CD Preaches Good Governance As Panacea To Coups In Africa

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December 7, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Campaign for Democracy (CD) has advised African leaders to provide good and responsive leadership as a panacea the growing threat by the military to take over power in the continent.

CD, in a statement on Sunday to react to the botched coup attempt in the Republic of Benin, maintained that the Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS), a sub regional body, will not serve the African people by merely issuing condemnations of coups.

The statement, signed by Ifeanyi Odili, national president of CD, stated that “ECOWAS can better serve Africa by cultivating genuine leadership qualities among its member‑state politicians—qualities that translate into tangible happiness and prosperity for ordinary citizens.

“Accordingly, ECOWAS ought to adopt a firm policy that bars any African leader from being implicated in corruption or from practicing poor governance.

“CD further asserts that preventing coups requires political leaders to lead by example, to assume responsibility, and to remain accountable to their peoples.

“It warns that African politicians cannot continue to steer the continent toward uncertainty, insecurity, economic hardship, soaring inflation, and even conflict, while expecting the populace to remain passive.”

The statement emphasized that any government must enjoy genuine popular support to sustain uninterrupted democracy; a democracy that inflicts suffering on its citizens is destined to collapse, whether through revolution or military intervention.

“For democracy to endure, politicians must exercise their duties with utmost responsibility and honour their electoral promises; otherwise, coups will persist.

“In light of the current climate in several African nations, where citizens increasingly favor military rule over a dysfunctional democratic system, CD urges ECOWAS to cease its routine condemnations of coups—whether successful or failed—and instead compel its member states to govern with fairness, justice, and integrity.”

Benin Republic Failed Coup: Manhunt Of Suspects, Begin, 13 Arrested As Nigeria Withdraws Fighter Jet

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Ayodele Oni

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December 7, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

In the aftermath of the attempted coup in the West African nation of Benin Republic on Sunday, military personnel numbering13 have been arrested, including the alleged ringleaders of the operation.

Military and security sources told AFP, that 13 arrests have been made, with all detainees in active service except one former soldier.

The attempted coup unfolded early Sunday when a group of soldiers, calling themselves the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR), announced on state television that President Patrice Talon had been removed from office.

The group cited concerns over deteriorating security in northern Benin, neglect of fallen soldiers’ families, and alleged unfair promotions.

The announcement was followed shortly by assurances from sources close to Talon that the president remained safe and that the regular army was regaining control.

However, Interior Minister Alassane Seidou described the event as “a mutiny with the aim of destabilising the country and its institutions.”

He added, “Faced with this situation, the Beninese Armed Forces and their leadership maintained control of the situation and foiled the attempt.”

The African Union condemned the attempted coup in a statement on Sunday, urging all actors involved to return to their barracks.

AU Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf called on soldiers to “immediately cease all unlawful actions… and to return without delay to their legitimate barracks and professional obligations.”

ECOWAS also described the coup as “unconstitutional” and a subversion of the will of the Beninese people.

Nigeria has withdrawn its fighter jet earlier deployed to Benin Republic after the country’s authorities announced that the situation has stabilized following a foiled coup attempt.

The coup attempt, led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, aimed to overthrow President Patrice Talon, but was thwarted by loyalist forces.

The Nigerian military had deployed the fighter jet as a precautionary measure to monitor the situation and ensure regional security. However, with the situation under control, the aircraft has been ordered to return to base .

According to reports, the coup plotters had taken control of the national television station and announced the dissolution of the government and closure of borders.

However, Interior Minister Alassane Seidou stated that the armed forces had foiled the coup attempt and urged the population to go about their business as usual.

The attempted coup comes amid a broader pattern of political instability in West Africa. In the past five years, coups or attempted coups have occurred in Mali, Guinea, Sudan, Burkina Faso, Niger, Gabon, Madagascar, and Guinea-Bissau, highlighting persistent challenges to constitutional governance in the region.

President Talon, 67, a former businessman known as the “cotton king of Cotonou,” is due to hand over power in April 2026 at the conclusion of his second term. He has been credited with economic growth during his tenure, although critics have accused his administration of authoritarian tendencies.

Security operations in Benin continue as authorities work to stabilise the capital and reassert control over military and civil institutions.

