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Clemency: “Scrap NDLEA, You Have Made Nonsense Of The Agency” – Dino Melaye Tells President Tinubu

October 13, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

Worried by the high number of convicted drug lords granted Presidential pardon by President Bola Tinubu, Senator Dino Melaye has urged the President to scrap the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.

President Tinubu, on Thursday, based on the recommendation of the Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, headed by his Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, granted clemency to 175 people.

The number of beneficiaries, the largest so far in years, included, according to Melaye, 70 people convicted of drug-related offences.

Condemning the pardon, the former Lawmaker described it as unprecedented in the World.

In a post on his X page on Sunday, Melaye wrote: “Pardon granted 70 drug Lords by President Tinubu is unprecedented in history. Checks have revealed that it has never happened in the history of the world. My advice to the President is to scap the NDLEA. His action has made a beautiful nonsensensical of all the efforts of the agency since inception.”

The President has come under strong criticisms over some of the beneficiaries of the Presidential pardon. They include murderers, fraudsters, and kidnappers.

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, in condemning the clemency granted some beneficiaries said the President has trivialised the exercise.

He said: “Ordinarily the power of Presidential pardon is a solemn prerogative, a moral and constitutional instrument designed to temper justice with Mercy and to underscore the humanity of the State.

“When properly exercised, it elevates justice and strengthens public faith in governance. Regrettably, the latest pardon issued by the Tinubu administration has done the very opposite.”

The Presidency has defended the clemency by saying that the beneficiaries exhibited good behaviour, showed remorse, and improved their lives by acquiring more education at the National Open University.

Presidency Finally Confirms Minister Edun’s Ill-health, Says Not Being Replaced

Adesina Soyooye

October 13, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

After an uncomfortable silence over the status of the Minister for Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, the Presidency, on Sunday, finally confirmed his Ill-health.

For a couple of days, the news about Edu’s Ill-health and the plans to replace him in office had swirled all over. He was alleged to have suffered a stroke, and so, air-ambulanced out of the country, forcing Tinubu to start sourcing for his replacement. Yet the Presidency was mute.

However, on Sunday when the news broke that the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Yemi Cardaso, has been detailed to lead the Nigerian delegation, in place of Edun, to the annual meeting of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, IMF, in Washington DC, the Presidency broke its silence.

In a post by Bayo Onanuga, Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, the Presidency denied any plans to replace Edun as a Minister. It, also, denied that that he has been evacuated to outside the Country and insisted he is the Country, beig treated, and is recuperating.

While not disclosing the nature of his illness, the statement said the Minister suddenly fell ill. It also confirmed Edu’s leadership of the Nigerian delegation to the World Bsnk/IMF Meeting in Washington DC.

Onanuga: “Yes, he’s indisposed. Wale Edu is about 69 years old. He suddenly fell ill. As we are talking, he is in Nigeria, He is recuperating. He’s around.

Edun, an accomplished professional and a close ally of President Bola Tinubu, was appointed into office on August 28, 2023. He was, also, a Commissioner during Tinubu’s tenure as Lagos State Governor. Until his appointment, aside from running his private company and other businesses, he was the Chairman of President Tinubu’s Media Empire.

Umahi: 2027 Presidency Not For South east

Tosin Olatokunbo

October 12, 2025

Dave Umahi , the Minister of Works has urged the South east to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for second term, saying those who are aspiring to contest in 2027 should shelve their ambition.

The minister said there are eminent persons from the region who are capable of ruling the country, but stated that they should wait until Tinubu competed two-terms in 2032.

Among the presidential hopeful from the region is Peter Obi, the 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, a key opposition leader in the country.

He came third in the 2023 election behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Umahi however said there are better presidential candidates from the region than Obi, who, according to watchers of the nation’s politics said is gearing up to contest the highest office in the country for a second time.

He said 2032 will be a good opportunity for aspirants from the region to try their luck, because it’s not yet the “turn” of the south east.

“No, it is not our time; it is not the time of South-East yet. We, the 17 Southern governors, went to Asaba before 2023, and we went to say, listen, it doesn’t matter the political party, but the next president should come from the South.

