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Amnesty, Sowore Fault Seizure Of Discharge Certificate Of Corps Member Who Criticised Tinubu

August 10, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Amnesty International, has described as unacceptable the seizure of the discharge Certificate of Rita Uguamaye, a youth corps member who criticised the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu.

The Global Rights Group urged the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to immediately release the discharge certificate of corps member, popularly known as “Raye,” accusing the scheme of punishing her for criticising President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies.

Also, former presidential candidate and activist Omoyele Sowore also condemned the NYSC, vowing to stand by Raye.

He credited her courage with pushing the scheme to raise corps members’ allowance to ₦77,000, insisting, “Her fight is our fight.”

The NYSC had earlier extended her service by two months in what rights groups described as punishment for her criticism.

In a statement on Sunday, Amnesty described the NYSC’s decision as “unacceptable intolerance of dissenting voices” and an attack on free speech

“The NYSC must rescind its arbitrary and outrageous decision to deny Rita Ushei, widely known as Raye, her discharge certificate after completing her service.

“Withholding her certificate may not be unconnected with her social media comments on Nigeria’s economic hardship,” the group said.

Amnesty maintained that it was within Raye’s right to peacefully express dissatisfaction with government policies, warning authorities to stop using “abuse of power and intimidation” against citizens who speak out.

Raye had in March posted a viral TikTok video where she tearfully lamented the rising cost of living, accusing President Tinubu of failing to tackle inflation.

She also criticised the NYSC allowance as inadequate to meet basic needs. Her comments sparked threats, with NYSC officials reportedly calling and warning her to delete the video. Amnesty said such intimidation violated both the Nigerian constitution and international human rights law.

Amnesty pointed out that millions of Nigerians were facing worsening hardship and should not be silenced for speaking the truth.

NDLEA Arrests Wanted General Overseer In Church For Cross-Border Drug Trafficking

Ayodele Oni

August 10, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA) has announced the arrest of the Founder and General Overseer of The Turn of Mercy Church, Prophet Adefolusho Aanu Olasele (alias Abbas Ajakaiye).

The Agency explained that the arrest comes after months of his fleeing abroad to evade arrest.

A statement by Femi Babafemi, Director, Media & Advocacy, of the NDLEA, on Sunday, stated that the man of God was behind the mastermind of multiple shipments of illicit drugs into Nigeria.

Prophet Adefolusho was arrested at his church located in Okun Ajah, Ogombo road, Lekki area of Lagos on last Sunday, by NDLEA officers, who waited for him since morning to conclude the Sunday worship service in the evening before moving in on him the moment he stepped out of the church premises.

“The arrest came after he had evaded arrest twice and fled to Ghana to hide since June, when operatives started trailing him, following the seizure of two shipments of Ghana Loud, a strain of cannabis linked to him.

“The first seizure of 200kg of the psychoactive substance was made at Okun Ajah beach on 4th June 2025, while another consignment of 700kg of the same substance was recovered from his delivery van on 6th July 2025.

“In his statement, he admitted ferrying the illicit consignments through the waterways from Ghana into Nigeria, adding that he had fled to the West African country to hide after he escaped arrest twice in the recent past.”

Jonathan Mourns Late Audu Ogbeh

The Source

August 9, 2025

Former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has expressed sadness over the death of Chief Audu Ogbeh, describing him as a “distinguished public servant, experienced politician, and respected elder statesman.”

In a condolence message issued on Saturday, Jonathan hailed the late Ogbeh’s decades of service to Nigeria, noting that his life was defined by patriotism, humility, and a steadfast commitment to national unity and development.

“Chief Ogbeh’s life was marked by a deep sense of patriotism and selfless service to our dear country,” Jonathan stated.

“In his various roles, including as a teacher, former Minister and one-time National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he displayed uncommon patriotism, deep intellect, and an unwavering commitment to the ideals of unity, democracy, and national development.”

