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Army Recovers Remains of Murdered  Imo Community Leader From Shallow Grave

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

The 82 Division of the Nigerian Army has announced the exhumation and recovery of the remains of Chief Ibe Agadu, the murdered Aggah community leader  in Ohaji/Egbema Local Council of Imo State.

 

Chief Anyadu was abducted, killed and buried by members of a criminal group operating within the oil rich council.

 

In a statement on Monday, Lt Col Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, spokesperson, 82 Division informed that Anyadu’s body  was exhumed from a shallow grave in one of the forests in Umudike area of the Council.

 

According to him, the recovery process was facilitated by an intelligence volunteered by one of the intercepted suspects in the dastardly incident.

 

The Army spokesperson revealed that the suspect who, incidentally, was  arrested in connection with another case involving the killing of a soldier of the Nigerian Army, confessed to being part of the gang that kidnapped, killed and buried  Chief Anyadu.

 

The suspect subsequently led troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade, under the Operation Udo KA to exhume and recover the remains of the deceased from a shallow grave in the forest.

 

According to  Ayeni, the process of recovery was conducted before some operatives of Ohaji/Egbema Local Council vigilante group, representatives of the Aggah and Umudike communities, as well as the deceased’s family members who also provided a coffin and ambulance services for the conveyance of the remains for burial.

 

“This development follows recent intelligence-driven operations that led  to the arrest of suspects responsible for the killing of a Nigerian Army soldier and the recovery of stolen service weapons.

 

“During interrogation, one of the suspects confessed to involvement in the murder of Chief Anyadu and volunteered to lead troops to the burial site.

 

“On 2nd August 2026, the suspect guided troops to a shallow grave within Umudike forest, one of the criminals’ known camps, where the remains of the late community leader was successfully exhumed”, Col Ayeni stated.

 

The Commander, Joint Task Force South East, Operation Udo KA, Major General Oluremi Ayobami Fadairo, while extending condolences to the deceased’s family, also, assured the people of Aggah community that justice will be served in accordance with the laws of the nation.

 

The Army, similarly, reaffirmed its unflinching determination and commitment towards dismantling all identified criminal networks as well as bringing perpetrators of violent crimes to justice.

 

However, the Commander appealed to the people to always volunteer credible intelligence that could assist the Nigerian Army in its ongoing operations to root out criminalities in the South East region.

Edo Govt Rebuffs Tinubu On Fly-overs: You Are Not Referring To Us

By
James Orji
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Governor Monday Okpebholo

The Edo State Government has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was not referencing Governor Monday in his recent attack against state governors who he accused of wasting public funds on the construction of roads and fly-overs.

the state Commissioner for Information, Kassim Afegbua made this known in an interview, saying the flyovers being constructed by the administration of Governor Okpebholo were necessary for the diversion of floods and smooth traffic in the state

President Tinubu had during a meeting with Catholic Bishops in Aso Rock, Presidential Villa, Abuja the natio nations’ capital berated the state governors for wasting money on the construction of bridges and fly-overs, which he  said are not useful for their states, urging them to embark on projects that can transform their states, and be useful for their people.

Following the president’s remark, the magazine leanrt that some state governors were unhappy with Tinubu despite the public’s support the president has received for making such a daring remarks against the governors who are mostly members of his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Out of the 36 state governors in the country, the ruling APC firmly controls 31 states.

The president’s comment also comes on the heels of the constrcution of two fly-0vers in Benin City, the Edo’s state capital by the Okpebholo’s administration.

Reacting, Afegbua said Tinubu was not referring to Okpebholo saying the two fly-overs the governor have constructed were important because they will assist in decongesting traffic in the state.

“The President was not talking to us because in the entire Edo State, there was no flyover that came in. We are only trying to build two. One is 98% completed, and the other one has taken off. It is too much.

“The Ramat Parkflyover is necessary to checkmate heavy traffic in that axis, while the Adesuwaflyover is meant to checkmate traffic on the Sapele road axis.

“We are also doing lots of roads across the state. We do not fall into the category the President is talking about. We are happy the President is making more money available, and other states should emulate Edo.”

Not a few Nigerians have argued that most of the projects being constructed by state governors are mere elephant projects that do not impact positively to the lives of their people.