“All of us tried, but the crown came upon President Bola Tinubu. He is from the South, and so, it is wrong for the Southeast to come and say, Oh, it is their turn.

“No, he (Tinubu) has to finish the eight years. The eight years he took is for all of us, both the South and the North. So he has to finish, and when he has finished in 2031, the south-east can now vie, in the sense that they have never tasted the position before.

“The North-East too can vie in the sense that they have not tasted the position before. I believe strongly that when equity and fairness are established, equity and rotation will become a thing of joy.

“So for me, it is not the time (of the south-east). And when the time comes, we have sons and daughters that are eminently qualified (to contest for president),” he said.

The magazine reported that Umahi recently came under strong criticisms from not a few Nigerians after he clashed with an Arise Television journalist, Rufai Oseni who asked him to give the cost per kilometer of the multi-trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

He’s a close ally of incumbent President Tinubu.

Cardoso To Represent Nigeria @World Bank/IMF Annual Meeting In US

Tosin Olatokunbo

October 12, 2025

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Olayemi Cardoso, will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, IMF, Annual Meeting in Washington DC on Monday.

According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, the apex bank’s governor will lead the delegation, instead of Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy who could not lead the delegation because he’s currently indisposed.

Onanuga: “Cardoso, as the alternate Governor, replaces the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, who is indisposed.

“The Nigerian team will also comprise the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anete.

“According to the World Bank, key elements of the Annual Meetings include the Development Committee Plenary session on October 16 and the International Monetary and Financial Committee meetings on October 17.

“Other featured events include regional briefings, press conferences, and fora focused on international development, the global economy, and financial markets.”

Worries Over Nigeria’s N152trn Debt

James Orji

October 12, 2025

Wale Edun

Nigeria’s Debt Management Office, DMO, has revealed that Nigeria’s total public debt stock as of June this year has risen to over N152 trillion, from the N149 trillion recorded earlier in March this year.

According to a report by The Punch, the figure represents N3.01 trillion increase from N149.39 trillion recorded at the end of March 2025, marking a 2.01 per cent rise within three months. In dollar terms, the debt profile grew from $97.24 billion to $99.66 billion, reflecting a 2.49 per cent increase.

The new data, according to analysts is a pointer that the federal government has continued to rely on borrowing to fund its budget, despite assurance that the fiscal policies, embarked open by the administration, such as the removal of fuel subsidy, convergence of the Foreign Exchange market have freed up more resources for the government.

The breakdown of the figures, according to the newspaper report, shows that “Nigeria’s external debt climbed to $46 billion in June, up from $45.98 billion in March.

“The World Bank remained Nigeria’s single largest external creditor, with $18.04 billion outstanding, mostly through the International Development Association. This represents about 38 per cent of total external obligations.

“Overall, multilateral lenders accounted for $23.19 billion or 49.4 per cent of the external portfolio. Other multilateral partners include the African Development Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the Islamic Development Bank.

“Bilateral loans contributed $6.20 billion, led by the Export-Import Bank of China with $4.91 billion, while smaller exposures were owed to France, Japan, India, and Germany.

“Commercial borrowings, mostly Eurobonds, stood at $17.32 billion, accounting for 36.9 per cent of the external debt. Nigeria also owed $268.9 million under syndicated facilities and commercial bank loans.”

Not a few Nigerians says they are worried over the rising debt since the Tinubu administration came into power. Amid this apprehension, the Minister of Power disclosed last week that the government has solicited over $2 billion from the Chinese Exim Bank to build a new Power Grid, to stabilise electricity in the country.

FG Warns ASUU: Go On Strike, Lose Your Pay

James Orji

October 12, 2025

The Federal Government has scolded the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, over its resolve to embark on a two-week warning strike. The strike action commences on Monday, according to an earlier statement by the University teachers.

The administration has however warned that the lecturers would not be paid for the period of the strike, if they failed to listen to the government appeal to them to abandon the strike.

The government in a statement on Sunday accused ASUU of abandoning dialogue, saying the contending issues cannot be resolved through confrontations.