The former president lauded Ogbeh’s contributions to agricultural development and democratic governance, describing them as a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.

Jonathan extended condolences to Ogbeh’s wife, children, and the entire Ogbeh family of Otukpo, Benue State, as well as to the government and people of Benue State. He also expressed solidarity with all Nigerians mourning the late politician.

“My thoughts and prayers are with his family, the people of Benue State, and all Nigerians who mourn him. May God grant his gentle soul eternal rest and comfort all who are bereaved,” he said.

Chief Ogbeh, a veteran politician, farmer and elder statesman, was widely respected for his integrity, intellect, and dedication to public service. He served in several key political roles during his career, leaving an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political and agricultural landscape.

Ikechukwu Eze

S.A. to H.E. Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

Nigeria’s Coastal States Chart Common Front To Protect Riverine Communities

Ayodele Oni

August 9, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Governments of the Coastal States in Nigeria have pushed for a collective effort to jointly address several issues that are peculiar to the areas.

In a historic move to bolster security across Nigeria’s waterways and enhance cross-border trade, the Coastal State Governments met in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to push for harmonized maritime laws.

Gathering under the aegis of the Nigerian International Coastal Border Platform, the participating states — Ondo, Lagos, Ogun, Delta, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa emphasized the need for a unified legal framework to protect coastal communities and improve trade with neighbouring countries they share border with.

In a statement issued by the Press Secretary to Ondo State Governor, (Office of the Deputy Governor), John Paul Akinduro, stated that at the end of their inaugural summit held in Uyo, the forum in a communiqué, called for the alignment of all Nigerian maritime laws, including the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences (SPOMO) Act, for better enforcement.

The forum also urged increased public awareness on maritime safety and security to encourage compliance with both national and international regulations.

It canvassed that the country takes advantage of the African Integrated Border Governance Strategy and the African Continental Free Trade Zone to boost cross-border trade between coastal communities and neighbouring countries.

The forum also asked that a percentage of revenue from maritime taxes and crude oil exports be dedicated to coastal security funding.

In most states of the federation, border matters are usually coordinated from the office of the deputy governor.

The chairman of the forum and deputy governor of Bayelsa state, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, explained that the platform became necessary to rally governments of the coastal states to jointly address several issues that are peculiar to the areas.

He said, “In the coastal states we have a peculiar problem of ocean surge that is affecting our coastal communities and these communities are being washed away under our eyes.

“We have the issues of sea piracy and encroachment into our waterways in the name of fishing. When we talk about our people in the coastal communities; to what extent are they being taken care of, to what extent are social amenities being provided for them and others who live around these areas.

“To what extent do they feel they are Nigerians, not citizens of Equatorial Guinea, Benin republic, Ghana and Cameroon. So, they have appetite that we need to satisfy and that is why we have decided to gather here today”

Declaring the event open, Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Umo Eno, expressed delight at the physical presence of almost all the deputy governors of the coastal states, which he said is an indicative of the seriousness attached to the issues of the coastal communities.

Pastor Eno said the theme of the summit, which is ‘Enhancing the potential of International Coastal Border Communities for National and Recreational Development: The Role of Stakeholders’, has a deep national security implications.

“We, as a people must continually explore ways to maintain and deepen peace with our neighboring countries and even our states, integrate our people living in riverine communities and provide them with essential amenities like schools, medical facilities and other essentials of life that will help them survive and continue to thrive in harmony.”

“I Know President Tinubu’s Weaknesses, I Will Defeat Him In Any Election” – Rotimi Amaechi

Ayodele Oni

August 9, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

As interests within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) continue to flaunt their strength to win 2027 presidential election continue, former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has confidently declared that he will beat President Bola Tinubu in the Presidential Election — but only if he secures the ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Speaking on Saturday during a conversation on X Spaces, Amaechi said he has never directly faced Tinubu in an election, but believes he knows the president’s strength and weaknesses well enough to win.

