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NGE Tackles Governor Bago, Asks FG To Unseal Badeggi Radio Station

August 2, 2025

The Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, has strongly condemned the closure of Badeggi Radio Station, on the orders of the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago.

The Governor had sealed the Station on the allegation that it was inciting violence.

But in a Press Release signed by the NGE President, Eze Anaba and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the Guild condemned the Governor’s action, and said he acted outside his powers in ordering the closure of a Radio Station. “The power to sanction television and radio stations only lies with the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) after a thorough investigation of any alleged breach of the Code”, the NGE said.

It noted that the Minister for Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; already pointed that breach out, but urged “the Federal Government to go beyond that and order the unsealing of the premises of the radio station while investigation is carried out.”

Following is the full text of the Press Release.

NIGERIAN GUILD OF EDITORS (NGE)

Closure of Badeggi Radio Station by Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) strongly condemn the recent order for the closure of Badeggi Radio by Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State. We consider this a blatant attack on press freedom and democracy in Nigeria.

This act of censorship and intimidation undermines the fundamental principles of a democratic society, where free press is essential for holding those in power accountable.

Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees freedom of expression and press freedom. Also, Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which Nigeria is signatory to, also guarantees press freedom and freedom of expression

The closure of Badeggi Radio, a vital platform for public discourse and information dissemination, is a worrying trend that threatens the very fabric of our democracy. Governor Bago acted outside his powers to order the closure of a radio station. The power to sanction television and radio stations only lies with the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) after a thorough investigation of any alleged breach of the Code.

We are happy that the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Mohammed Idris, has pointed this out. This should go beyond observing the anomaly. The federal government should order the unsealing of the premises of the radio station, while investigation is carried out.

Government officials should know that we are in a democracy and therefore, the act of arbitrary order for the sealing off and closure of a radio station is unacceptable. Arbitrary closure of media houses reminds us of the dark days of military rule, which ended 26 years ago.

Governor Bago’s alegation of incitement of violence by the radio station is a serious issue, which has to be investigated and proven before any action can be taken. We urge the media to operate under strict adherence to the code of ethics of journalism, with responsible conduct at the back of the minds of the professionals.

We also call on the authorities to take measures to respect the rights of citizens to access information and express themselves freely. Badeggi Radio should be reopened while the investigation continues.

The Guild reiterates that a free and independent press is essential for a functioning democracy and demands that governments at all levels respect and uphold this fundamental right.

Signed:

Eze Anaba

President, NGE

Onuoha Ukeh
General Secretary, NGE

Abba Kyari: Even As Trial Is Still On, Calls For Presidential Pardon Widen …IHRC Join

Adesina Soyooye

August 2, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

The call for the discontinuation of the prosecution of suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Abba Kyari, and the granting of pardon to him by President Bola Tinubu is widening.

Kyari, an accomplished crime fighter, celebrated and respected and adored by not a few Nigerians because of his, almost, mystical way of bursting even the most complicated and intricate crime cases, including kidnapping fell by the way side when, in 2022, he was, shockingly, implicated, allegedly, in a drug case by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, as a member of a drug syndicate.

Since then, he has been on suspension from work, and under prosecution.

But given the worsening and unprecedented insecurity in the country, especially, cases of kidnapping, the impression is that it may not have degenerated to this level, were Kyari and his boys still in the system.

Gradually, therefore, the call for the discontinuation of his prosecution, release from custody, and pardon by the President, has gradually, but steadily been on the increase.

The latest voice for his release and pardon is coming from the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) office Nigeria.

In a statement, the body is calling for a consolidation of the growing public call for a conditional presidential pardon for Kyari. It based its position on the rising threats to Nigeria’s internal security.

In a statement issued by H.E. Ambassador (Dr.) Duru Hezekiah, its Head of Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, on Friday,

IHRC expressed its respect for the ongoing judicial proceedings against Kyari, and emphasized that its call was not aimed at influencing court decisions, but for strategic national interests, especially if not feasible during the trial’s course.

It noted: “Our position is not to circumvent justice or interrupt legal processes.