CAS Shows Leadership, Visits Pilots Of Crashed NAF Jet

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Adesina Soyooye

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December 7, 2025

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By Adesina Soyooye

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke has attracted applause from both serving and retired officers of the Nigerian Air Force for the compassion and exemplary leadership he exhibited in the wake of the unfortunate crash of a NAF Jet in Borno State on Saturday, December 6, 2025.

Recall that the Jet crashed at about 1630hrs near Karabonde, Borgu Local Government Area, Borno State, on take off.

The two Pilots, now identified as Squadron Leader

AK Galadanci and a Flight Lieutenant

mercifully survived after both successfully ejected from the Alpha Jet before it burst into flames and made impact.

They took off from Kainji Air Base.

Those who witnessed the Jet as it struggled mid-air, and finally crashed, were full of commendation for the Pilots for steering the Jet away from a very populated area of the city to a safe area where it neither recorded any fatality nor destroyed properties.

Beyond that, another thing which impressed was that within 24 hours of the crash, the CAS took off, immediately to, personally, visit his heroic Pilot-officers, to make sure of their safety and wellbeing.

The photograph above shows Squadron Leader Galadanci on the left of the Chief of Air Staff (in blue) with Flight Lieutenant (2nd pilot) at the hospital after the aircrash incident.

Afenifere Chieftain To Govt: “You Are Cause Of Decay In University System”

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Ayodele Oni

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December 7, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

A chieftain of Afenifere, Chief Seinde Arogbofa, has blamed Nigeria’s failing university system squarely at the feet of government.

Speaking as chairman at the 8th Annual Registry Lecture of Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, in Ondo state, Arogbofa maintained that “the decay of the Nigerian university system is a direct result of government’s ineptitude.”

Arogbofa, who delivered what many attendees described as a “truth long overdue,” listed the failures that have crippled higher education over the years to include chronic underfunding, poor remuneration for academics, and perhaps most corrosive, the political interference in the appointment of principal officers in government- owned universities.

According to the former Secretary-General of Afenifere and Pioneer Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University, Lafia, thes, have combined to weaken once-proud institutions.

He praised the Founder of Elizade University, Chief Michael Ade Ojo, describing him as a man whose foresight and selfless sacrifice have produced a world-class institution “standing as proof of what is possible when excellence, not politics, drives education.”

Delivering the keynote lecture, the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Prof Adenike Oladiji, painted a balanced but sobering picture of the nation’s university landscape.

Her paper, themed “The Nigerian University System: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly,” acknowledged the bright spots which are opportunities for academic growth, career progression, and the rich socio-cultural integration that universities foster amongst others.

But the positives, she said, are heavily overshadowed by deepening challenges.

She highlighted severe under funding and manpower shortages, worsened by the Japa phenomenon, abuse of autonomy and declining commitment from various actors.

The don also listed rampant politicization, where merit takes a back seat, frequent industrial disputes that disrupt academic calendars and mass proliferation of universities without corresponding resources.

Calling for a complete reset, Oladiji insisted that stakeholders must “return to the tradition of excellence,” reminding the audience that the university is a “world of its own,” equipped with laws and structures designed to uphold prestige.

At the heart of this system, she emphasized, lies the Registry: “The Registry is at the centre of all university activities.”

The Acting Vice-Chancellor of Elizade University, Prof Sunday Adeyemo, celebrated the Registry Division for maintaining a culture of professionalism and administrative distinction.

“Each edition of the Annual Registry Lecture reinforces the indispensable role of the Registry in institutional development and effective university governance,” he said.

Attempted Coup: Calm In Benin Republic As Govt. Says President Talon Still In Control

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Ayodele Oni

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December 7, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Calm seems to have returned to Benin Republic after an early Sunday morning seizure of the country’s radio station by some soldiers.

Soldiers calling themselves the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR), said on state television that they had met and decided that “Mr Patrice Talon is removed from office as president of the republic”.

The announcement follows two coups in Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau few months ago. Benin is bordered in the north by Niger and Burkina Faso, which have also seen military takeovers.

The French Embassy said on X that “gunfire was reported at Camp Guezo” near the president’s official residence in the economic capital. It urged French citizens to remain indoors for security.

