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2027: ADC Will Shock The World- Atiku Vows

August 25, 2025

Atiku Abubakar, a former Nigeria’s vice president says those suggesting that he will drop out of the 2027 presidential election should perish the thought.

The former number two citizens disclosed on Sunday that he’s in the race of the presidential election coming up in the next two years, and will not listen to the calls on him by not a few Nigerians to give up his ambition to vie for the 2027 election.

One of his spokesman, Tunde Olasunle, while quoting the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, said Abubakar will not concede the presidential race to anyone.

Olasunle said his principal is poised to galvanise the support of other opposition leaders in the country in the African Democratic Congress, ADC, to save the country from the misrule of the administration of Bola Tinubu and its “accompanying deceit, the loss of values, the mega-scale, unimpeded thievery and the absolute lack of accountability.”

He said Abubakar is not prepared to compromise his ambition to rescue the country, noting that his new party, ADC will create an upset in the next election, adding that the party’s strength cannot be measured using it recent loss in the bye-election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC across the country.

The ruling APC, the magazine reported, recorded a landslide victory in the off-season election.

The former PDP presidential candidate however insisted that “ADC is leading a potent mass movement which will shock the world. We will upstage the status quo in a way which will leave doubters dumbstruck.”

Abubakar had recently dumped the PDP after he joined the ADC, the party adopted by some key opposition leaders in the country, to contest the next election, in their quest to dislodge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC from power.

Also in the ADC are presidential hopefuls such as Peter Obi, the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Rotimi Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers state, who appear ready to slug it out with Abubakar, to win the party’s sole presidential ticket.

Meanwhile, not a few Nigerians insist that the presidential ambitions of the three key opposition figures will affect the ADC chances of wining the next election.

Sultan Backs Obasanjo, US, Says Justice “Purchasable Commodity” In Nigeria

Tosin Olatokunbo

August 25, 2025

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has noted that court judgment in the country is now a matter of cash and carry.

The respected traditional ruler said it has now become elusive for the poor in the country to get justice, which he said is now the exclusive preserve of the rich who have have enough to purchase positive judgment for themselves.

Sultan Abubakar spoke on Sunday during the 2025 Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Conference held in Enugu over the weekend, saying the nation’s judicial system has been highly compromised.

While the innocent poor are being punished, he said, the rich who commit crime against the country are allowed to go scot-free because they have the wherewithal to compromise the system.

According to him, the NBA must ensure that the rule of law is upheld in the country, adding that once this is done the political crisis ravaging the country will be easily addressed Abubakar: “Today in Nigeria, justice is increasingly becoming a purchasable commodity.

“The poor are becoming victims of miscarriage of justice, while the rich commit crimes and walk the streets scot-free.”

He urged NBA to ensure that the situation is resolved to the benefit of everyone, rich or poor, government or citizens.

“You are resolving to uphold the highest principles of the rule of law to ensure that everyone, including those in power, is subject to and accountable under the law. If we are able to do this, we would have addressed the core of the crisis of governance in this country,” the Sultan of Sokoto noted.

Instructively, Abubakar’s remark comes on the heels of a scathing criticism of the nation’s judiciary by The United States, U.S, Department of State and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who had last week issued separate condemning the corruption in the Nigerian justice system

Obasanjo and US indicted the judiciary, saying corruption, inefficiency, and political interference have seriously affected the delivery of jsutice in the country.

While the US in its 2024 Human Rights Practices Report released on August 12, catalogued troubling evidence of Nigeria’s declining rule of law to include arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, corruption in high-profile prosecutions, and weak enforcement of labour and child protection laws., obasanjo said the nation’s court have now become the “courts of corruption”.

The former Nigerian leader made the assertion in his new book, ‘Nigeria: Past and Future’, published by the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, where he lamented the “steady decline of the judiciary’s integrity”.

“The reputation of the Nigerian judiciary has steadily gone down from the four eras up till today. The rapidity of the precipitous fall, particularly in the Fourth Republic, is lamentable,” he wrote.

He stressed that justice had become commodified in Nigeria, with dangerous consequences for the nation’s stability.