Rather, we urge a future-focused, constitutionally grounded approach that recognizes the tactical value of experienced security personnel—if found eligible under law and subject to public accountability.”

It reaffirmed its commitment to justice and the rule of law, but proposed a conditional clemency, citing Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the President to grant pardons and reprieves.

It noted: “Globally, there are precedents where convicted individuals with valuable operational expertise have been reintegrated into national service through conditional frameworks—under strict legal and ethical oversight.

“In the United States, law enforcement agencies have regularly offered plea bargains or deferred sentencing in exchange for intelligence or cooperation.

Former hackers have been recruited by governments to assist in cybersecurity defences.

“In post-conflict African states, ex-warlords have been granted conditional amnesties to enable peace and stability.”

Such conditional clemency, it noted, is not forgiveness, but a pragmatic tool of national security strategy, particularly when the individual involved has demonstrated proven tactical and intelligence capabilities that could aid national stability, if lawfully and transparently redeployed.

It noted:

“A conditional pardon for Kyari—subject to public accountability—could transform a controversial figure into a rehabilitated asset in Nigeria’s fight against crime.”

Urging President Bola Tinubu to use the powers granted him and pardon Kyari, the Commission said:

“Let this be a defining moment where justice, constitutionality and national interest align to restore peace and confidence in our security framework.

“We are not advocating impunity. We propose a rehabilitative, oversight-driven reintegration process prioritizing public interest and national security, particularly if trial timing is not feasible.

“This is a call for strategic statecraft, not political favoritism.

“In times of national crisis, justice must be redemptive as well as corrective.

“If used wisely, conditional clemency can serve as a bridge between law enforcement accountability and long-term peace building.”

CG Customs, Adeniyi’s Extension In Office: DCG Nwafor Not Next In Rank

Adesina Soyooye

August 2, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

It has been confirmed that the news which made the rounds on Friday that President Bola Tinubu deliberately extended the tenure in office of Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller General of Customs, by one year, to prevent Deputy Comptroller General, BU Nwafor, from succeeding him in office is false.

Contrary to that news which was given vent, and went viral, when former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, who was also a former Aide to late President Muhammadu Buhari, Lauretta Onochie, listed the reasons why Tinubu denied Nwafor the top position, Nwafor, a female from Anambra State, is nowhere near being the next in rank to Adeniyi.

Recall that on Thursday, President Tinubu had extended, by one year, the tenure in office of Adeniyi to, according to the Press Release signed by Bayo Onanuga, Presidential Spokesperson, enable him complete the modernisation exercise which he had started. Adeniyi was to retire in August 2025 before it was extended to August 2026.

However, Onochie had slammed the extension and claimed it was done deliberately to stop Nwafor because, among other reasons: her gender, her State of origin, Anambra, has no husband or boyfriend in the Villa, and has no Governor backing her.

However, investigation has put a lie to the claim that Nwafor is next in rank.

Here are the facts:

Five Officers were promoted on 4th May 2023, to the rank of Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG).

On that same 4th May, 2023, Nwafor was promoted to the rank of Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG).

Her promotion to DCG followed a full year after the promotion of the five DCGs including alongside the current Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.

The accurate ranking as documented are:

Assistant Comptrollers‑General (ACGs) confirmed on 4 May 2023

1. O. Peters – ACG / Zonal Coordinator Zone ‘C’

2. A. I. Alfa – ACG Strategic Research & Policy

3. H. J. Swomen – ACG Excise, Free Trade Zone & Industrial Incentives

4. K. C. Egwuh – ACG Doctrine Development and Administration Command

5. M. B. A. Musa – ACG Tariff & Trade

6. A. Dappa‑Williams – ACG Enforcement, Inspection & Investigation

7. B. M. Jibo – ACG Headquarters

8. A. Hamisu – ACG / Commandant, Nigeria Customs Command & Staff College

9. Y. Salihu – ACG Finance & Admin

10. M. I. Yusuf – ACG Training & Coordination

11. S. A. Bomai – ACG Board

12. C. K. Niagwan – ACG Technical Services

13. K. I. Adeola – ACG ICT / Modernisation

14. I. O. Babalola – ACG / Zonal Coordinator Zone ‘D’

15. B. U. Nwafor – ACG Human Resource Development

DCG Nwafor, alongside others, is billed to retire in October, 2026.

