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NAF Complements War Against Banditry With Additional Assets

June 18, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Various arms of the Military have continued to beef up security in the northern part of the country, with the Nigerian Air Force, (NAF), deploying additional air assets under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) to restore peace and stability in the region.

Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force who disclosed this in a press statement in Abuja, explained that this move reinforces the NAF’s commitment to enhancing security, supporting ground operations, and reassuring affected communities.

“Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, conducted a firsthand evaluation of air operations under OPWS, assessing the effectiveness of expanded efforts.

“The visit included a strategic engagement at the Headquarters Tactical Air Command in Makurdi, attended by senior military officials.

“The CAS revealed that the newly deployed air assets have been successfully integrated into ongoing operations, providing real-time intelligence and precision targeting support.

“NAF aircraft have conducted surveillance, armed reconnaissance, close air support, and precision strike missions with remarkable success.

“The deployment aligns with the Federal Government’s mission to stabilize the Middle Belt region.

“Recent coordinated air and ground operations have dismantled several militia camps and criminal hideouts, reinforcing the NAF’s commitment to protecting innocent lives and supporting national peace-building initiatives.”

The Service Chiefs emphasized the importance of synergy among the Armed Forces and other security agencies, noting that jointness remains crucial for operational success under Operation Whirl Stroke.

They reiterated that the ongoing operations aim to create a secure environment where residents can live and conduct their legitimate activities without fear.

Ekiti Governorship: No Automatic Ticket For Oyebanji – APC

Ayodele Oni

June 18, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Ekiti State chapter of the All Progressive Congress,(APC), has clarified that current wave of adoption of Governor Biodun Oyebanji does not mean an automatic ticket for his second term.

The APC maintained that the endorsements by different strata of the society does not, in anyway, stop other willing aspirants from contesting the primaries with him.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had fixed governorship election in the state for June next year, while party primaries are to hold before the end of the year.

Mr. Segun Dipe, State Publicity Secretary of the party, made the clarification in Ado-Ekiti, during a chat with Newsmen.

“Some might have been wondering why virtually everyone is rooting for the governor, but I think that is not his fault. It is not his making.

“Perhaps his performance is what is speaking for him, and yet, others are free and welcome to contest with him, if he eventually shows interest.

“Don’t also forget that the law allows people, including the governor, to show interest, because constitutionally, he has eight years tenure of two terms to run, if the people so permit him.

“The fact that the people are trying to re-present Oyebanji may have clearly shown that he has done quite a lot that attracted them, and it is believed that he does not have control over that.

“But I am insisting that as a party, all individuals are free to come and try their luck,” he said.

He pointed out that contrary to the wrong impression being created by some opposition figures in the state, the mass adoption of the governor by individuals, groups, societies and institutions was never the making of the governor, saying it was based on his achievements and performance as a good ambassador of the party.

According to him, the ruling APC in the state is not leaving anything to chance, despite the growing adoptions, maintaining that the current administration would stop at nothing to fully deliver on all of its electoral promises.

He announced that the APC, despite being a ruling party in the state, is not taking anything to chances, saying continued membership drive remains a top priority.

On the tenure of the current party EXCO, he said the current crop of leadership came into office in 2021, and are expected to wind down this year.

However, he said such winding down would still be subject to the national headquarter’s decision, “believing that no serious party will want to change the goal post, in the middle of the game.”

NLC, Teachers, FCT Workers To Embark On 3-Day Protest Over N70,000 Minimum Wage, Unpaid Arrears

Suleiman Anyalewechi

June 18, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Effective June 23, 2025, the striking Joint Union of Nigeria Union of Teachers NUT, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees NULGE, and National Association of Health Workers Union, will be hitting the streets of the Federal Capital Territory FCT for a three-day show down to draw attention to their plight, the Joint Union officials announced on Wednesday, June 18,2025.

This is as the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, signaled its readiness to lead a mass action, and picketing of the entire FCT administration.

The Source reports that the FCT teachers/Local Council workers had since March 24, 2025, embarked on an indefinite industrial action to press home their demands for the implementation of the minimum wage, and payment of outstanding allowances.

