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Jungle Justice Is Criminal – IGP, Directs CPs To Prosecute Perpetrators

By
Ayodele Oni
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IGP Tunji Disu
IGP Tunji Disu

By Ayodele Oni

 

The Inspector-General of Police,(IGP), Olatunji Disu, has moved against rising cases of jungle justice as he ordered Commissioners of Police across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory to treat such cases  as homicide and ensure the arrest and prosecution of perpetrators of mob action.

 

Disu gave the directive while speaking on a live television programme on African Independent Television.

 

He pointed out that mob action and jungle justice violated victims’ rights to life, dignity and fair hearing, stressing that such acts had no place in a country governed by the rule of law.

 

The IGP described jungle justice as murder, insisting that it was not justice, but a criminal act that violates the fundamental rights of victims.

 

He said, “Let me state clearly, without ambiguity: jungle justice is murder. It is not justice. It is a crime, and the Nigeria Police Force will treat it as such. It is illegal. Full stop.

 

“Nigeria operates under the rule of law, not mob rule. No citizen, community or group has the right to try, sentence or execute another person.”

 

Disu noted that Sections 33, 34 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, guaranteed every Nigerian, including suspects, the rights to life, dignity and fair hearing.

 

He maintained that mob action violates these constitutional rights, adding that the law presumed everyone innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.

 

According to him, innocent people had been killed across the country based on mere suspicion, allegations, rumours and mistaken identities.

 

He cited the lynching of 16 travellers in Uromi, Edo State, in March 2025 as a painful reminder of the dangers of mob justice.

 

The IGP said, “Just a rumour, a shout of ‘thief, thief, thief,’ or a viral video, none of that is evidence. None of that gives anybody the right to take another person’s life.”

 

Disu warned that anyone who assaulted or killed a suspected criminal could face serious criminal charges, adding that those who planned, incited, encouraged or supported mob action could also be held criminally liable.

 

He further warned that individuals who filmed or circulated videos of mob attacks, mobilised crowds or prevented security personnel from rescuing suspects could also face prosecution.

 

The IGP subsequently directed all commissioners of police to identify, arrest and prosecute the main actors in mob actions and jungle justice, as well as those who supported, encouraged or played any role in such acts.

 

“I have directed all commissioners of police across the 36 states of Nigeria and the FCT to treat cases of jungle justice as homicide, to identify, arrest and prosecute the main actors in mob action and jungle justice, as well as all those who share, support, or play one part or the other,” he added.

OPINION: Tinubu, EFCC, Osun State And The Road To Hell…

By
James Orji
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Governor Ademola Adeleke and President Bola Tinubu
Governor Ademola Adeleke and President Bola Tinubu

By Bola Bolawole

“Tinubu has called the independence of the EFCC into question – except the EFCC can emulate the president by summoning up courage to tell him ‘No, Sir, we have the powers to do what we did and do not take instructions from you!’ Anything short of that compromises the EFCC, damaging its reputation and integrity. It also leaves the president himself exposed to allegations of undue interference in EFCC’s operational affairs”

Ever heard of the saying that the road to Hell is paved with good intentions? That is how I describe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s good intentions concerning EFCC’s macabre dance over Osun state’s bank accounts a few days to governorship election in a state in which the incumbent governor, Jackson Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke, is a contestant on the platform of the opposition Accord Party. Adeleke recently defected from the troubled PDP into his new party.

Tinubu said he felt embarrassed by the timing of EFCC’s action – less than two weeks to off-season governorship election in Osun state. Why? The president reasoned, and rightly so, that the EFCC decision would be hanged on his (Tinubu’s) neck. And, truth be told, no typical Nigerian, not to talk of opposition politicians, will ever believe that the EFCC could take such a far-reaching, combustible decision without sounding out or even getting clearance and go-ahead from Mr. President! Even now, how many people will believe that the EFCC action was not deliberately taken and meant to tie the hands of Gov. Adeleke and his party and hand over the advantage to APC, the president’s party?

