Police Move To Stop FCT NLC’s Peaceful Protest

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February 2, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Following escalating tension, the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Police Command has advised the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), FCT Council, to reschedule its planned peaceful protest slated for Tuesday.

The Command explained that this is in the interest of public safety and security.

The Command confirmed awareness of the planned protest, noting that while it fully recognizes and respects the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and protest, emerging security concerns necessitate caution.

In a press statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, disclosed that intelligence reports available to the Command indicate plans by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria and other non-state actors to infiltrate and hijack the protest for purposes inimical to public peace and security.

According to the statement, the potential infiltration poses a serious risk of a breakdown of law and order within the Federal Capital Territory if the protest proceeds as scheduled.

“In view of the overriding interest of public safety, the FCT Police Command respectfully appeals to the organizers of the planned protest to consider rescheduling the activity to a later date and time,” the statement read.

The Command explained that the appeal is aimed at preventing possible security breaches, while also safeguarding the rights of other residents to safety, freedom of movement and the conduct of lawful daily activities within the FCT.

The Police Command reassured residents of Abuja of its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property.

It urged members of the public to continue to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in the collective effort to maintain peace, law and order across the Federal Capital Territory.

The NLC and Trade Union Congress, (TUC) had planned a solidarity protest in support of the striking members of the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) on Tuesday.

All the affiliates and state councils of the NLC and TUC in FCT are to participate in the solidarity rally scheduled to hold at the premises of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) in Abuja.

A statement jointly signed by Ag. General Secretary of NLC, Comrade Benson Upah and Secretary General of TUC, Comrade General NA Toro said, “the rally is to publicly affirm that an injury to one is an injury to all, and that the Nigerian labour movement will not abandon its own”.

The two labour centres said: “In furtherance of our earlier communication conveying the unwavering solidarity of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) with members of the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), we restate, clearly and without ambiguity, our total commitment to this struggle.

“We once again urge JUAC members to remain steadfast, resolute, and courageous in the defence of their rights and dignity.

“This is a struggle rooted in justice, fairness, and respect for labour rights and must be pursued with unity of purpose and an unbreakable spirit.”

Both labour centres reaffirmed their full support for striking workers of the FCT, who are aggrieved over non-remittance of National Housing Fund (NHF) deductions to the appropriate authorities in line with the pension Reform Act 2014 (as amended) and non-remittance of pension fund deductions.

NLC and TUC warned that there will be no retreat and no surrender in the face of intimidation, repression, or attempts to wear out workers through hardship and fear.

Osun Assembly Rises In Anger, Says Fmr Gov. Oyetola Disbursing LG Fund To Officials Whose Tenure Has Expired

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Ayodele Oni

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February 2, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Assembly cites Constitution, vows to recover all illegally disbursed funds

The Osun State House of Assembly has raised the alarm over alleged continued tampering with local governments’ funds by the immediate past Governor of the state, Gboyega Oyetola.

The assembly also fumed over continued stay in office by chairmen and councilors, whose tenure expired since October, last year.

Addressing a press conference in Osogbo, the assembly maintained that

“The House can not watch, while actions that undermine the rule of law, democratic governance, and the welfare of the people at the grassroots continue unabated.

“The legislative authority, or the power of the State House of Assemblies to make laws regulating Local Government administration, financial controls, and accountability, are expressly recognised under Section 7 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The Financial Autonomy granted the local governments by the Supreme Court does not negate section 7 of the constitution.

“The House notes with grave concern that individuals whose elections were nullified by courts of competent jurisdiction, and whose self-awarded tenure has since expired by effluxion of time on 22, October 2025, continue to unlawfully occupy Local Government Secretariat and interfere with Local Government finances.

“These individuals have no legal mandate. They are not recognised by law, by the courts, or by the Constitution. Their continued presence in Local Government councils is illegal and must not go on unchecked.”

On disbursement of councils’ fund, the assembly alleged that “Mr Gboyega Oyetola, a nephew to President Tinubu, has no constitutional, statutory, or moral authority to control Local Governments funds, issue instructions on Local Government funds, influence banks, or direct security agencies in respect of Local Government administration.

“Being related to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria confers no legal power to interfere in the affairs of Osun State Local Governments. Nigeria is governed by laws, not family ties.

“The House is particularly alarmed by credible information that huge sums of Local Government funds have been paid under the directive of Mr Gboyega Oyetola.”

