folabora Bryhm's, a philanthropist, business leader, and politician, warmly congratulates the people of Kogi Central on the second anniversary of Senator Natasha H. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s impressive time in the National Assembly.

He praises the Senator for her strong focus on the community, highlighting how everyone in Kogi Central has benefited from her leadership.

Dr. Folabora also recognizes the constant support from the people of Kogi Central for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Senator Natasha. He points out that, despite challenges like the recall attempt and suspension, she remained steadfast and kept providing valuable services to her constituents.

He further commends the ongoing rollout of important projects throughout the Senatorial District, calling it a sign of her commitment and vision.

“Keep up the good work, our esteemed Senator. Congratulations,” Dr. Folabora concluded.

….Calls for targeted sanctions on corrupt, complicit officials

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has commended United States President Donald Trump for declaring Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) over persistent human rights violations and the government’s failure to protect citizens from killings and insecurity.

He also called for targeted sanctions against corrupt government officials fueling insecurity and impunity in the country.

Trump had on Friday announced that the United States is designating Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over what he described as widespread attacks on Christians in Nigeria.

Trump, wrote on his Truth Social account that “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria.

“Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter.

“I am hereby making Nigeria a COUNTRY OF PARTICULAR CONCERN — but that is the least of it.”

Frank in a statement in Abuja described the U.S. action as a bold and long-overdue decision, saying it reflects international recognition of the Nigerian government’s negligence in the face of growing atrocities and systemic corruption.

“We commend President Trump for taking this stand, it is long overdue,” Frank said.

“By this action, President Trump has shown he cares more about the welfare and safety of ordinary Nigerians than those elected to lead them.”

He said the declaration was a direct consequence of the Nigerian government’s tolerance for impunity and the deepening culture of lack of accountability in handling insecurity.

Frank urged the U.S. government to ensure that any sanctions or punitive measures arising from the CPC designation are strictly targeted at officials and their family members implicated in human rights abuses and corruption, rather than innocent Nigerians.

“We appeal to the United States to protect ordinary Nigerians from the fallout of sanctions after due investigations.

“The measures should be directed at those directly responsible for the atrocities, not at citizens already suffering from the government’s failures, Christians and non-Christians alike,” he said.

Frank accused the government of complicity in the worsening insecurity, claiming that officials know those behind the killings but continue to negotiate with insurgents and bandits instead of prosecuting them.

He said: “The truth is that this administration is not interested in ending the killings.

“Insecurity has become a business for some within the system. Corruption and impunity are the twin engines driving this crisis.”

He called on the international community, especially the U.S. and its allies, to take concrete steps to hold corrupt Nigerian officials accountable through visa bans, asset freezes, and blocking of access to illicitly acquired wealth abroad.

Frank said the global community must not remain silent while ordinary Nigerians continue to pay the price for the failure of leadership at home.

“The time for polite diplomacy is over. The world must stand with victims, not with those profiting from bloodshed.

“President Trump’s action gives hope to millions of Nigerians who feel abandoned by their own leaders,” he said.

Frank also warned that failure to act decisively will deepen Nigeria’s crisis, resulting in more deaths, displaced communities, and economic collapse.

“The recurring bloodshed is a direct reflection of governance failure.

“Officials entrusted with protecting lives must be held accountable when they fail,” he added.

Frank thanked Trump for his moral courage and urged other world leaders to emulate his example in standing up for human rights and justice.

Kogi-born Political Economist, Chief Executive Officer of Vibranium Group and former Political Economic Adviser at World Bank, Dr. Mahmoud Alfa on Thursday called on Nigerians to key strongly into the forthcoming 2026 tax reform law while he also advised Government officials to live a life that will not prove doubters and critics of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu tax reform right.

In a media statement he made available to journalists in Abuja, he said; "Under the Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria has been governed with bold and necessary economic reforms thus far which are bringing about economic improvements in the lives and everyday welfare of the citizens, two years after, yet some citizens still doubt if the renewed hope agenda of the Government is real.

"It is a fact that Nigerians are largely under-taxed, compared to a lot of economies across the world, aside from the fact that Nigerians especially those involved in trade and commerce are also faced with the 'perennial' problem of multiple-taxation.

"While the Tinubu-led administration promises reforms to fix the multiple-taxation problems to at least improve the ease of doing business in Nigeria, a survey with some of the citizens will easily show that the change is not where it should be yet but there are positive improvements. In a way; the citizens, especially the traders are still faced with multiple-taxation as a reality."

"This coupled with the new tax law taking effect on January 1, 2026 is sending palpable fears and feelings of unease among some of the citizens who still doubt the renewed hope agenda of Mr President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR).

"The essence of taxation cannot be over-emphasized. Advanced nations all over the world owe a good number of their advancements to the taxes they collect from their citizens, but in Nigeria, it is still a dream yet to be achieved as Nigeria relies heavily on debt to fund most of its infrastructures and the citizens do not trust the Government enough with their taxes," he further said.

"In Nigeria, the citizens will gladly evade tax and there are hardly cases of citizens being jailed for tax evasion. This shows that Nigerians are under-taxed compared to countries like the UK, Spain, among other developed economies of the world.