Don’t forget that Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola, the immediate past Osun state governor who was trounced by Adeleke in the governorship election four years ago, is reportedly the president’s nephew. After losing reelection, the president appointed Oyetola the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, making him the highest-ranking political office holder and, as such, the political leader – or one of the political leaders – of APC in that state. So, much is expected of him by his party to ensure that they win next Saturday’s governorship election.

This is apart from the fact that Oyetola has his own axe to grind with Adeleke, the man who denied him reelection four years ago. So, it will be sweet revenge – what in political parlance here is called “return match” – if Oyetola can also deny Adeleke reelection next Saturday. So, the stakes are really high. Whoever wins on Saturday is also expected to have what is called “bandwagon effect” on local government, State House of Assembly. National Assembly and presidential elections down the line.

State governors are powerful in Nigeria’s political configuration and permutations; so, Adeleke as a sitting governor has what is called here the power of incumbency. The coffers of the state are at his beck and call, apart from the immense wealth of the Adeleke dynasty. Unfortunately for him, however, he is equally matched, if not completely dwarfed, by the intimidating factors at the beck and call of Oyetola and APC. APC controls the government at the Centre, and this is called “Federal Might”, usually ubiquitous and unassailable, except where the people themselves stand rock solid against it like the Rock of Gibraltar.

As a former governor and sitting Minister of a “Grade A” ministry, Oyetola cannot be a pauper, even if he has never dipped his hand into the common till. Few men attain the dizzy heights he has attained and remain poor. Besides, APC is the party at the Centre and their leaders have access to the nation’s Treasury. Whether or not they will avail themselves of this opportunity to outspend the Adelekes is another matter entirely. But don’t ever forget the saying: “Owo ilu l’a fi n se oselu!” It is a Yoruba proverb which says no one spends his own personal funds on politics (but that) it is public funds that is spent to run for public office! Some Yoruba proverbs!

These – and the orgy of violence and blood-letting that has painted Osun state scarlet – were the issues on ground before the EFCC raised the political temperature of the state to breaking point with its controversial decision. Did the EFCC act solo or was it being tele-guided? President Tinubu has washed his hands off it. The question, then, is: who dunnit? Was the EFCC seemingly trying to read the body language of the powers-that-be, thinking it is helping the APC so that one good turn can deserve another?

Another Yoruba proverb says if you want to walk on wet grounds, you need to pour water ahead of you! It is not politicians alone that fight tooth-and-nail for a second term; political office-holders also do, if you understand what I mean! Appointed by President Tinubu on October 12, 2023 and confirmed by the Senate on October 18, 2023, EFCC’s Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, can enjoy a renewable term of four years (up to year 2031) at the pleasure of Mr. President.

But with the unsavoury turn of events, has the EFCC boss not burnt his fingers? Opinion is divided. First is the legality of his action. The law, according to some, is on the EFCC’s side. But effective administration is not only about legality; commonsense and discretion also play indispensable roles. And points of law apart, was the EFCC decision politically-motivated, akin to the CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele’s decision to change the country’s currency, announced in October 2022 but made effective just two months after on December 15, 2022? That decision was widely perceived as being targeted at Tinubu, the then APC candidate in the presidential election held on Saturday, February 25, 2023.

Emefiele gave two month’s window of opportunity; the EFCC gave none, announcing the freezing of Osun state bank accounts on August 5, 2026, 10 days before the Osun governorship election slated for Saturday, 15 August, 2026. Can we then say that Emefiele, who has variously been in DSS and EFCC custody since July 10, 2023 on charges of corruption, was a more considerate and compassionate entity?

Could these analogies have been part of what played on Tinubu’s mind, thereby informing his quick response to EFCC’s freezing of Osun state government’s bank accounts? Or could it have been a change of heart on Tinubu’s part? Tinubu as the Lagos state governor challenged the Federal Government of President Olusegun Obasanjo for withholding the allocations of Lagos state local governments over his (Tinubu’s) creation of additional local governments in the state, but the same Tinubu as president has, since February 2025, consented to the withholding of Osun state local government allocations believed to now total N130 billion! Could this have been what emboldened the EFCC?

