₦airaland Forum

When the Middle Class Ask the Poor Not to Sell Their Votes, It Is Elite Privilege Speaking - Ezekwesili

There is nothing that tells the poor that tomorrow will be okay. The political class preys on the deformed state; as long as it stays deformed, it works for them.

Dr. Oby… pic.twitter.com/LOHrl4rWtW

— ARISE NEWS (@ARISEtv) August 10, 2026

WATCH: Prophet Isa El-Buba Blasts Islamic Cleric Jingir For Calling Christians ‘Infidels’

More on SaharaTV: https://t.co/2osE9Zi4Qy pic.twitter.com/dmeNQoXS2R

— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) August 10, 2026

Removal of subsidy is the best thing to have happened to this nation, says Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) Chairman Zacch Adedeji.#SundayPolitics#CTVTweets pic.twitter.com/ac7EPeHAnB

— Channels Television (@channelstv) August 9, 2026

Nigeria is a Muslim country and if you don’t want to accept a Muslim-Muslim ticket, you should leave Nigeria because it belongs to us.

— Sheikh Yahaya Jingir preaching to Muslims pic.twitter.com/P51Emb7bGV

— Bia Pulse (@BiaPulse) August 9, 2026

Abia North Senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to give former Nigerian leaders accused of looting public funds two years to return their loot in exchange for amnesty.

Kalu said such returned funds would help boost the Nigerian economy.

Featuring on News Central TV’s 60 Minutes With Mr Kay, the former Abia State governor said the government should create a window for individuals who allegedly stole public funds while in office to voluntarily return the money without facing prosecution.


Kalu said: “President Tinubu should give people pardon, because between the houses in Abuja, if you search all the houses, you might have over 50, 60 billion lying down there.

“People who keep money in their houses, and it’s not right; it’s not the right thing to do. It’s not in the banking system. It’s not in the banking system that could have helped this economy to grow.

“So I would like President Tinubu to give a window of two years and say, no matter from 1960, no matter where you keep the money, return it to Nigeria, nobody will touch you. You are pardoned.

“So let people repatriate this money and use it for the benefit of this economy.”

He argued that money allegedly kept by former public officials in private

ADC Lambasts Tinubu Over 'Unelected Aide Gbajabiamila Leading Elected Governors' On Canada Mission

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised President Bola Tinubu's decision to appoint his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to lead a Federal Government delegation that includes five serving state governors to an investment conference in Canada.

The opposition party described the arrangement as inappropriate, arguing that it undermines elected public officials by placing them under the leadership of an unelected presidential aide.

ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, expressed the party's position in a post shared on his verified X account on Saturday while reacting to reports that President Tinubu had approved the delegation for the maiden Nigeria Diaspora Investment Economic Conference in Toronto.

"Just when you think that you have seen the worst of this Tinubu government, they will just surprise you," Abdullahi wrote.

"How can the President's Chief of Staff, an unelected personal aide of the president, lead elected state governors on a foreign mission? It is well."

The criticism followed an announcement by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) that President Tinubu had approved a high-powered delegation to represent Nigeria at the investment conference scheduled to hold in Toronto, Canada, from August 12 to 15.

According to NiDCOM, the delegation will be led by the President's Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.

It will also include Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang and Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal.

Also listed as members of the delegation are the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole; and the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

The conference, themed "Invest Nigeria, Thrive Abroad," is expected to bring together government officials, investors, members of the Nigerian diaspora and business leaders to explore investment opportunities in Nigeria and strengthen economic ties with Nigerians living abroad.

Although the Presidency has not publicly explained why Gbajabiamila was selected to head the delegation, the appointment has generated debate on social media, with critics questioning whether a presidential aide should lead elected governors on an official international assignment.

Supporters of the administration, however, have argued that the Chief of Staff serves as one of the President's highest-ranking representatives and is authorised to coordinate official government engagements on behalf of the Presidency.

The latest criticism from the ADC adds to a series of attacks by opposition parties against the Tinubu administration over governance, appointments and the exercise of executive authority since the President assumed office in May 2023.