Although the strike action has completely paralyzed teaching and learning activities within the over 400 public primary schools, as well as the six Area Council of the FCT, the authorities have remained insensitive to the plights and demands of the concern personnel.

The striking teachers and Local Government workers are accusing the FCT adminstration of paying lip service to a Memorandum of Understanding MoU entered into with them on December 11, 2024.

The tripartite MoU which involved the FCT, and the three industrial unions- NUT, NULGE and Health Workers Union, centred on the payment of the N70,000 new minimum wage, the settlement of at least five months of accumulated allowances ,and the setting aside of at least 50% of the IGR of the six FCT Councils for the settlement of the arrears and minimum wage.

According to the MoU, the Minister of State FCT, was to head the Implementation Committee.

However, the striking teachers and Council workers regretted that several months after the signing of MoU, nothing has been done.

The Unions said their decision to take to the street was sequel to the expiry of NLC’s earlier seven days ultimatum given the Councils to settle all areas of disagreement with the workers .

The NLC dateline ended on Wednesday June 18,2025 ,without any response from the FCT authorities.

An earlier protest scheduled by the workers for Thursday June 19, has been shifted forward to align with the general NLC organized protest on June 23, one of the striking teachers volunteered .

The FCT NLC, in a letter issued on Wednesday by its Chairman, Stephen Knabayi, expressed deep disappointment over the continued refusal of the FCT Council authorities to pay teachers and others their new minimum wage.

“Your refusal to act on our position letter and demands, served on you since 24th of April, 2025 was noted with displeasure. Also, you have not acted on our letter dated 16th of May ,2025”, the NLC stated in a letter to the FCT authorities.

Consequently, the NLC said it has resolved to take mass action unless urgent steps are taken to resolve the disagreement.

Nasarawa To Establish Surveillance Bases In Three Senatorial Zones

Ayodele Oni

June 18, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

To ensure safety of life and property, Nasarawa State Government is set to establish a surveillance base in each of its three senatorial zones to enhance security across the State.

The State Commissioner for Finance, Hajiya Munira Abdullahi, revealed this during a citizens’ budget townhall consultation for Nasarawa West zone, on Wednesday in Keffi Local Government Area.

The Commissioner, while reacting to stakeholders’ quest for improved security in the state, reiterated Governor Abdullahi Sule’s commitment to the protection of lives and properties of all citizens through proactive security measures.

According to the Commissioner, the surveillance bases will be located at the flashpoints in the three Senatorial Zones and equipped with modern technology surveillance equipments to enhance intelligence-driven security.

She maintained that the State would work in collaborate with security agencies to ensure the effectiveness of the security surveillance bases.

The Commissioner, while declaring open the citizens’ townhall consultation, said it was a symbol of the State Government’s unwavering commitment to inclusive governance, transparency, and participatory budgeting.

“The theme for this year: ‘Fostering Collaboration on Resource Allocation – Key to Participation in Governance’ , speaks directly to the core of our vision of ensuring that every citizen, regardless of background or status, has a say in how Government resources are allocated.”

Mrs Abdullahi pointed out that since inception of citizen budget engagement in Nasarawa, the State has made progress in ensuring that budgeting is no longer a top-down affair.

“Budgeting in Nasarawa State is now a people-centrered process where your voices, your needs, and your aspirations inform and shape government planning and implementation.”

The commissioner, therefore, urged the participants to speak freely and articulate the needs of the people they represent, saying that all their submissions would be reviewed and considered in the 2026 budget.

“Our goal remains to build a budget that truly reflects the priorities of the people,” she said.

Also speaking, Mr Peter Akolo – Ataka, Director, Budget in the ministry said that participants at the townhall consultation were drawn from the informal sector from the Western Senatorial zone comprised of Keffi, Kokona, Karu, Nasarawa and Toto local government areas of the state.

He stated that the participants included representatives of youth groups, women organisations, faith-based organisations, farmers associations, traders associations, Civil Society Organisations amongst others.