Tinubu said he was not consulted before the EFCC took its decision: Does it mean the president expected to have been consulted? Has the EFCC been consulting him before acting on sensitive matters? If so, where does that leave the independence of the anti-corruption agency? And will that not provide ammunition for those alleging selective prosecution of the anti-corruption war? Remember a one-time NLC president, ex-state governor, ex-APC national chairman and now senator who said that regardless how crimson or scarlet your sins are, once you join the ruling party, those sins are forgiven?

Tinubu also said the timing of the EFCC decision was inauspicious. I am surprised EFCC itself did not consider that angle or was the timing specifically and deliberately chosen for effect? Tinubu is not regarded as one of the greatest political strategists of our time for nothing.  When the Lagos State House of Assembly members impeached their speaker on January 13, 2025, Tinubu reportedly ordered them to reinstate the speaker! Yes, party leaders were aware of the allegations against the speaker – and many more – but the timing was inauspicious! There are more ways than one to kill a rat – especially one that gobbles billions of Naira! The speaker in question has quietly eased himself out of contention by applying to go to the House of Representatives in the next dispensation.

The maxim: When you are still needed, you are protected by all means. But once you are no longer needed, you are dispensed with!

So, Tinubu’s “the timing is wrong” of today is not an eternal exculpation of Gov. Adeleke. What Tinubu is simply saying is that “a-bo-wa-ba l’oro ologbeni yi!” Let me wrap up this second term business first! But in doing so, Tinubu’s aircraft overshot the tarmac. For reasons best known to him, he revealed too much with the statement he issued and nailed himself by personally signing it, removing every possibility of anyone taking the fall for him.

Tinubu has called the independence of the EFCC into question – except the EFCC can emulate the president by summoning the courage  to tell him “No, Sir, we have the powers to do what we did and do not take instructions from you!” Anything short of that compromises the EFCC, damaging its reputation and integrity. It also leaves the president himself exposed to allegations of undue interference in EFCC’s operational affairs. If such a president comes around tomorrow and tells you INEC is independent and will conduct free and fair elections without any interference, what will you say to him, pointing at this instance of the EFCC?

Why Tinubu took this gamble beats my imagination! Obviously, he considered one side without carefully looking at the other side before acting. I will liken his case to that of someone who surveyed just one side of the road and not both sides before attempting to cross the road – and the result? Could this, then, be another instance of the president bolting from the grip of advisers – like he did in the celebrated case of “subsidy is gone”?

The irony of it, however, is this: Had Tinubu acted “hear nothing, see nothing, and say nothing” on this matter, he would still have received the flak for doing nothing! True, then, are the evergreen words of Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey in his didactic and evergreen song titled: “The Horse, The Man and The Son”: Ko s’ogbon t’o le da/Ko s’iwa t’o le hu/Ko s’ona t’o le mo/T’o le fi t’aiye l’orun o.”

There is no pleasing the world! The beauty of it, however, is that all this Kitikiti-kitikiti/kirakita-Kirakita, like King Sunny Ade also crooned, is just for a while! M’o fe d’ogun/M’o fe d’ogbon soon comes to an end. It has an expiry date. Why not ask yourself: What of the men and women of yesteryears? Are you the first? And will you be the last?

Bolawole, former editor of THE PUNCH newspapers, is also a public affairs analyst

Patience Jonathan: I Prayed When Buhari Refused To Approve $1bn Refinery In Bayelsa State

By
James Orji
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0
Patience Jonathan

Nigeria’s former First Lady, Patience Jonathan has revealed how he nurtured the Group President of Azikel Group, Dr Azibapu Eruani, to become one of the prominent businessmen in the country, saying she always payed for him.

Mrs Jonathan spoke recently during the  commissioning of a $1 billion petrochemical refinery built by the company,  in Bayelsa state one of  Nigeria’s oil bearing state, making it one of the biggest players in the oil and gas sector of the economy with three refineries in its kitty.

While commissioning the refinery the former wife of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan said the journey was not an easy one, saying she always counseled Eruani not to give up his dream of  joining the club of big businessmen in the country, such as Aliko Dangote,  Aminu Dantata who are major players in  the nation’s economy.

Africa’s Richest Man Aliko Dangote, the magazine reports has built Africa’s biggest Refinery in Lagos worth over $20 billion and has recently extended his tentacles to Kenya where he’s planning to set up a multi-billion dollar petrochemical refinery.