However, the government of Benin Republic has announced that it remains fully in control of national affairs, following an attempted military takeover on Sunday, assuring citizens that President Patrice Talon is safe and that normalcy is being restored across the country.

In a statement released after hours of tension triggered by soldiers, who stormed the national television station to declare a coup, the presidency described the attackers as “a small group of mutineers” and confirmed that state security forces have begun regaining control of key installations.

The government also stated that the situation in the capital and across the country is “completely secure,” urging residents to remain calm and go about their activities.

Earlier in the day, armed soldiers identifying themselves as a new military committee forcibly took over the state broadcaster and announced the removal of President Talon from office.

The sudden move sparked uncertainty and led to a brief shutdown of movements around sensitive locations.

The presidency’s response appears aimed at stabilising public confidence and preventing further escalation, as military operations continue to comb affected areas and flush out the dissidents behind the uprising.

The attempted coup marks a rare challenge to Benin’s democratic system, previously regarded as one of the most stable in West Africa.

Authorities have vowed to ensure accountability for those behind the attack while reinforcing national security to prevent future threats.

Military Coup Attempt Reported In Benin Republic

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Adesina Soyooye

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December 7, 2025

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By Adesina Soyooye

Nigeria’s neighbour, Benin Republic, is in crisis. An attempted Military Coup has been reported. The situation, at the time of writing this story remains fluid. And nobody quite knows who is in charge. There are claims and counter claims.

In the uncivilized hours of Sunday, December 7, 2025, a group of soldiers who identified themselves as the “Military Committee for Refoundations”, MCR, declared it has taken over power and overthrown the Government of President Patrice Talon.

But a later statement said the National Guard has quashed the Coup and returned power to the President.

The Presidency in a brief statement dismissed the coup as one carried out by soldiers without much influence. ” This is a small group of individuals who only managed to seize the television station. The regular army is steadily regaining control. Both the city and the entire country remain completely secure”, the statement reads.

The National television is off, and the whereabouts of President Talon remain unknown.

The MCR led by Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri, had announced on State television that Talon ” is removed from office as President of the Republic.” They, also, announced that all State institutions have been dissolved.

President Talon has been in power since 2016. He is expected to leave office in April 2026 after a Presidential election which tye opposition hopeful Renaud Agbodjo was barred from contesting by tye Electoral Commission over a false allegation that he did not have the exact number of sponsors.

However, in November, the Lawmakers approved an extension of the Presidential mandate to seven years against five years. Meaning that Talon plans to stay in office to April 2028.

Two weeks ago, another democratic government in Guinea Bissau, was successfully sacked by the Military.

LP Reps To Tinubu: Prioritize Welfare, Security of Nigerians, Not 2027 Politics

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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December 7, 2025

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The Labour Party Caucus in the House of Representatives has expressed disappointment and concern that the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, iis prioritizing 2027 politics over the welfare and security of Nigerians, labeling it insensitive, unconscionable and a clear example of questionable leadership.

They emphasized that while the President’s aspiration for re-election is legitimate, his priority should be addressing the pressing challenges facing Nigerians.

In a statement issued by the Labour Party Caucus leader, Afam Victor Ogene, in Abuja on Sunday, the lawmakers reiterated that the primary duty of a government is to ensure the welfare and security of its citizens. However, they criticized the APC and President Bola Tinubu for prioritizing their 2027 reelection bid over these fundamental responsibilities. The statement expressed concern and bewilderment that while the nation grapples with insecurity, the ruling party is either ignoring the issue or offering superficial solutions rather than addressing the problem effectively.

These concerns were raised amid escalating insecurity nationwide and the administration’s struggles to fund budgets and demonstrate accountability. “The situation has led to prolonged protests by local contractors who remain unpaid for completed projects, sparking economic hardship, stalled development, and a dearth of new projects.”

Recently, these aggrieved contractors have been holding vigils outside the Ministry of Finance, highlighting the government’s shortcomings.

The Labour Party representatives highlighted that the “Appropriation Act, a law governing budget allocation, has been consistently disregarded by the current administration.” They pointed out the irony of the government pursuing costly projects like the controversial multi-trillion naira coastal road without proper appropriation or procurement processes, while essential federal road infrastructure lies in disrepair. This has raised concerns among citizens, particularly those planning to travel during the festive season, who face not only difficult road conditions but also heightened insecurity.