State Policing: Cost Will Be Determined By States-Gbajabiamila

By
James Orji
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Femi Gbajabiamila

The Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has diclsoed that the Executive Bill for State Policing will be ready for the review of the president by September 3.

President’s Tinubu  CoS made the revelation on Monday after the inaugural meeting of the committee at the State House, saying the committee is working serious to ensure that the seven-week timeline set for the committee is met.

Recall that President Tinubu had on july 27 set up the committee to develop legal framework for an Executive Bill that will be sent to the National Assembly for deliberations. The president had told the committee that they only have less than two months for their job.

According to Gbajabiamila, the Committee is working not to meet the Deadline so that document can be sent to the president, for his review for onward transmission to the president.

The CoS also stated that the cost of policing will be determined by each 36 states and the FCT, based on their peculiarities, when asked of the financial implications when State Policing finally takes off.

The cost, he explained, will be  “on a state-by-state basis” noting thateach state differs from another in terms of personnel, architecture, infrastructure and local security needs.

“The resulting Executive Bill package is scheduled for presentation to the President on September 3,” Gbajabiamila said.

Adding: “Subject to his approval, a national consultation on the completed draft will follow, after which the text and supporting materials will be revised and prepared for formal transmission to the National Assembly.

“The timetable is demanding, but it is not a shortcut.

On the Cost Per State

“There is no cost to securing life and property. That is the first fundamental reason for being in government.

“At this stage, giving you a cost will be pulling something out of thin air. So we’re not going to be doing guesswork here or guesstimating as to what the cost is.

“The cost will be evidence-based. It will be based on thorough research and on a state-by-state basis because one state differs from another in terms of personnel, architecture, infrastructure and local security needs,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi while speaking at the occasion said the federal government will ensure that state police is not used by state governors for political tool against their opponents, saying the main target is to ensure the safety of lives and property across the country.

“The main thrust of this bill is to ensure security of lives and property, and it is also important that we do not make state policing a weapon of political persecution or oppression,” Fagbemi said.

NIMASA Assures Better Welfare For Seafarers

By
James Orji
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Dayo Mobereola - NIMASA DG

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the welfare and wellbeing of Nigerian seafarers through stronger collaboration with key maritime stakeholders, including the Mission to Seafarers, MtS.

The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, made this known while receiving the Chairman, Management Committee of Mission to Seafarers (MtS) Lagos, Chief Adebayo Sarumi, OON, and the Regional Director, Mission to Seafarers Africa, Reverend Cedric Rautenbach, on a courtesy visit to the Agency’s headquarters in Lagos.

Speaking during the visit, Executive Director Operations, NIMASA, Engr. Fatai Taiye Adeyemi who represented the NIMASA DG reiterated the Agency’s resolve to continue implementing policies and initiatives that enhance the welfare and professional development of Nigerian seafarers.

According to him, “NIMASA remains committed to improving the welfare of seafarers through enhanced certification processes, capacity development, and policies that promote their wellbeing and professional advancement. We will continue to collaborate with stakeholders such as the Mission to Seafarers to ensure that seafarers receive the support they deserve both at sea and in port.”

Earlier, the Chairman, Management Committee of Mission to Seafarers Lagos, Chief Adebayo Sarumi, expressed appreciation to NIMASA for receiving the delegation and commended the Agency’s ongoing reforms in the maritime sector. He noted that the Mission to Seafarers has remained committed globally to providing welfare, pastoral care, and practical support to seafarers, while expressing confidence that deeper collaboration with NIMASA would further improve the welfare of maritime professionals in Nigeria.

The Regional Director, Mission to Seafarers Africa, Reverend Cedric Rautenbach, explained that although the Mission to Seafarers and the Port Welfare Committee share the common objective of improving the welfare of seafarers, both organisations operate under distinct but complementary mandates. He emphasized that greater collaboration among stakeholders would strengthen support systems available to seafarers calling at Nigerian ports.

The visit provided an opportunity for both organisations to discuss issues bordering on seafarers’ welfare, decent working conditions, and areas of mutual collaboration aimed at enhancing the wellbeing of seafarers and strengthening welfare support services within Nigeria’s maritime sector.