ASUU should return to the negotiating table, instead of throwing the nation’s public universities into another strike, the government said in a statement signed by Folashade Boriowo, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Education.

The government also assured parents and guardians of its readiness to maintain industrial harmony in the nation’s ivory towers, saying it will ensure that the nation’s tertiary education is of high standard to the benefits of the nation.

“The Ministers further stressed that the government has continued to prioritize the welfare of university staff and the stability of the academic calendar under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

“According to them, dialogue remains the most effective and sustainable path to resolving disagreements, and government remains open to engagement at any level to prevent unnecessary disruption in the education sector.

“They, however, emphasised that the “no work, no pay” policy remains an extant labour law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the government will be guided by this law should academic activities be disrupted in the nation’s universities. While the government continues to demonstrate goodwill and flexibility, it will not abdicate its responsibility to uphold fairness and accountability in the use of public resources.

The statement reassured Nigerian students, parents, and the general public that the Federal Government is firmly committed to maintaining industrial harmony in the tertiary education system.

“Ministers appealed to all academic unions to embrace partnership and dialogue rather than confrontation, in the collective interest of the nation’s higher education system.

“They reiterated that the government’s education reform agenda is designed to enhance teaching and research conditions, promote institutional autonomy through strengthened university governance, and ensure that the academic community thrives in an environment of mutual respect, productivity, and innovation.”

Atiku Slams Tinubu: Pardoning Drug Traffickers, Murderers Undermines National Security

James Orji

October 12, 2025

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has slammed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granting pardon to some Nigerians, saying the president’s action has rubbished the nation’s justice system.

The top apposition leader in the country and 2023 Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Presidential candidate noted that it was wrong for Tinubu to grant clemency to some of those pardoned, among who are convicted drug traffickers, murderer, kidnappers, saying the president has send wrong signal that he’s not serious about fighting crime in the country. ,

According to Abubakar, the Presidential pardon is expected to be exercised in such a manner that strengthens public faith in the government, adding that the opposite is the case with those the president granted pardon this week, noting that the action has the capacity to undermine national security.

Part of the statement reads, “The recent announcement of a presidential pardon by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has, as expected, provoked outrage across the nation.

“Ordinarily, the power of presidential pardon is a solemn prerogative, a moral and constitutional instrument designed to temper justice with mercy and to underscore the humanity of the state. When properly exercised, it elevates justice and strengthens public faith in governance.

“Regrettably, the latest pardon issued by the Tinubu administration has done the very opposite. The decision to extend clemency to individuals convicted of grave crimes such as drug trafficking, kidnapping, murder, and corruption not only diminishes the sanctity of justice but also sends a dangerous signal to the public and the international community about the values this government upholds.

“At a time when Nigeria continues to reel under the weight of insecurity, moral decay, and a surge in drug-related offences, it is both shocking and indefensible that the presidency would prioritize clemency for those whose actions have directly undermined national stability and social order.

“Particularly worrisome is the revelation that 29.2% per cent of those pardoned were convicted for drug-related crimes at a time when our youth are being destroyed by narcotics, and our nation is still struggling to cleanse its image from the global stain of drug offences.

“Even more disturbing is the moral irony that this act of clemency is coming from a President whose own past remains clouded by unresolved and unexplained issues relating to the forfeiture of thousands of dollars to the United States government over drug-related investigations. It is, therefore, no surprise that this administration continues to demonstrate a worrying tolerance for individuals associated with criminal enterprise.

“A presidential pardon is meant to symbolise restitution and moral reform. Instead, what we have witnessed is a mockery of the criminal justice system, an affront to victims, a demoralisation of law enforcement, and a grave injury to the conscience of the nation.

“Clemency must never be confused with complicity. When a government begins to absolve offenders of the very crimes it claims to be fighting, it erodes the moral authority of leadership and emboldens lawlessnes,” Abubakar said.

