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Nigeria’s Democracy Is Very Weak” – Prof Ibrahim

March 7, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

A political scientist and academic, Prof Jibrin Ibrahim, has preferred panacea to save Nigeria’s democracy.

According to him, saving democracy would “require resisting the deep culture of corruption and criminality, as well as rebuilding a political culture of transparency and accountability.

Prof Ibrahim, who is Director, Centre for Democracy and Development, Abuja pointed out that “During elections, godfathers have been able to determine who gets nominated to contest for elections in political party primaries and who wins the elections subsequently.

“Today, the democratic system has been completely eroded by the sale and purchase of votes during elections.

“Nigeria’s democracy is very weak today as a significant part of the political class are undermining democratic processes as they milk the political system for personal profit.

“The task before the nation is to encourage people with competence and a commitment to the public good to come out and contest and displace criminal elements that are currently entrenched in the system.

“It would not be easy but saving the country requires that this task needs to be done.

“There is no surprise that Nigeria is infamous for the significant role godfathers play in the country’s politics and political economy.

“I still remember when Chris Uba, the onetime acclaimed godfather of Anambra State politics, in a moment of intense self-satisfaction after the 2003 general elections, declared that, ‘I am the greatest godfather in Nigeria because this is the first time an individual outside government single-handed put in position every politician in the State.’

“This effusion of self-satisfaction signalled the eclipse of Emeka Offor, the previous pretender to the throne of godfather in Anambra, who in 1999 had determined the governor of the State and about 60 percent of the members of the state legislature.

“Mr. Uba was able to advance from imposing 60 per cent of the members to 100 per cent, meaning that he determined who became governor, the three senators and members of the federal and state assemblies.

“The fact that Nigerian godfathers have had the effrontery to define themselves as men – yes, they are almost exclusively male – who have the power to substitute themselves for the voting citizenry is deeply disturbing.”

Govs Will Abuse State Police – Don

Ayodele Oni

March 7, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

A political scientist and academic, Prof Jibrin Ibrahim, has warned that allowing state governors to control state police could undermine the expected benefits of the initiative and open the door to abuse of power.

The don cautioned against placing the proposed state police under the direct control of state governors.

Speaking on Channel’s Television Sunrise Daily on Saturday, Ibrahim argued that governors might deploy such security outfits against political opponents rather than criminals.

According to him, while the constitutional argument for state police is based on Nigeria’s federal structure — which allows federating units to establish security institutions within their jurisdictions — placing the forces under governors’ control could be dangerous.

Ibrahim noted that the current political environment in many states raises concerns that state police could be used to suppress opposition and entrench political power rather than improve security.

“The idea of state policing is worrisome, and if they are established under the control of state governments, we may be heading for trouble,” he said.

He also questioned the rationale behind creating state police, if they would remain under the authority of the Nigeria Police Force.

His comments come after Inspector-General of Police, (IGP) Olatunji Disu, inaugurated a seven-member steering committee on the establishment of state police in Nigeria, to be chaired by Prof Olu Ogunsakin, a scholar of police studies.

The IGP said decentralising policing would enable state and local authorities to respond more effectively to security challenges within their jurisdictions.

President Bola Tinubu has repeatedly pledged to establish state police as part of broader efforts to address insecurity.

He recently asked the National Assembly to amend the 1999 Constitution to create the legal framework for the initiative, a process lawmakers have already commenced.

The president affirmed that “Security is the foundation of prosperity. Without it, farms cannot flourish, businesses cannot grow, and families cannot sleep in peace.

The president spoke in Abuja, when he hosted governors for the breaking of an interfaith fast at the Presidential Villa.

“We will establish state police to curb insecurity. This is not about politics. It is about practicality. It is about empowering states with the tools to protect their people while strengthening our national framework.

“We must be bold enough to reform what is not working. We must be united enough to protect what we hold dear.’’

DSS Arrests Suspected Mastermind Of Attacks On Security Agents In South East

Ayodele Oni

March 7, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

A major breakthrough has been recorded in attacks on security agents in the South East as Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Friday, arrested a suspected notorious Eastern Security Network (ESN) commander, Sabastine Odo Odam, and Ejike Daniel, a suspected member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Both were arrested at Eha-Amufu and Umuhu in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, Enugu State,

Reports quoted security sources to have said that the arrest followed months of sustained intelligence gathering on activities of the suspects.

The arrests came on the heels of a series of violent attacks on police stations and killings between 2024 and 2026, all in Isi-Uzo LGA.