“The great fear of most well-meaning Nigerians and good friends of Nigeria is that where ‘justice’ is only available to the highest bidder, despair, anarchy, and violence would substitute justice, order, and hope.

“I went to a state in the North about ten years after I left public office. Next to the government guest house was a line of six duplex buildings.

“The governor pointed to the buildings and stated that they belonged to a judge who put them up from the money he made from being the chairman of election tribunals,” Obasanjo said.

Declare State Of Emergency In Katsina, Zamfara States – ADC Urges Tinubu

Akinwale Kasali

August 24, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Following the massacre of dozens of worshippers and villagers in Malumfashi, Katsina State, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has urged President Bola Tinubu to declare a State of Emergency in Katsina and Zamfara State.

Bolaji Abdullahi, Publicity Secretary of the ADC on Sunday issued a statement, and described the killings as evidence of Nigeria’s failing security system and linked them to a broader wave of attacks across Katsina and Zamfara that have claimed over 140 lives in just two months.

It demanded that a State of Emergency should be declared in both States by the President Tinubu administration, and called for a full review of Nigeria’s national security architecture.

The statement reads, “In view of the foregoing, ADC therefore calls for an immediate declaration of a State of Emergency in Katsina and Zamfara States until the government is able to stem the tide of bloodshed in those places and restore some order,” Abdullahi stated.

The Party further criticised the decision by the Governors of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to hold a political meeting in Zamfara State shortly after the killings, describing it as insensitive to the victims and their families.

It highlighted that in Malumfashi 30 worshippers were shot dead in a mosque during dawn prayers, while 20 villagers were burnt alive in their homes.

The ADC stated the attacks follow similar massacres in Zamfara, where dozens were killed, including hostages murdered even after ransom was paid.

“The entire villages have reportedly been ransacked and dozens abducted”.

The ADC called on the Federal Government to act immediately, warning that President Tinubu’s international engagements are meaningless if citizens remain unprotected at home.

The party also noted the lack of direct condolence or assurances of safety for survivors, calling it a failure of leadership.

“It is disheartening to note that instead of confronting these urgent national tragedies with the seriousness that they demand, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu continues to jet-set across the world, chasing photo-ops, while his people are dying in dozens at home.

“We wish to remind Mr. President that diplomacy abroad is meaningless if safety and security at home cannot be guaranteed.

“It is equally appalling to note that President Tinubu has not made a direct statement of condolence to family of the victims or given the assurance of safety to those still alive.

“This negligence would have been unthinkable in those countries that the President loves to visit,” the statement read in part.

The party further warned that recent advice from the Chief of Defence Staff for citizens to learn self-defence underlines the need for systemic reforms.

“This evil act epitomises the horrors that Nigerians have been forced to endure under this administration.

“It is also a damning proof of the total collapse of our national security architecture, which has prompted even the nation’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) to ask citizens to learn how to defend themselves,” Abdullahi concluded.

HURIWA Denounces Mass Killings In Imo

Ayodele Oni

August 24, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, (HURIWA) has charged the Imo state Governor, Hope Uzodinma, to seek measures to stop killings of Imo citizens.

The charge is coming as tension builds up in Amakohia-Ubi community in Owerri West Local Government Area of the state following a deadly attack by suspected armed Fulani herders, which left one vigilante leader dead while others remain missing or wounded.

HURIWA also asked the state police Commissioner to brief state citizens about how far the police have gone in apprehending the gunmen that invaded three communities in Arondizuogu in Ideato North Local Government Area and slaughtered over two dozens of the citizens.

Specifically, the Rights group recalled that the Imo State police spokesperson had specifically identified the group from which the armed attackers belonged, but wondered why for over three weeks the police have made no breakthrough in their investigation.

In a statement signed by the Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, declared that “We demand accountability on the part of the police whose duty it is to maintain internal security and to prevent the killings of innocent citizens of Imo state.”

HURIWA, which lamented that armed Fulani insurgents masquerading as herders have been allowed free passage to many communities in the State which has resulted in deaths, destruction, barbarism and frustration of farmers.