For the records, Adeniyi is not the only one in that category whose tenure in office was extended by President Tinubu. He had, earlier, extended that of the Inspector General of Police by four years and that of the Comptroller General of Immigration by one year.

Instructively, the CG of Immigration is female – Kemi Nanna Nandap.

Sanwo-Olu Appoints Northerner Into Market Advisory Committee, Emir Sanusi Applauds

Adesina Soyooye

August 2, 2025

Alhaji Shehu Usman and Babajide Sanwo-olu and Emir Lamido Sanusi

By Adesina Soyooye

For the first time, a Nigerian of Northern extraction has been appointed into the influential Lagos Market Advisory Committee.

The appointment was made recently by the State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu to the excitement of the (factional) Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi who has applauded the Governor.

The appointee Alhaji Shehu Usman, is the Chairman of Mile 12 International Market.

Applauding Governor Sanwo-Olu’s action, Emir Sanusi described it as “both timely and deserving”.

He pointed out Usman’s praise worthy and outstanding leadership, visionary approach, and most importantly, his pivotal role as a unifier and bridge-builder “within the market and the broader northern community in Lagos.”

The Emir, also, noted “Shehu Usman’s tireless efforts to resolve long-standing divisions within the Arewa community in Lagos” and said they have been “truly transformative.”

He lauded Usman’s “wisdom, humility, and unwavering commitment to unity, which led to the formation of a reconciliation committee that successfully unified rival Arewa factions.

This historic achievement culminated in the emergence of Alhaji Saadu Gulma as the Chairman of the unified Arewa community in Lagos”, the Emir pointed out.

The Emir emphasized that Shehu Usman’s contributions have brought about “a robust foundation for northern development in Lagos, earning him respect across generations and enabling him to effectively manage complex challenges and foster harmony among diverse groups.”

To this end, Sanusi urged the Arewa community in Lagos to emulate Usman’s leadership and remain peaceful, law-abiding, and cooperative with the state government to achieve genuine progress, since “true progress can only be achieved through unity and mutual respect.

“Today, Mile 12 International Market stands as a beacon of inclusive leadership and social integration, largely due to the exemplary legacy of Alhaji Shehu Usman.”

“You Have Injured My Reputation”: Nnamdi Kanu Sues Reno Omokri For N60b

The Source

August 2, 2025

By Gideon Njoku

The allegations against him for which he is being prosecuted by the Federal Government notwithstanding, the years in the custody of the Federal Government notwithstanding, Leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, is conscious of who he is, and why he should, always, guard his reputation jealously. So, his anger rises to high heavens each time he feels strongly that his reputation has been injured. He takes action to rectify it

One of those times is his recent tango with Reno Omokri, a former President Bola Tinubu adversary- turned unrepentant defender.

Kanu has just taken a very strong exception to Omokri’s allegations against him and the IPOB which he still leads from the four walls of his detention facility. So, he has dragged Omokri to Court asking for a whopping amount of N60 billion, an amount he thinks would assuage his anger, and compensate him for the damages to his reputation.

The suit instituted at the Enugu State High Court, according to his lawyer, Alloy Ejimakor, is accusing Omokri of publishing defamatory and prejudicial statements against him.

Accoding to the writ of summons, the breakdown is as follows: N50 billion in general damages for alleged injury to reputation, emotional distress, and prejudice to ongoing judicial proceedings. And, another N10 billion in aggravated damages.

Kanu cited what was entered in the suit as “malicious and reckless publication of false statements” against his person by Omokri.

Huge as the money he wants paid to him is, Kanu does not think it is enough to make him forgive, so, he makes more demands.

Omokri, Kanu demands, must publish a full retraction of the offending statements in two national newspapers, and on his Twitter/X account within seven days of judgment.

He, also, wants a public apology in the same media outlets, through which Omokri must “admit to the misrepresentation of facts.”