“Both men have confessed to being masterminds of a chain of attacks on police stations and carting away of weapons.

“The attacks include the February 26 killing of 11 labourers, and that of five policeman between December 24, 2025 and January 26, 2026.

“The arrests represent a major success for the DSS in the fight against insecurity in the southeast and country at large,” one of the sources said.

Residents of Isi-Uzo LGA expressed excitement as news of the arrests filtered in. Many noted that the arrests would restore some peace to the affected communities.

Both suspects are in the custody of the DSS and awaiting arraignment, the source stated.

Ondo APC State Congress: Gov. Aiyedatiwa Says Official Result Still Being Awaited

Ayodele Oni

March 7, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has retracted his position on the state Congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC), held last Tuesday, in Akure as he declared that the leadership of the party is yet to declare the results of its congress.

Aiyedatiwa made the declaration during a Media Chat held in Akure, the state capital.

The APC had recently conducted its Ward, Local Government and State congresses amid crisis leading to the killing of three party faithful.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), had distance itself from the conduct of the state congress held on Tuesday, March 3, citing a Federal High Court order that put the congress on hold.

Speaking on the conduct of the congress during the Media Chat, Aiyedatiwa said the results of the recently conducted congress in the state have not yet been officially announced by the APC leadership.

The governor noted that although the congress had been held at the ward, local government and state levels, the party was yet to formally release the outcome.

“We had our congress at the ward level, the local government and at the state.

“All of that has been done, but the party will eventually release the results because that has not been announced,” Aiyedatiwa declared.

“APC is one in Ondo State. We are not divided, but interest differs when it comes to political positions. That is politics,” he said.

In his opinion, Aiyedatiwa pointed out that competition among party members seeking positions often created tension, noting that such disagreements should not be seen as division in the ruling party.

According to him, “You may have five aspirants contesting for one office, each with their followers. Naturally there will be push and pull. That is what people are seeing. It is not as if the party is divided.”

On the allegations that some members of the party were being marginalised, the governor described the claim as untrue, saying his administration had ensured inclusiveness in political appointments and party activities.

At the state congress, a former member of the House of Representatives, Mr.Babatunde emerged alongside 35 other members of the State Working Committee through consensus and affirmation by delegates.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, who addressed party members at the event, described the congress as a reaffirmation of the party’s unity and internal democracy.

“Today’s congress is more than a routine political exercise. It is a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to party supremacy, unity, inclusiveness and discipline,” the governor said.

He commended aspirants who stepped down to allow consensus and urged members to prioritise the collective interest of the party over personal ambitions.

In his acceptance speech titled “A New Dawn of Unity and Progress,” Babatunde pledged to run an inclusive and transparent administration, declaring that there was no winner or loser in the exercise.

“There is no winner or loser. I am for all, and against none,” he said, promising to strengthen grassroots mobilisation and deepen internal democracy within the party.

The National Secretariat of the APC had declared that it directed Ondo Congress Committee to stand down in compliance with the interim order of the Federal High Court restraining the conduct and recognition of its congresses in Ondo State.

APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, insisted that the ruling party remains law-abiding despite disagreeing with the court’s decision.

According to him, the party immediately directed its congress committee in Ondo State to halt further actions upon becoming aware of the court order.

“We woke up to a court order by the Federal High Court, and as a law-abiding party, we directed our team in that place to wait until the order is vacated or there is a contrary order from the court,” Bashiru said.

“Only Court Can Determine My Eligibility To Contest Again” – Ondo Gov. Aiyedatiwa

Ayodele Oni

March 7, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has said he has not declared any intention to seek re-election in 2028, insisting that discussions around his eligibility and tenure remain premature.

The governor, who just clocked a year in office last month, also dismissed the legal challenge filed against him over the constitutional interpretation of his tenure, noting that the matter should be left for the courts to determine.

Aiyedatiwa had served out remaining tenure of late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu before being elected for a fresh tenure in 2024 and sworn in February last year.

Those opposing him had based their argument on the fact that he is not eligible constitutionally to be sworn in for the third time after expiration of his tenure.

Speaking during a media interview in akure, Aiyedatiwa said he was surprised that a case was instituted against him despite the fact that no governorship election process had begun.

“I have not told anybody that I’m running. An election is a process. You first of all show interest, expression of interest, and there will have to be a timetable by the party and the umpire, INEC,” he said.

He maintained that there was currently no basis for a legal action since no election timetable had been released and he had not obtained nomination forms.