Eruani appears not to have the war chest of Dangote but Mrs Jonathan said she has been nurturing him since he was a ‘boy” to aspire big like other business mogul like Dangote.

According to her, she introduced Eruani to the two businessmen by making sure he “followed Dangote and Dantata” and also encourage him when he faced the hurdles of getting the federal government license to set up the refinery.

She said she “prayed’ for him when the Muhammadu Buhari administration was initially reluctant in granting the license.1

“He’s a boy that I brought up. We are always together. Although he’s the little one among us when we are friends — Dangote, Seyi, Dantata, Eruani — among us, he’s the smallest. But I made sure he followed the Dangotes, he followed Dantata.

“Because I’m a woman in their midst, I made sure I told this small boy, ‘Go and follow them, and stop the grammar.’ But when he told me that one day he would be like Dangote, I said, ‘You’re thinking too high.’ I prayed to God to grant him his heart’s desire,” she saidGroup President of Azikel Group, Dr Azibapu Eruani.

“During the Buhari administration, he and others came to me and told me they were going to apply for a refinery. I told him, ‘Eruani, your brother, the President, did not give you a refinery.

“Is it the APC government that will give you one?’ I prayed it would happen. But later, they came back and told me they had been given three refineries,” Mrs Jonathan said.

Budget Transparency: US Knocks FG, Auditor General

By
James Orji
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0
President Bola Tinubu Presents 2026 Budget
President Bola Tinubu Presents 2026 Budget

Nigeria has again failed the United States’ minimum fiscal transparency test, with Washington faulting the country’s budget process and describing the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation as lacking the independence required to effectively scrutinise public finances.

The verdict is contained in the 2026 Fiscal Transparency Report released by the United States Department of State, which assessed 139 governments and the Palestinian Authority.

According to the report, only 73 of the 139 governments assessed met the minimum fiscal transparency requirements, while 67 failed. Of the countries that failed, 14 recorded significant progress, while 53 countries, including Nigeria, made no significant progress during the review period.

The assessment was based on information gathered between January 1 and December 31, 2025, from the US Embassy in Abuja, federal agencies, international organisations and civil society groups.

The latest finding means Nigeria has failed the US fiscal transparency benchmark for the second consecutive year, the report said.

At the centre of Washington’s concerns is Nigeria’s budget process, which the report described as lacking sufficient detail on government revenue and expenditure.

The US State Department said Nigeria’s budget documents did not provide a substantially complete picture of government revenues and spending, including adequate breakdowns of expenditure for executive offices.

A credible budget, according to the report, should clearly identify government income and spending by ministry, disclose revenue according to source and type, including oil and non-oil revenue, and provide information on allocations to state-owned enterprises and special accounts.

The report also raised concerns over discrepancies between approved budgets and actual implementation.

It stated that actual revenues and expenditures did not reasonably correspond with figures contained in the enacted budget.

The finding represents a deterioration from the US assessment released in 2025, when Washington said Nigeria’s budget documents provided a substantially complete picture of planned government expenditure and revenue and were generally reliable.

Another concern was the timing of the federal government’s executive budget proposal. The US said Nigeria did not publish the proposal within a reasonable period to allow citizens and lawmakers to properly scrutinise it before the commencement of the fiscal year.

Audit Office Under Scrutiny

The Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation also came under strong criticism.

The US State Department said Nigeria’s supreme audit institution did not meet international standards for independence and had failed to publish substantive audit reports.

The report noted that the Auditor-General’s office is expected to scrutinise the executed budget, verify annual financial statements and publish its findings within a reasonable period.

However, the US said that despite having access to the executed budget, the audit institution had not published the necessary reports.

Washington stressed that an independent and effective supreme audit institution was essential to ensuring that citizens and lawmakers could hold government accountable for the management of public funds.

Procurement Details Remain Opaque

The report also faulted Nigeria over the accessibility of public procurement information.

According to the US, information on government contracts was not sufficiently accessible to the public, while important details concerning natural-resource concessions were not routinely disclosed after contracts and licences were awarded.

