₦airaland Forum

"Embattled IGP Egbetokun Targets Activist Again with New Charges After Passport Seizure Fails—Supporters Mobilise for Monday Showdown"


The illegal IGP of Nigeria Police Force Kayode Egbetokun is excreting bricks and can't stand the heat anymore, so he's embarked again on another voyage, considering that his “cybercrime” farcical trial and the seizure of my International passport didn't work. He's invited me to his “IGP” Monitoring unit section for “ Forgery and INCTING Disturbance” investigations they claimed.

I will be there on Monday, and I'll be inviting all our people in the revolutionary struggle to come with me. #EgbetokunMustGo

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16zdzd2SeW/

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU TO NEW MEDIA INFLUENCERS: USE YOUR INFLUENCE TO FOSTER UNITY, NOT DIVISION; VERIFY BEFORE AMPLIFYING

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday called on young Nigerians active in the digital media space to harness their platforms as instruments of national progress.

He urged them to build businesses that create employment, produce content that reflects unifying values, and serve as positive catalysts for societal development. He emphasised the critical importance of verifying information before amplifying it.

At the opening of the Progressives Digital Media Summit, themed "Unveiling the Critical Role of New Media in National Development," President Tinubu said:

"Your generation has recognised this moment. You are using digital tools to innovate, educate, and demand accountability. But as your influence grows, so must our collective sense of purpose and responsibility.

"I urge you to continue using digital platforms to advance our nation's progress. Build businesses that employ others. Create content that uplifts and unites. Use your influence to foster unity, not division."

He commended the creativity and resilience of Nigeria's youth as he described digital media as a driving force of economic and social transformation.

It is no longer merely an accessory to life, he said.

"From developing innovative platforms to building vibrant online communities, you are demonstrating the determination that is redefining what is possible for this country.

"You are not waiting for the future; you are building it. Digital media is now a central driver of economic growth, civic engagement, and social change. It broadens representation for those previously unheard."

The President said his administration is committed to supporting digital innovation through the National Digital Innovation Fund and policies that promote a thriving startup ecosystem. However, he warned practitioners to remain vigilant against disinformation and cyber threats.



Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, praised digital media practitioners who have consistently stood up for Nigeria and projected the nation positively on the global stage:

"You are the vanguard of a reborn Nigeria, determined to reach for the stars. Under President Tinubu's leadership, our nation has begun its long-delayed march toward greatness. The road may be challenging, but it is necessary," he stated.

In a goodwill message, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, highlighted the significance of the Summit. He noted that lessons from recent elections in countries like the U.S. and Germany underscore how digital media have become crucial battlegrounds—beyond mere entertainment—for shaping poll outcomes.

"However, social media is not a fair battleground. As a public square, it is often chaotic and unregulated. Users frequently disregard rules. Divisive content is rampant. Deepfakes and AI-generated content are increasingly used against political opponents. Posts are driven by clicks, not truth or accuracy. Misinformation spreads five times faster than official corrections." Onanuga observed.

He expressed optimism that the Summit would address these challenges, focusing on strategies to combat fake news and misinformation.

The summit convener, Segun Dada, Special Assistant to the President on New Media, emphasised that in less than a decade, digital media has evolved from a tool of personal connection into a powerful engine for communication, innovation, and influence.

He stressed the importance of harnessing this force for the good of Nigeria while managing inherent risks such as privacy concerns and threats to social cohesion.


Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President

(Information & Strategy)

August 1, 2025.

Boost For Blue Economy: NPA Backs Locally-Owned Vessel to Drive Regional Trade and Port Reform


The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Abubakar Dantsoho, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to advancing indigenous ownership of shipping vessels, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR’s "Nigeria First" policy.

Dantsoho made this known during the ceremonial maiden call of MV OCEAN DRAGON, a wholly Nigerian-owned container vessel, at the West African Container Terminal (WACT) in the Onne Port Complex.

Owned by Clarion Shipping West Africa Limited, the MV Ocean Dragon boasts a capacity of 349 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) and is expected to bolster coastal shipping across Nigeria’s eastern corridor—from Onne to Calabar—in compliance with the Cabotage Law and in support of increased ship traffic and indigenous maritime operations.

"Beyond the vessel’s high loading capacity and distinctive features, the fact that MV Ocean Dragon is wholly Nigerian underscores our alignment with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda and the NPA’s commitment to local content development," Dantsoho said.

He further emphasized that the vessel’s ability to transport thousands of Gross Registered Tonnages (GRT) across African destinations within days reflects Nigeria’s dedication to international maritime standards, particularly the International Association for Ports and Harbours (IAPH) directives on multimodalism and port-hinterland connectivity.

"This development complements the rationale behind the NPA’s Export Processing Terminals (EPTs), designed to connect local producers deep in the hinterlands with global markets efficiently," he added.

Dantsoho also highlighted ongoing reforms and the NPA’s port modernization project, noting that they aim to maintain the enabling environment that has helped Nigeria achieve consistent trade surpluses in recent years.

He linked the vessel’s launch with recent positive trends in Nigerian maritime trade: "With rising transshipment volumes at Lekki Deep Seaport and increased external trade reported by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) in 2025, the arrival of MV Ocean Dragon signals a maturing business climate in Nigeria."

He assured the international business community of continued support under the leadership of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola, describing him as "investor-friendly" and pivotal to promoting ease of doing business and tapping into Nigeria’s rich maritime potential.

The MV Ocean Dragon will operate along both local and regional sea routes, offering a cost-effective alternative to road transport. Its scheduled destinations include ports in Nigeria, Benin Republic, Togo, Ghana, Cameroon, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Egypt, and South Africa.

The vessel’s deployment is expected to significantly contribute to Nigeria’s push for efficient short-sea shipping, regional trade integration, and sustainable investment in the blue economy.

robosky02:
Massive shut down in Istanbul turkey
Every one is live with Osimhen

Th deal is with every penny. Congratulations to him. That amount can do alot for him and everybody around him. He can still go to the premiership when he has gathered enough. And he's still a young man.