These include “N25m payment to each of the 30 illegal APC chairmen; N12m payment to each of the 30 illegal APC Vice Chairmen; N10m payment to each of the 332 APC Councilors; N130m each, to selected traditional rulers in Osun State and N13B legal fees payment to Layonu and co, lawyers representing the illegal chairmen and councilors. 15% of deposited funds is N13B.

“Please note that local governments funds are being used illegally to pay lawyers who represented the APC chairmen and Councilors in their private capacities. The lawyers were not engaged by the local governments.

“Please ask Mr Gboyega Oyetola why he authorised the sum of N13B to be paid to Layonu and co (private lawyers) from local governments funds. This is criminal and this House will demand the refund of every kobo from UBA

“Meanwhile, NOT one naira has been paid in the last 12 months as salaries of local workers by these illegal APC chairmen.”

These include Primary School Teachers,

Nurses and other Healthcare Workers, Local Government Civil Servants, Traditional Rulers Not favored by Gboyega Oyetola and Retirees.

“Even more disturbing are reports before this House that plans are allegedly underway to disburse another N50B

(Fifty Billion Naira) of Local Government funds for political purposes, disguised as project funds, while governance at the grassroots continue to suffer.

“This House will not tolerate the diversion of public funds meant for salaries, healthcare, education, and community development into private hands to fund the election of a particular politician in Osun State.”

The assembly accused the United Bank of Africa, (UBA) of complicity in the illegal disbursement of local government fund in the state.

“The Osun State House of Assembly formally places on record that it has written repeatedly to banks, including the United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA), clearly educating them on the law.

“Under extant Osun State laws and regulations governing Local Government administration, only career officers duly appointed under the Local Government Service Commission, including Directors of Finance and Directors of Administration and General Services, are lawful signatories to Local Government accounts.

“Politicians elected as, Chairmen, Councilors, treasurers, or political appointees are forbidden from being signatories to Local Government accounts.

“Any bank that releases Local Government funds on the instructions of unauthorised persons, regardless of who issued such instructions, acts unlawfully and exposes itself and its officers to criminal liability.

“Illegal disbursement of public funds is fraudulent. It is not banking practice. It is not political discretion. It is a crime.

“The House therefore warns the United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) in very clear terms that all illegal disbursements of Osun State Local Government funds, whether purportedly authorised by Mr Gboyega Oyetola or any other individual, will be fully recovered and treated as deliberate complicity in a financial crime.

“All the funds that UBA has disbursed so far with the alleged illegal instructions of Mr Gboyega Oyetola is a GIFT to Mr Oyetola and cannot be deducted from Osun State Local Government Accounts.

“The international community, financial regulators, and institutional partners are hereby put on notice. If UBA Plc continues on this path, it risks reputational damage and legal consequences that go far beyond Osun State and Nigeria.

“No bank that claims global standards should be associated with the unlawful handling of public funds or the undermining of democratic institutions.”

The House lauded Governor Ademola Adeleke “for the extraordinary sacrifice made over the past 12 months in ensuring that, Primary School Teachers, Nurses, Other Healthcare Workers, and Local Government Civil Servants, continue to receive salaries despite the illegal withholding of Local Government allocations by UBA Plc on the alleged instructions of Mr Gboyega Oyetola.

“That a State Government had to shoulder this burden for 12 months is evidence of responsible leadership. However, such sacrifice must not become an excuse for criminal diversion of funds meant for salaries of Osun State Local Governments.

“Osun State belongs to its people. The welfare of nurses, teachers, health workers, local government Civil Servants, traditional institutions, and ordinary citizens must never be sacrificed on the altar of politics.

“The law is the law. No individual is above it. No bank is immune from it. No political interest can override it. This is supposed to be a Democracy, where nobody is above the law. Mr Gboyega Oyetola should not be allowed to carry on as if he is above the law in Osun State.

“This House stands firmly with the people of Osun State. We will defend democracy. We will defend the rule of law. We will defend the sanctity of public funds. And we will not retreat until this illegality ends and justice prevails.”

Troops Eliminate Boko Haram Deputy Commander, Abu Khalid in Sambisa Forest

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Akinwale Kasali

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February 2, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

Troops of the Joint Task Force, North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have recorded another significant operational success with the neutralisation of a top Boko Haram/ISWAP leader Abu Khalid, identified as the Second-in-Command of Boko Haram in the Sambisa Forest.

The neutralization of Abu Khalid came alongside 10 other terrorists during a night operation in Borno State.