Although the report acknowledged that Nigeria had established legal criteria and procedures for awarding natural-resource contracts and licences, it said basic information such as the geographical area covered, the resource involved, duration of the concession and the company awarded the contract was not made public.

The 2026 assessment also introduced a tougher requirement for governments to disclose the terms and conditions of sovereign loans, including liabilities and collateralised assets.

The US noted that Nigeria had made information on its debt obligations, including debts owed by major state-owned enterprises, publicly available, although it did not assess whether the country had met the new requirement concerning loan terms.

Meanwhile, the Presidency, however, said fiscal transparency, accountability and effective public financial management remained priorities of the Tinubu-led administration, aading that the government would continue implementing reforms aimed at improving the management, reporting and disclosure of public resources.

NIMASA Renews Maritime Security MoU With Nigerian Navy

By
James Orji
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0
NIMASA

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, and the Nigerian Navy have renewed their strategic partnership with the endorsement of a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, to strengthen maritime security, enhance safety and deepen coordinated enforcement across Nigeria’s maritime domain.

The MoU was signed at the Nigerian Navy Headquarters, Abuja, by the Director General of NIMASA, Dayo Mobereola, and the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas.

The renewed agreement marks a significant milestone in the longstanding relationship between both institutions and represents the first formal renewal of their partnership since the original MoU was signed in 2007.

The agreement provides a framework for enhanced collaboration in the promotion and maintenance of maritime security and the effective implementation of the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences (SPOMO) Act, the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code and other relevant maritime laws and regulations within NIMASA’s mandate.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the NIMASA Director General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, commended the commitment of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, to strengthening inter-agency collaboration as a key driver of maritime security and the development of Nigeria’s Blue Economy.

He said the renewed MoU would provide a stronger institutional framework for both organisations to discharge their respective statutory mandates while consolidating the gains already recorded in securing Nigeria’s maritime domain. This he said will enhance achieving the goals of President Bola Tinubu GCFR for the Blue Economy.

According to him, the agreement is also designed to address emerging maritime security challenges through improved coordination, information sharing and operational cooperation.

“As we renew this partnership today, I urge our respective teams to ensure that the spirit of this agreement translates into practical and measurable outcomes,” Mobereola said.

Dr Mobereola also expressed appreciation to the Chief of the Naval Staff and the Nigerian Navy for their continued support and commitment to the renewal of the partnership.

In his remarks, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, described the signing as a milestone in the enduring relationship between the Nigerian Navy and NIMASA.

He noted that the renewed MoU contained important additions aimed at strengthening the response to the evolving nature of maritime security challenges.

One of the key provisions, he said, is the integration of the Deep Blue Project into the collaborative framework, providing a stronger basis for cooperation between the Nigerian Navy’s Maritime Guard Command and the project.

He also highlighted the introduction of a joint reporting protocol for communication and information sharing during operations, which he said would facilitate timely decision-making and a more coordinated response to maritime incidents.

Vice Admiral Abbas further welcomed provisions for greater institutional engagement, including an annual conference to enhance collaboration, review progress and address emerging challenges.

“Whether we like it or not, the water is where we get whatever we are getting—our revenue, everything and even the trade we engage in, in large percentages, is done through the water. So this institution has to be very strong,” he said.

2027 Presidency: Tinubu Will Not Return To Office If Election Is Transparent

By
James Orji
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0
Hakeem Baba-Ahmed
Hakeem Baba-Ahmed

National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has demanded a free and fair election in next year’s election, saying that if this happens, incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has no chance of returning to office.

The PRP boss said Nigerians have the ultimate power to determine the fate of the President, calling for a transparent election in the 2027 election.

 

Baba-Ahmed, a former presidential aide, made the remarks during an interview on DITV/Alheri Radio in Kaduna regarding the ongoing efforts by opposition parties in the country to stop President Tinubu’s re-election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC the government agency empowers to conduct election in the country has promised a level playing field for all the political parties taking part in the election, but the opposition camp says the commission needs to do more to build more confidence among Nigerians.

President Tinubu has declared his intention to run for a second term in office, despite the verdict of abysmal performance passed on his administration by not a few Nigerians.