US Government Declares Venezuelan President Maduro Wanted For Drug Trafficking With $25million Bounty

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the US Department of State announced a staggering $65million reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the trio.

The United States government has officially declared Venezuelan President, Nicolás Maduro, and two of his top associates, Diosdado Cabello Rondón and Vladimir Padrino López, wanted for drug trafficking offences.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the US Department of State announced a staggering $65million reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the trio.

President Maduro carries a $25million bounty, while $25million and $15million have been placed on Cabello and Padrino, respectively.

The US government accused Nicolás Maduro, Diosdado Cabello, and Vladimir Padrino of being key leaders of the Cartel de los Soles, a group recently designated as a terrorist organisation by the US Treasury Department.

According to the State Department, the cartel is allegedly responsible for smuggling large quantities of narcotics into the United States.

“@USTreasury just sanctioned Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist group. Run by the corrupt and contemptible Nicolás Maduro, it is responsible for trafficking drugs into the U.S.,” said the department.

It added, “Help us take down Maduro and his cronies Diosdado Cabello Rondón & Vladimir Padrino López!”

A wanted poster issued by the U.S. describes President Maduro as a “designated global terrorist cartel de los soles leader”, and outlines charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and conspiracy to use and carry machine guns and destructive devices in furtherance of a drug crime.

The announcement comes just one day after Maduro marked the one-year anniversary of his re-election, an election which was described as fraudulent by the U.S. and its allies.

The United States has long refused to recognise Maduro’s government and has imposed multiple sanctions targeting Venezuela’s political and economic leadership.

A similar announcement was made by the US Government in January for information leading to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on the day he was sworn in for a third six-year term in office.

The inauguration ceremony was overshadowed by recrimination from the international community and Venezuelan opposition leaders.

Rewards were also offered for information leading to the arrest and or conviction of Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello. A new reward of up to $15m for Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino has also been offered.

The UK also issued sanctions on 15 top Venezuelan officials, including judges, members of the security forces and military officials.

https://saharareporters.com/2025/07/30/us-government-declares-venezuelan-president-maduro-wanted-drug-trafficking-25million

EXCLUSIVE: A Cry For Help: CBT Centre Owners Say JAMB Is Bleeding Them Dry

In this investigation by ANTHONY ADA ABRAHAM, Private CBT centre operators across Nigeria are crying out for survival, alleging systemic neglect, financial suffocation, and blanket criminalisation by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). After weeks of investigation and interviews with aggrieved stakeholders, this reporter uncovers what many have described as a slow, calculated extinction of private digital exam operators.

In the wake of the 2025 UTME examination fiasco, where the JAMB Registrar publicly wept over technical glitches that rendered candidates' results in Lagos and the five South-Eastern states invalid, CBT centres were hurriedly recalled to the rescue. A rescheduled exam was hastily fixed, and an emergency Zoom meeting was convened on May 15. Despite not being informed in advance, several centres were reactivated – including previously delisted ones in Imo, Ebonyi, and Anambra.

But almost 75 days later, those same centres that salvaged the Board from national embarrassment are yet to be paid.

“It’s tragic,” one CBT owner in Anambra told me. “We saved JAMB’s reputation, and in return, we are blacklisted, insulted, and impoverished.”

The financial strain is compounded by what operators call a “one-sided operational structure.” According to JAMB’s May 26 bulletin, N3.006 billion was disbursed as initial payment for 2025 exams. But CBT centres say many of them are still unpaid , especially those that handled the emergency resit.

Worse still, centres that dared to demand their legitimate dues were described by JAMB as blackmailers in the same bulletin. Several operators now believe JAMB is systematically choking the private CBT ecosystem with impossible expectations, late payments, and sudden accusations.

Albino Feature Scandal: Blanket Condemnation or Poor Oversight?

In June, JAMB began querying several southern centres, accusing them of “tampering with candidate images” using an inbuilt feature known as the Albino Capture Option. The Board alleged this was exploited to aid impersonation via AI-blended photos.

However, multiple CBT centre owners told me this feature has existed for years and is part of JAMB’s own software used to ease the biometric capture of candidates with challenging features. Most insisted that their staff including properly profiled adhoc workers used the albino feature only to overcome technical difficulties during registration.

“The truth is simple,” one CBT technician in Enugu stated. “Without JAMB staff’s cooperation, malpractice can’t happen. We have only 3 staff in a hall. They bring 10. So who really controls the space?”

Indeed, JAMB’s narrative of massive malpractice is being challenged by the operators, many of whom say they were never shown evidence, nor were they granted fair hearings before being suspended or delisted.

High Cost, Low Return: The Hidden Economics of CBT Centres

Perhaps most damning are the figures. After analysing financial data provided by multiple centres and comparing 2019 with 2025, the picture is bleak:

Registration fee for centres: Still ₦700 per candidate since 2018.
JAMB form for students: Increased from ₦3,500 in 2017 to ₦8,700 in 2025.
Cost of diesel (2025): Up to ₦1,000 per litre.
Average CBT centre expenditure for 2,000 candidates (2025): Over ₦4.7 million.
Total revenue from JAMB for same capacity: Approx. ₦4.1 million.

That’s a loss of nearly ₦1.5 million, not counting rent, equipment repairs, transportation, or staffing costs.

“How do we survive?” asked a centre owner in Owerri. “This is not a business. This is charity to the government.”

JAMB’s promise of ₦1,500 per successful candidate in 2024 was welcomed, but the reality, according to several operators, is that deductions for mock sessions, fourth session exams, and delays in payments have erased any gains.

From Accreditation to Exploitation?

Before conducting any exam, CBT centres must undergo rigorous inspections and technical tests dubbed AUTOBOT 1, 2, and 3  costing upwards of ₦1 million annually. Yet, not a single naira comes from JAMB to support these efforts.

Operators must build fully networked computer labs with backup power, hire and train staff, manage logistics, and even distribute JAMB’s reading texts to candidates  without compensation.