“The law enforcement agencies in Imo State must be made to live up to their legal duties to the citizens, otherwise the people should be allowed to find alternative way of defending themselves.

“The security agents have consistently disappointed by not preventing bloodletting violence that have been unleashed by different armed non-state actors.”

HURIWA stated that it is totally unacceptable that the Imo State government, which recently directed herders to stop roaming around the streets and strictly comply by the law has been unable to enforce these relevant laws to check the menace of invasions of farms by armed herders.

“Letting armed terrorists to disrupt farming activities is antidote to mass hunger and starvation in the near future which Imo state government must implement effective deterrent mechanisms to stop the destruction of farms in Imo state especially by herders.

HURIWA stressed the urgent need for efficient security measures to be activated to protect the citizens who have suffered several sustained violence by gunmen and herders.

“The dead, wounded, and missing persons are all members of our community vigilante group. Monday Nwaozuzu was killed by the herdsmen, while others are still missing or wounded.”

HURIWA emphasised that the communities remain on edge as residents continue to flee, fearing further attacks from the rampaging herders.

It urged the state government to clearly inform the citizens about the security preventive measures that the administration has put in motion to check these incessant attacks on communities by armed Fulani herders.

Benue Assembly Tussle: Dajoh Resigns, Emberga Emerges As New Speaker

Ayodele Oni

August 24, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Finally, the Speaker of the 10th Benue State House of Assembly, Hyacinth Dajoh, has reportedly resigned from his position.

In a handwritten letter addressed to the Clerk of the House and signed by him, Dajoh said his resignation was made “in good faith and in the best interest of the state.”

Recall that late last week, there was a failed attempt to remove the Speaker, after which four lawmakers believed to be behind the move were suspended.

In his place, Berger Alfred Emberga has been elected as the new Speaker of the State House of Assembly.

Dajoh has reportedly stepped down amid tension and uncertainty.

Report say the Speaker, who has been at loggerheads with the state governor, has yet to personally comment on his purported resignation.

After his resignation, report indicate that the Assembly held an emergency sitting to formalise acceptance of his resignation and elect a new Speaker.

In the alleged resignation letter, Dajoh expressed gratitude to his colleagues for the opportunity “to be the first among equals,” while pledging continued commitment to his duties as a legislator representing Gboko West State Constituency.

The report claimed that Dajoh uploaded the resignation letter to his Meta timeline with the caption, “Let there be peace.” However, a check on his official Facebook page showed no such post.

The resignation reportedly came ahead of Monday’s plenary, which was expected to deliberate on his possible removal.

Berger Alfred Emberga replaces Hyacinth Dajoh, who resigned from the position in a handwritten letter addressed to the Clerk of the Assembly on Sunday.

Emberga emerged as Speaker during an emergency session of the 10th Benue Assembly convened on Sunday, August 25, 2025, to fill the leadership vacuum created by Dajoh’s resignation.

Ekiti: APC Backs Gov. Oyebanji’s Threat To Sack Disloyal Appointees

Ayodele Oni

August 24, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said it Backs Governor Biodun Oyebanji over his threat to sack disloyal aides as the governorship primary draws nearer.

The primary election, during which candidate that will fly the flag of the party will be picked, comes up in October this year.

Governor Oyebanji had last week, warned ward chairmen and members of the party against entertaining aspirants such as Kayode Ojo, among others in their wards and localities.

The Governor declared that “Can you work in Glo and take salary in MTN? I’m still waiting to see any party members, chairman, to open his door to other aspirants, I’m still waiting.

“I want to see the local government chairman and ward chairman that will open their door for such a person. I’m waiting.

“Those of you that are on the platform and collecting money from the government but still supporting oppositions because of the money you are collecting from them, we are coming for you. We are not tolerating any nonsense again in this party, it is what you do you will eat from, no more sentiments.

APC spokesman in the state, Segun Dipe, reiterated in a statement on Sunday that “My people, Happy Sunday to all.

Please let us stop mixing apple and orange together. Much as we all belong to the same party, we are not all in the government.