The Presidency has consistently defended its decisions, maintaining that they are guided by administrative efficiency and the national interest.

Former Vice President of Nigeria and Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has expressed grave concern over the freezing of the Osun State Government's statutory allocation account days before the governorship election by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The ADC Presidential Candidate said that such a reckless action amounts to a dangerous assault on democracy and raises serious questions about the neutrality of institutions entrusted with upholding the rule of law. He insisted that there can be no justification for such an action on the eve of a critical election.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the timing of the action is deeply troubling and capable of undermining public confidence in the credibility of the electoral process.

"It is impossible to ignore the implications of freezing a state's principal operational account on the eve of a governorship election. Such an action could disrupt governance, delay salary payments, impede essential public services and create an atmosphere of intimidation that has no place in a democratic society.

"If there are legitimate concerns requiring investigation, the law provides due process. Anti-corruption agencies must not conduct themselves in a manner that creates the perception that they are being deployed to influence political outcomes or weaken elected governments at critical electoral moments."

Atiku said Nigeria's democracy depends not only on free and fair elections but also on public confidence that institutions of state act independently, professionally and without political interference.

"The selective and politically convenient deployment of state institutions diminishes public trust and weakens the democratic order. Institutions established to enforce the law must never become instruments for creating fear or conferring political advantage.

"It is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the pattern under the Tinubu administration, where opposition-controlled states appear to be the consistent targets of coercive federal actions. Coming after the prolonged denial of Osun State's statutory local government allocations, this latest action reinforces the disturbing impression that public institutions are being weaponised to punish political opponents rather than serve the Nigerian people."

Atiku called on the EFCC to immediately reverse the freezing of the Osun State Government's statutory allocation account.

"Freezing the state's allocation account is not merely an attack on the Osun State Government; it is a direct assault on the people of Osun State, whose salaries, essential public services and daily governance stand to suffer. The anti-corruption mandate of the EFCC must never be distorted into a political weapon against opposition governments."

He urged all institutions involved in the conduct of the Osun governorship election to act with restraint, impartiality and fidelity to the Constitution.

"The people of Osun State alone must determine the outcome of their election. No external force or institution of government should, by action or omission, cast a shadow over the credibility of that democracy .

Nigeria Cannot Afford the Lagos-Calabar Highway; I Don’t Think the Road Will Go Beyond Epe – Duke

There is already a road from Lagos to Calabar; if the road is poor, fix it. There are some expenditures we make that do not reflect the realities of our circumstances. The amount… pic.twitter.com/butFUouP4k

— ARISE NEWS (@ARISEtv) August 4, 2026

Professor Pat Utomi says Nigeria is now in a worse condition than it was under the late military ruler, Gen. Sani Abacha.

Utomi made the assessment while discussing the state of the nation and recent comments by Catholic bishops on Nigeria’s political and economic situation on Nigeria Info 99.3FM.

He said the frustration expressed by Catholic leaders reflects a wider feeling among Nigerians, adding that the Catholic Church has a process through which such views are developed.

According to him, groups within the church, including the Justice, Development and Peace Commission, contribute to discussions on public issues before views eventually come together at the Catholic Bishops’ Conference.

“The bishops had had a meeting before they went to see the president,” Utomi said, adding that the speech presented by Cardinal John Onaiyekan would generally reflect the collective views of the bishops, even though individuals may have their own perspectives.

Utomi, who said he had worked with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference for many years, also criticised what he described as the loss of truth and shared values in Nigerian public life.

He said Nigeria’s political class had “managed to pollute culture so much that people can’t speak truth anymore,” because many people now judge issues based on political loyalty.

Comparing the current situation with the Abacha years, Utomi said, “I think we're in a worse condition than under Abacha.

"There's no doubt about it.”

He blamed part of Nigeria’s current problems on what happened when the military began handing power back to civilians in 1998.

Utomi said many traditional politicians who understood politics as service to the common good failed to return to the political arena, while professionals who had fought military rule also decided to stay away from politics.

“The real politicians did not come back,” he said.

“And the bad men of the military moved in.