“The Board gains prestige and billions in revenue,” one Lagos-based centre said, “but the people powering the system are left to die.”

Way Forward: Demand for Dialogue, Justice and Payment

Stakeholders say they are not against accountability but demand fairness, transparency, and prompt payment for services rendered. They also call for proper engagement, clear guidelines, and the prosecution of individuals actually involved in malpractice , not entire centres punished on assumptions.

They are urging the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Assembly, and the Presidency to intervene before the system collapses.

“CBT centres are the backbone of digital examination in Nigeria,” a stakeholder in Abia told me. “If JAMB doesn’t respect that, the future of digital exams is in serious danger.”

For now, the silence from JAMB headquarters remains deafening.



Anthony Ada Abraham is an investigative journalist reporting on on government policies and national development. He can be reached at tkmmedia2012@gmail.com

https://kakaakireporters.com/exclusive-a-cry-for-help-cbt-centre-owners-say-jamb-is-bleeding-them-dry/

PHOTOS DON’T LIE: Illegal IGP Kayode Egbetokun may call today’s failed gathering with senior police officers a “strategic conference,” but the images tell the real story.

The body language of those officers spoke louder than any press release; it reeked of discomfort, dissent, and silent protest filled the room. They are clearly not happy.

You can’t fake unity. You can’t Photoshop morale. And you can’t force loyalty through illegality.

The illegal IGP’s legitimacy has completely crumbled, and even his predecessor, former IGP Usman Alkali Baba, didn’t mince words:

“Egbetokun doesn’t know much about police administration.”

The time to offload Egbetokun from the Nigeria Police Force is now. Further delay will only accelerate the collapse of whatever is left of the Nigeria Police Force.

#PoliceProtest
#OffloadEgbetokunNow
#PoliceProtest #EgbetokunMustGo

https://www.facebook.com/share/16hXBgVfM3/

African Countries Must Translate Marine Comparative Advantages To Economic Prosperity- Dantsoho

The President of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, on Monday said there is an urgent need for African countries to translate their marine comparative advantages into opportunities for the collective prosperity of their respective countries.

Speaking at the PMAWCA Board of Directors and Ports Statisticians Network Meetings in Luanda, Angola, Dantsoho who is also the managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), stated that the sustainability of Africa countries rests heavily on the sustainability of their seaports.

According to the PMAWCA boss, apart from being linked by water, countries in West and Central Africa are linked by challenges and opportunities.

"The need to translate our marine comparative advantages into opportunities for the collective prosperity of our respective countries has never been more pressing than it is now.

"We must not lose sight of the fact that the demonstrated global leadership of ports in the contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), shows that the sustainability of the world especially Africa rests heavily on the sustainability of our Ports.

"As I stated last week in my engagement with the PMAWCA Women Network at the NPA headquarters in Lagos, apart from being linked by water, countries in West and Central Africa are linked by challenges and opportunities and With the increasing realization of the leverage that economic cooperation confers in the international arena, we will be doing great disservice to ourselves if we fail to maximize this unity through intensified collaboration of our ports."

Dr Dantsoho further emphasised that data remains the major driver of effective decision making in Port Management.

"Coming together with the Statisticians Network, this meeting presents a smart model for regional synergy and partnership, which this administration intends to champion, especially given that data remains the major driver of effective decision making in Port Management.

Dantsho who commended President Bola Tinubu for creating the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry, said the creation of the Ministry has made implementation of audacious plans for the sector easier.

"With the visionary creation of the new Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy which has re-energized our resolve to invest more in sector-specific talent development order to harness more ideas from operational think tanks such as the PMAWCA.

"The administration of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made the implementation of our audacious plans easier with the visionary creation of the new Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy which has re-energized our resolve to invest more in sector-specific talent development order to harness more ideas from operational think tanks such as the PMAWCA.

"Statisticians Network gives us the capacity to expanded training opportunities across member ports. The modernization of our ports and full automation of our processes through the Port Community System (PCS) and its corollary, the National Single Window (NSW) which is gaining momentum must be accompanied by strengthened economic cohesion among PMAWCA members, and I will like to register Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to achieving this as soon as possible.

"The specific objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) which includes the progressive elimination of tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade in goods, liberalization of trade in services and cooperation amongst others is pregnant with a lot of opportunities for wealth creation and prosperity, which I am convinced that our partnership and holding of hands under the umbrella PMAWCA will equip us to safely midwife for the benefit of our respective national economies with domino effect on the economy of the sub-region."

"At the Board of Director’s meeting, we will be reviewing the outcomes of 2024 activities, examining our recommendations and budgets well as deliberating on the strategic direction of our esteemed Association."

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred national honours on all players and officials of the Super Falcons, following their stunning victory at the 2025 WAFCON tournament.

During a special reception held Monday at the Presidential Villa, President Tinubu awarded each team member the prestigious Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) title. He praised the team for their discipline, determination, and the pride they brought to Nigeria through their championship-winning performance.

As part of the reward, each player and staff will receive $100,000 from the presidency in recognition of their achievement. In a further show of support, the Nigerian Governors Forum also pledged ₦10 million each to the players and officials.

President Tinubu hailed the Super Falcons as symbols of unity, strength, and the resilient spirit of Nigerian women, describing their win as a source of national inspiration.
BREAKING: Tinubu Honours Super Falcons with National Awards, Cash Gifts
https://kakaakireporters.com/breaking-tinubu-honours-super-falcons-with-national-awards-cash-gifts/

Demand for apology: Let's meet in court, Prof. Gundu replies Nassarawa State Governor

By David Mzer

Benue-born renowned Archaeologist, Prof. Zacharys Gundu has dismissed the demands for retraction and apology made by Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nassarawa State, over his (Gundu's) comments that Nassarawa State was harbouring those killing Benue citizens.

Gundu spoke in unequivocal terms at a townhall meeting organised by News Central Television on the insecurity challenges in North Central Nigeria.