“There is no governorship election timetable for Ondo State. There is no expression of interest, there is no nomination form. Why are you taking me to court?” he asked.

The governor further argued that, as a sitting governor, he enjoys constitutional immunity and should not be dragged to court except on matters relating to elections.

“I’m a governor with immunity. The case you are referring to, do you call it a pre-election matter or post-election? Why would I be taken to court in the first place?” he queried.

Aiyedatiwa pointed out that the court case was based on speculation that he might seek another term in office, stressing that he had not made any such declaration.

“Some people are saying 2028. Maybe that is their fear, and they went to court. But I have not declared that I am running any election.”

The legal dispute centres on the interpretation of Section 182(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended by the Fourth Alteration), which states that a person who is sworn in as governor to complete the tenure of another elected governor “shall not be elected to such office for more than a single term.”

However, the governor said interpretations of the constitutional provision vary among legal experts and should ultimately be determined by the judiciary.

“The law is the law. I’m not the one that will interpret the law. Let the judiciary decide,” he said.

He noted that several lawyers have raised questions about whether completing a short unexpired tenure should automatically count as a full term.

“Somebody asked a question: if that unexpired tenure is two months, will you count that as a term? If it is one week, will you count it as a term?” he said.

According to him, different legal commentators have also argued that the constitutional provision refers specifically to being elected multiple times.

“Some people say the act is talking about somebody not to be elected three times. So you have different interpretations,” he added.

Aiyedatiwa stated that he would leave the matter to the courts rather than engage in legal arguments in the public space.

“I’m not a lawyer, and I don’t want to go into all of that discussion. Let the judiciary interpret the law.”

The governor also questioned the legality of the suit filed against him, insisting that it should be struck out because there is no cause of action.

“For now, I have not declared that I’m running for any election. There is no timetable. Where is the cause of action?” he asked.

He stressed that any legal challenge regarding his eligibility to contest again should only arise when the electoral process begins.

“Wait until that time when I come out that I want to run, then you can take me to court. I have immunity and I have not declared for any election,” he added.

Ambassadors: President Tinubu Has Embarrassed Nigeria – ADC

The Source

March 7, 2026

By Gideon Njoku

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has mocked President Bola Tinubu over the postings of 65 Ambassadors-designate released on Friday.

In mocking him, the ADC accused the Tinubu administration of breaching diplomatic protocol in ambassadorial postings.

According to the Party, the Tinubu Government breached diplomatic protocol by announcing the postings when host countries have not accepted them yet.

It described the postings as a diplomatic blunder and “another sign of government’s incompetence.”

In its statement Friday issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said announcing the ambassadorial postings before securing the required agrément from host countries is a breach of established diplomatic procedures.

The ADC noted that international diplomatic practice under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, especially, Article 4, requires a country to obtain the consent of the receiving nation before officially announcing the appointment of an ambassador.

ADC: “After spending nearly three years in office, and even three months after the Senate confirmed the ambassadorial nominees, the latest announcement from the State House appears to have reversed the proper order of things and reflects the Tinubu administration’s failure to understand the fundamental procedures guiding diplomatic relations.

“Under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, particularly Article 4, a sending state must first obtain the consent, known as agrément, of the receiving state before officially appointing, or announcing a head of mission”.

Abdullahi’s statement

explained that the request for agrément is a quiet process done through diplomatic channels to avoid embarrassment in case the receiving country rejects the nominee.

“By announcing appointments and then requesting consent, it indicates that the government does not know what it is doing. You cannot announce postings and say in the same statement that you are just requesting agreement,” Abdullahi said.

The ADC said the postings has exposed Nigeria to possible diplomatic embarrassment because the receiving country reserves the right to either accept or reject a nominee after conducting its own background checks.

Abdullahi: “It is in order to save the sending country the embarrassment that a rejection may cause that the process is usually done behind the scenes. But this government does not get it.”

It reminded that a similar mistake was also made by the government in 2025 when ambassadorial postings to the United Kingdom, United States and France were announced. Only France and the United Kingdom have responded positively. Nothing has been heard from the United States.

The ADC also recalled the sending of an unscreened ambassador to Turkey, and wondered why the FG has not learnt.

“After the blunder of similarly announcing postings to the UK, the United States and France last year, including sending an unscreened ambassador to Turkey, we would have expected the government to learn its lessons and course-correct.

“The question to ask is: why did it take the government more than three months after nominating these ambassadors before now requesting consent?

