₦airaland Forum

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has explained the reasons behind the Federal Government’s decision to name Fuji star, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol.

The development followed public outcry about the stance of the FG’s resolutions to recent cases of unruly behaviour at Nigerian airports involving KWAM 1 and the Ibom Air passenger, Comfort Emmason’s unruly behaviour towards the airline’s air hostess.

Keyamo had earlier outlined that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority had agreed to reduce KWAM 1’s flight ban to one month and would work with the musician to promote awareness on acceptable conduct within the aviation space.

The minister maintained that there were appeals from well-meaning individuals, as well as KWAM 1’s public show of penitence over the August 5 incident in which he allegedly obstructed a ValueJet aircraft’s movement.

However, Nigerians on various social media platforms had adjudged the decision to be double-standard and uncalled for.

Justifying the decision on his official X handle on Wednesday, Keyamo wrote,

“For further clarification, it is common practice all over the world that a repentant offender is made to preach publicly against the exact conduct from which he has repented. It is akin to Community Service. It is not paid for, and it is a voluntary service.

“Unfortunately, in Nigeria, some would assume that once you hear the word ‘Ambassador’, it is a big position that comes with the perquisites of office.

“No, it is not. It is free. It is not the first time it has happened in Nigeria, and it will not be the last. Examples abound of such roles given to repentant persons by previous governments in Nigeria.”

He stressed that the Airline Operators of Nigeria are also looking at the option of using Emmanson, who has also shown remorse, as their own Ambassador for good passenger conduct.

“Whilst the Aviation agencies are considering using KWAM 1 for such a role, in my discussion last night with the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), they are also looking at the option of using Ms. Comfort Emmanson, who has also shown remorse, as their own Ambassador for good passenger conduct.

“It is left for the AON to work out those details since she was actually released from prison custody today based on my earlier statement,” he added.

He further said that his ministry has been fair to all the people concerned in both incidents.

President Bola Tinubu will on Thursday embark on a two-nation trip to Japan and Brazil, with a brief stopover in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

His Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, noting that the President’s first stop will be Japan for the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama from August 20 to 22.

With the theme “Co-create Innovative Solutions with Africa”, TICAD9 will focus on driving Africa’s economic transformation, improving business environments and institutions through private investment and innovation, and promoting a resilient, sustainable African society anchored on human security, peace, and stability.

Beyond the plenary sessions, Tinubu will hold bilateral meetings and engage with the chief executives of Japanese companies investing in Nigeria.

Initiated in 1993 by the Japanese government and co-hosted by the UN, UNDP, African Union Commission, and the World Bank, TICAD is held every three years, alternating between Japan and Africa. The last edition took place in Tunisia in August 2022.


After the Japan engagement, Tinubu will proceed to Brasília for a two-day state visit from Sunday, August 24, to Monday, August 25, at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

While in Brazil, he will hold bilateral talks with his host, attend a business forum with Brazilian investors, and lead a delegation of key ministers and senior officials to explore new avenues of cooperation, including signing agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Brazilian government.

“Today, $60 billion approval fund has just been submitted to the government through our financial and technical partners. The first phase of the project is $55 billion. So the fund is ready, and the country is ready to move forward with this project, ” he added.

Shawarmagirl:
Lere Olayinka, I know you're trying to grow your Twitter account. You have taken over Onanuga's job as spoke man. You react to anything even when it was not directed to your principal Wike.

Lere Olayinka, a senior special assistant on public communication and social media to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has taken to his official X account to respond to two contradictory video clips of Peter Obi, a former Labour Party presidential candidate, talking about the removal of fuel subsidies.

In one video, Peter Obi makes it clear that if elected president, he would immediately end gasoline subsidies. However, in another video, he claims he would postpone this action. Social media users and political observers have started talking about the apparent contradiction.


Lere Olayinka repeatedly referred to Obi as "Mr ONE SHOE" in a series of tweets sent on his verified X page in response to the two videos. Obi was the former governor of Anambra State.

According to reports, Mr. One Shoe stated, "I didn't say I will remove Fuel Subsidy immediately." "Fuel Subsidy will be eliminated right away," said Lere Olayinka.

seunmsg:
Coalition of confusion. Folks who can’t form a party but want to fix Nigeria

The National Board of Trustees (BoT) Members, National Excutive committee (NEC), and some state chairmen and 2023 governorship candidates of African Democratic (ADC) have endorsed the leadership of the Deputy National Chairman, Hon. Nafiu Bala, as acting chairman of the party.