Dr. Ahmed Raji (SAN), counsel to Governor Sule in a letter dated July 22, 2025, demanded a retraction and apology from Prof Gundu over his comments at the News Central Town Hall meeting, saying the comments caused him unquantifiable damage and injured his reputation in the eyes and minds of right thinking persons in the society.

In his reply to the demands, Prof Gundu through his counsel Prof. Sebastian Sebastine Hon (SAN) dismissed the demand for retraction and apology, maintaining that he spoke the truth and he cannot, under any guise, comply with the demands of Governor Sule.

Hon wrote:

"We have the instructions of our client to dismiss the demands made in your letter of July 22, 2025. Our Client cannot, under any guise, comply with those demands. We do hope you will advise your client accordingly."

In the response letter to Dr. Raji (SAN), Prof. Hon (SAN) on behalf of Prof. Gundu, stated that, the volume of evidence at the disposal of Prof Gundu to establish beyond all shadows of doubt that the murderous Fulani herdsmen attacking Benue State on several fronts are always housed in Nasarawa State by successive State Governors of Nassarawa State, including Governor Sule, will shock the governor.

He however said that he shall release all of those pieces of evidence when they meet in court.

On harbouring of armed bandits in Nasarawa State, Prof Hon (SAN) stated: "Just as our Client stated at that public outing, your Client’s predecessor, Tanko Al-Makura, once claimed that the bandits operating in and from Nasarawa State were “hunters,” when there are no hunting forests or ranges in Nasarawa State."

Prof. Hon reminded the Governor's lawyer that, between 2020 and 2025, Governor Sule has been consistently raising alarm over the “influx” of murderous bandits into Nasarawa State.

He annexed and attached a Vanguard Newspaper report of August 19, 2020 – wherein Governor Sule was quoted as saying that the migrating bandits were those displaced from elsewhere in Nigeria and in Mangu, Plateau State.

Prof. Hon also made reference to a Channels TV broadcast of January 22, 2021, wherein Governor Sule was quoted as telling late President Muhammadu Buhari in Aso Rock that Boko Haram terrorists had entered into Nasarawa State in large numbers.

Governor Sule was also quoted in the Channels Television broadcast as saying that these (terrorists) group belonged to the Darussalam Sect, which had been dislodged from neighbouring Niger State.

Other attached in the letter to Governor Sule's lawyer include news reports from The Authority Newspaper of March 2, 2021, wherein Governor Sule was again reported as saying that Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen were flooding into Nasarawa State in large numbers.

Other annexures to the letter includes,
a Daily Trust E-Paper of July 19, 2023 – where Governor Sule was reported as saying that the bandits flooding Nasarawa State were those displaced from Mangu, Plateau State, who then moved into the border area between Keana Local Government Area of the State and Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, among many others.

In total, the letter contains eight annexure which have been marked "A-H."

The erudite constitutional lawyer in the letter further stated that, to further prove that Governor Sule is not free from Prof. Gundu's accusations, he reminded Dr. Raji, of what Governor Sule told Channels TV in June, 2025 after the recent Yelwata massacre that Nasarawa State has only a few Fulani herdsmen; hence the State could not have been habouring the large number of those murderers who move to Benue to kill, maim and recoil back to Nasarawa.

According to Hon, this is a sharp contrast to his famed ‘there is an influx of Fulani herdsmen and Boko Haram members into Nasarawa State.’

The learned silk wondered why this sudden reversal in public representation from a person who had been saying for the past five years at least that there has been a consistent “influx” of armed Fulani herdsmen and Boko Haram elements into that same State.

Gundu's counsel while advising Dr. Raji (SAN) to enquire from his client whether at any point since announcing such “influx,” he has also announced “expulsion” or “voluntary migration” out of Nasarawa State of those criminal elements.

The Learned Silk reminded His colleague that his client, Governor Sule knows that allegations of such nature did not start with Prof. Gundu, as in that same Channels TV interview in June 2025, Governor Sule stated that the immediate past Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, was no longer in talking terms with former governor of Nassarawa State, Tanko Al-Makura, on account of this same issue of Nasarawa State harbouring armed Fulani herdsmen and Boko Haram elements.

Hear him: “I went to Governor Ortom to say, what is really happening between you and my predecessor? He said it’s because of this and that, and I said okay calm down, I am willing to sit down with you to find a solution,” Sule was quoted to have stated.

On the land grabbing at the behest of Governor Sule, Prof. Hon (SAN) maintained that his client stands his grounds.

He drew the attention of the counsel to Governor Sule to the comments by
Tiv Community leaders in Awe, Doma, Keana and Obu Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State, led by Jerry Aondo, SAN, in a recent press conference in Abuja, alleging that your Governor Sule has seized and is still seizing large swathes of lands from Tiv people in Nasarawa State, under a so called “agricultural mandate.”

He also drew the attention of Dr. Raji to
Suit No. NSD/LF 44/2025, before a Nassarawa State High Court, where seventeen (17) persons of Tiv origin in Nasarawa State have sued Governor Sule, several agencies of the Nasarawa State Government and the Nigerian Army, seeking judicial reliefs against forceful seizure of their lands and eviction from their ancestral farmlands running into thousands of hectares.

According to Prof Hon, the above suit is still pending, hence he will say no more about it, adding that, Governor Sule has already entered appearance so should be able to furnish his counsel with the court processes in the suit.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BirTJC4E5/

Demand for apology: Let's meet in court, Prof. Gundu replies Nassarawa State Governor

By David Mzer

Benue-born renowned Archaeologist, Prof. Zacharys Gundu has dismissed the demands for retraction and apology made by Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nassarawa State, over his (Gundu's) comments that Nassarawa State was harbouring those killing Benue citizens.

Gundu spoke in unequivocal terms at a townhall meeting organised by News Central Television on the insecurity challenges in North Central Nigeria.

Dr. Ahmed Raji (SAN), counsel to Governor Sule in a letter dated July 22, 2025, demanded a retraction and apology from Prof Gundu over his comments at the News Central Town Hall meeting, saying the comments caused him unquantifiable damage and injured his reputation in the eyes and minds of right thinking persons in the society.