And, there is more.

The IPOB leader has, also, asked the Court to issue a perpetual injunction to restrain Omokri, his agents, privies, or assigns from further disseminating the allegedly defamatory content without lawful justification.

In addition, he is claiming costs of the action, including legal fees, and, if there is a delay in the payment of the monetary award to him, an interest at the rate of 10 percent per annum from the date of judgment until full payment.

In his confirmation of the the lawsuit through his X page, Lawyer Ejimakor said the action is a strong response to the publications by Omokri.

Ejimakor: “Yesterday, (Thursday) Mazi Nnamdi Kanu commenced a muscular legal action against RENO OMOKRI (@renoomokri), seeking a retraction, apology & damages for Omokri’s highly defamatory & prejudicial publications against Mazi Kanu, IPOB & #Ndigbo. Others like Omokri should take note & be guided.”

Kanu has been in the custody of the Federal Government since 2021 after being renditioned from Nairobi, Kenya, an action which has been roundly condemned by both local and international Courts.

Gov Fintiri Gives Super Falcons Coach N50m, House

The Source

August 2, 2025

By Gideon Njoku

Super Falcons Head Coach, Justin Madugu, on Friday, not only became N50 million richer than he was on Tuesday, he also got one more house added to the one he was gifted earlier.

Recall that on Tuesday, when President Bola Tinubu hosted the Super Falcons for overcoming all obstacles to lift the Women Africa Cup of Nations Trophy for the 10th time in Rabat, Morocco, the President gifted the players a three bedroom flat each in Abuja, the Naira equivalent of $100,000 Dollars, and also awarded them National honours – OON (Officer of the Order of the Niger).

To the Technical Crew which included the Head Coach, he also gave the same except that their cash was the Naira equivalent of $50,000. There is, however, an unconfirmed report that Madugu’s cash gift was later upped to $100,000.

But what does it matter to him? If he felt, just like not a few people felt, that from the onset, he should have received same cash as his players (or even more as was usually the case) from the President, his State Governor, Fintri has more than made it up.

His Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, Adamawa, on receiving Maduagu at the Government House, Yola, gifted him the sum of N50 million and a fully furnished three bedroom bungalow.

The gifts were disclosed by Pius IIiya, Fintiri’s Aide, in a Facebook post. He wrote:

“Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, on behalf of the Government and people of Adamawa State, has gifted Justine Pwanidi Madugu (Coach of Nigeria’s Super Falcons) a three-bedroom bungalow and a sum of N50m for leading the team into winning the 2024 Women African Cup of Nation that took place in Morocco this year.”

The Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF, also gave the team the sum of N360 million. Individual State Governors, in addition to that, are also giving cash gift to players from their States. A number of Companies and banks are, as well, showering them with cash gifts and so did some Super Eagles players give the Super Falcons players the sum of One Million Naira each. The beat goes on.

Kemi Badenoch Says She No Longer Identifies With Nigeria

Akinwale Kasali

August 1, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Kemi Badenoch, Leader of British Conservative Party, has said she no longer wants to be identified as a Nigerian.

The Tory leader said she does not hold a Nigerian Passport since she has not renewed it in the past 20 years, and has no need to do so.

Badenoch said that while she knew the country “very well” and had an interest in what happens there, she felt that her home is where her family is.

She made this assertions while speaking on the Rosebud podcast.

She said: “I have not renewed my Nigerian passport, I think, not since the early 2000s.

“I don’t identify with it any more. Most of my life has been in the UK and I’ve just never felt the need to.

“I’m Nigerian through ancestry, by birth, despite not being born there, because of my parents, but by identity, I’m not really.

“I know the country very well. I have a lot of family there, and I’m very interested in what happens there.

“But home is where my now family is, and my now family is my Children, it’s my husband and my brother and his Children, In-Laws.

“The Conservative Party is very much part of my family, my extended family, I call it.”

She however recalled when her father, Femi Adegoke, who was a Doctor, died in 2022, Badenoch said she had to get a Visa to travel back to Nigeria, which she described as a “big fandango”.