"If Nigeria must indeed make the progress it desires to make, compared to the advanced economies of the world, the Government of Nigeria must be bold with its tax reforms and the citizens must pay their taxes, but there is the problem of mistrust between the citizens and the Government.

"A conversation with some of the locals across the country will reveal that the citizens feel the people in the Government will steal their taxes if they (the citizens) indeed pay their taxes.

"Nigerians are pathological with their desire to not pay taxes. Some even suggest the need to revert back to cash transactions if the Government starts to tax digital transactions."

"There is a saying that 'the Government is a representative of the people'. The people can argue that those in power may have at any point in time rigged their way into power but anyway, there is not much difference between the citizens and their representatives in Government, in terms of mindset. Refusing to pay tax is a crime same as stealing of the taxes is a crime. It is more of the chicken-and-egg situation. There is a clear nexus between the citizens and their representatives in Government at any point in time, be it a Government formed by the most rigged election or the most free-and-fair election at a time in the country.

"In fact, there is a common saying that 'those who are waiting to steal in the Government are more than those who are currently stealing in the Government'. The import of this is that the citizens and their representatives (who form some of the few bad eggs in a Government at a time) are both scheming to steal from the country at any random time. So, the argument that if the citizens pay their taxes, the Government will steal the taxes than utilize them like the Governments of advanced nations would do, well, that yet depends on how the average Nigerian in power can do away with the mentality of "it is my turn to steal" as it is a fact that the average Nigerian in power at any point in time who does not mean well for the country, is scheming to steal from the country while his or her time in power lasts.

"So, the question then is not if it is right for the Government to impose deliberate and bold tax reforms on the citizens such that will see the country make more money from taxing the citizens, it is a question of who has the moral right to collect the taxes on behalf of the Government? It is a question of who can indeed speak the truth the way it is and the citizens will believe that the Government is sincere about the intent behind the tax reforms, else those who insist that they will even go offline (deal more in cash) if the Government tax them online (the use of digital payment platforms) may not be wrong even though it is wrong of them to attempt tax evasion, as perception is key in public trust and tax is a matter of public trust in the social contract between the Government and the citizens at any point in time," he further added.

"Thus far, the head of the country's tax reform, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, in his capacity as Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms has done well with media engagements, to educate the citizens about the sincerity of the Government to do right by the citizens with their taxes this time around in the light of the forthcoming tax reform that will see to the country earning more money from taxes than ever before.

"Anything less in terms of perception management by the Government may make it difficult for the citizens to readily embrace the forthcoming tax reform. A reliable person spearheading the conversation such as how Mr Taiwo Oyedele is currently doing, with the hope that the citizens are convinced enough, and with the hope that the Government is sincere enough about how it will indeed utilize the taxes to serve the citizens and not private pockets as a few fear as the Governments over the years in Nigeria have done a bad job with public perception management with how the Government can indeed be at the service of the citizens and not the other way around.

"The Nigeria Government must increase its tax drive so as to generate sufficient revenue to meet its obligations to the citizens as the standard practice in advanced countries of the world, but the Government officials must live the truth that the Government will not steal the taxes and that the taxes will be adequately utilized strictly to service the needs of the citizens like adequate security, adequate electricity supply, adequate access to potable water supply, adequate access to quality healthcare, access to quality education, good road network, infrastructures, job creation, among many other obligations the Government owes the citizens as directed by the 1999 constitution (as amended).

"Government officials must try to live modestly as their counterparts in advanced nations of the world. That alone will be a re-assuring message to the citizens that indeed the tax reform is reliable and not yet another scheme by some Government officials to enrich themselves at the expense of the citizens," the CEO of Vibranium Group concluded.

The National Youth Agenda (PDP, Kogi State) has noticed a press statement from the State Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Tijani Umoru Aruwa. This statement claims to defend Barr. Kabiru Usman and dismisses our earlier concerns about the misuse of PDP nomination forms and the alleged manipulation of internal party processes.

We want to clarify the following points:

The National Youth Agenda raised its concerns out of a commitment to transparency, accountability, and democracy within our party, the PDP. The allegations about the unauthorized handling and distribution of party forms are not made up. They come from grassroot members who feel left out and cheated by the actions of certain individuals.

Barr. Kabiru Usman’s Role Was Not Authorized by the Appropriate Organs
Contrary to the Publicity Secretary’s claims, Barr. Kabiru Usman does not have the authority to act on issues that should be handled by the State Working Committee (SWC) or any official committee. The matters in question require proper approval from the SWC according to party rules. Any decision made without this approval undermines our processes and creates discord within the party.

The lack of a clear statement or direction on this issue has confused members. We reiterate that if there was truly no endorsement or authorization, as claimed by Alhaji Aruwa, it is because he was part of the minority.

The National Youth Agenda’s earlier statement was not a threat. It was a heartfelt call for internal reform and fairness. Our movement is based on the principles of the PDP—justice, unity, and equality. At no point did we promote violence or division; we focused on ensuring accountability within the party’s structures.