The opposition political parties in the country appear to trying to form a united front to ensure that Tinubu does not return to power next year.

But Baba-Ahmed said Nigerians, and not opposition parties, will determine whether Tinubu will return or not. He urged the President to focus more on Nigerians, who have the power to determine his future in the presidency, instead of wasting his time bothering himself about political parties.

He, however, said his party would not join any alliance whose only focus is the removal of Tinubu from office through an election, saying such an arrangement must clearly spell out how it intends to govern the country if it wins, for the PRP to be part of it.

“It is not opposition from other political parties that they should fear, but opposition from the Nigerian electorate, because political parties don’t vote—Nigerians do,” he said.

He added: “We know there are people who are only looking for the removal of Tinubu so that they can do whatever they want, or replicate the same policies Tinubu is currently implementing. Later, they may claim a mistake was made.

“In the PRP, we will not agree to simply support someone because they have the ambition to become president. We will not enter into such an arrangement. We must first see what they intend to do before we agree.”

Why Sheikh Jingir Should Be Arrested, Prosecuted – Sheikh Kalid

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir
Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir

By Akinwale Kasali

 

Hate preachers must be held accountable

A shocked top Islamic Cleric,  Sheikh Musa Khalid, has called for the arrest and prosecution of Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir over his hate speech against Christians.

 

The unguarded public speech of  Sheikh Jingir, during which he  referred to Christians as “infidels”, has has continued to generate reactions across Nigeria.

 

Shocked by the intensity of his hate speech, not a few religious leaders  public figures and associations have called for his immediate arrest and prosecution.

 

Aside from his unfortunate outing, worrisome too was the that at least four State Governors, including those of Kano, Kaduna and Niger States were present.

 

But Sheikh Musa Khalid, former Chief Imam of the Apo Legislative Quarters Central Mosque, Abuja, has called for Jingir’s  prosecution, and urged security agencies to hold him accountable over his inflammatory preaching that could lead to religious bigotry and hatred.

 

The condemnation of Sheikh Jingir by Sheikh Khalid has been applauded as netizens says that his action shows that he is against the fanning of the ember of hatred along religious line.

 

Sheikh Khalid described the alleged remarks as painful and unacceptable, particularly because they were reportedly made in the presence of State Governors who had sworn to uphold peace, fairness and security in their respective states.

 

Speaking on a Radio programme on Raypower FM, the former Chief Imam called for the reprimand and prosecution of Jingir, warning that allowing religious leaders to make inflammatory statements without consequences could further endanger Nigeria’s fragile religious harmony.

 

“It is painful. The more some search for peace and religious harmony in this country, the more some others intentionally scatter it. Should such individuals be left alone to keep spreading hate, raising tensions? That should not be.

 

“We should behave as a people with governing laws, that there were Governors in that gathering makes it more shocking and disappointing. Why did they allow that? They even nodded and clapped like others. How can we have social cohesion, peace and harmony?

 

“Those who use religious teachings to threaten others must be made to account for their careless words.

 

“That Sheikh does not represent Islam. What he said is despicable and unacceptable. He has no right to call Christians infidels. The security agencies should not only caution him; they should do more,” he said.

 

He further stated that

the presence of political leaders at the gathering where the controversial remarks were allegedly made made the incident even more disturbing, stressing that Governors have a responsibility to protect all citizens irrespective of their religious affiliations.

 

Khalid called on President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and the All Progressives Congress, APC, to publicly distance themselves from Jingir and condemn the alleged remarks.

 

“The unity and peace of Nigeria should not be compromised at all. We have had enough of violent deaths in the country already. Someone has to say, enough is enough.

 

“As faith leaders, we must not promote Islamisation or Christianisation. Just be a good person. Preach peace, righteousness and togetherness. Do not incite anyone.

 

“Let us ensure that those who preach hate are severely dealt with according to our laws. Governors must not aid them at all,” Khalid said.

 

The Islamic Cleric specifically commended Niger State Governor, Umar Bago for warning against inflammatory preaching in the state and urged other Governors to take similar steps to prevent religious rhetoric capable of aggravating tensions.