“Mr. Governor was not talking to the party people, he was talking to those in his government that he personally appointed. He is right to have asked those who can’t defend the government they’re working for to resign or get removed.

“This is the normal standard. If you’re not in his government, you’re free to do as you wish. But please allow those in BAO’s government to also defend the government they work for.

“Those of us Party Exco know him as the leader of the Party and his government our Party’s government, which we must defend. He is constitutionally entitled to a second term in office.

“Any other person is also entitled to contest against him, but without bringing down our party or the government raising the banner of our party. However, everything will crystalise come October 2027. Know this, know peace.”

NDLEA Arrests Pregnant 50-year Old With Drugs

Ayodele Oni

August 24, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

A 50-year old woman who feigned pregnancy to evade arrest after allegedly attempting to transport drugs has been arrested.

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) revealed on Sunday that the 50-year-old widow and fashion designer, Ifeoma Henrietta Ezewuike, allegedly attempted to traffic 1.3 kilograms of cocaine using a fake pregnancy to avoid detection.

The agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, disclosed the arrest in a statement issued on Sunday.

The statement explained that Ezewuike, a mother of one and owner of Golden Star Creation fashion outfit in Ago Palace Way, Okota, Lagos, was apprehended on Friday, 22 August 2025, at a bus terminal in Jibowu, Yaba, while attempting to transport the illicit substance to customers in Abuja.

A subsequent raid on her residence led to the recovery of 200 grams of a cutting agent used in producing a potent strain of cocaine.

The suspect allegedly confessed that she inherited the drug trade from her late husband, who died two years ago, though she has been running her fashion business for two decades.

In separate operations, NDLEA officers intercepted 90 parcels of Loud, a cannabis variant weighing 48.6kg, concealed in three cartons of kitchen sinks at a courier facility in Lagos on Tuesday, 19 August.

In Adamawa State, a raid on the home of notorious dealer Idris Garba forced him to flee by scaling a fence, though an associate, Boniface Nnaji, 55, was arrested.

From the premises, officers seized a black Toyota Tundra jeep and a Toyota Yaris car used to convey 354,480 pills of tramadol and other opioids to Yola.

In Kogi State, 5,000 capsules of tramadol, 400 ampoules of pentazocine injection, and 200 ampoules of diazepam were confiscated from Neche Okonkwo at Idah waterside while crossing the River Niger on Wednesday, 20 August.

Trans-Border Crime: Nigeria Police Arrests, Deports Wanted Chinese Fugitive

Ayodele Oni

August 24, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

In its fight against transnational organized crime, the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with INTERPOL, has repatriated a high-profile fugitive, Mr. Dai Qisheng, to the People’s Republic of China after his arrest in Abuja.

Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement issued on Sunday, said the operation was carried out through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja in partnership with INTERPOL NCB Beijing and the Embassy of China in Nigeria.

According to him, “the Nigeria Police Force, in a landmark operation executed through the INTERPOL NCB Abuja, has successfully repatriated a high-profile fugitive, Mr. Dai Qisheng, to the People’s Republic of China.

“This decisive action underscores the Force’s unyielding commitment to its fight against transnational organized crime.”

Qisheng, a notorious gang leader, was declared wanted in Guizhou Province, China, for allegedly orchestrating and leading violent organized crimes.

“He reportedly fled his home country in 2024 after the Public Security Bureau of Zhijin County issued a warrant for his arrest.”

Adejobi disclosed that operatives of INTERPOL NCB Abuja tracked, placed him under surveillance, and arrested him in Abuja on August 8, 2025.

“He was repatriated on August 15, 2025, to Beijing under the established framework of police-to-police cooperation coordinated by INTERPOL.

“This operation not only reaffirms the Nigeria Police Force’s resolve to ensure that no fugitive finds a safe haven within Nigeria but also reflects the strength of international partnerships in addressing the increasingly complex threats of global crime networks,” Adejobi added.

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, (IGP) Olukayode Egbetokun, commended the success of the operation, stressing that Nigeria will never be a hiding place for criminals.

He said, “the arrest and repatriation of Dai Qisheng is a clear message to criminals worldwide that the Federal Republic of Nigeria will not be a hiding place for fugitives.”