Also of grave concern is the opaque expenditure of N17.5 trillion, in 2024 alone, on a pipeline-security contract, as revealed in the recently audited accounts of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPC.
“Nigerians would remember that over a 12-year period, the country spent about N18 trillion on subsidy(which benefitted everyone through affordable transportation and cheaper costs of foodstuffs), but on the excuse of lack of funds to sustain the subsidy regime, this Administration has clearly robbed Peter(Nigerians), to pay Paul(cronies), through a questionable pipeline-security contract whose executors are unknown.”

This statement paints a grim picture of Nigeria’s current state, highlighting concerns about the effectiveness of its government branches. “The executive is seen as underwhelming, the judiciary’s decisions are questioned, and the legislature is criticized for not having the moral fiber to hold the executive accountable.

“Our dear country, Nigeria has become a special economic zone: everyone and everything now has a price. Kidnappers and bandits now have prices on the heads of the citizenry; elected officials now have a price to look the other way; and opposition figures have prices to enthrone chaos in their own platforms. Even the clergy and ulamas are not spared the chicanery of the divisive effects of a gravely monetized polity.

“Pray, Nigerians, we’re in the 12th month of the year, 2025. In fact, across government owned enterprises, ministries, departments, and agencies of government, none can boast of 10 percent of execution of the capital component of the budget. In most cases, the scorecard reads nil.

“Yet everyone carries on, as though this has become the new normal.
Worse is the glaring impunity of relevant officials not bothering to explain to anyone where revenues meant for the implementation of the budget have ‘disappeared’ to.

“Nigeria is on a negative cruise; local contractors occupying the offices of the Federal Ministry of Finance, retired police officers taking over the gates of the National Assembly, while kidnappers freely choose where to strike every single day, yet the only response by government is to launch and distribute vehicles for a purported Renewed Hope Agenda.
So, while the country sits on the precipice, all Mr. President thinks about is to return to power in 2027.

“Mr. President, while your quest is a legitimate aspiration, please do well to attend to the current stark realities confronting Nigerians.
Besides the parlous state of Nigerian roads – which now ensures that a hitherto six hours journey, from either Lagos or Abuja to the South South or South East, now takes an entire day to traverse – is the grim reality of possible kidnap which stares every road user in the face.

“Some lawmakers are reflecting on their roles and acknowledging that many are complicit, silenced by potential pecuniary gains. Many have described the 10th Assembly as the worst in Nigeria’s democratic history, reduced to puppetry and rubber-stamping, with no tangible benefits for citizens. They criticize the government for prioritizing economic interests over citizens’ welfare, labeling it “economic banditry.”

“We must not continue on this sorry path. Both the ruling party and opposition must put aside politics and prioritize the people’s welfare. Citizens are the backbone of democracy, and their interests should come above all else.

NAF Jet Crashes In Borgu, Niger State, Pilots Survive

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Adesina Soyooye

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December 7, 2025

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By Adesina Soyooye

There has been a crash of a Nigerian Air Force Jet near Karabonde, Borgu Local Government Area of Borno State. The crash occurred in the evening of Saturday, November 6, 2025.

The two Pilots of the Alpha Jet, reportedly, survived as both ejected before impact. The Jet caught fire thereafter.

An eyewitness was quoted as saying that the Jet reportedly took off from Kainji Air Force Base.

According to a report by The Punch, a villager identified as Lukman Suleiman confirmed the incident. The newspaper quoted him as saying: “It happened some miles away from my home.” He said the crash occurred at about 4:10pm in Karabonde town, Borgu LGA.

He said: “We were all at our respective homes when suddenly we saw an Alpha Jet that was coming closer to our roof with smoke and flames. Thank God it could have crashed inside town, but the Pilots on board were able to control it and took it some miles away from our hometown. Let me say it landed in the backyard of the town. But God so kind, the two Pilots ejected safely using their parachutes.”

At the time of filing the story, there has been no official statement from the Nigerian Air Force.

Gov Idris Rescues Kebbi Intending Pilgrims With N10b

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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December 7, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Reprieve on Saturday, December 6, 2025, came the way of Kebbi State intending pilgrims experiencing financial hiccups in securing their Hajj seats.