Kemi was born in Wimbledon, South West London, in 1980 before her parents took her home to Nigeria.

She was one of the last people to receive Birthright Citizenship rules in Britain, before they were abolished by Margaret Thatcher the following year.

Kemi stated that she felt both British and Nigerian while growing up in Lagos.

“Finding out that I did have that British Citizenship was a marvel to so many of my contemporaries, so many of my peers.

“I think the reason that I came back here was actually a very sad one, and it was that my parents thought there is no future for you in this country.

“I never felt I belonged there”, she said.

Speaking further, she remembered “never quite feeling that I belonged there” in Nigeria.

It would be recalled that the UK Conservative Party Leader has been slammed on several occasions for her statements that demean Nigeria as a country.

Kashim Shettima, Vice President of Nigeria had slammed her for being more British than Nigeria.

Shettima told her that she has every right to remove the Kemi from her name” if she was not “proud” to be from Nigeria.

Responding to Shettima’a outburst, Kemi’s Spokesman later said that the Tory leader “stands by what she says” and that she is “not the PRO for Nigeria.”

Also, the Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, recently lashed Kemi Badenoch for allegedly spewing lies against Nigeria, and told her that no one was forcing her to love Nigeria.

2027 Polls: Dropping Vice President Shettima Will Be Disastrous – North East Youths Warn

Suleiman Anyalewechi

August 1, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The North East Chapter of the All Progressive Congress, APC Youth Parliament, has warned that severe and disastrous consequences await the party if the Tinubu/Shettima ticket is jettisoned in 2027 General Elections.

The North East Youths said that any attempt to reconfigure the victorious ticket will only trigger a chain of reactions and resentment that will reverberate far beyond the 2027 polls.

The Source reports that the group’s warning is coming against the backdrop of speculations suggesting that plans may have been concluded to supplant Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Tinubu’s running mate.

The Presidency’s inability to categorically clarify the situation has all the more accentuated the rumoured replacement of Shettima.

However, the North East Youths, at a media briefing by their Chairman, Kabiru Kobi in Bauchi, the Bauchi State capital on Friday, August 1, 2025, noted that the unfolding events of recent which point to the fact that some mischievous elements and vested interests have been busy trying to create discontent by way of conjuring plans to substitute Vice President Shettima will only lead to the fracture of APC and its dismemberment.

According to Kobi, the situation which has largely remained unattended to by the authorities has served to create unnecessary tension within the APC.

The group warned that failure to quickly address the emerging symptoms of the ailment could sooner than later brew a devastating storm and inferno that may ultimately consume the party before, and after the 2027 polls.

Further speaking, the APC North East youth leader, called on all the party’s major stakeholders to quickly learn from the PDP’s similar mistake that has successfully turned it into a mere carcass, post 2023 general elections.

“Having keenly observed the development which has taken a centre stage ,and suddenly began to rear its ugly head within the affairs of our party, the APC, we came together today, under this platform (North East APC Youth Parliament), not only to reassess our very foundation, but to join in imagination to common purpose, and to take bold steps not only to surmount our present challenges, but also to achieve greater APC project in 2027, devoid of resentment.

“It is unfortunate that murmurs of dissent have continued to grow louder, amplifying speculations surrounding the fate of Vice President Kashim Shettima.

“For APC, the rumour of plans to drop a key figure from the party’s leadership structure if true, is akin to stripping a man naked at the market square.

“Such a nasty and covert move will inevitably be met with resistance by all well-meaning citizens, not only those within the APC.

“We have seen this type of political maneuvering play out before. We have equally seen how disastrous they ended. The speculated move to sideline some strong voices will only ignite battles that may leave a big scar on the APC.

“This present conspiracy to oust the Vice President, reminds us such past efforts that only resulted in unintended consequences, the most recent in memory being the Peoples Democratic party PDP’s misadventure in 2023.

“On this note, we want to state unequivocally, that any attempt to reconfigure the Tinubu/Shettima ticket in 2027 will bring resentment that can linger beyond 2027 general elections.

“Its effects will surely reverberate loudly and clearly on the fortunes of APC.