This is coming barely 24 hours after troops eliminated the notorious Boko Haram/ISWAP commander, Julaibib, operating within the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle, troops of Sector 1, in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) on Operation DESERT SANITY, made contact with terrorists at the Komala general area of Konduga Local Government Area during night offensives at about 11:00 p.m.

Abu Khalid was a key figure within the terrorist hierarchy, coordinating operations and logistics in the Sambisa axis.

Following the successful engagement, troops recovered five (5) AK-47 rifles, magazines, several bicycles, assorted logistics and food items, as well as huge medical consumables.

There was no casualty recorded among the Nigerian troops during the operation.

Troops’ morale remains high as clearance operations continue across the Sambisa Forest, Mandara Mountains, Timbuktu Triangle and other known hideouts of Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North East region.

The Joint Task Force (North East) reaffirms its commitment to sustaining the tempo of operations until all terrorist elements are neutralised , lasting peace and economic stability are restored to the region.

The Military High Command commended the troops for their sacrifices and dedication in the fight against terrorism and other criminal activities in the North East region, urging them to sustain the operational tempo.

Trouble Looms For Content Creators As Lagos Tackles Violators Of Child Rights

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Akinwale Kasali

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February 2, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

Content Creators, Influencers and Digital Media Producers have been warned by the Lagos State Government on the use of Children in Online Content that violates Child Protection Laws would attract criminal sanctions.

The LASG issued this warning on Monday in a joint statement signed by the State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, and the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, amid rising concerns over the portrayal of minors in harmful or exploitative digital content.

LASG stated that Children are a legally protected class under Nigerian law and must not be exposed to content that compromises their dignity, safety or psychological wellbeing.

“Involving minors in content that depicts abuse, sexual themes, harmful stereotypes, or unsafe scenarios is not only unethical but also contrary to existing laws designed to protect children,” the statement said.

The statement further added that any individual who creates, distributes or profits from content that sexualises, exploits or endangers minors commits a criminal offence under multiple legal frameworks.

“Under Nigerian law, creating, distributing, or profiting from content that sexualises, abuses, or endangers minors constitutes a criminal offence,” it added.

It further cited Sections 25(1) and 26 of the Lagos State Child’s Rights Law (2015), which prohibit exploitative child labour and all forms of child abuse, as well as Sections 135–139 and 141 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State (2015), which address sexual offences against children.

It also referenced Section 23 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act (2015), which criminalises child pornography and related online offences, alongside Section 24 of the Act, which prohibits cyberstalking and online harassment.

The statement further noted that Section 32 of the Child’s Rights Act prescribes a penalty of up to 14 years’ imprisonment for the sexual abuse or exploitation of a child.

Reaffirming its enforcement position, the Lagos State Government said it maintains zero tolerance for child abuse and will work with law enforcement agencies to ensure full compliance with existing laws.

“We will continue to engage relevant stakeholders and take necessary action to address violations of child protection laws when they occur,” the statement said.

Content creators were advised to familiarise themselves with applicable legal provisions and ensure that children’s rights are protected in all forms of creative expression.

‘Misguided’ Coup Plotters Planned To Kill Me- Gen Musa

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James Orji

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February 2, 2026

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General Christopher Musa - Defence Minister

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), has disclosed that he was among top Nigerians marked to be killed by some military officers who were recently accused of plotting a coup to take over the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The retired Army General said the coup plotters had directed that he be shot if he resisted arrest when the coup was being carried out.

Gen Musa spoke on Sunday, on Channels Television flagship politics programme, Sunday Politics, saying the coup plotters ordered that he be ‘shot’ if he did anything funny.

His remark comes after the federal government said some officers and other top Nigerians who allegedly plotted a coup to oust President Tinubu last year have been arrested and will soon be tried.

Recall that the government had earlier debunked the coup claims.

One of the alleged coup sponsors is a former Governor of Bayela stat, Timipre Silva, who is currently out to the country, the former governor has denied the allegation.

According to the General, he assisted the security agencies in ensuring that the military officers, who allegedly took part in the coup were arrested, saying the officers misread the reality in the country that military coup is no longer popular in the country, describing the officers as “misguided individuals”.

“I was also a target, I am sure you know. I was supposed to be arrested, and if I refused, I was supposed to be shot,” Gen Musa said.

“But that’s the job. Anybody who goes into coup zeroes his mind because he knows if he succeeds, good.

”If he doesn’t succeed, whatever consequences come, you are ready for it.