They organs of the party endorsed him at a press conference in Abuja on Monday.

Speaking on behalf of ADC governorship candidates, Engr Terhemen Tilley-Gyado, said they unanimously acknowledged and support the voluntary resignation of the National Chairman, Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu.

They said the decision was taken to ensure stability and continuity in the party’s mission.


The group urged leaders of the proposed political coalition — including Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Senator David Mark, Mr. Peter Obi, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, Abubakar Malami (SAN), Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, and others — to follow due process by formally resigning from their current political parties and registering as ADC members at the ward level, in line with the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution. They warned that failure to comply could trigger legal challenges and undermine the credibility of the coalition.

“This entails: Formal resignation from their former political parties, and Registration as bona fide members of the ADC at their respective Ward levels in line with the Electoral Act and ADC Constitution,” they said.


They reaffirmed the commitment of the party to internal democracy, the rule of law, and the collective pursuit of good governance, calling on all members, supporters, and prospective allies to unite under these principles to advance a new Nigeria.

“The ADC remains a progressive, integrity-driven platform ready to champion Nigeria’s democratic renewal. We are gratified that these respected leaders find our party a worthy vehicle for coalition-building and national transformation.

“We welcome all constructive partnerships anchored on transparency, legality, and shared vision,” they said.

In their remarks, members of the ADC’s Board of Trustees (BOT), and State Chairmen, also expressed gratitude to our outgoing Nwosu, for his visionary leadership.

While acknowledging heated debates on succession, they appeal for unity and calm across the party and nation.

Citing Article 14.3 of the ADC Constitution: which states that “In the event of the National Chairman’s resignation, the Deputy National Chairman shall immediately assume office as Acting National Chairman pending a National Convention.”

They affirmed Nafiu Bala as the legitimate Acting National Chairman.

According to them This aligns with Chief Nwosu’s public declaration on July 2, 2025, confirming Bala’s status.

In his acceptance speech, Bala accepted the endorsements.

He expressed gratitude for the trust and confidence reposed on him.

“As your Acting National Chairman, I pledged to lead this party with integrity, wisdom, and dedication.

” I will work tirelessly to strengthen our party, promote unity, and advance our collective vision for a better Nigeria,” he said.

Bala reeled out his leadership focal point which are to, “To strengthen our party structures as an institution.

“To enhance internal democracy and inclusivity.

“To promote policy development and implementation of party’s resolutions.

“To foster strategic partnerships and alliances with any group of individuals who extend their hands of friendship to us.

“And to build a strong, vibrant, and effective leadership team.”

“I spoke with the former vice president on the phone Friday morning, and he told me he has shifted the event to mid-August, but no specific date was mentioned.

“He (Atiku) said that he was waiting for some All Progressives Congress governors who are planning to join ADC to decamp before his event in Jada,” Shehu said.

He added: “The leaders of the coalition have met him about three times, and the ex-President appreciates their efforts to rescue the country from the current economic quagmire occasioned by President Bola Tinubu’s bad policies. He recalled how he left the country, and things have now gone worse.”

He said, “The only person they (Presidency) are scared of is Atiku Abubakar. They don’t want him on the ballot. That is why they are doing everything to infiltrate the ranks of the ADC and cause unnecessary tension within the party.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has put on hold his planned collection of the African Democratic Congress membership card, amid growing speculation that former President Goodluck Jonathan may join the 2027 presidential race and he is being courted by the ADC.

Atiku, who recently resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party after prolonged internal disputes, was scheduled to formalise his defection to ADC with the collection of his membership card.

The membership card would be presented to Atiku by ADC officials at his hometown of Jada, in the Jada Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

However, Sunday PUNCH gathered that the ceremony, which was slated for Wednesday, August 6, was postponed indefinitely without an official explanation from the former vice president’s camp.

This is even as a chieftain of ADC told Sunday PUNCH that the party had been holding discreet talks with Jonathan over a possible presidential run in 2027.

Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, the ADC Chairman of the Adamawa State chapter, Shehu Yohana, said Atiku’s formal reception into the party had been postponed without a new date.


“I spoke with the former vice president on the phone Friday morning, and he told me he has shifted the event to mid-August, but no specific date was mentioned.

“From the way things are going, due to one issue or the other, the event may get to September.

“He (Atiku) said that he was waiting for some All Progressives Congress governors who are planning to join ADC to decamp before his event in Jada,” Shehu said.



Tension over Atiku, Obi, Jonathan

Meanwhile, a chieftain of ADC at the national level, who did not want his name in print, told Sunday PUNCH that the postponement may not be unconnected with the power tussle between Atiku and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.