NIMASA has continued to champion initiatives that safeguard the rights and welfare of Nigerian seafarers in line with international best practices and the provisions of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006. Through sustained stakeholder engagement, strengthened regulatory oversight, and policies that promote decent work, the Agency remains committed to ensuring that seafarers operate in an environment where their rights, welfare, and professional development are adequately protected.

 

Onaiyekan: My First And Final Epistle On The Matter

By
The Source
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Cardinal John Onaiyekan2
Cardinal John Onaiyekan

By Omokugbo Ojeifo

 

The insinuation that Cardinal Onaiyekan is criticizing Tinubu because he is supporting Obi is as lame as the P in Psychology. The only evidence those throwing this false claim have is a group photo of Onaiyekan and other bishops with Peter Obi at Archbishop Alaba Job’s triple anniversaries in Ibadan last month. Nowhere has Onaiyekan promised Obi that he’d fight for him; neither has the CBCN ever said that Obi is the ‘Catholic Church’s candidate’ for the presidency. I think the peddlers of this falsehood can do better!

 

For the records, Cardinal Onaiyekan has earned a solid reputation for prophetic advocacy on behalf of the Nigerian people for nearly 40 years. He has been forthright with every government from IBB and Abacha down to Tinubu’s. In 1994 when he was promoted from Bishop to Archbishop of Abuja, in his homily at his cathedral he fired a salvo at Abacha for creating unnecessary tension in the nation in the aftermath of the June 1993 crisis. Abacha was just next door to him. Even though Abacha considered Onaiyekan quite unsparing in criticizing his regime, when Onaiyekan’s father Pa. Bartholomew died in 1995, Abacha sent a handwritten condolence with a despatch of a major general of the regime to attend the funeral in Kabba. 

 

On December 18, 2005, at the National Christmas Carols at the Ecumenical Center in Abuja, Onaiyekan told President Obasanjo straight to his face to resist the temptation of seeking a third term. Obasanjo was sitting right there in the front row. When El Rufai was going about his demolition spree in Abuja in the 2000s, Onaiyekan stood up to the FCT Minister for treating the poor people in Abuja shabbily and destroying their houses and their means of livelihoods without providing an alternative. Onaiyekan didn’t spare Jonathan for the bogus corruption in his government. Neither did he spare Buhari for the gross ineptitude of his administration. His voice has been consistent right from his days as Bishop of Ilorin in the mid-1980s till date. As President of CBCN for 6 years, he articulated the challenges of the nation with clarity and honesty. 

 

It’s lame to think that he is critical of Tinubu’s regime because of Obi. If Obi were to become president of Nigeria today, what will he give to Onaiyekan? Will he make Onaiyekan vice-president of Nigeria or give him a contract? Onaiyekan does not give a hoot about who becomes president. Neither he nor the other Catholic bishops are eyeing the president’s seat. What they care about is that the country is governed well and that the government serves the common good of all Nigerians. When the Catholic bishops speak about the state of the nation, they are not speaking as partisan chieftains or political lords; they are speaking as prophets and shepherds who are articulating the sufferings of the people. As shepherds at the grassroots, Bishops feel the pulse of what is happening in the most interior villages, slums, and local communities across the country. They have regular pastoral visits to risky and dangerous places that the average Nigerian politician does not dare to go. They experience firsthand the sufferings and miseries of the poor and they consider it their prophetic social responsibility to amplify these concerns to those in power. Telling the bishops to face the pulpit and stay out of politics is both ignorant and dishonest. Are Bishops living in Mars? Aren’t they and the rest of Nigerians affected by the depredations of Nigerian politics?

 

Cardinal Onaiyekan is already 82 years old and God has immensely blessed him. His parents each died at 92, ten years apart from each other. Longevity flows in the Onaiyekan family. But even if Onaiyekan were to die today, he has lived a most accomplished life. He graduated from secondary school in Aliade in 1962 with the best result in the whole of northern Nigeria and turned down a scholarship to study anywhere in the world from the Sardauna and Premier, Sir Ahmadu Bello. He went to seminary and became a priest at 25, finished his doctorate in Rome with first class honors at 32, became the youngest ever rector of a Catholic major seminary in Nigeria at 34, was appointed to two Vatican International Commissions at 36, became a bishop at 38, an archbishop at 50, and a cardinal at 68. He has been auxiliary bishop of Ilorin, bishop of Ilorin, apostolic administrator of Ilorin, co-adjutor bishop of Abuja, bishop of Abuja, and Archbishop of Abuja for a combined period of 36 years. He has been a bishop for 43 years now. On Monday, August 3, 2026, marked his 57th year as a Catholic Priest.