We reaffirm our loyalty to the PDP and its leadership at all levels. However, unity must rest on truth and fairness, not on silence regarding wrongdoing. We urge the party leadership in Kogi State to focus on reconciliation and openness instead of defensive responses.

Finally, Barr. Kabiru Usman should return the form to the consensus candidate recognized by the State Working Committee. If he fails to do so by the first week of November, serious legal actions will follow. The Chairman and his associates will be responsible for the consequences.

The statement issued by Aruwa lacks substance and shows immaturity. It appears to be based on falsehoods. When former Governor Yahaya Bello claimed there were no opposition parties in Kogi, you were oblivious to the reality. It is important for the public to know the truth about who you really are. This should serve as a warning: the party belongs to everyone, not to personal vendettas hidden behind failed ambitions that Barr. Kabiru is pursuing to harm our party. If he does not comply with the demands of loyal party members, we will occupy the party secretariat and shut it down completely until the earlier zoning, which the National Youth Leader is assigned to, is restored.

The National Youth Agenda remains committed to protecting the integrity of the PDP and ensuring that young people and grassroot members have a say in shaping the party’s future.

Signed:
Comrade Timothy Oluwatosin
Director, Media and Publicity, National Youth Agenda (PDP, Kogi State Chapter)
Thursday, 30, 2025

…Calls for International Sanctions, Accountability for African Leaders

Political activist and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has condemned recent elections held in Tanzania, Cameroon, and Ivory Coast, describing them as “sham exercises” and “a disgrace to the African continent.”

Frank said what took place in the three countries were not elections but “selections” marred by manipulation, intimidation, and political terrorism.

He lamented that rather than allowing the will of the people to prevail, incumbent leaders in Africa have continued to impose themselves through fraudulent means.

“These elections are a disgrace and shame to Africa. In this 21st century, the continent should be making democratic progress, but what we see instead is the growing culture of rigging, violence, and oppression,” Frank said.

He urged the international community, including the United Nations, the United States, and the European Union, not to recognise or congratulate the outcomes of such fraudulent elections.

According to him, the global community must take decisive steps to rescue democracy in Africa before the continent slides into chaos.

“If nothing is done, this systematic rigging may soon lead to widespread civil unrest and more coups across the continent,” he warned.

Frank who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East, also called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate and hold accountable the leaders of Tanzania, Cameroon, and Ivory Coast for electoral violence and the loss of lives during the recent polls.

“The U.S. and EU should impose targeted sanctions on these leaders and their cronies who have destroyed the democratic process in their countries,” he stated.

The outspoken activist decried the greed and corruption of African leaders, saying they have abandoned the vision of the continent’s founding fathers like Kwame Nkrumah, Julius Nyerere, Nelson Mandela, Thomas Sankara, Patrice Lumumba, Modibo Keita and Haile Selassie, among other founding fathers.

“The Africa we see today is not the one our heroes fought for.

“The dream of unity, one currency, and one passport has been replaced by selfishness and deceit.

“With these corrupt and greedy leaders, the vision of our founding fathers cannot be achieved,” he said.

Frank further urged African youths not to back down in defending democracy and their right to vote.

“Those who have died defending their votes are heroes. The young generation must continue to resist oppression and stand for justice,” he added.

He also urged the international community to pay attention to the unfolding situation in Tanzania, where citizens have been protesting against a compromised electoral process.

“The people are aggrieved because they know the election was rigged even before the announcement of results. The world must act now,” Frank said.

Turning to Nigeria, Frank cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the polls must not follow the same path of manipulation seen in other African countries.

“Nigeria’s 2027 election must not be business as usual.

“Any attempt to subvert the people’s will will be strongly resisted. Nigerians will no longer remain silent,” he warned.

Signed:
Comrade Timi Frank
Political Activist and Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary, APC
Abuja.

PRESS RELEASE

Re: Clarification on the Consensus Candidate for the Position of National Youth Leader, PDP

The Youth Alliance Movement of PDP Kogi State wants to address a post by Aruwa Ismail that spreads false information about the consensus arrangement for the position of National Youth Leader.

We urge the public and party members to ignore this misinformation.

After thorough discussions, 14 members of the State Working Committee, led by the State Chairman, out of 14 members of the state working committee 10 agreed to zone the position of National Youth Leader to Kogi West Senatorial District. Following this decision, the 10 members of the State Working Committee chose Hon. Abdulkadir Ibrahim as the consensus candidate.

To clarify, the only consensus candidate recognized and recommended by the State Working Committee is Hon. Abdulkadir Ibrahim. Any other names circulated outside this decision are not known to the party at the state level and should not be considered.

We call on the National Working Committee (NWC) to uphold and support the Kogi State Working Committee's decision in recognizing Hon. Abdulkadir Ibrahim as the true consensus candidate for the position of National Youth Leader.

The office of the National Youth Leader should be held by a dedicated and loyal party member who has consistently supported the PDP. Hon. Abdulkadir Ibrahim embodies these qualities.

Signed,
Comr. Jamiu Suleiman
Dir. Media and Publicity Kogi State PDP
Youth Alliance Movement