The party chieftain alleged that the Obi political movement had hijacked ADC structures in the South, a situation, he said, had put Atiku’s presidential ambition under threat.

“From all indications, if things did not work out well for Atiku within few weeks to come, I see him defecting to the Social Democratic Party,” he stated.

The party chieftain added that the suspension of Kaduna State’s former governor, Nasir El-Rufai, from SDP stemmed from the fear that Atiku may return and form what he described as a “political cartel” in the SDP.

Sunday PUNCH further gathered that the various Atiku support groups in the ADC have been pressuring their leaders to exit the party if the crisis persists. This, Sunday PUNCH learnt, may also not be unconnected with the rumoured planned comeback of ex-President Jonathan for the 2027 presidential election.

A principal member of the ADC said the party had been holding talks with Jonathan to join the party.

“We are talking to him (Jonathan), and we are getting a positive response from him so far. I can assure you that he is not going to contest under the PDP; he knows the problem there. Does he want to wrestle with Wike who has the grip on the party? The former President is a gentleman and a refined politician,” the party chieftain said.

He added: “The leaders of the coalition have met him about three times, and the ex-President appreciates their efforts to rescue the country from the current economic quagmire occasioned by President Bola Tinubu’s bad policies. He recalled how he left the country, and things have now gone worse.”

Asked if the former President would be given an automatic presidential ticket, the ADC chieftain said, “When we get to the bridge, we will know how to cross it.”

When contacted for confirmation, the spokesperson for the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, simply said, “ADC is open to everybody and we look forward to having every Nigerian who is ready to rescue the country from this hardship.”

Sunday PUNCH notes that Jonathan’s campaign posters have surfaced on the social media with some pitching him with Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, and ex-governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, as running mates.

However, Jonathan’s wife, Patience, declared on May 11 this year that she would not seek a return to the Aso Rock Villa, but support the current First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, for the 2027 general elections.

Mrs Jonathan, while accepting the Women Icon Leader of the Year 2025 award from Accolade Dynamics Limited in Abuja, said, “All the way, we are with you (Tinubu). No shaking. We will follow. Direct us, and we will follow. Because there is only one president at a time. We don’t have two presidents.

“I believe in one president. I believe in turn-by-turn. When it’s your turn, I will support you. When it’s not your turn, step back—so that the country can move forward,” she said.



Atiku not afraid of Jonathan, Obi

However, Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, insisted that the former vice president is not threatened by the political ambitions of any potential rival, including Jonathan and Obi.

Speaking with Sunday PUNCH on Saturday, Ibe also dismissed the speculation that Atiku had suspended plans to formally pick up his ADC membership card due to rumoured talks between the party and Jonathan, saying that the process of Atiku’s registration was ongoing and unchanged.

“Nothing has changed; we don’t want to give mischief-makers an opportunity. Atiku Abubakar registered as a member of the ADC in Jada ward of Jada Local Government Area, Adamawa State, and the process is still on, so nothing has been suspended,” Ibe said.

According to him, Atiku is a democrat who welcomes competition and will not be intimidated by anyone’s decision to run for president.

“Atiku is a democrat, and he cannot be threatened by anyone’s ambition. The beauty of democracy is that the minority will have its say, and then the majority will have its way. There will always be choices.

“Unlike what Tinubu is currently doing, using the instruments of state to lead everybody into a one-party dictatorship, Atiku will not be coming from where he is, where he feels that what Tinubu and the APC are doing is not democratic, and would want to prevent anyone from declaring their ambition,” he added.

Ibe said the former vice president’s priority was to work with other Nigerians of goodwill to provide the country with a credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress.

“He (Atiku) will work with other men and women of goodwill to try to give Nigerians an opportunity other than the APC and Tinubu. And then, he will not be threatened or feel threatened or worried because somebody has joined the race or decided to join the race, because all of this is just speculation.

“So, the more the merrier, it is democracy at work. I mean, let people who are throwing their hats into the ring, those who feel that they have something to offer, let them join it.

“Atiku will not feel threatened by anybody deciding on their own volition to join the race. Though we don’t want to give legitimacy to the speculations, Atiku will not be threatened by anyone, either Jonathan or any other person who has decided to join the race. The more the merrier, so that Nigerians can make informed decisions,” Ibe said.



Tinubu behind ADC crisis

Meanwhile, a chieftain of the ADC, who craved anonymity because he did not have the authourisation of the party to speak on its behalf, has accused the President Bola Tinubu government of working behind the scenes to frustrate Atiku’s ADC ambitions.