“I tell you, I’ve not had an election against Tinubu. I know Tinubu very well. I know his strengths. I know his weaknesses. And I know that if allowed to fly the flag of ADC, I will defeat Tinubu for sure,” Amaechi said.

Amaechi had resigned his ministerial appointment in former late President Muhammadu Buhari’s government to participate in the primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) which President Tinubu won.

He also denied any involvement in election rigging, insisting he has always stayed away from such practices. He revealed that he refused all invitations from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to join their election planning committees.

“I challenge any politician, living or dead, to come forward and say I was part of rigging.

“In fact, all the appointments given to me by APC to join election planning committees, I have refused to participate. There was no one I participated in.

“Why? Because I know what they discuss. I listen to them. I hear them. If I get the ticket, I will reveal those things.”

Amaechi hinted at how rigging might work, saying, “They will bring governors. They will go to government agencies and get money, but the rest, I don’t want to say it until I win primaries.”

He vowed to oppose rigging in future elections, promising, “I will never participate in any rigging whatsoever, and I will not do it. What I promise to do now, going forward, is to stop rigging.”

On allegations against him, Amaechi said he would only apologise if presented with clear evidence.

“I challenge any Nigerian to produce evidence that I participated in any election rigging, and I will apologise for that.”

“I Don’t Know How It Was Changed, But Peter Obi Won Rivers State In The 2023 Elections – Rotimi Amaechi

The Source

August 9, 2025

By Gideon Njoku

Rotimi Amaechi, a former Minister of Transportation has categorically disclosed that Peter Obi, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, won the 2023 presidential election in Rivers State.

Rivers State’s result in that Election has always been a subject of controversy. Not a few people believed, and still believe, that Obi won the State, and that the declared result by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, was fake.

But that thought has been dismissed by then Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, the All Progressives Congress and INEC as not true.

However, Amaechi, Saturday, on X Space, when asked about the Rivers State case responded:

“I can agree with you to some extent that Obi won Rivers State. But I don’t know how the results were changed.”

Amaechi was a two-term Governor of Rivers State under the banner of the PDP. However, in the run down to the 2015 Elections, he shockingly dumped the party in a bid to see President Goodluck Jonathan out of office. Along with now President Bola Tinubu and others, they formed the APC and dragged then General Muhammadu Buhari into the ring to challenge Jonathan. Buhari won, and made Amaechi, who was the Director General of his Campaign, the Transportation Minister.

However, Amaechi fell out with the APC when Tinubu defeated him in the Primaries for the APC Presidential ticket. When Tinubu eventually became the Candidate, Amaechi was not carried along. On becoming the President, Amaechi turned into a strong critic of Tinubu and his Government. He also gave the APC space.

Amaechi, eventually, but not unexpectedly, resigned from the APC and defected to the ADC – a party where many of them, under a coalition, found refuge, hoping to sack Tinubu and the APC in 2027.

Amaechi said.

Amaechi’s comments add another twist to the controversy over the outcome of the February 2023 election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, announced President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as the winner.

INEC declared that the APC garnered 231,591 votes in Rivers State, while LP polled 175,071 votes.

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, finished third with 88,468 votes.

“Planned Rivers State Local Government Election Illegal, Threat To Democracy” – Atiku Abubakar

Suleiman Anyalewechi

August 9, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, on Saturday August 9,2025, joined the growing ranks of those opposed to the conduct of local council election in Rivers State by a Sole Administrator.

The Source reports that the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC, had, last week, announced August 30 date for the conduct of a fresh Local Government Polls in the State.

The fresh exercise follows the Supreme Court’s annulment of the outcome of the October 5,2024 election held by the suspended Governor Similanayi Fubara.

But in a statement on Friday, a coalition of Rivers elders and stakeholders comprising a former Governor, Party Leaders and Political Office holders had, vehemently, voiced their opposition to the planned Local Council polls.