Akolo-Ataka pointed out that as part of efforts to ensure a robust engagement, the ministry provided an abridge version of the 2025 budget – both in English and an Hausa translation for better understanding by the participants.

Some of the participants in their various submissions, appreciated the effort of the state government to carry citizens along in the budgeting process.

Anambra: Police Command Preaches Adherence To Operation Protocol

Ayodele Oni

June 18, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Coming after an accidental discharge, which claimed the life of a Police Inspector, the Anambra State Police Command has urged its personnel to always adhere to operation protocols at all times.

The police said that the measure would ensure quality service delivery and reduce breach of protocol that may jeopardise security in the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state SP Tochukwu Ikenga made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Awka.

Ikenga said that the Commissioner of Police (CP) in the State, Ikioye Orutugu, gave the task during a condolence visit to the family of late Inspector Amechi Okolie and Police Mobile Force 29 Squadron, Amansea, Awka.

Recall that the late Okolie was accidentally shot and killed by his 10-year-old son with his Ak-47 service rifle while on duty at a bank in Awka on June 15.

Also a six-year old son of late Okolie sustainable gun shot injury in the process.

Orutugu, who described the Police Mobile Force as his Alma Mater, reminded the officers and men of the base of the importance of adhering to Police Operation Protocol, especially in their line of duty.

He emphasised the need for teamwork and encouraged the personnel to remain focused and dedicated to their duties, despite the loss.

Responding on behalf of the officers and men of the Squadron, the Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police, (ACP) Nasiru Kaila expressed gratitude to the CP for showing empathy towards the officers and men especially at this moment of grief.

Kaila pledged to comply with the CP’s directives on the Squadron’s operations and reiterated the commitment of his officers and men to their duties.

The Commander promised to continue working diligently to maintain peace and security in their areas of responsibility.

Highpoint of the visit was the CP’s welfare support package to the deceased’s family and prayer for the quick recovery of the injured son who is currently receiving medical attention in the hospital.

Tension As Students Kick Against New Dress Code In ABU

Ayodele Oni

June 18, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Students of Ahmadu Bello University, (ABU), Zaria have kicked against newly introduced dress code in the institution.

The students and, even, staff, stated that the newly introduced dress code restricts personal freedom and expression.

ABU’s new dress code bans students and staff from wearing shorts, tight dresses, long eyelashes, and even hugging on campus.

The policy, made public in a special bulletin dated June 16 and signed by the University’s Management, lists what it calls “indecent and offensive dressing,” warning that anyone who violates the rules will face disciplinary action.

According to the document, both staff and students are now barred from wearing clothes described as revealing, body-hugging, or unsuitable for an academic setting.

Prohibited items include spaghetti straps, see-through outfits, tattered jeans with holes, skirts and shorts above the knees (except for sports), tight-fitting clothes, and any attire that interferes with practical work or use of lab coats.

Other items on the banned list include earrings for male students, ankle chains for female students, long or coloured eyelashes, and dreadlocks on any gender. Male students are also not allowed to braid or weave their hair.

The bulletin discourages what it describes as untidy appearances, such as bushy hair or beards.

The policy goes further to outlaw public displays of affection like hugging, kissing, or sitting on each other’s laps.

It also lists as misconduct wearing t-shirts with obscene messages, trousers that stop mid-leg, coloured sunglasses without medical prescription, and face caps worn in unconventional styles.

The bulletin states: “Engaging in intimate open embrace (hugging/kissing)… wearing of long eyelashes by female… sagging or ‘ass-down’ by both genders… unconventional wearing of face cap… and openly sitting on each other’s lap by opposite sex” are now considered acts of misconduct.”

Similar policy in a state owned University in the South West had triggered reactions from the students.

Polaris Bank Suffers N.75bn Fraud

The Source

June 18, 2025

After a businessman managed to dupe the commercial bank the whopping amount, stakeholders in the sector are asking many questions, including how he managed to pull the fraud.