According to him, the APC is scared of Atiku and has vowed to sponsor all manner of agitations against him and the ADC.

He said, “The only person they (Presidency) are scared of is Atiku Abubakar. They don’t want him on the ballot. That is why they are doing everything to infiltrate the ranks of the ADC and cause unnecessary tension within the party.

“What Tinubu and his supporters want is a free ride to the 2027 election, and that is why they are scared of Atiku. What they don’t know is that the elections will be between Nigerians and the APC. Having gone through avoidable pains in the past two years, Nigerians know exactly what they want in 2027, and no amount of intimidation can make them back out of their resolve to vote out the incompetent APC.”

According to the party chieftain, the Presidency does not see Obi as a threat. He noted that with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, wielding considerable influence in the PDP, Obi might find it difficult to clinch the party’s ticket.

“They want Peter Obi and other southerners to run because they know that Bola Tinubu will be the strongest candidate of them all, if Atiku is not on the ballot. They are wooing Peter Obi to PDP, but there is no way the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, will allow Obi to have the party’s ticket,” he added.

Also speaking to Sunday PUNCH, the Interim National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, accused the APC of plotting to destabilise the coalition structure ahead of the 2027 election in a bid to have a smooth electioneering ride.

Abdullahi vowed that the party would resist every form of sponsored attacks against it, noting that the task of sweeping away the APC-led government in 2027 must be done.

Since the change of guard, which saw David Mark replace Ralph Nwosu as ADC National Chairman, the party has known no peace with some ex-state chapter chairmen, criticising the manner in which Mark and his interim executive took over the administration of the party.

Asked if the ruling party was behind the protest against the Mark-led executive, the publicity scribe said, “We have repeatedly maintained this. All these things you see have become an enterprise. They hold press conferences to say they are challenging the leadership of David Mark. This has become a good business for them.

“They are wasting their resources and their time. We know the people behind this. It is either that the people are sponsoring them, or they are holding the press conferences to attract attention from those who will give them money. For us, we are not bothered about this. They should continue to entertain themselves.”

PaChukwudi44:
Which state chairmen? Did you read any state Chairman say anything in the news report? Most of the state chairmen if not all are in support of the coalition

“Those who because of ethnicity worked against the reelection of Goodluck Jonathan in 2015 are now saying the same Jonathan is PDP’s best bet for 2027 Presidential Election,” he wrote.

givedemwotowoto:
Peter Obi is the only Presidential candidate that is ready to take quick decisive action on major issues in Nigeria. He doesn't hide from the press, which is a quality any President should have to constantly reassure the citizens that he understands the reality on ground and has a plan.

Any President who avoids the press creates uncertainty especially with investors who don't want to be guessing what the plan is and how they're being tackled. Without investor confidence, investments and economic growth will slow down and jobs will suffer.

Peter Obi is the President Nigeria needs now.

“If I become President I will change the constitution from indigeneship to citizenship.

"I will not reverse the removal of subsidies.

I will instead direct the funds into the pockets of Nigerians, not the elite,” he added.

Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has vowed that he would change the Nigerian constitution if elected President in 2027.
Amaechi made the vow while speaking during an X space tagged ‘Weekend Politics’, on Friday.

He also vowed to end corruption within one month as President, or resign.

“If I become President I will change the constitution from indigeneship to citizenship.

“If I do not end corruption in Nigeria within one month, I will tender my resignation.

“I challenged the present FCT minister Wike to take a walk along the streets of Port Harcourt, which will reveal who is healthy and who the people actually loved,” the ex-Rivers governor said.

He also alleged that some influential people in the country visit to the Central Bank of Nigeria, CNN, to steal money.

Amaechi further described Professor Yakubu Mahmood as the worst Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

“It enrages me that those very influential among the ruling class visit CBN often to steal money, if they could use all the money they are pocketing to improve security and the economy, Nigeria wouldn’t be in such dire straits today.

“The worst INEC chairman in the history of Nigeria is Mahmood Yakubu,” he said.

He said he would not reverse the removal of subsidy if elected President.

Rather, he promised to direct the funds into the pockets of Nigerians.

“I will not reverse the removal of subsidies. I will instead direct the funds into the pockets of Nigerians, not the elite,” he added.

PaChukwudi44:
This headline is arrant nonsense. One idiot who is alone declares himself as ag interim chairman authourizes his personal assistant to release a statement and the headline is saying ADC?