The Elders, besides faulting the gross neglect of all relevant laws precedent to the conduct of Local Government elections, including the issuance of a 90-day notice by the electoral Commission, also expressed concern that all the actions that necessitated the annulment of the earlier efforts by the Apex Court of the land, have resurfaced.

According to them, such gross violation of the rule of law and democratic principles in the build up to the conduct of the Rivers State Local Council polls, has the dangerous potentials of undermining democracy and escalating the constitutional crisis in the State.

Throwing his weight behind the Rivers stakeholders ,the former Vice President, in a post on his official site on Saturday , described the plan by Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas ,the Rivers State Sole Administrator to hold Council election as a dangerous development.

Obviously backing the earlier position of the Rivers elders , Atiku Abubakar noted that he is guarded by the time tested aphorism that ” it is in one’s interest to help put out the fire in your neighbour’s house to safeguard against your house being torched .

” I agree that what is playing out in Rivers state, with an illegal Sole Administrator , unknown to our Constitution, conducting Council election, has implications for the rest of the country .

” I join other men and women of goodwill to condemn this absurdity unequivocally”, Atiku stated .

The Source further reports that already, the plan by the Michael Odey-led RSIEC to go ahead with the controversial polls, has drawn much flaks from some political parties which have threatened to boycott the exercise .

The All Peoples Party APP which was adopted by Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s supporters during last year’s exercise, alongside others under the aegis of Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, have signaled their intentions not to be part of the election.

Other aggrieved parties and stakeholders are also said to be getting ready to mount legal proceedings against the exercise immediately after its conclusion.

Nigeria Urged To Ratify ILO Convention On Indigenous People

Akinwale Kasali

August 9, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Nigeria has been asked to ratify the International Labour Organisation, ILO, Convention 169 on the rights of indigenous people.

August 9th of every year is set aside by the United Nations as the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People.

In a statement on Saturday, the Network of Journalists on Indigenous Issues, NEJII, said ratification of the convention will go a long away in addressing the challenges faced by Abuja Indigenous Inhabitants, AOI, whose political and economic rights have been denied for centuries.

The statement signed by NEJII’s Coordinator Adewale Adeoye, the group asked the National Assembly to follow the footsteps of other countries that have ratified the convention.

“Indigenous people in Nigeria face consistent challenges of social, cultural and economic marginalisation. This situation continues to fuel crisis and a deep feeling of distrust among original inhabitants.

“The ratification of the ILO Convention 169 will go a long away in removing historical barriers to justice and inclusion faced by Abuja Original Inhabitants”, NEJII said.

It noted that Abuja Original Inhabitants, with a population fo over two million, continue to live largely in poverty characterized by lack of access to the essentials of life even as Abuja continues to flourish with private and government investments on indigenous territories often without adequate compensation to the Abuja Original Inhabitants, AOI.

The ILO Convention 169 seeks governments to respect the rights of indigenous people and their unique historical and “socio-economic position within the state and their integral connection to their territories, and protects them against displacement.”

NEJII said the National Assembly needs to ratify and domesticate the Convention in order to address the festering scars left on the heart of Abuja indigenous people since the creation of the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) in 1976.

It noted that land remains the most significant asset of Abuja indigenous people, most of which have been taken over by the Federal Government with vert little or no compensation.

The Convention has been ratified by 23 countries with 15 of them in Latin America like Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru and Venezuela.

NEJII calls on the National Assembly to set a historic record to be the second country in Africa after the Central African Republic that would ratify the Convention.

It said the ratification by Nigeria will lift benefits from the realm of tokens and cosmetic offering to fundamental and institutional approach in dealing with a long-standing problem of deprivation suffered by AOIs.

Nigeria joined the International Labour Organization, ILO, on October 17, 1960 and has ratified many ILO Conventions excluding C169, which affects the rights of indigenous peoples.