"And Nigeria has not managed to survive it now.”

Utomi said the failure to build a culture of integrity had damaged the country, while excessive focus on money had also weakened Nigerians’ sense of responsibility.

He argued that society should value the production, hard work, and jobs that create wealth rather than simply celebrating money, regardless of how it was obtained.

"Nigeria is not a place of truth anymore."

Professor Pat Utomi says politics has polluted the country's culture to the point where many people no longer speak honestly about national issues.

Do you agree?#NigeriaInfoMCF pic.twitter.com/qZ2evsfS2G

— Nigeria Info FM 99.3 (@NigeriainfoFM) August 5, 2026

The family of Justice Faruk Hassan Bunza of the Kebbi State High Court has confirmed paying N50 million to kidnappers to secure his release after eight days in captivity.

The judge, who was abducted from his residence in Bunza Local Government Area of Kebbi State on July 26, regained his freedom on Monday.

His release was earlier confirmed by the Kebbi State Police Command, his family and the Kebbi State Ministry of Justice.

A family member, who spoke to newsmen in secret said the abductors initially demanded N200 million but later accepted N50 million after several days of negotiations, according to Daily Trust.

The source claimed that Justice Bunza is currently recuperating at his residence following his release and would speak publicly about his ordeal after he has fully recovered.

The family member also appreciated the Kebbi State Government, security agencies, the judiciary and residents of the state for their support, prayers and solidarity throughout the period of the judge’s abduction.

Another relative, who spoke to the Hausa online platform DCL Hausa, claimed the ransom was delivered on Friday at a location deep inside a forest more than 70 kilometres from Birnin Kebbi.

The source alleged that the abductors requested five bottles of malt drinks and five bottles of Dudu drinks before collecting the ransom.

The relative further disclosed that the family received news of the judge’s release between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. on Monday, adding that he was brought home in a commercial vehicle transporting firewood.

According to the source, the judge appeared to be in good health and showed no visible signs of physical abuse after regaining his freedom.

Tinubu’s academic record is still questionable - Atiku pic.twitter.com/DcZJIEz7rr

— Abdul Rasheeth (@Rasheethe) August 2, 2026

UEFA declares loss of confidence in Gianni Infantino's leadership. 🚨

In a statement, UEFA added: "The proposal has gone. The task of rebuilding trust in FIFA has only just begun." 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/bZYNxrL8hQ

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 1, 2026

More Hardship Looms For Nigerians As Tinubu Govt Plans To End Electricity Subsidies In 2027

The Nigerian Government has announced plans to phase out electricity subsidies from 2027 as part of efforts to reduce the mounting financial burden in Nigeria’s power sector.

Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, disclosed this on Friday during a media interactive session, where he addressed concerns over the growing debt crisis facing the electricity industry.

According to the minister, the government intends to eliminate subsidy payments beginning in 2027 as part of broader reforms designed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the power sector.

Tegbe, however, assured Nigerians that the planned withdrawal of subsidies would not translate into an immediate increase in electricity tariffs, stressing that the government has no short-term plan to raise the cost of power.

He said the reforms are aimed at addressing the sector’s rising liabilities while preserving the benefits consumers currently enjoy under the existing subsidy regime.

He explained that the move is part of a wider strategy to put the electricity industry on a more sustainable financial footing and resolve the persistent debt challenges that have continued to weigh down the sector.

Tegbe also dismissed concerns that consumers should expect an imminent tariff review, maintaining that there are no immediate plans to increase electricity tariffs.

The announcement comes amid persistent concerns over the financial viability of Nigeria’s power sector, where subsidy obligations and market debts have continued to strain operators and government finances.

Meanwhile, former Nigerian Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusuf Buratai, who has faced allegations of human rights violations, including the military's crackdown on members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also expressed concern last year over the worsening rate of poverty in the country.

Buratai described the economic hardship under President Bola Tinubu’s administration as “radical, massive, and sudden.”

The infamous former military chief noted that while poverty in Nigeria has been on a gradual rise over the years, the situation has sharply worsened under the present leadership.