Are there some insiders involved in the now celebrated fraud, keen stakeholders in the banking sector are asking, considering the huge sums involved, and the fact that the lender has been facing financial problems, and was once rescued by the CBN from liquidation.

The questions come after the EFCC had reportedly quizzed some top management staff, including those close to the commercial bank’s Managing Director, Kayode Lawal, according to sources familiar with the story.

“There are ongoing probe in the bank by the commission to ensure that the fraud was not committed with ‘insider help’ sources informed the magazine on Wednesday.

The Economic and Financial crimes Commission, EFCC, had on Tuesday arraigned one Ugochukwu Joseph Nwaemere, the Executive Director of Pennhydro-Pell Oil and Gas Limited before Justice E.A Obile of the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, for forging documents that enabled him to defraud the bank.

Since Nwaemere’s arraignment, some officials in the bank have become afraid thinking that they will be implicated in the ongoing case.

“Even though the main accused have been brought before a judge, the commission, has kept the file open as it has yet to ascertain the non-culpability of some officials in the bank,” another sources said.

The commission said in the 1o-count charge before Justice E.A Obile that the accused has committed forgery and obtiaing the said money under false pretence that he has been awarded a contract for the execution of dredging and stock-pilling of 100,00Om tones of sharp sand on the on-going Bodo-Bonny Road Project, which he knew to be false.

According to one of the charges: “That you, Ugochukwu Joseph Nwaemere being the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Pennhydro-Pell Oil & Gas Limited and Osaogba Christian Izuchukwu (now at large), being the Executive Director of Pennhydro-Pell Oil & Gas Limited, on or about the 17th of April, 2023 at Port Harcourt, Rivers State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, obtained a total sum of Seven Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N750,000, 000.00k) from Polaris Bank Limited, garrison Junction Branch, Aba Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State via said Bank with Account Number: 4091160890 under the false pretence that you were awarded a contract for the execution of dredging and stock-pilling of 100,00Om tones of sharp sand on the on-going Bodo-Bonny Road Project, a pretext you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same Act.”

He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Nwaemere was arrested based on the allegations made by a petitioner on some alleged illicit financial dealings bordering on conspiracy and obtaining money from his victim under false pretence running into millions.

Specifically, the petitioner alleged that the defendant, Executive Director of Pennhydro-Pell Oil & Gas Limited, and his conspirator, (now at large), sometimes in April 2023, approached Polaris Bank Limited, Garrison Junction Branch, Aba Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State for a loan for the execution of dredging and stock-pilling of 100,00O tonnes of sharp sand on the on-going Bodo-Bonny Road Project.

To obtain the loan, he allegedly forged a document titled “Pennydro-Pell Oil & Gas Invoice with No: 142 dated 29th of November, 2022”, purporting same to have been cleared by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for payment of contract sum for a milestone completed by his company with intent that it may be acted upon as genuine.

Investigation revealed that the defendant allegedly convinced the bank and obtained a total sum of Seven Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N750,000, 000.00k) but was later discovered that the loan proposal was false and all efforts by the victim to recover the said sum proved abortive.

Following his not-guilty plea before Justice Obile who heard the EFCC case, Nwaemere has been remanded at the Port Harcourt Correctional Center till June 21, 2025 when his bail application is expected to be heard by the judge.

The fraud has further put the commercial bank on the spot, after last year’s report that the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, was planning to withdraw its license due to some internal problems including alleged insolvency.

Recall that the CBN and the Asset Management Compnay, AMCON, had in October 2022 , as part of its plan to save the bank from liquidation sold the commercial bank to a company, Strategic Capital Investment Limited.

The bank says it’s strong enough, and not threatened by liquidation.

Enough Of Executive Recklessness And Bringandage

The Source

June 18, 2025

Chief Bode George, a retired Navy Commodore, a former National Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, (still a chieftain of the Party) former Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority, the one who said he would embark on self exile if then Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Tinubu, wins the election, but who is still in Nigeria two years after Tinubu was sworn in as President, on Monday, 16, June, 2025, addressed a Press Conference on the State of the Nation. He had a lot to say. He painted a colour of what Nigeria has become. Not flattering. More like a doomsday situation.