 

Onaiyekan has been CAN Chairman of Kwara State. He has been President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) for two terms. He has been President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). He has been Co-President of the Nigeria Interreligious Council (NIREC). He has been President of the Catholic Bishops Conferences of West Africa (RECOWA) for two terms. He has been President of the Symposium of Catholic Bishops Conferences in the continent of Africa (SECAM). He has been President of the African Council for Religious Leaders (ACRL). He has been Co-President of the World Council of Religions for Peace (WCRL-RfP). He is an Honorary Life President of WRCL-RfP. He has been a Member of the General Council of the Synod of Bishops at the Vatican for several years. He has been a Member of the Global Agenda Council on Religions at the World Economic Forum (WEF). Onaiyekan has been president of every possible national and continental Christian body you can dream of. So why would anyone think he has something to gain for speaking truth to power other than the good interest of the Nigerian people?

 

As he is today, Cardinal Onaiyekan can travel on a Vatican diplomatic passport, if he wants to. He has food to eat; he has clothes to wear; he has a roof over his head; he has access to the best healthcare facilities, if need be. He has a means of mobility. He has been using the only two cars he has for 12 and 13 years respectively and has refused to change them. If he wanted new vehicles today, at the snap of a finger tens of persons will make new ones available. But he has chosen to live a life of simplicity, modesty, and frugality. He spends the gifts he receives doing charity, even to people he doesn’t know and has never met because they are in need of help. He has supported the education of countless numbers of indigent children; given hope and support to families without means of livelihood. When he speaks, he is not speaking for himself. He is speaking for the poor, the suffering, the hungry, the sick, all those whose lives have been put on hold due to the dire economic situation in the country. This is what Jesus would do!

Nigeria Needs New Direction, Tinubu’s Reforms Have Failed The People – Gov. Makinde

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Seyi Makinde
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

One of the Governors from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Oyo State’s Seyi Makinde, who, in the 2023, Presidential Election, backed President Bola Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress, has called the President a failure.

 

Makinde, who, in 2023, campaigned against his Party’s Candidate, Atiku Abubakar, says President Tinubu has failed Nigeria and its people in every aspect of governance.

 

As a way out, Makinde has called for a comprehensive reset of the economy, security architecture and the over all well-being of the people, noting that the much trumpeted reforms of the President Tinubu’s administration has worsened the hardship and increased cost of living for Nigerians.

 

Governor Makinde who spoke on Monday August 3, 2026, on the occasion of the unveiling of Allied Peoples Movement, APM, gubernatorial, National and State Assembly candidates in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, insisted that the Federal Government’s economic reforms have exacted undue pressure and suffering on the people. He is the Presidential Candidate of the APM.

 

He emphasized that the removal of petroleum products subsidy and the floating of Naira were implemented without  putting adequate machineries on  ground to ameliorate their effects on the masses of the country.

 

“We have to reset Nigeria in all ramifications including our economy, our security and the overall well-being of the people.

 

“Before now, many Nigerians could sleep with both eyes closed because they felt relatively safe. Can we, honestly, say that is still the case today?”, Makinde asked.

 

The Oyo State Governor, who was represented at the event by a party Chieftain, Hon Babatunde Tijani, faulted President Tinubu for embarking on the reforms without prioritising the welfare of the people.

 

“A right thinking Government should not have removed petroleum products subsidy without first introducing adequate palliative measures and other safeguards to cushion the impact on ordinary citizens.

 

“Instead, the subsidy was removed, and, at the same time, the Naira was floated, thereby placing additional economic pressure on Nigerians.

 

“No country should implement such far-reaching economic policies simultaneously without considering their effects on the people.

 

“Today, many Nigerians can no longer afford even a square meal a day. Compare the prices of petroleum products before with what they are today, and the hardship facing Nigerians become glaring.