Described as the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989, the C169 is crucial to the self esteem, spiritual and physical wellbeing of indigenous peoples.

Citing the United Nations, UN, NEJII said the Convention is a “key international treaty focused on the rights of indigenous and tribal peoples according to the International Labour Organization. It’s the only legally binding international instrument specifically addressing the rights of these populations.

The convention emphasizes the importance of respecting the cultures and ways of life of indigenous peoples, recognizing their rights to land, natural resources, and self-determined development.

It also mandates consultation and participation of indigenous peoples in decisions that affect them.

The UN estimates that some 476 million Indigenous reside in 90 countries, including Nigeria. Among the 476 million Nigeria, including AOIs are 5,000 different cultures.

President Tinubu Mourns Audu Ogbeh, Says He Was Founding Member Of APC

Ayodele Oni

August 9, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has acknowledged the intellectual contributions of late Chief Audu Ogbeh to policy formulation and his articulation of practical solutions to complex national challenge.

This was contained in a condolence statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy on the death of the former Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

President Tinubu also commiserated with the Government and people of Benue, the late statesman’s family, friends and associates.

Chief Ogbeh, who was 78 years old, served Nigeria in several administrations, including as Minister of Communications in the Second Republic and later as Minister of Agriculture under President Muhammadu Buhari.

The President believes Chief Ogbeh,

who joined politics in the 70s as a Legislator, was a founding member of the All Progressives Congress.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu noted that “Chief Audu Ogbeh was a patriot whose wisdom, dedication, and pursuit of progress left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political landscape.

“He was always ready with facts and figures to support his propositions. The nation will sorely miss his insightful perspectives and wealth of experience.”

The President prays that the Almighty God will receive the departed’s soul, and comfort his family.

FG Steps Back From KWAM1’s Six-Month No-fly List

The Source

August 9, 2025

By Gideon Njoku

There is a strong indication that the no-fly ban placed on Musician Wasiu Ayinde, popular as KWAM 1, from Nigeria’s Airports may not last upto six months. In deed, it may be lifted within a couple of weeks, if not days.

The expected lifting of the ban will not be because Kwam1 has climbed down from his high horse of asking: “Do you know who I am”?, to tendering a public apology for his unruly behaviour at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja, it is because the Government has made a u-turn on its initial sanction.

Within 24 hours after the ugly incident, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, acting on the orders of the Minister for Aviation, Festus Keyamo, SAN, had placed Kwam1 on a six-month no fly list. This was after Keyamo expressed outrage that the licenses of both the Captain and Flying Officer of ValueJet Airline were suspended while Kwam1 received no sanction. He threatened to deal with any airline, including international airlines, that goes against the order.

But speaking on Kwam1’s suspension on Friday, the Federal Government said it was no longer for six months but indefinitely until the end of investigations into the incident. It is not likely, many think, that the investigation will last for more than one month. And from what Mike Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection NCAA, who spoke on TVC said, the investigation has no completion date yet.

He said:

“It is no longer a six-month issue. It is until whenever investigations into this matter have been concluded. There is no certain date for that, but investigations are ongoing.”

On the findings so far, he said preliminary investigations “showed that Kwam 1 passed through airport security scanners successfully and accessed the VIP lounge, where it was believed he obtained a bottle of water.

“Passengers boarding from the VIP lounge still undergo another check before getting on the plane. It was at that point the liquid was discovered, and he was told he could not board with it and was asked to stand aside.

“The allegation is that

KWAM 1 refused to comply and proceeded towards the aircraft. Security personnel, possibly avoiding the use of force, walked alongside him to the foot of the aircraft, where the pilot was called to assess the situation.

“While that was going on, in trying to prove that what he was carrying was harmless, he splashed water. Somehow, some of it splashed on the pilot, who got angry, got back into the aircraft, and shut the door of the plane.”

The investigation’s findings, he explained, will be made public as soon as it is ready.

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