The magazine reports that President Tinubu granted pardon, with the approval of the National Council of State, to the late Environment activist, Ken Saro Wiwa, and other Ogoni activists killed under the brutal regime of Gen. Sani Abacha, the list also include Gen Mamman Vatsa killed for plotting a coup against the military regime of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida; former lawmaker Farouk Lawan among others. The pardon has however generated serious controversy in the country.

Obi, At Vatican, Renews Hope In New Nigeria

Ayodele Oni

October 12, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Peter Obi, Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate has maintained that a new Nigeria is possible as he completed days of prayers for the country at the Vatican.

Obi along with his wife, Margaret, was in Rome, where he met with the Pope, and other top Catholic faithful.

An account of his trip as released stated that “After my two -day trip to the United States – where I addressed the Friendship Club on Saturday, 4 October, and spoke at the 1st Ubuntu African Youth Assembly in Washington on Sunday, 5 October – I departed that same night for Rome, arriving on 6th October to join my dearest wife, who was already in Rome waiting for me.

“This year marks a Jubilee Year, an event celebrated every twenty-five years, and my dearest wife and I chose to dedicate our prayers to Nigeria. With hearts full of gratitude, we thanked God that, despite our differences and the many challenges faced over sixty-five years of independence, He has kept us together as one nation – a rare and profound blessing for which we remain deeply thankful.

“We also sought forgiveness for our national transgressions and implored God to intervene in the suffering of the Nigerian people. We prayed for the injection into our political landscape selfless and compassionate leaders whose hearts He God would touch—leaders who would be truthful in word and deed, altruistic in service, and committed to using public resources for the common good.

“Leaders whose decisions would reflect competence, capacity, character, and commitment to the welfare of all. Leaders who understand that they were not created to live in isolation but in community with others, and must ensure that actions are for the benefit of the community.

“On Tuesday, the 7th of October, as part of our pilgrimage, we passed through three Holy Doors of the four major Papal Basilicas in Rome, praying at each that God would open the door of His mercy to Nigeria.

“At St. Mary Major, we prayed, passed through the Holy Door, and reflected at the grave of the late Pope Francis. From there, we journeyed to the Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, where Cardinal James Harvey warmly received us, led us through the Holy Door, and shared the basilica’s rich history and the deep significance of the Jubilee Year.

“Our third stop was the Papal Basilica of St. John Lateran, dedicated to Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist, where, together with other pilgrims, we passed through the Holy Door and joined in prayer.

“We then proceeded to the Scala Sancta – the Holy Steps which Jesus ascended before Pontius Pilate – where we prayed with profound reverence, completing a day of deep spiritual reflection at some of Rome’s most sacred sites.

“On Wednesday the 8th of October, we rose early for the Papal General Audience at St. Peter’s Basilica, where we were blessed to hear the Catechesis of His Holiness on hope, perseverance, and steadfast faith in times of hardship.

“Afterwards, we passed through the final Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica, praying and reflecting deeply on God’s mercy, thus completing our pilgrimage through the four doors with hearts filled with gratitude and renewed faith.

“At St. Peter’s, we were privileged to be received in audience by His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV @Pontifex, to whom we humbly appealed for prayers for our beloved country, Nigeria.

“Along the way, we met several Nigerian pilgrims: men and women of faith whose faces shone with quiet hope. Together, we renewed our trust in God’s divine mercy and in the promise of a renewed and better Nigeria.

“I believe fervently in the power and providence of God. Yet, as we lift our nation before Him in prayer, we must not surrender to fatalism. Faith does not absolve us of responsibility; rather, it calls us to action. As Nigerians, we must each continue to do our part – with honesty, diligence, and love – for the healing and progress of our country.”

FCT Police Command Arrests Suspected Four “One Chance Robbers,” Frees Two Victims

Ayodele Oni

October 12, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

In a renewed onslaught against robberies inside commercial vehicles along highways, the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Police Command has arrested four suspects involved in a one-chance robbery and attempted kidnapping, rescuing two victims in the process.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, saying the suspects were apprehended following a distress call and swift police response.

One-chance robbery—a form of street crime in which unsuspecting passengers are lured into commercial vehicles operated by criminals—has remained a major security concern in Abuja and other major Nigerian cities.