“But again, I think these guys were just a bunch of very unserious individuals that I really don’t know. If you look at the calibre of the individuals, I really don’t know what got into their heads to think that they could take on the armed forces like that.

“What I even said was that even Nigerians would have fought them. Even without the armed forces, Nigerians would have stood against them. Remember how Nigerians fought against the military rule for quite some time. And that’s why Mr. President has always been one of them.

“So now, for them to think they could just wake up one morning and do that in Nigeria, I think something went wrong in there. They need to reset their brains.”

The Defence Headquarters had last Monday disclosed that military officers indicted for plotting to overthrow the government, will be arraigned before an appropriate military judicial panel.

the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, made the remark in a statement, saying a comprehensive investigation had now been concluded in accordance with established military procedures, and the report had been forwarded to the appropriate superior authority.

According to Uba, the findings identified several officers with cases to answer over allegations of plotting to overthrow the government, a conduct he described as inconsistent with the ethics, values, and professional standards of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

The investigation report, he stated, has now been forwarded to the appropriate superior authority.

The statement partly read, “The Defence Headquarters issued a press statement in October 2025 regarding the arrest of sixteen officers over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to inform the general public that investigations into the matter have been concluded and the report forwarded to the appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations.

“The comprehensive investigation process, conducted in accordance with established military procedures, has carefully examined all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel. The findings have identified a number of officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government, which is inconsistent with the ethics, values, and professional standards required of members of the AFN. “

In October 2025, intelligence reports indicated unusual activity around Aso Villa, Nigeria’s Presidency, prompting security agencies to move into action. The government, however, denied that there was any coup plot at the time.

Gen Musa: I’m Focused, Not Interested In Shettima’s Job

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James Orji

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February 2, 2026

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General Christopher Musa - Swears in — General Christopher Musa

The Minister of Defence Gen Christopher Musa (rtd.) says who becomes President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s running mate in 2027 is not his present concern for now. According to him, he’s currently focused in ensuring that the security problems in the country become a thing of the past.

Gen Musa made the assertion on Sunday during an interview on Sunday Politics, a programme of Channels Television.

The assertion comes on the heels of suggestion that he’s one of the potential vice presidential candidates for President Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 election.

Musa has been named among other politicians such as, Yakubu Dogara, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Father Mattew Kukah, to replace the current vice president, Kassim Shettima ahead next year’s presidential election, as rumours intensified that the president is planing to drop the former governor of Borno state, due to internal and external pressures, on the president to take a second look at the Muslim/ Muslim ticket ahead the election.

Both the persident and his vice are Muslims, and many Nigerians have complained that the arrangement has undermined the power sharing arrangement between the nation’s two major religions, Islam and Christianity.

The magazine learnt that those putting pressures on the president to drop Shettima are doing so because of the belief that adopting the Muslim/ Muslim ticket will affect his chances to return to power next year.

By picking a Christian running mate, the analysts suggest that the president will be able to pacify Christians in the country to vote for him to return to office.

As such, Gen Musa, who was recently brought back into government, few weeks after he was sacked as the Chief of Defence Staff, by the president has been touted as one of the possible Christian running mate for Tinubu ahead the very decisive election. the retired Army General is a Christian from Kaduna state.

The retired General has however affirmed that he’s currently focused on his job, and does not want to be dragged into the politics of 2027 or who becomes Tinubu’s running mate.

Obi To Tinubu: You Have Failed In Your Promise To Provide Stable Electricity To Nigerians

By

James Orji

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February 2, 2026

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2027 Presidential hopeful, Peter Obi has slammed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for failing to provide stable electricity for Nigerians despite the fact that he made the promise to do so.

“If I do not provide steady electricity in my first four years, do not vote for me for a second term,” Tinubu was quoted as saying during his campaign ahead the 2023 presidential election.

But more that two years after, Obi said the administration is still chasing shadows in its quest to ensure that Nigerians have stable electricity to power their homes and businesses.

The former governor made the remark on his verified X handle, saying the president has failed in one of the cardinal promises he made to Nigerians before the came to office.

The magazine had earlier reported that the National Grid which supplies powers to Nigerians have experienced repeated collapse despite the promise by the federal government to fix the problem. Twice last month, the Grid collapse, sending most part of the country into total darkness. The Grid collapsed more than 10 times last year, despite the government’s assurance that it’s on top of the situation.

Obi said the administration has shown that it lacks the capacity to provide solution to the country’s electricity problem, despite repeated assurance.