He said the poverty level continued to increase gradually over time, but under the current administration, the situation has become more radical.

Buratai said, “It is massive and sudden."

He explained that the hardship was not gradual like in the previous administration, adding that this radical shift has its own implications.

Buratai made the remarks during the 60th birthday celebration of former minister and Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi.

Stop building unnecessary flyovers, focus on improving the quality of life and security of your people— President Tinubu tells governors pic.twitter.com/mi2PrhUeL3

— Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) July 30, 2026

Former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Sardaunan Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, is dead.

The elder statesman died on Thursday morning at Alliance Hospital, Abuja, where he had been receiving treatment for several weeks after being transferred from the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto.

The Dikkon Sokoto, Alhaji Ya’u Dogon Daji, who is also a relative of the deceased, confirmed the development to our correspondent, saying Alhaji had been ill for almost a month before his death.

“He was first admitted at UDUTH in Sokoto before he was transferred to Alliance Hospital in Abuja, where he eventually died,” he said.

Dogon Daji added that the late diplomat appeared to be recovering, noting that he spoke with him two days before his death.

“He told me he was getting better and hoped to return to Sokoto very soon. That was my last conversation with him,” he added.

The Dikkon Sokoto also recalled that the late elder statesman had once told him that he was 94 years old.

During one of Daily Trust’s visits to his residence along Wurno Road in Sokoto, the deceased said he had withdrawn from active public engagements and devoted most of his time to reading the Holy Qur’an and worshipping Allah.

Dogon Daji disclosed that the funeral prayer (Salatul Janazah) for the late Sardauna would be held at Sultan Bello Mosque, Sokoto, at about 4 p.m. on Thursday, after which he would be laid to rest at the royal cemetery, Hubbaren Shehu.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, was expected to arrive in Sokoto ahead of the funeral rites.

When contacted, the Secretary to the Sultanate Council, Alhaji Sa’idu Maccido, said he had not yet been formally briefed on the development.

Until his death, Alhaji held the revered traditional title of Sardaunan Sokoto, a title historically associated with the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello, who died in 1966.

Distinguished public service career

Alhaji joined the Nigerian Civil Service in 1964 and rose through the ranks of the Federal Ministry of Finance. He served in several strategic positions, including Principal Assistant Secretary, Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Trade, and later Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Finance.

During his tenure at the Finance Ministry, he played a key role in managing Nigeria’s relations with external creditors and was a member of the country’s negotiating team for the Lomé II Convention.

In 1988, the military administration of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida appointed him Minister of State for Budget and Planning. He subsequently served as Minister of Finance from 1990 to 1991.

In the mid-1990s, he was appointed Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, where he represented the country’s diplomatic interests in London.

Beyond his national assignments, Alhaji also served as Special Adviser on Economic Affairs to the governments of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states.

Family and legacy

The late statesman was a nephew of the late Sultan Ibrahim Dasuki and also his son-in-law, having married the Sultan’s eldest daughter.

He is survived by his wife, five children, grandchildren and other relatives. Among his children are Hajiya Aisha Abubakar, former Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, and Aminu Alhaji, a former Special Adviser to former Sokoto State Governor Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.

His death marks the end of a long and distinguished career in Nigeria’s civil service, economic management, diplomacy and traditional leadership, spanning more than five decades of public service.

A Shari’ah court judge, Mohammed Muktar, narrowly escaped death or possible abduction on Wednesday after suspected bandits invaded a courtroom in Gwarjo village, Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The attack occurred around midday on Wednesday, when the armed men reportedly stormed the court premises, fired sporadically and demanded to know the whereabouts of the judge.

Residents told Daily Trust that Mohammed Muktar spotted the approaching gunmen from a distance and quickly escaped through a window moments before they reached the courtroom.

“The bandits entered the courtroom, shooting indiscriminately and repeatedly asking where the judge was. Fortunately, he had already escaped through the window, and a commercial motorcyclist helped him flee before they arrived,” a resident said.

Another eyewitness said the attackers became enraged after discovering that the judge had escaped and threatened to kill him if he ever returned to preside over court proceedings in the community.