 

“The Governor of Niger State has warned against such preachers in his state. All of them should take a cue and not clap or laugh when embers of hate and division are fanned,” he said.

 

The condemnation from Khalid has further added to the list of religious leaders who have call for the arrest of Sheikh Jingir.

 

Recall that Primate Elijah Ayodele of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church at a Press Briefing on Monday called for the arrest of Jingir for fanning the ember of hatred.

 

He also called for restraint and accountability, stressing that it was necessary for him to be called to order, arrested and prosecuted, that of it was a Christian leader that made such statement, there would have been ‘religious war’, and criticism coming from different direction, and immediate arrest of such Clergyman by the Department of State Security, DSS.

 

Rabiu Kwankwaso, Former Kano State Governor has also condemned the remarks,warning that religious and political leaders had a responsibility to promote truth, peace, unity and reconciliation, particularly as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.

 

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Vice Presidential Candidate also stressed the need to dissociate the people of Kano from the controversial remarks, saying, “Such crudity does not represent the views of Kano residents.”

 

Following this development, the Jama’atu Nasril Islam, JNI, has denied endorsing the controversial remarks, describing a viral statement purportedly issued by the organisation in defence of Jingir as fake.

 

It further stated that the purported statement did not emanate from it and called on security agencies to investigate its source and prosecute those responsible for fabricating and circulating it.

With Or Without FAAC, I Can Pay Salaries – Idris, Kebbi State Gov

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

At a time when many States largely counts on the monthly Federal allocation to meet its financial obligations, the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, on Wednesday August 12, 2026, said  he can pay workers salaries and pension emoluments for five months without waiting for accruals from the Federation Account.

 

At the official opening ceremony of a Health Workers Summit put together by the Kebbi State Assembly of Health Workers, Governor Idris attributed it to  financial management and discipline.

 

According to him, since mounting the saddle in 2023, he has been intentional in enforcing a regime of fiscal discipline, transparency and accountability across Ministries and MDAs in the state.

 

He emphasized that presently, the Government has ramped up sufficient funds to meet workers and pensioners obligations for up to five consecutive months without looking up to the Federation Allocation Accounts.

 

This is as he pledged his administration’s unflinching commitment towards the welfare and professional development of the state’s workforce.

 

Governor Idris noted that as a one time National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, as well as a former Deputy National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress NLC, he  shares in the aspirations and concerns of workers

 

He affirmed his total resolve to always identify with, protect ,and promote the interests of workers not just in Kebbi State ,but across the country.

 

The Kebbi State Governor who stated that he has so far added over five thousand workers to the State’s workforce after lifting the embargo on employment in 2023, assured that his administration will be among the first in the country to pay the new minimum wage once negotiations between Organized Labour and Federal Government are finalized.

 

He also informed that his  administration has commenced the implementation of the new consolidated salary structure for doctors and health workers in the state .

 

“I will neither let you people down nor disappoint you. For me, I am still part of the Labour family. In fact, immediately I assumed office in 2023, I lifted the embargo on employment and employed 5,166 new workers into the state civil service, including  doctors, various categories of health workers and nurses.

 

“My administration has significantly improved the health sector as well as implemented the new consolidated salary structure for  doctors and other health workers..

 

“With or without funds from the FAAC, I will be able to pay salaries and pensions for five straight months , because my administration has maintained prudent financial management and discipline .

 

“After negotiations on the new minimum wage between the Labour and the Federal Government are concluded, Kebbi state, I assure you, will be among frontline states to effect payment”, Idris assured.

15 Political Parties Now Set For Osun Gov. Election As INEC Includes SDP

By
Ayodele Oni
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Independent National Electoral Commission - INEC

By Ayodele Oni

 

In compliance with a Federal High Court order, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the reproduction of ballot papers for Saturday’s Osun State Governorship Election.

 

This followed the inclusion of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Francis Olugbenga Ajala, and his running mate, Faseke Babajimi Oladipo.

 

The decision followed a Federal High Court judgment directing INEC to recognise Ajala and officially include him as the SDP’s governorship candidate for the August 15, 2026 election.

 

The commission disclosed the development in a statement issued by its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.