The former presidential candidate drew a reference between Turkiye and Nigeria, saying the former has been able to meet the electricity needs of its people, Nigeria still struggles to provide five percent of electrcity required in the country.

The magazine had reported that President Tinubun recently visited Turkiye where he signed many bilateral agreement with the country’s leader, Tayyib Edogan. Obi, however, urged President Tinubu to stay at home and fixed the country’s myriads of problems.

According to him, “in January 2026 alone, the national grid has already collapsed twice, and the month is not even over. Last year, it collapsed about twelve times. This reality sharply contradicts the promise and should worry every patriotic Nigerian.

“At the same time, the President is on another foreign trip, this time to Turkey, a country of about 87 million people—roughly a third of Nigeria’s population. Yet Turkey generates and distributes over 120,000 megawatts of electricity, while Nigeria struggles with less than 5% of that capacity. The contrast is both striking and painful.

“Our appeal is simple: stay at home and confront the nation’s problems. At this rate, we may soon hear of trips to Palau or Vanuatu while critical issues remain unattended at home.

“And yet, our collective preoccupation seems to be the next election, rather than how to secure good governance. We should be joining hands to demand accountability and responsible leadership, and to save Nigerians from the indignity and suffering caused by persistent bad governance.

“A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO.”

Apart from the constant collapses of the National Grid, another area where the government is struggling to address the nation’s power problems is the inadequate provision of meters to electricity consumers in the country. Many consumers have complained that the estimated billing policy of electricity distribution companies are killing their businesses.

Meanwhile, the federal government recently announced that its has purchased thousands of metres to be distributed to electricity consumers in the country as part of its efforts to end the problem of estimated billings.

Minister: How Tinubu Saved 27 States From Total Collapse

By

James Orji

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February 2, 2026

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Mohammed Idris - Minister of Information and National Orientation

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has disclosed that many state governments were at the verge of economic collapse by the time President Bola Ahmed Tinubu came of office in 2023.

The Minister said at least 27 state governments in the country were saved from economic problems, such as the inability to pay civil servants salaries through the reforms introduced by the incumbent immediately he came into power.

Idris made the assertion while delivering a lecture at the 34th Convocation and 43rd Founders’ Day of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, at the weekend.

Not a few Nigerians, have, however, slammed the current administration for implementing reforms considered to have brought serious hardship to the country.

According to Idris, the reforms were the hallmarks of President Tinubu whle campaigning to become the country’s leader, saying Tinubu’s major targets was to transform the country.

“Coming into power, he initiated reforms that have now saved those states from collapse, “ Idris said.

“Now, state are getting three times of what they use to get. They can now pay salaries, execute massive infrastructure projects and deliver dividends of democracy to their people.

“These were made possible by the Tinubu’s reforms and effective leadership strategy.

The minister said Tinubu recognised the need for continuous reforms to correct past mistakes and advance the nation-building process.

“There is no nation building without reforms. It’s impossible for you to build a nation if you don’t continue to undertake these reforms,” the minister stated.

The magazine reported that some of the reforms introduced by the administration include the removal of petrol subsidy, convergence of the exchange rate of the Naira, among others.

APC Forcing Civil Servants To Register As Members, ADC Alleges

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The Source

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February 1, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has accused the All Progressive Congress, APC, of engaging in alleged subtle and underhand dealings designed to coerce unsuspecting members of the public, particularly civil servants into registering as party members.

The allegations are coming amidst the ongoing nation-wide e-registeration exercise of the ruling party at the centre.

In a statement from its spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, the emerging opposition Coalition platform, informed that report received across the states indicate alleged widespread and coordinated moves by the APC in forcing Nigerians of all hues into registering as members.

According to Abdullahi, civil servants are allegedly being pressured into registering as APC members, as a precondition for job security, career progression or continued access to their means of livelihoods.

While condemning the alleged development, the ADC described as totally unacceptable and unjust the idea of compelling people to belong to a particular political organization in a democratic arrangement.

The opposition Coalition platform, noted that such action not only tantamount to an act of gross violation of the people’s fundamental human rights as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria ,but also a direct affront to the basic principles of democracy.

The ADC expressed serious concern that a political party which has been bragging about its popularity and people-oriented programmes could still be coercing citizens to register as members.

“A popular political party that genuinely enjoys popular support does not need to conscript citizens through intimidation or the weaponization of the payroll.

“Pressuring civil servants to register for a party they do not believe in amounts to state-sponsored conscription rather than genuine party growth”, ADC stated.