The State Governor, Dr Mohammed Nasir Idris, has approved the sum of N10 billion for the State’s Pilgrims Welfare Board to assist intending pilgrims in the payment of Hajj package, before the end of the deadline given by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria NAHCOM.

According to the original schedule by NAHCOM, all payments for Hajj seats and other obligations will end on December 6, 2025.

According to a statement from the Executive Chairman of the Pilgrims Welfare Board, Faruku Aliyu Yaro, Governor Idris, in order to avert the loss of the remaining seats allocated to the State because of the deadline, lent N10 billion to the agency to secure about one thousand seats for the State’s intending pilgrims.

The Board Chairman informed that before the expiry of the deadline, only two thousand intending pilgrims were able to fully meet their financial obligations, a development which he said put the remaining seats allocated to the State at risk.

“Before the closure, only two thousand intending pilgrims were able to complete their payments ,which is a shortfall from the annual number of pilgrims Kebbi usually registers” Yaro stated.

This is as he blamed the low number of intending pilgrims that were able to meet the payments for their Hajj package on the crash of the prices of foodstuffs and other farm produce.

He noted that majority of the intending pilgrims from Kebbi state are farmers who heavily rely on the sales of their farm produce to procure Hajj seats.

The Board Chairman stated that with the N10 billion lifeline from the Governor, the agency will now be able to open a window of opportunities for other intending pilgrims to procure Hajj seats.

However, he emphasized the need for intending pilgrims to submit themselves to complete medical examinations as provided in the Hajj guidelines.

Yaro, who warned against attempts to evade the medical examinations, informed that anyone found to have adopted shortcuts will be deported if caught in the Holy Land.

My Disqualification Biggest Joke Of The Year – Omisore

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Ayodele Oni

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December 7, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

A former National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress(APC) and Osun State governorship aspirant, Iyiola Omisore has faulted his disqualification, by the party’s screening committee saying the action is baseless and procedurally flawed.

Omisore, dismissed the Committee’s report describing it as “biggest joke of the year.”

He alleged a rigged process marred by partisanship, multiple fabricated reports, and pressure to favour a shadowy “preferred candidate.”

Addressing journalists after his appearance before the APC Appeal Committee in Abuja on Saturday, the former deputy governor of Osun State vowed that he and six other disqualified aspirants would fight for reinstatement.

He warned that the scandal exposes deep factionalism threatening the party’s chances against incumbent PDP Governor Ademola Adeleke in the 2026 election.

The APC’s Screening Committee, chaired by Chief Obinna Uzoh, had on Friday, disqualified Omisore alongside Benedict Olugboyega Alabi (former deputy governor), Dotun Babayemi, Akin Ogunbiyi, Senator Babajide Omoworare, Kunle Adegoke, SAN, and Babatunde Haketer Oralusi.

The Committee alleged that the disqualified aspirants failed to submit proof of nomination by at least five fully registered and dues-paying party members from each of the 30 local government areas, as mandated by Articles 9.3(i) and 31.2(ii) of the APC Constitution and the 2025 primary guidelines.

The Committee cleared two aspirants – Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji to proceed to the December 13 primary.

Omisore declared that “That panel report is the biggest joke of the year. It is unfortunate that partisanship has been taken beyond politics.”

According to him, the Committee drafted “multiple reports” and submitted a doctored version to the National Secretariat.

“As we speak, none of us has been shown the report or told why we were disqualified,” he stated.

Omisore revealed that the screening panel chairman privately confessed to succumbing to external pressures aimed at sidelining major contenders.

“The chairman told us he was under pressure. Unfortunately, we are all victims of this.”

He further shredded the nomination shortfall claim, noting the party’s access to its membership database for verification.

“He who alleges must prove,” Omisore retorted, insisting the onus lies with the accusers.

“Even the committee’s own report said the party is factionalised and at risk of losing the election. So what exactly are we talking about?” Omisore queried, expressing optimism that the National Working Committee (NWC) would reverse the decision upon review.

All seven disqualified aspirants are slated for individual hearings before the Appeal Committee, led by Senator Tola Odebiyi, with Omisore demanding “fairness and transparency” to salvage the process.