Egbetokun further assured that the Force would continue to deepen its collaboration with international security agencies.

“The Nigeria Police Force is committed to continuously improving international alliances, leveraging intelligence-sharing and operational collaboration to ensure that borders never become barriers to justice,” he stated.

Kano Warns Employment Seekers To Go Through Official Channels

Ayodele Oni

August 24, 2025

Abba-Kabir-Yusuf-Kano-Governor (1) — Governor Abba-Kabir-Yusuf

By Ayodele Oni

The Kano State Government has explained processes for prospective applicants seeking employment into the state through the Civil Service Commission, (CSC) and disowned reports alleging the sale of application forms by the Commission.

The clarification was contained in a statement issued by the Director of Public Enlightenment of the Commission, Musbahu Aminu Yakasai, on Sunday in Kano.

According to the statement, “The Kano CSC noted with concern the circulation of false information suggesting that employment application forms are being sold to prospective job seekers.

“The Commission wishes to inform the general public that at no time has it authorised the sale of any application forms for recruitment into the State Civil Service. This claim is entirely not true and should be disregarded in its entirety.”

The statement advised the public to rely solely on official government channels for authentic updates, noting that all announcements on recruitment and other activities would be released exclusively through the appropriate platforms.

It further reiterated the Commission’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and due process in every recruitment exercise, warning that anyone found defrauding unsuspecting applicants in its name would face the full wrath of the law.

The Commission, therefore, cautioned members of the public to be wary of impostors and remain vigilant against fraudulent activities.

“For credible and official information on the activities of the Commission, the public is advised to always follow government-approved communication channels or visit the Kano State Civil Service Commission office at Audu Bako Secretariat, Kano,” the statement added.

NBC @ 33, Targets A1 Broadcasting Technique

Ayodele Oni

August 24, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has expressed the determination to adapt to the rapidly changing broadcasting environment shaped by artificial intelligence, online streaming and converged media.

The NBC, which clocks 33 years on Sunday, also pledged to deepen Nigeria’s digital transition and strengthen local content in the broadcasting industry.

In a statement signed by the Director-General of the Commission, Mr. Charles Ebuebu, the NBC reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, integrity and service to the public interest.

“Today marks a significant milestone in our nation’s broadcasting journey. The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) was established 33 years ago with a singular mandate: to regulate, guide, and nurture the broadcasting industry in Nigeria.”

He described the anniversary as not merely about numbers, but a celebration of the shared commitment of staff, the resilience of licensees and the trust of the Nigerian public.

“It is about the values of professionalism, integrity, and service to the public interest that have carried us through the years. I therefore extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Board of Management, the entire NBC family, and indeed all stakeholders who continue to uphold these values.”

The NBC boss noted that the Commission had grown with the industry — from the days of analogue broadcasting to the digital era where voices, stories and innovations are expressed across multiple platforms.

“From the earliest days of national radio and television, through the liberalisation of the broadcast space, to the present drive towards digital switchover, the Commission has consistently sought to ensure that broadcasting remains a tool for education, information, and national integration.”

Looking ahead, Ebuebu stated that “The NBC is committed to ensuring the success of Nigeria’s Digital Switchover project, with platforms that guarantee universal access, affordability and inclusivity.

“We will also support Nigerian creativity and talent so that our airwaves reflect who we are — our values, our cultures, and our aspirations.”

Ebuebu further stressed the Commission’s resolve to promote responsible broadcasting, curb misinformation and harness technology, including AI-driven monitoring and data-driven audience measurement systems, to meet global standards.

According to him, partnerships and collaboration with licensees, industry players and international partners will remain a priority to create a vibrant, innovative and globally competitive broadcasting environment.

“Broadcasting is not only about regulation; it is about nation building. Every station, every producer, every regulator, and every viewer or listener is a custodian of our collective narrative. Together, we can ensure that the airwaves remain a space of truth, creativity, education, and unity.”

The Director-General urged stakeholders to renew their pledge to build a broadcasting industry that would serve both present and future generations.

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