This is as the party warned that the practice of converting civil servants to partisan players will inexorably result in the undermining of critical democratic institutions, and democratic norms with the attendant loss of credibility ,and erosion of public trust.

However, the opposition platform insisted that mere over-bloated data base, achieved through coercion as allegedly being pursued by the APC, does not in anyway translate to electoral victory.

According to the ADC, inflated membership figures through intimidation can only serve the the temporary purpose of propaganda, but will not cover the emptiness of the ruling party before the long-suffering people of Nigeria who are battling with unprecedented and excruciating economic hardship, insecurity and declining public confidence.

“I Am Not Ashamed To Say I Don’t Have Godfather, I only have God,” Oyo Gov. Makinde

By

Ayodele Oni

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February 1, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has revealed that in his seven years as Governor, he has no godfather.

According to him, “When I became the governor of Oyo State in 2019, I was the 8th civilian or Executive governor of Oyo State and the significance of eight in the Bible depicts a new beginning. So, the journey has been a new beginning for Oyo State. I didn’t plan it.

“I tell people that I am not ashamed to say that I don’t have a godfather, I only have God the father.

“Some of the people are upset, they said I came to them to ask for support to be elected. Yes, you go somewhere to seek for support. Does that make the person your godfather?

“So, God has been so merciful to us, and we will continue to operate in accordance with the will and the dictates of God for us.”

The governor stated this on Sunday, during a Thanksgiving Service in commemoration of Oyo State’s 50th anniversary, held at the Cathedral of St Peter’s, Aremo, Ibadan.

He assured that his government has built strong foundations for the state as it enters its next phase.

Makinde also assured the people that his administration will continue to govern the state in accordance with the will and guidance of God for the people of the state.

This was as the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Mr Peter Obi, lauded Governor Makinde for the uplift of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, and for using public funds for public good.

Governor Makinde, who had earlier read the second Bible lesson from Matthew 5:1-12, congratulated all residents of Oyo State for witnessing the celebration of the state’s golden jubilee, which he noted was due to God’s grace.

He emphasised that his emergence as governor of the state in 2019 after contesting for eight years could only be attributed to God’s mercy, which enabled the state to experience a new beginning.

He assured the people of the state of continuity of good governance after the expiration of his tenure, stressing that his team is still intact and will carry on the good works.

He said: “I want to congratulate all of us for witnessing Oyo State at 50 and I pray that we shall witness many more years on earth.

“God has brought a particular Governor at a particular time to signify a new beginning for Oyo State. My charge to you as we celebrate this 50th anniversary of Oyo State is that we should not go back to where we were coming from. Let us stay focused.

“We have a team that is still intact. It is only Seyi Makinde that will go out; members of the team are there to continue to work for the people of Oyo State. We will continue to operate in accordance with the will and the dictates of God for Oyo State.”

In his goodwill message, former Governor of Anambra State and Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Mr Peter Obi, lauded Governor Makinde’s leadership style and transformation agenda in the state.

Obi said: “It is always an honour to be in Ibadan. I was here on Tuesday to visit the University and I was telling somebody that this is a historic town where all of us, as Nigerians, come because it is a city of knowledge and a city of hope.

“The people who came with me said you don’t know how this place has changed and I appreciate the preacher on what he said about how the state has developed under Governor Seyi Makinde.

“I thank Governor Makinde for faithfully serving the people. As you celebrate this 50th anniversary, I pray that the next fifty years of the great state will be exemplary. May God continue to bless our governor and all the members of his team.

“I was here at the onset of his government. I was one of those that were brought in to talk to his commissioners and I thank him for his exceptional work.

“As I conclude, I want to make a request to Nigerians to, please, always remember us politicians in prayers. We are the problem of Nigeria. No other person. Nigeria is not a poor country but only poorly governed.

“Remember us in your prayers that God should touch our hearts to use public money for public good. That is what Seyi Makinde is doing in Oyo State.”

Earlier in his sermon entitled: “Gratitude,” the Archbishop of Ibadan Province, The Most Rev’d Williams Aladekugbe, said God has been good to Oyo State and also hailed past leaders who contributed meaningfully to the growth of the state in the last 50 years.

He congratulated the governor for his people-oriented programme, which he said, has shaped the state and brought about infrastructure development, improved workers and pensioners’ welfare and peaceful coexistence, among others.

Special prayers were offered for Governor Makinde, Oyo State, past leaders/governors of the state, and Nigeria as well as for the continuity of good governance through a good successor to Governor Makinde.