 

“Yet despite these realities, the Government continues to celebrate its policies. The true measure of any economic policy.is its impact on the lives of the people, and Nigerians, from all available indices, are yet to experience the expected relief”, he added.

 

Meanwhile, the National Chairman  of the APM, Sanyaolu Abayomi, has urged eligible voters to ready their Permanent Voters Cards, PVCs, for the purpose of voting for a change in 202.

 

According to him, there are clear and compelling evidence that the country actually needs a new direction.

 

He questioned the Federal Government’s continued claim that the economy is improving, in the face of the excruciating economic situation in the country.

 

“You can not implement several painful economic policies at the same time and expect the people not to suffer. The welfare of the people should always come first”, Abayomi said.

33 More Universities For Nigeria

By
Adesina Soyooye
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President Bola Tinubu

By Adesina Soyooye

 

Nigeria’s number of Universities has increased by 33.

 

This is because the Federal Government has just  approved the 33 new universities which cuts across almost all regions in the country.

 

The approved Universities include seven federal universities, six state-owned universities and 20 private universities.

 

The new Federal Universities are: ●Federal University of Environment and Technology, Tai, Rivers State ●Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, Kaduna State

  • Tai Solarin Federal University of Education, Ijagun, Ogun State.
  • Federal University of Agriculture and Developmental Studies, Iragbiji, Osun State. ●Federal University of Technology and Environmental Studies, Iyin-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
  • Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho, Oyo State
  • Federal University of Health Science and Technology, Tsafe, Zamfara State.

 

The State Universities are: ●Abdulsalam Abubakar University of Agriculture and Climate Action, Mokwa, Niger State.

  • Ebonyi State University of ICT, Science and Technology, Oferekpe, Ebonyi State. ●University of Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering, Ezza, Ebonyi State.
  • Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Ihugh.
  • Cross River University of Education and Entrepreneurship,Akamkpa, Cross River State.
  • University of Innovation, Science and Technology, Omuma, Imo State.

 

The 20 Private Universities are: ●Omega University in Delta State. ●Regnum Medical University, Lagos State. ●Transatlantic University of Medicine and Health Sciences in Anambra State.

  • City University in Ogun State. ●University of Fortune in Ondo State, Eranova University in the Federal Capital Territory. ●Minaret University in Osun State. ●Abdulrasaq Abubakar Toyin University in Kwara State. ●Southern Atlantic University in Akwa Ibom State
  • Lens University in Kwara State ●Monarch University in Ogun State. ●Tonnie Iredia University of Communication in Edo State. ●Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management in Lagos State. ●Kevin Eze University in Enugu State. ●Bridget University in Imo State. ●Leadership University in Abuja
  • Jimoh Babalola University in Kwara State. ●Greenland University JEFAP University in Niger State. ●Azione Verde University in Imo State.
  • Unique Open University in Lagos State.

 

With the 33, there are now a total number of 309 Universities in Nigeria.

Professor Oloyede N36m Allegedly Swallowed By Snake, At JAMB, Says It’s Baseless Fabrication

By
Ayodele Oni
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Prof Ishaq Oloyede
Prof Ishaq Oloyede

By Ayodele Oni

 

Eight years after, former Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, has spoken on the long-standing “snake swallowed money” narrative, in the board describing it as a baseless fabrication that gained widespread attention through misinformation and public speculation.

 

According to Oloyede, the incident never happened, contrary to popular belief. He maintained that the story was entirely false, but evolved into a national sensation as it was repeatedly shared and accepted as fact.

 

He made the clarification while speaking during an interview on ARISE News.

 

Oloyede pointed out that the controversial “snake swallowed the money” saga, which became one of Nigeria’s most infamous public sector scandals, occurred before he assumed office as JAMB registrar.

 

He explained that his only involvement was overseeing the aftermath of the incident after taking over the leadership of the examination body.

 

The controversy erupted in 2018 when a sales clerk at JAMB’s Makurdi office in Benue State claimed that a mysterious snake had swallowed N36 million generated from the sale of scratch cards.

 

The explanation, reportedly given during an internal audit into missing funds, triggered widespread outrage, disbelief, and ridicule across the country.

 

The phrase “snake swallowed the money” has since become a popular expression in Nigeria, often used to mock implausible explanations for missing public funds.