In his reply to the demands, Prof Gundu through his counsel Prof. Sebastian Sebastine Hon (SAN) dismissed the demand for retraction and apology, maintaining that he spoke the truth and he cannot, under any guise, comply with the demands of Governor Sule.

Hon wrote:

"We have the instructions of our client to dismiss the demands made in your letter of July 22, 2025. Our Client cannot, under any guise, comply with those demands. We do hope you will advise your client accordingly."

In the response letter to Dr. Raji (SAN), Prof. Hon (SAN) on behalf of Prof. Gundu, stated that, the volume of evidence at the disposal of Prof Gundu to establish beyond all shadows of doubt that the murderous Fulani herdsmen attacking Benue State on several fronts are always housed in Nasarawa State by successive State Governors of Nassarawa State, including Governor Sule, will shock the governor.

He however said that he shall release all of those pieces of evidence when they meet in court.

On harbouring of armed bandits in Nasarawa State, Prof Hon (SAN) stated: "Just as our Client stated at that public outing, your Client’s predecessor, Tanko Al-Makura, once claimed that the bandits operating in and from Nasarawa State were “hunters,” when there are no hunting forests or ranges in Nasarawa State."

Prof. Hon reminded the Governor's lawyer that, between 2020 and 2025, Governor Sule has been consistently raising alarm over the “influx” of murderous bandits into Nasarawa State.

He annexed and attached a Vanguard Newspaper report of August 19, 2020 – wherein Governor Sule was quoted as saying that the migrating bandits were those displaced from elsewhere in Nigeria and in Mangu, Plateau State.

Prof. Hon also made reference to a Channels TV broadcast of January 22, 2021, wherein Governor Sule was quoted as telling late President Muhammadu Buhari in Aso Rock that Boko Haram terrorists had entered into Nasarawa State in large numbers.

Governor Sule was also quoted in the Channels Television broadcast as saying that these (terrorists) group belonged to the Darussalam Sect, which had been dislodged from neighbouring Niger State.

Other attached in the letter to Governor Sule's lawyer include news reports from The Authority Newspaper of March 2, 2021, wherein Governor Sule was again reported as saying that Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen were flooding into Nasarawa State in large numbers.

Other annexures to the letter includes,
a Daily Trust E-Paper of July 19, 2023 – where Governor Sule was reported as saying that the bandits flooding Nasarawa State were those displaced from Mangu, Plateau State, who then moved into the border area between Keana Local Government Area of the State and Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, among many others.

In total, the letter contains eight annexure which have been marked "A-H."

The erudite constitutional lawyer in the letter further stated that, to further prove that Governor Sule is not free from Prof. Gundu's accusations, he reminded Dr. Raji, of what Governor Sule told Channels TV in June, 2025 after the recent Yelwata massacre that Nasarawa State has only a few Fulani herdsmen; hence the State could not have been habouring the large number of those murderers who move to Benue to kill, maim and recoil back to Nasarawa.

According to Hon, this is a sharp contrast to his famed ‘there is an influx of Fulani herdsmen and Boko Haram members into Nasarawa State.’

The learned silk wondered why this sudden reversal in public representation from a person who had been saying for the past five years at least that there has been a consistent “influx” of armed Fulani herdsmen and Boko Haram elements into that same State.

Gundu's counsel while advising Dr. Raji (SAN) to enquire from his client whether at any point since announcing such “influx,” he has also announced “expulsion” or “voluntary migration” out of Nasarawa State of those criminal elements.

The Learned Silk reminded His colleague that his client, Governor Sule knows that allegations of such nature did not start with Prof. Gundu, as in that same Channels TV interview in June 2025, Governor Sule stated that the immediate past Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, was no longer in talking terms with former governor of Nassarawa State, Tanko Al-Makura, on account of this same issue of Nasarawa State harbouring armed Fulani herdsmen and Boko Haram elements.

Hear him: “I went to Governor Ortom to say, what is really happening between you and my predecessor? He said it’s because of this and that, and I said okay calm down, I am willing to sit down with you to find a solution,” Sule was quoted to have stated.

On the land grabbing at the behest of Governor Sule, Prof. Hon (SAN) maintained that his client stands his grounds.

He drew the attention of the counsel to Governor Sule to the comments by
Tiv Community leaders in Awe, Doma, Keana and Obu Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State, led by Jerry Aondo, SAN, in a recent press conference in Abuja, alleging that your Governor Sule has seized and is still seizing large swathes of lands from Tiv people in Nasarawa State, under a so called “agricultural mandate.”

He also drew the attention of Dr. Raji to
Suit No. NSD/LF 44/2025, before a Nassarawa State High Court, where seventeen (17) persons of Tiv origin in Nasarawa State have sued Governor Sule, several agencies of the Nasarawa State Government and the Nigerian Army, seeking judicial reliefs against forceful seizure of their lands and eviction from their ancestral farmlands running into thousands of hectares.

According to Prof Hon, the above suit is still pending, hence he will say no more about it, adding that, Governor Sule has already entered appearance so should be able to furnish his counsel with the court processes in the suit.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BirTJC4E5/

Why Mele Kyari Was The Best NNPCL CEO Before His Removal

BY ANTHONY ADA ABRAHAM

In the complex and often turbulent landscape of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector where leadership is frequently derailed by vested interests, bureaucracy, and outdated systems one name rose above the fray: Mele Kolo Kyari. Before his recent removal, Kyari’s tenure as Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) stood as a rare example of bold reform, uncommon transparency, and resolute leadership.

Appointed as Group Chief Executive Officer in 2019, Kyari stepped into an institution riddled with inefficiency, secrecy, and rampant oil theft. Rather than maintain the status quo, he tackled the problems head-on. Perhaps his most historic achievement was spearheading the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), a long-delayed reform that transformed the NNPC from a bloated, government-run entity into a profit-driven, commercially structured company NNPCL. This wasn’t just administrative change; it was a fundamental shift in Nigeria’s energy future.