Victims are often robbed of cash, phones, and valuables, and in some cases, subjected to physical assault or kidnapping.

According to the Command, the incident occurred on October 8, 2025, at about 10:09 p.m., when one Hajara Ali reported at Life Camp Police Station that her sister, Comfort Habila, had called in distress, saying she had been abducted by suspected criminals who demanded one million naira for her release.

Following the report, operatives from the Life Camp Division, using digital and tactical intelligence, tracked and arrested the suspects at Dape Village around 4:30 am on October 9 after a confrontation. The victims, identified as Comfort Habila and Aliyu Adams, were rescued.

Adams, who sustained multiple stab wounds during the encounter, was taken to Gwarinpa General Hospital for treatment.

The statement partly read, “On October 8, 2025, at about 10:09 pm, one Hajara Ali reported at Life Camp Police Station that her sister, Comfort Habila, had called in distress, alleging that she had been abducted by suspected criminals who demanded a ransom of N1,000,000 for her release.

“Upon receipt of the report, police operatives from Life Camp Division immediately swung into action. Through the deployment of digital and tactical intelligence, on 9th October 2025, at about 4:30 a.m., the suspects were arrested at Dape Village after a near-deadly confrontation with the police.

“The victims, Comfort Habila (f) and Aliyu Adams (m), were rescued. However, Aliyu Adams, who sustained multiple stab wounds inflicted by the suspects, was promptly rushed to Gwarinpa General Hospital, where he is currently receiving medical treatment.

“The arrested suspects are Solomon Tanko, Samuel Audu, Chigozie Joseph, and Emmanuel Chidiebere.

“Further investigation revealed that the suspects have been involved in a series of one-chance robberies around the Bannex and Kado areas, using a vehicle with tinted windows to deceive unsuspecting passengers. They revealed that they had picked and robbed six victims, both men and women, before their arrest.”

Adeh said items recovered from the suspects include 15 international passports, two daggers, two cutlasses, bloodstained documents, four mobile phones, two hammers, and three biros. He said the suspects would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.

“I Did Not Mock ADC Plane Crash Victims” – Pastor Bakare

Adesina Soyooye

October 12, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

Pastor Tunde Bakare of the Citadel School of Government and Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church (CGCC), denied that his recent comments which tended ti link the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the October 29, 2006, ADC airline crash were not meant to mock the victims of the tragedy.

Bakare was roasted by not a few Nigerians for saying he was under pressure to join the ADC, an opposition coalition-backed party, but not willing to join the party.

He then added in what Nigerians saw as an insensitive, careless manner:

“I am not going to take part in ADC. The last time I knew about ADC was about a plane that crashed. I wish them well, because we need a robust opposition.”

But Pastor Bakare, speaking at a press conference on Sunday, emphasised that his statement, made at the inaugural edition of the Citadel School of Government Dialogue Series on October 4 was simply taken out of context.

He clarified that his reference to the ADC was “purely metaphorical,” meant to describe the unsteadiness within political parties in Nigeria, and nothing more. It was not a reference to the plane crash or its victims, he explained.

He said: “My comments did not, in any way, bring into the spotlight the victims of the October 29, 2006 ADC Airline crash. I pray that all those with lingering pain from that event will find complete healing and comfort.

“When one takes the ‘text’ out of ‘context,’ one becomes a con, noting that he only decided to respond to ensure accuracy and fairness.

“Let this undue controversy surrounding the ADC crash metaphor serve as a warning. Those in the cockpit of our nation’s governance, and those trying to change course midair, must learn from history and use power as a platform for service rather than self.”

The crash of the ADC aircraft, Flight 053, en route Sokoto from the Abuja airport, killed 96 people, including the then Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammadu Maccido who came to Abuja for an Education Summit organised by the Federal Government.

Pastor Bakare was late President Muhammadu Buhari’s running mate in 2011 under the CPC. They failed.

In 2023, he was a Presidential Aspirant under the APC, having, before the Primary, said God had told him he would be Buhari’s successor. He was, however, not able to garner upto 10 votes from delegates.

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