“Nigeria maintains 109 diplomatic missions around the world, yet the government has only announced 65 ambassadors. What happens to the remaining 44 missions? Are those posts to remain vacant indefinitely?” the party queried.

The party warned that leaving many missions without ambassadors could weaken Nigeria’s diplomatic presence at a time of growing global challenges.

According to Abdullahi, the Tinubu administration has 449 days left in office, warning that the country risks being poorly represented internationally if the situation is not addressed.

“This may be the first administration in Nigeria so incompetent that it could not even appoint ambassadors at a time Nigeria needs to sit at the table at the highest levels of global governance. The damage that would do to the country is indeed hard to contemplate,” he said.

Terrorism: Troops Kill 45 Bandits In Katsina; Army Captain Killed

James Orji

March 7, 2026

No fewer than 45 terrorists terrorising Katsina state have been killed by the troops of the Nigerian Army. Sadly, the country also lost an Army Captain and two soldiers during the gun battle with the criminals in Danmusa Local Government Area of the state.

The North west state is one of the epicenters of banditry and terrorism in the country as security agencies struggle to contain the activities of the criminals.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mua’zu, the terrorists were neutralized by the soldiers during a clearance operation on Friday.

Mua’zu said the troops relied on credible intelligence before launching the onslaught against the criminals leading to the killing of at least 45 bandits.

Part of the statement: “Among those killed was Alti, the nephew and second-in-command to the notorious bandit leader, Adamu Alieru. Also eliminated was another top bandit known as Damale.

“The clash began when bandits from Zamfara State, armed with sophisticated weapons and riding on motorcycles, attacked Alhazawa village in Musawa LGA on March 5. They came to steal cattle.

“However, community members and repentant bandits from the area fought back. Four bandits were killed, and all the rustled cows were recovered and returned to their owners.

“Seeking revenge, the bandits returned in large numbers on March 6. They ran into soldiers attached to the Army’s Forward Operating Base in Dan Ali while heading towards Musawa LGA near Maidabino A ward.

“What followed was an intense and fierce battle. The Army successfully neutralised all 45 bandits.

“However, the victory came at a cost. Captain Paul Hassan and two other soldiers lost their lives in the encounter.

“On behalf of the State Governor, Mallam Dikko Umaru Radda, the government and the people of Katsina, I commend the bravery and sacrifice of our soldiers. Their actions have saved countless lives and disrupted the operations of these dangerous criminals.

“We also extend condolences to the families of the deceased military personnel.

“Our security forces remain alert and will continue to pursue these criminals wherever they go. We will not rest until peace is fully restored to every corner of Katsina State,” the statement said.

The magazine report that the development comes on the heels of attack on an Internally Displaced Persons, IDP camp in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State by Boko Haram/ ISWAP terrorists on Wednesday, the terrorists also abducted over 100 women and children. According to report, no fewer than nine soldiers were also killed by the terrorists during the attack.

The incident has sent shock waves across the country as it coincides with the ongoing Ramadan fast.

PDP: Ikpeazu’s Ambassadorial Appointment Well ‘Deserved’

James Orji

March 7, 2026

Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, Governor, Abia state

The Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has described the appoinment of of a former governor of the state, Okezie Ikpeazu as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain as a well ‘deserved national assignment.’ The party , in a statement also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing the former governor as Nigeria’s top diplomat to the European country. .

Ikpeazu was among Ambassadors and High Commissioners posted to different countries on Friday by the president. The postings came four months after they were nominated by the president, and later cleared by the Nigerian Senate in December 2025.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the party’s Chairman in the state, Abraham Amah, President Tinubu has displayed statesmanship and leadership as he has priotise competence and experience over partisanship in the appointment of Ikpeazu.

The party also praised the prsident’s “strategic foresight’ over the appointment, describing Kpeazu as seasoned administrator and accomplished leader, citing for instance, that the former governor championed infrastructural development, industrial promotion, and policies aimed at improving the livelihoods of citizens during his eight-year tenure. .

“President Tinubu has shown through this appointment that national leadership must transcend narrow partisan considerations, mobilising the best talents Nigeria has to offer in service of the country,” the party said.

Adding that Ikpeazu’s “achievements underscore his capacity to represent Nigeria with dignity, intelligence, and strategic foresight.”

On Friday, Presidential Spokesman, Bayo Onanuga in a statement said President Tinubu has approved the postings of 31 career and 34 non-career ambassadors to various countries and the United Nations.