Kyari’s commitment to transparency redefined public trust in the national oil company. Under his leadership, NNPCL began publishing its audited financial reports an act that shattered decades of opacity. For a sector notorious for secrecy, this move signaled integrity and aligned NNPCL with international corporate standards. Not many would dare to open the books in such a high-stakes environment, but Kyari did.

His fight against oil theft and pipeline sabotage was equally pragmatic. Rather than relying on mere rhetoric, he deployed surveillance technology and engaged local stakeholders, including private security firms and communities, to protect national assets. The result? A noticeable rebound in crude oil output, at a time when Nigeria desperately needed it to stabilise its economy.

Yes, challenges persisted but those problems were not of Kyari’s making. In fact, his reforms began to chip away at issues long thought to be entrenched. He may not have been a miracle worker, but in a sector plagued by stagnation and compromise, he was a determined reformer and in Nigeria today, reformers are in short supply.

Kyari’s removal may have been political, but it doesn’t erase his impact. His track record stands tall. His reforms are etched in history. His leadership laid a foundation that successors will find hard to ignore or replicate.

In a time when Nigeria needs bold, competent leadership more than ever, Mele Kyari remains a benchmark for what purposeful stewardship in the energy sector should look like. His tenure was not perfect, but it was principled. And that, in itself, makes him the best NNPCL Chairman Nigeria has had.



Anthony Ada Abraham is a journalist and public affairs commentator. He writes from Abuja.
tkmmedia2012@gmail.com,
aanthonyada@yahoo.co.uk .


Why Mele Kyari Was The Best NNPCL CEO Before His Removal
https://kakaakireporters.com/why-mele-kyari-was-the-best-nnpcl-ceo-before-his-removal/

26th July 2025

PRESS RELEASE

NUJ FCT Mourns death of Veteran Journalist Dr. Leon Usigbe

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council announces with deep sorrow the sudden passing of our esteemed senior journalist, Dr. Leon Usigbe, a veteran reporter who died on Friday, July 25, 2025, following a brief illness.

Dr. Usigbe was initially treated at the State House Clinic before being transferred to the Federal Medical Center (FMC), where he sadly passed away.

Hailing from Uromi, Edo State, he worked with Vanguard Newspaper in Katsina, Kaduna, and Abuja, covering the House of Representatives.

He later served as Media Aide to former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Masari.

He returned to Vanguard before joining the Nigerian Tribune in Abuja, where he was promoted to Bureau Chief.

He covered the State House and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

A dedicated professional, Dr. Usigbe’s contributions profoundly impacted journalism. His unwavering commitment to truth and integrity will be greatly missed by colleagues, friends, and the wider community.

He was a journalist to be proud of—one who upheld the ethics of the profession with dignity and courage.

A tireless reporter, he was deeply committed to truth, accuracy, and giving voice to the voiceless.

His passion for ethical journalism and storytelling earned him immense respect and admiration.

His passing comes at a crucial time when the media’s role in promoting peace, development, and accountability is vital. His absence leaves a significant void.

On behalf of the entire NUJ FCT Council, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, the management of the Nigerian Tribune Newspaper, friends, and all who were touched by his work and kindness.

Signed,
Comrade Jide Oyekunle
Secretary, NUJ FCT Council

Wow

Legendary professional wrestler Hulk Hogan has passed away at the age of 71, TMZ Sports has confirmed.

Emergency services were called to Hogan's home in Clearwater, Florida, early Thursday morning following reports of a cardiac arrest. A distressing video from the scene shows paramedics performing chest compressions as the WWE Hall of Famer was rushed into an ambulance.

Authorities say the call came in at 9:51 AM, with Clearwater Fire & Rescue crews responding swiftly to the emergency. Hogan was transported to a nearby hospital for further treatment.

Details surrounding the circumstances of his death are still unfolding.

https://www.tmz.com/2025/07/24/hulk-hogan-dead/

OFFICIAL: Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda has been elected as the new National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the 14th meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Party..

https://x.com/OfficialAPCNg/status/1948382041818476763?t=yfGZrhcnJRUR8lhoUT-aNg&s=19

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has inaugurated press clubs in select secondary schools within the Federal Capital Territory as part of efforts to groom the next generation of media professionals.

The initiative, launched under the council’s Press Week activities, aims to equip students with basic journalism skills and encourage responsible information sharing among young people.

DyshApp:
Abroad-based Nigerian man shares his experience dating a UK-based Nigerian lady.

The man identified as Daniel shared what transpired between him and the Nigerian lady he was dating.

He shared a video recording of the WhatsApp conversation he had with his girlfriend.


Apparently, the both of them had returned home from work and the guy had sent a VN asking after her day.

The lady had proceeded to lament over how stressful it had been for her and how hungry she was and asked the guy to order something for her.

However, the guy had flown into a rage, wondering why she would ask him for that when there relationship had barely gone anywhere.

“Relationship wey never enter 24 hours, you say make I rush order you something…” he said.

Show capacity

Photo 1: L-R: Advisor World Bank Group Mayank Goyal; Communication Minister, Bosun Tijani; Managing Director &Chief Financial Officer World Bank Group, Anshula Kant; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Country Manager of World Bank Group, Taimur Samad; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Nigeria, Wale Edun, and Chief of staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, during a Courtesy Visit to the President at the Presidential Villa Abuja on Wednesday.


Photo 2: President Tinubu and Managing Director & Chief Financial Officer World Bank Group, Anshula Kant

Call for dissolution of NMDPRA Board, Removal Of Farouk Baseless, In Violation Of PIA - Reps Downstream committee

The House of Representatives Downstream Committee has dismissed the call for dissolution of the Nigeria Midstream Downstream Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and removal of its Chief Executive Alhaji Ahmed Farouk as baseless, in violation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and capable of destroying the gains that comes with leadership stability that have helped in policy consistency, investor friendly process etc that is behind the gains presently been seen in the downstream sector.