“It is a known fact that the ghost of the PDP’s missteps in 2023 is haunting the party, and its members. History has only little patience for those who choose to ignore it’s lessons.

“As APC sails through this tumultuous water, one must ask someone pertinent questions: Can the party survive the machinations of some fifth columnists within who have decided to destroy the long term progress so far made with their conspiracy theory just with 2027 elections round the corner?

“Should the party overlook the lessons of history by allowing excessive ambition to becloud its sense of reasoning?

“Everyone knows that Tinubu’s administration inherited a shrinking economy, but is determined to address the challenges through various reforms anchored on the Renewed Hope Agenda and with His Excellency, Vice President Kashim, heading the robust economic team.

“However, instead of these political marauders to concentrate and align with these pragmatic goals of the administration, they have decided to form shadow coalition aiming to shoot down the Captain of the Economic Ship .

“At this juncture, we wish to inform His Excellency, our popular and charismatic leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that the entire political shenanigans by the ingrates within the APC and corridors of Government are ultimately after him, and not the Vice President.

“What these dark forces are trying hard to achieve is to instigate the substitution of Shettima with someone with a fragile political antecedent in the hope that he will seek to pacify his followers to accept the situation as an act of God.

“But the development will leave you,;the President, with the unfortunate situation whereby you will have to contend with the wrath of the teeming Nigerian populace. This is because God himself abhors injustice.

“It is our belief that His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is worthy of trust and is someone who has come with lofty visions to rescue the country from the shackles of bad governance.

“We have seen the way he has continued to emphasize the need for difficult decisions in confronting the economic realities on the ground.

“Although the decisions come with initial pains and difficulties, they are nevertheless necessary steps towards recovery in the long run”, the group stated

Consequently,they called on the President to bring his rich and enviable political trajectory to bear on the process of handling.the delicate issue of the fate of the Vice President.

Particularly, the youths urged the President to read in between the lines and avoid falling into the big hole which his political enemies have dug for him.

Let President Paul Biya Resign and Allow Cameroon to Breathe

The Source

August 1, 2025

By Abraham Amah

In a world where democratic transitions are becoming the symbol of a nation’s maturity, the continued stranglehold of President Paul Biya over Cameroon has become an anachronism in African governance. At 95, with over four decades in power, President Biya’s return from a hospital stay in Paris not to rest, but to prepare for another presidential campaign, is not only worrying—it is tragic. A new dawn beckons for Cameroon, and it begins with the graceful exit of its longest-serving leader.

Cameroon, a nation of over 28 million people, is too rich in culture, intellect, youth, and natural resources to remain shackled by the ambitions of a single individual. Paul Biya became president in 1982, a time when Ronald Reagan was in the White House and Indira Gandhi was still Prime Minister of India. Nearly every leader who rose with him has long exited the stage. The irony of his prolonged rule is that it has offered neither political stability nor economic transformation. Instead, it has become a case study in how excessive power consolidation can stifle national potential.

The recent reports that the French Embassy in Yaoundé has been effectively overseeing Cameroon’s affairs during President Biya’s medical absence is a diplomatic red flag. It reflects a dangerous precedent—where the sovereignty of an African nation is subtly compromised under the guise of post-colonial ties. While France, Cameroon’s former colonial power, has every right to maintain diplomatic relations, it must exercise caution. No foreign power, especially one with a colonial legacy, should be seen to usurp the internal workings of a sovereign nation.

France must understand that its role in Africa, particularly in Francophone countries, is being re-evaluated by a younger generation demanding dignity, independence, and mutual respect. The paternalistic model of governance assistance must give way to partnerships based on equality. If France is perceived to be propping up a nonagenarian leader against the will of his people, it risks not only losing credibility in Africa but igniting a backlash that could affect its interests in the region.

For decades, Cameroonians have endured a system characterized by authoritarianism, political suppression, endemic corruption, and economic inertia. The Anglophone crisis, which has festered into a humanitarian disaster, is symptomatic of a deeper rot—an administration that has lost touch with its people and thrives on military repression instead of democratic dialogue. Biya’s continued presence at the helm offers no prospects for national healing, unity, or development.