The latest incident has heightened fears among residents of Gwarjo, a community that has repeatedly suffered attacks by bandits.

Police spokesperson in Katsina, Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, could not be reached for comment as calls and text messages sent to him were not responded to.

A Nigerian man, Obinwa Obichukwu, has been sentenced to two years in prison for sexually assaulting a woman twice at Euston railway station in London following an investigation by the British Transport Police.

The British Transport Police said in a statement posted on its website on Tuesday that 45-year-old Obichukwu of Armstrong Close, Hertfordshire, was sentenced at Inner London Crown Court on July 21 after he was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault in January.

In addition to the prison term, the court imposed a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and ordered that he remain on the UK sex offenders register for 10 years.

According to prosecutors, the incident occurred on the evening of August 20, 2023, when Obichukwu approached the victim as she walked towards Euston station.

He reportedly asked the woman what music she was listening to before putting his arm around her shoulder and asking her to return home with him.

As the woman continued walking along Euston Road, Obichukwu allegedly grabbed her hand repeatedly and told her he loved her.

The police said he later prevented her from entering the station and sexually assaulted her at the entrance.

The victim proceeded down the escalator towards the London Underground platforms, but Obichukwu followed her and sexually assaulted her again near the ticket barriers.

She eventually pushed him away and escaped, leaving him at the station before reporting the incident.

British Transport Police officers later tracked Obichukwu to his home, where he was arrested.

Investigators said the victim’s testimony, supported by CCTV evidence, led the Crown Prosecution Service to authorise two charges of sexual assault against him.

Commenting on the conviction, Detective Constable Daniel Burke described Obichukwu as “a sexual predator” who deliberately targeted a lone woman.

“Obinwa Obichukwu is a sexual predator who targeted a lone woman and attacked her at a busy London station.

“He claimed his assault was consensual and took his case to trial, but fortunately the jury saw straight through his lies and he’s now behind bars where he belongs.

“Tackling violence and intimidation against women and girls is a priority for us as a force and we’re tireless in our efforts to bring offenders like Obichukwu to justice.

“If you experience or witness these crimes on the railway, please report it to us by texting 61016. We will always take action,” Burke said.

Nigeria has lost nearly half of its dollar millionaires over the past decade, with the population of high-net-worth individuals falling by 47 per cent between 2015 and 2025, according to the 2025 Africa Wealth Report by Henley & Partners in collaboration with New World Wealth.

Despite the sharp erosion in private wealth, Nigeria retained its position as Africa’s fourth-largest hub for dollar millionaires, with 7,200 millionaires, 20 centi-millionaires (individuals with investable wealth of at least $100 million) and three billionaires, trailing only South Africa, Egypt and Morocco.

The report showed that South Africa remained the continent’s wealthiest country by number of dollar millionaires, with 41,100 millionaires, 112 centi-millionaires and eight billionaires. Egypt followed with 14,800 millionaires, 49 centi-millionaires and seven billionaires.

Morocco ranked third with 7,500 millionaires, 35 centi-millionaires and four billionaires, narrowly ahead of Nigeria, while Kenya completed the top five with 6,800 millionaires, though it had no billionaires.

Mauritius occupied the sixth position with 4,800 millionaires, followed by Algeria with 2,700, Ghana 2,600, Namibia 2,500 and Ethiopia 2,400, completing the list of Africa’s top 10 countries by resident dollar millionaires.

Among the countries surveyed, Seychelles had the smallest millionaire population at 500, although it still recorded one billionaire and six centi-millionaires. Mozambique followed with 800 millionaires, while Rwanda and Zambia each had 1,000 millionaires. Uganda ranked fifth from the bottom with 1,600 millionaires.

The report attributed wealth trends across the continent to varying economic conditions, investment climates and capital market development, noting that several countries, including Tunisia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, were excluded from the ranking due to insufficient reliable data.

Nigeria’s decline in millionaire numbers underscores the impact of prolonged macroeconomic challenges, including currency depreciation, high inflation and weak economic growth, which have eroded private wealth over the past decade while other African markets have shown greater resilience.