 

INEC explained that the judgment was delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja on July 22, 2026, in a suit involving the SDP, Ajala and the electoral body.

 

The court reportedly ordered the commission to immediately recognise, process, upload and publish Ajala’s name and particulars as the duly recognised SDP candidate.

 

Following the ruling, INEC said it had begun reproducing ballot papers and result sheets to accommodate the SDP candidate and his running mate.

 

Ajala’s inclusion has now increased the number of political parties participating in the Osun governorship election to 15.

 

The electoral commission said the newly printed ballot papers are expected to arrive in Osun State on Thursday, August 13, after which they will be distributed to INEC offices across the state’s local government areas in preparation for the election.

 

INEC assured political parties, candidates and voters that the late adjustment would not disrupt preparations for Saturday’s poll, adding that necessary logistical arrangements were being made to ensure the sensitive materials reached their designated locations before voting commenced.

 

The commission reiterated its commitment to conducting a credible election as Osun residents prepare to head to the polls on August 15 to elect the next governor of the state.

Celestial Church Begins Probe Into Actress, Tope Osoba’s Death, Following  Relationship With Prophet Onadeko

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Temitope Osoba

By Akinwale Kasali

 

Church says justice must be done

 

The Celestial Church of Christ, CCC, Worldwide, has commenced investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the death of Nollywood Actress, Tope Osoba. Until her death, she was a member of the religious fold and  her fiancé, Prophet Itunu Onadeko, owns and controls a Parish under the CCC Worldwide.

 

The investigation is aimed at establishing if Prophet Onadeko is connected in anyway, no matter how remote, to the death of the actress.

 

Onadeko had, on her  the death disclosed that he was informed that the actress died at a Police Station in Ikorodu, but didn’t disclose the name of the Station.

 

Following this development that  triggered widespread reactions, particularly over the circumstances surrounding her passing concerning  Onadeko, a shepherd of the Celestial Church of Christ, the Church stated that it was deeply concerned that the allegations had dragged its name into the matter, stressing that it would not stand by while its image was allegedly tarnished.

 

In a statement issued by its Head of Media and Publicity, AVSE Kayode Ajala,  the Church said it was “discreetly investigating” the circumstances surrounding Osoba’s death.

 

The Church said its investigation was aimed at uncovering the truth and ensuring that anybody found culpable was brought to justice.

 

The statement reads;

“We wish to assure the general public that the Celestial Church of Christ would leave no stone unturned to unearth the truth, and to ensure that anyone found culpable in the death of Temitope Osoba is brought to justice.

 

The CCC also used the medium to call on the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the actress’s death.

 

It pledged to cooperate with the authorities to ensure that the circumstances surrounding the death were properly established.

 

According to the Church, its Spiritual Head, His Eminence, Reverend Emmanuel Mobiyina Oshoffa, was concerned about the controversy and had directed that the matter be handled to ensure that the truth prevailed.

 

The Church, however, distanced itself from allegations of idolatry, black magic, cultism and the use of charms, as it stated that such practices were contrary to its religious doctrines and constitution.

 

It described the allegations surrounding Onadeko as embarrassing to the Church, particularly because he is identified as one of its Shepherds in the CCC fold.

 

The statement added that the Church’s internal investigation would not shield anyone found to have violated the law.

 

“If the allegations against Prophet Itunu Onadeko of the Celestial Church of Christ are found to be true at the end of ongoing investigations, he would not only be made to face the internal sanctions of the Church, but he would also be made to face the full length of the law,” it said.

 

The Church expressed sympathy with Osoba’s family, friends, colleagues and other loved ones, describing her death as the loss of a promising life in its prime.

 

It, however, cautioned against drawing conclusions before the ongoing investigations by the Church and law enforcement agencies are concluded.

 

The Church stressed that the allegations against Prophet  Onadeko remain allegations, as no finding of criminal responsibility has been established against him, as the issue is  subject to investigation and due process.

 

Recall that Yomi Fabiyi, Osoba’s colleague, had urged the Police to carry out a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Osoba.

 

The 40 Year Old actress died on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, shortly after publicly celebrating her survival from breast cancer.

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