Prominent among the new Nigeria’s emissaries to the world are Femi Fani-Kayode, a former Minister of Aviation, Reno Omokri, a former aide to ex- president Goodluck Jonathan, Prof. Mahmud Yakubu, the immediate past Chairman of Nigeria’s Electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, among others.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already received agrément from the United Kingdom for the High Commissioner-designate, Ambassador Aminu Dalhatu. Similarly, France has sent the agrément for Ambassador Ayo Oke,” Onanuga said in the statement yesterday.

“The Ministry has also conveyed the nominations of the other 62 designated envoys to all the countries concerned, including a request for their agréments in line with standard diplomatic practice.

“President Tinubu has directed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should immediately commence the induction programme for the ambassadors-designate and High Commissioners.”

My Reaction To My Ambassadorial Posting To Mexico – Reno Omokri

The Source

March 7, 2026

“I sincerely thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for my ambassadorial posting.

“This is a man with a heart of gold, and as I have previously said, the President is a most Christlike individual, with the capacity to forgive and forbear. Nigeria could not have had a better leader for the present time and for the next five years, by the grace of God.

“I accept this appointment and posting to the glory of God and for the betterment of Nigeria, even as I pledge my unalloyed loyalty to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the custodian of the Constitution and the Head of State of Nigeria.

“I once again thank my foster parents, Esijolomi and Omerewumi, who moulded me, as a piece of clay they received from God, into what I am today.

“Other than God, NO OTHER HUMAN BEINGS have been more responsible for making me into what I am today than these two angels, who in my mother tongue are referred to as my Olayemi.

“I thank my biological parents, both of whom are now deceased, Bemigho and Ochuko, through whom I came into this world. Even in death, I love you both.

“I thank my wife, Hana, who has filled me with such peace of mind since I met her, and has been an encourager

and nurturer.”

Mexico, Omokri’s posting, is a neighbour of the

United States. It

shares about a 2,000-mile southern border. Mexico borders four US States, California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. That makes it one of

United States primary land-bordering neighbours.

Ebonyi Monarch’s Murder: How APC State Executive Member Was Nabbed

The Source

March 7, 2026

By Chika Nwoba

In this narration, Sir Chika Nwoba, gives a graphic account of how an Ebonyi Monarch, His Royal Highness, Eze Francis Igwe, father of a former Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, H.E. Kelechi Igwe, was kidnapped on his way to Church and how the State Police Command tracked and arrested An APC State Executive Member for his alleged involvement in the tragic incident which resulted in the gruesome murder of the Monarch. This medium has not independently confirmed these details, but a devastated Governor of the State, Francis Nwifuru, cancelled the weekly State Executive Meeting as soon as he was briefed on the discovery of the Monarch’s decomposing body. Nine people, including, allegedly, the APC State Executive Member (name withheld by us) are already in custody

“He was attending an Assemblies of God Church close to his Palace in Ikwo when a syndicate of gunmen assailed and picked him and zoomed off to a location in Izziㅡa community under Abakaliki LGA where they kept him.

There was no security hiccup as they headed for their camp using a tricycle ㅡ keke-napep. The kidnap happened last Sunday.

“The man who was 80-something years of age, was a member of the Enugu State House of Assembly before 1996 that Ebonyi was created. He was the father of the immediate past Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief Barr Kelechi Igwe, PhD, and father-in-law to the current chairman of Ikwo LGA, Chief Barr Sunday Nwankwo as well as the traditional ruler of Ndufu-Alike community, Ikwo LGA.

“A representative of Ikwo stakeholders approached and reported the incident to “Ili Noyo” ㅡ a deity owned by Ikwo clan.

“The kidnappers made a phone call to the family requesting that they be given N500K to get drugs for him. They provided a Zenith bank account for the transaction.The transaction was made. A query was placed on the account, necessitating the owner to go to bank and sort it out.

“He was captured. During interrogation, he admitted that it was the APC State Executive Member (name withheld) in Ebonyi that contacted him to provide an account number for the transaction.

The State Executive Member was arrested and queried. He said that it was one of his boys that told him to look for a bank account to receive the money. Rather than providing his own account, he looked for another person’s, knowing full well how dangerous the transaction seemed.

“He was used to lure the boy he called his boy. The two of them came to answer the call of the State Executive Council Member, their boss, unbeknownst to them the danger looming.

“They were captured and asked the whereabouts of the man. They said that the man died in their custody.

“They led security operatives to where they kept him. His decomposing corpse was exhumed and deposited in a morgue in Abakaliki.”

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