History is replete with examples of leaders who, in their twilight years, stepped aside and left a legacy of honor. Nelson Mandela ruled for just one term and left with dignity. Julius Nyerere of Tanzania, long before the pressures of time, bowed out and set the tone for peaceful transitions. Even Robert Mugabe, under intense national and regional pressure, eventually relinquished power. President Biya must now heed the call of history and allow a new leadership generation to emerge.

Cameroon’s constitution has been amended multiple times to suit the political ambitions of its ruler. Term limits were scrapped in 2008, allowing Biya to perpetuate his reign. But laws should not be eternal instruments of convenience—they must reflect the collective will and aspirations of the people. Cameroonians want a country governed by vision, innovation, and accountability—not by absenteeism, opacity, and gerontocracy.

Furthermore, the legitimacy of elections under Biya’s administration has always been contested. The electoral commission is widely viewed as compromised, and opposition parties operate under a repressive atmosphere. What then is the essence of another election under the same leadership, using the same tainted structures, to deliver the same recycled results? Cameroon does not need another election—it needs a new beginning.

Biya’s continued quest for power is not only morally and politically unjustifiable, it is medically irresponsible. A man who has spent significant periods of time in European hospitals, away from the very citizens he seeks to govern, should not be considering another term. Leadership is demanding. It requires mental clarity, physical agility, and emotional resilience—qualities understandably diminished with age.

The international community, particularly the African Union, ECOWAS, ECCAS, and the United Nations, must take a principled stand. The silence of multilateral institutions in the face of obvious democratic regression is tantamount to complicity. Africa cannot continue to be the continent where leaders rule until death or disgrace. A framework for peaceful, constitutional transitions must be enforced not only in theory but in real-time diplomatic engagement.

Most importantly, the people of Cameroon must realize that the change they seek will not be handed to them—it must be demanded peacefully but firmly. Civic education, electoral participation, and social consciousness must be rekindled. While football brings national joy, governance determines national destiny. Cameroonians must begin to care more about the quality of leadership than the number of World Cup appearances.

In conclusion, this is not a personal attack on Paul Biya—it is a patriotic call for generational justice. He has had his time—longer than most. But the sunset of his era must not dim the sunrise of Cameroon’s future. Let him step down in honor, so that history may remember him not for how long he ruled, but for the wisdom he showed in finally letting go.

Elder Amah, a frequent commentator on current issues, writes from Umuahia, Abia State

Police Officer Rejects N.8m Bribe To Free Armed Robbery Suspect

Suleiman Anyalewechi

August 1, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Akwa Ibom Police Command has lauded the high sense of discipline, dedication to duty and honesty exhibited by the Officer in charge of the Special Weapons and Tactics, SWAT, Unit ,who rejected a bribe of N800,000 to free an armed robbery suspect.

CSP Ebong Thompson was, on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, offered the said sum as an inducement to release a robbery suspect, as well as to sweep the case under the carpet. He refused.

A statement from the Akwa Ibom State Police Command spokesperson, Timfon John, on Friday August 1,2025, disclosed that the suspect, a 53-year old David Samuel Isaac, was arrested, following the trace of an exquisite Samsung mobile phone which was snatched at gun point to him by the Police.

According to the Police authorities, Isaac has a well documented history of similar offences as he was apprehended and charged to court for a similar crime sometime in 2024.

Unfortunately, the Police noted that the suspect has refused to purge himself of criminal activities after his release.

The police stated that another suspect was arrested while trying to make the inducement offer to the SWAT operatives for the purpose of securing Isaac’s release from custody.

“The other suspect, Emmanuel Mendie Peter, was arrested after he brought the bribe to the SWAT office to secure the release of the main suspect. He was taken into custody after the offer was rejected”, the police Command noted

The State Police Commissioner, CP Baba Muhammed Azare, also commended all the operatives of the SWAT who ensured the successful execution of the discreet investigation.

CP Azare charged other officers of the Command to emulate the examplary conduct of the SWAT operatives.

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