The Reps Downstream Committee at its special committee meeting session presided over by its Chairman Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere with members in attendance unanimously resolved to dismiss the calls as in clear violation of the pia which under section 41 have made robust provision for tenure certainty to help create stability in the sector and lawmakers who made the law with the intention to see stability and growth in the sector can't be seen supporting any thing that can rubbish the provisions of the wonderful PIA 2021.

The committee chairman said they dismissed the call on the grounds that the National Assembly, made the PIA and put in clauses for obtaining tenure security to help inspire investors’ confidence, policy consistency, ensure stability for a specific period of time after which the President reserves the right to extend the appointment or allow the occupant exit after completing the first term. So, the committee, after looking at some of the complains and issues, did not see any reason to warrant the committee supporting such call, due to the fact that none of the issues raised are rooted in the effectiveness of the regulatory agencies but about desire for change of guard.

The committee believes strongly that in the last few years, since the coming of PIA, there have been increased progress in the downstream and upstream sector, especially restoration of investors’ confidence and fresh inflow of investment funds into the downstream sector, running into billion of dollars.

We made the PIA for a reason, and we cannot join in asking for the violation of the PIA, thereby destroying the decades of work on the PIA.

The Parliament worked so hard to create this magnificent legislation. The building of investor’s confidence, building of clarity, building of transparency, building of processes are key gains we are seeing today. The committee is not saying that investigating agency should not diligently carry out it’s function or prosecute any person found to have breached the law but the committee is completely against any idea that the PIA provisions can be dustbined and it’s provision ignored and that a regulatory body leader can be removed without due process and that once that culture is back,then it will send a wrong signal to the international committee of investors in the petroleum sectors to now feel that it is risky investing in a country where respect to the law can't be gurranteed
So on that ground the committee is dismissing those calls as not being in line with relevant provisions of the PIA which has physically made provisions for tenure duration and also the allegations about the budget of the agency are ridiculous because some of those allegations were way above the entire capitals provision in the budget, So if an amount that is alleged to have been misappropriated is above the budget capital provision, how could you have said someone stole what was not even exiting?

"More importantly, the agency, especially the NMDPRA, is running at a deficit, finding it difficult to have resources to pay salaries and have not even done recruitment in the last 6-7 years because of the financial challenges and difficulties they are facing. More importantly, since the advent of the PIA, the two regulatory bodies, which is the NMDPRA and nuprc have so much put in measures that have reformed and carried out the regulatory intention of the makers of the PIA in upstream and downstream . The investment inflow since the coming of the two regulatory bodies, the NMDPRA and the NUPRC, is almost over $20 billion.

ABUJA, FCT

JULY 23, 2025

PRESS STATEMENT

*Change Of Venue And Time For APC National Executive Committee (NEC) Meeting

The All Progressives Congress (APC) announces that the meeting of the Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) scheduled to be held on Thursday, 24th July, 2025, will now take place as follows:

Venue: Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja

Time: 2pm

The change of venue from the Party’s National Secretariat - 40 Blantyre Street, Wuse II, Abuja to the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja is due to logistical reasons.

Signed:

*Felix Morka, CON*
National Publicity Secretary
All Progressives Congress (APC)

Groups beg NMDPRA boss, Ahmed for forgiveness over false corruption allegations

....withdraw petitions

Groups including Young Professionals for Peace and Development, Coalition of Civil Society Against Corruption, South East Frontiers, Niger Delta Advocacy for Good Governance, and Yoruba Action Group for Sustainable Development, Wednesday, begged and apologized to the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, Engr Farouk Ahmed over alleged and unfounded allegations of corruption.

The leadership of the groups including the Director, Lawyers in Defence of Good Governance, Olawale Mudasiru; the National Co-ordinator, Northern Interest Project, Alh. Abdullahi Farouk; President, Young Professionals for Peace and Development, Engr. Emeka Obioara; President, Coalition of Civil Society Against Corruption, Comrade Adedayo Oluwasegun; Coordinator, South East Frontiers, Agozie Chibudom; President, Niger Delta Advocacy for Good Governance, Perepate Godspower; and President, Yoruba Action Group for Sustainable Development, Mogbojuri A. Alao, publicly rendered their apology, and also withdrew their petitions calling for the removal of the NMDPRA's CEO during a world press conference held in Abuja.

This was contained in a press address signed by the leadership of the groups, which they said unanimously that their later investigation and information gathered showed that they made unfounded allegations and unverifiable claims against Ahmed and his family.

They said: "We the undersigned groups of civil society group that has been raising agitation for removal of NMDPRA boss as a result of mismanagement of public funds and using of public funds to sponsor four of his children in expensive schools/ ivory leagues abroad to a tune of $5 million.

"There we alleged to be luxury at the expense of Nigerians and the funds is from illegal proceeds as the head of the agency. We went further to demand for immediate removal and prosecution of the NMDPRA boss.

"A campaign that last for weeks.
Gentlemen of the Press, our further findings and investigations later brought to our notice showed that our initial allegations were unfounded as further evidence made available to us shows that the said children had already graduated from their respective institutions even before he was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the agency, and also that the said Children was on scholarship during their stay as students of the institution.

"This means that, our initial claim was false and misleading as other findings have revealed in the case of further inquiries to press home our demand. Based on superior findings that negates our initial demand, we hereby use this medium to withdraw our initial petitions against the NMDPRA Boss, and tender an unreserved apology for the wrong information we were peddling about him.

"We are not mindful of the pains this would have caused the entire family while the petition was submitted and followed, we were misinformed and we tendered our apology on the misleading news we have spread to the public against the CEO.

"On behalf of the Groups under listed, we hereby officially withdraw the said petition and pass a vote of confidence on Engr. Farouk Ahmed as we also noticed unhindered implementation of Petroleum Industry Act (PIA 2021), which ensures equitable distribution of petroleum products nationwide compared to what we used to have, also audit report made available to us after didn’t show the mentioned infractions which further buttress the fact that, the agency fund was not used to sponsor his Children in the mentioned institutions.