 

According to him, the allegation was so unbelievable that he insisted the official’s account be recorded to preserve evidence.

 

“The snake matter did not occur when I was there. It was just that I had the fortune or misfortune that I had to address it. The matter had occurred before I assumed office,” he said

 

Oloyede explained that the recording later proved useful when the incident became a national controversy.

 

“I insisted that we must record it because it was unbelievable. When the matter became a national issue, the tape was there.

 

“Even myself, I would have disbelieved myself if we did not have the recording of the narration of what happened.”

 

He maintained that no snake was ever found because none existed.

 

“There was no snake. Some people will say snakes were swallowing naira in JAMB, but they know that was just a creation of a mind.

 

“Many people took it literally and believed snakes swallowed money. The reality was that that never happened.”

 

The former JAMB Registrar also stated that the widely publicised Mesoma examination fraud case was far from an isolated incident, revealing that the board has handled numerous similar cases over the years.

 

He explained that while the Mesoma case attracted significant public attention, it reflected a recurring pattern of examination malpractice that JAMB has consistently confronted.

Again, Atiku Accuses Tinubu’s Government Of Cooking Economic Figures Amidst Increasing Hardship

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

The Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress ADC, Atiku Abubakar, has challenged the All Progressive Congress, APC-led Federal Government to account for the humongous accruals from the removal of petroleum products subsidy

 

He insisted that the major problems of the country are rooted, not in borrowing, but in an extravagant spending and poor fiscal management .

 

The former Vice President expressed regret that the Tinubu’s administration has been more interested in manipulating macroeconomic indices , rather than genuinely addressing the excruciating economic situation facing the overwhelming majority of the populace.

 

In an apparent response to the Government’s stout defence of its economic policies ,and their favourable measurable impacts at the weekend , Atiku in a statement issued by Phrank Shuaibu , his spokesperson on Monday, maintained that the economic policies of the Tinubu’s administration have left the citizenry more pauperised and forlorn.

 

According to him, while Government globally borrow to fund both short and long term development projects with potential to impact growth ,the Federal Government under Tinubu has been recklessly borrowing to fund unbridled and inordinate lavish lifestyle of its officials and cronies.

 

Atiku maintained that series of loans so far secured have not translated into improved infrastructure ,jobs creation , improved public services and better living conditions for the people.

 

He expressed serious concern that despite the large amount coming in as a result of the removal of petroleum products subsidy ,and the unrestrained borrowing culture of the Government, Nigerians have continued to face unreliable electricity supply , worsening insecurity , spiraling unemployment , declining purchasing power and a severe cost-of-living crisis.

 

The ADC Presidential hopeful questioned the rationale behind Government persistent borrowing , despite its acclaimed higher revenue collection from petroleum products subsidy removal, improved tax receipts and increased debt-servicing capacity.

 

“No serious economist argues that borrowing is inherently wrong. Nations borrow. The real question is this: what has Nigeria obtained in return for the unprecedented debts accumulated under this administration.

 

“If revenue has improved so dramatically; if subsidy has been removed ; if tax collection has increased ; and if debt servicing has supposedly become more manageable , why does this administration continue to borrow at record levels?, Atiku queried.

 

The former Vice President faulted the Government’s dependence on the growth in gross domestic product GDP for the measurement of economic progress, insisting such figures are not reflective of the harsh economic realities on the ground.

 

He maintained that the effectiveness and or otherwise of an economic reform programme is determined more by the practical living conditions of the citizens, including their purchasing power than text book statistical data.

 

“Governments are not elected to improve spreadsheets . They are elected to improve the lives of the people . Nigerians ” cannot eat GDP ,and or pay school fees with macroeconomic statistics”, Atiku noted

 

He particularly challenged the Government to account for the financial benefits of the petroleum products subsidy removal since 2023 , going by its inability to fulfill its earlier promises of investing same in infrastructural projects, healthcare delivery system, education and social security.

 

According to him, the true verdict on the score card of the administration will not be written by Government spokespersons, but rather by the what he described as ” silent factories ,the abandoned production lines ,the shuttered warehouses, the unemployed workers and the empty pockets of millions of Nigerians.”

 

Atiku also cautioned the Government against the policy of over taxing the people for the purpose of increasing revenue , noting that it has the dangerous potential of driving many already struggling businesses under.

 

The Source further reports that the presidency had in an unusually lengthy statement at the weekend accused the former Vice president of only viewing the  Tinubu’s administration from the prism of economic hardships of 2024 , occasioned by the early impacts of the removal of petroleum products subsidy.

 

In the statement entitled: “Facts ,Not Fear: A point-by-Point Response to Atiku Abubakar on Nigeria’s Reform Journey” Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed the ADC presidential candidate’s criticisms of the economic policies of President Tinubu’s administration as being based on ” outdated data and ” frozen snapshots of history.

 

He emphasized that Atiku’s persistent pillorying of the Tinubu’s reform agenda are driven more by the exigences of politics than factual appraisal of the real situation on the ground.

 

Onanuga maintained that the economy which showed visible signs of convulsions amidst what he tagged ” painful adjustments” has since evolved significantly.

 

According to him, after the initial exchange-rate reset ,the country’s GDP nosedived to about $253 billion,but has recovered to a  more considerable level of over $377 billion, representing an increase of about 49 percent.

 

In the same vein, he posited that the Naira component had since expanded from its 2024 level of N 314 trillion to a whooping N530 trillion, representing an increase of about 69 percent.

No Credible Election In Nigeria – Cardinal Onaiyekan

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Cardinal John Onaiyekan2
Cardinal John Onaiyekan

By Ayodele Oni

 

Since the commencement of democracy in 1999, Nigeria has yet to conduct a truly free and fair election,

 

The Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, who expressed the view, warned that voter turnout in the 2027 general elections could suffer significantly if Nigerians believe the outcome is predetermined in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress ( APC).

 

According to him, low voter turnout is as a redult of widespread public disillusionment with the electoral process.

 

Speaking on Monday during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State Onaiyekan warned that any perception that the ruling party is guaranteed victory would discourage voter participation and ultimately weaken the legitimacy of the government that emerges from the polls.

 

“My fear is that if it becomes very clear to Nigerians that no matter what happens, the APC will win, then most people won’t even bother to go to the election.

 

“And even if the government, the real power wins, it will not bring a real victory actually. And it is not going to be possible to deliver good government.”

 

The Cardinal said restoring public confidence in the electoral process was essential to improving governance, insisting that democracy can only thrive where elections are genuinely free, fair and credible.

 

He maintained that voter apathy in recent elections reflects a growing distrust in the electoral system, a situation he said must be urgently addressed before the next general election.

 

“Genuine democracy is built on free and fair elections. Any democracy that cannot do free, fair, and credible election cannot come up with good governance. Elections have consequences…Bad elections lead to bad governance and bad governance leads to misery among the people.

 

“I think it is in our interest and the government who has all the powers, to please make sure that the trust of the people in the electoral process is restored, so that we can get at least 50% of Nigerians voting. If the electoral field is seen to be fair and equal for everybody, then people will know that their votes will count” he said.

 

Onaiyekan explained that unlike during military rule, elected governments derive their legitimacy from the people and must therefore remain accountable to them through periodic elections.

 

“When we were under military regime, we didn’t talk about elections and the military boys who were ruling us, they didn’t claim to be ruling in our name.

 

“Now we are with the democracy, and the rulers say that they are ruling in our name. We can’t keep quiet when people claiming to be working in our name are not.”

 

Drawing comparisons with established democracies such as the United Kingdom, the Cardinal argued that regular alternation of power strengthens democratic institutions and national development.

 

“It is the rule of democracy everywhere. You will notice that, for example, in England, you will find that there are only two major parties.

 

“The conservatives will rule for the four years they have there. When election comes, they have a rough time winning the election again, and generally they lose and the Labour takes over and right now the Labour is the power in England, and the conservatives are preparing to take over next time. And when that happens, the nation moves”, he explained.

 

Responding to remarks that the President had defended the neutrality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Onaiyekan argued that credible elections involve much more than the electoral umpire alone.

 

He stressed that the conduct of security agencies during elections also significantly influences electoral credibility.

 

“Even if INEC is neutral, as you know, the election outcome is also affected by the activities and the performance of the security agents who claim to be securing the election, but who often end up intimidating people with sirens all over the place, which doesn’t happen in decent democracies.

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