"While we remain alive to our responsibility as watch dog of the society, especially the Public office holders entrusted with public funds, we won’t shy away from withdrawing frivolous allegations if found out that we have been misguided by information initially made available to us.
Again, we all tender our unreserved apology."

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has assured the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council, that the long-awaited affordable housing estate for its members in the territory would become a reality.

Dangiwa gave the assurance during the NUJ FCT Council Press Week Lecture and Awards Ceremony on Tuesday in Abuja, with the theme "Journalism in a Changing World: Press Freedom, Media, Democracy, and Society."

Dangiwa also reiterated the ministry's commitment to the president's Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, including the Renew Hope Housing Program and the National Urban Renewal Initiatives, aimed at making housing more affordable for all Nigerians.

He said that the ministry will be working with relevant authorities and agencies to provide affordable housing units for NUJ FCT journalists.

``To Chairman, NUJ FCT chapter, I want to assure you of our previous engagement and discussions towards having the journalists’ village in the FCT.

``I assure you that your dream will become a reality as I have pledged you during our courtesy call and meeting engagement we had with you.

``We are going to direct the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), through the Cooperative Housing Development to provide the land to build this estate,’’ he said.

Dangiwa also advocated stronger legal protections for journalists, better funding models for independent media, saying we need to make sure that every journalist feels safe, respected and supported.

``I say this not just as a minister, but as a citizen who believes in the power of ideas and the sensibility of those who support them,’’ Dangiwa said.

He also urged journalists to continue scrutinising the ministry's programs and projects, helping Nigerians understand its work and objectives.

"We want Nigerians to understand why we are doing it, and no one is better placed to help tell that story than you, the journalists, editors, photographers, producers, publishers, who serve as the eyes and ears of the public," he said.

The minister commended Tinubu for championing democratic ideals, including freedom of the press.

He noted that under Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria has witnessed a "genuine commitment to transparency, open dialogue, and respect for the role of the media."

"That's not just a lip service. It's a policy, it's a practice and it's a part of the Renew Hope Agenda,’’ he said.

Dangiwa advocated for stronger legal protections and better funding models for independent media.
He emphasised the need to ensure that "every journalist feels safe, respected, and supported."

Emphasising the important of press freedom in the world now driven by technology, Dangiwa acknowledged that today's journalism landscape presents both opportunities and risks.

"On one hand, digital innovation has made it easier to reach audiences, tell stories in real time and expose wrongdoing. On the other hand, it has also made the job more dangerous.

"Misinformation spreads like wildfire. Online harassment is real and unfortunately many journalists, especially women, face threats simply doing their jobs. That's why events like this matter a lot," he said

Dangiwa noted that while press freedom is currently under pressure globally, it remains vital for the development of any nation and its democracy.

"We all know that the realities across the world and even in democracies, press freedom is under pressure. Journalists face intimidation, censorship and economic hardship.

``And in this digital age, where content can be distorted and even drawn out of the fake news, your profession has become more difficult. But let me say this, your work matters.

``It matters because democracy doesn't just depend on elections. It depends on information. Accurate, timely and responsive information and that's what the press provides. It is free, fair and fearless."

Earlier in her remarks, the Chairperson, NUJ FCT Council, Ms. Grace Ike, listed the development of the NUJ FCT Journalists’ Village as one of the priorities to be pursued by her led council.

Ike describing it as a long-awaited housing initiative, said led executive was working in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria to make it a reality.

``Our goal is simple: provide decent, affordable homes for journalists and their families in the heart of the nation’s capital.

Other initiatives unveiled by her were modernization of the NUJ FCT Congress Hall, procurement of a union coastal bus, completion of the NUJ Pentagon Halland the establishment of a journalists’ welfare scheme:

``These projects are not luxuries; they are foundational investments in the future of journalism and in the well-being of those who power it.


``I call on government stakeholders, media proprietors, partners, and friends of the union to join us in making these dreams a reality,’’ Ike said

Chairman, Governing Board of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), and APC National Publicity Secretary, Barr. Felix Morka, CON, on Tuesday undertook a familiarization visit to the NTA headquarters where he was received by NTA's Director General/CEO, Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos.

https://x.com/OfficialAPCNg/status/1947732038431477841?t=4ynxcUYwfS9HY57_pKsYmw&s=19

Chairman, Governing Board of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), and APC National Publicity Secretary, Barr. Felix Morka, CON, on Tuesday undertook a familiarization visit to the NTA headquarters where he was received by NTA's Directors.

Manchester City have reportedly submitted a massive bid ranging from €170 million (£147 million) to €230 million to re-sign Cole Palmer from Chelsea, less than two years after selling the England international for £40 million.

According to multiple sources, Pep Guardiola is determined to work with Palmer once again, having described the 22-year-old as one of the most gifted players to emerge from City’s academy.

The Bid Amount is estimated between €170m and €230m, which would shatter the British transfer record.

Palmer is viewed as the long-term successor to Kevin De Bruyne, with City believing his creativity and versatility could transform their next era.

The deal would likely include a lucrative long-term contract, with heavy upfront payments and performance-based add-ons.

The Blues are said to be reluctant to sell, having Palmer under contract until 2033. However, City’s staggering offer could force the club to reconsider.

Palmer has become one of Chelsea’s brightest stars, enjoying a breakout season since his move in 2023. Manchester City’s pursuit signals a potential acknowledgment of letting go of a generational talent too soon.

If the deal materializes, it would not only redefine the transfer market in England, but also raise fresh debates about talent retention and long-term planning among top clubs.

IBB's Son Mohammed Rejects President Tinubu's Appointment

See letter of declining Appointment

brosiye99:
Farewell to one party state dreams of Tinubu and his APC. Just within a few weeks, ADC has risen to a formidable opposition that will challenge APC. Good for our democracy.
I like the fact that ADC is really peppering the ruling party.

Yeah... they're not letter them rest and it's giving them restlessness