Following is the full text of what he had to say.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Present situation in Nigeria requires a lot of prayers.

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil, cling to what is good….

It is time for us to confront these challenges and demand a true democracy

Recent events in Rivers State are indications that t our democracy remains problematic.

It is disheartening that Nigeria is precariously and dangerously staggering on the path of self-destruction.

I pray this trouble does not start from Rivers State. It seems those in charge have refused to learn lessons from events of the past.

The present situation of things in our Nation requires a lot of prayers and God’s guidance. As a result of this I am inspired to quote the word of God as stated in Romans 12:9-21

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil, cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful I prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay.” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Nigeria currently finds itself at a critical juncture, where the actions of the current political administration threaten to erode the very foundations of our hard-won democracy.

Twenty-six years after the restoration of civilian governance, a growing number of Nigerians are left questioning the authenticity of a government that claims to be of, by, and for the people. It is time for us to confront these challenges head-on and demand a democracy that truly serves its citizens.

Recent events in Rivers State are indications that the administration of our democracy remains problematic. Following the declaration of a state of emergency on March 18, 2025, by President Bola Tinubu, which involved the suspension of Governor Siminalaye Fubara and others, I raised the alarm that they are potential threats to our democratic framework.

It is noteworthy, that prior to and subsequent to the emergency declaration, Rivers State witnessed no significant incidents of violence, not even a ‘chicken’ was killed in the state. Nevertheless, a group entangled in this manufactured man-made crisis shamelessly praised President Tinubu’s decision, revealing that the motivations behind the declaration were politically motivated—a deeply troubling reality that cannot be overlooked.

Currently, there appears to be an effort to legitimize this illegality. Last week, President Tinubu formally sought the National Assembly’s approval for key appointments in Rivers State as part of the measures instituted under the state of emergency.

In a letter presented and read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a plenary session, the President requested confirmation for the appointment of a Chairman and six members of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). These nominees were proposed by Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), the Sole Administrator responsible for overseeing the state’s affairs.

The President underscored the necessity of these appointments to facilitate effective governance during the emergency period and to assist the administrator in managing state functions efficiently.

The request also includes confirmations for positions within the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Board, the Rivers State Civil Service Commission, and the Rivers State Local Government Civil Service Commission.

The President’s insistence on these appointments reveals a troubling disregard for democratic principles, this move raises serious concerns about the concentration of power and undermines the very fabric of our democratic institutions, suggesting a calculated effort to bypass accountability and manipulate state functions at a time when the people’s voice should be paramount.

The Senate referred the matter to its ad-hoc committee on emergency rule in Rivers State, which is expected to submit its report within one week.

The implication of above is that a person in office illegally is now being mandated to conduct council elections in this oil-bearing state.

I once told Tinubu that in 1972, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the great and iconic Nigerian musician who was born by a clerical father and a radical mother, released his popular album, “Roforofo Fight” where he sang ‘When Trouble Sleep, Yanga Wake Am, Wetin E dey Find, Na Palaver E Dey Find. Na Palaver E Go Get oooo’.

Fela died in 1997 but unfortunately, the effect of that song is still reverberating in Nigeria today.

Those in charge of the polity have closed their ears to reasoning and deliberately coming out with policies capable of disintegrating the country.

It is disheartening that Nigeria is precariously and dangerously staggering on the path of self-destruction.

I pray this trouble does not start from Rivers State.

It seems those in charge have refused to learn lessons from events of the past. Pitiably, lovers of Nigeria are too timid to challenge them.

I want to reiterate that what the President is doing in this Rivers matter is completely illegal and Nigerians know this. Constitutionality is being disregarded and disrespected. It is not possible for illegality to overcome legality. It will never happen, now or later.

The President is not the government. The Governor is not the government. It is the people that constitute governance and government. The moment you take the mandate of the people away, it is no longer democracy. That is exactly what is happening in Rivers State.

Some people were deliberately mandated to cause crisis in that state so that the All Progressives Congress (APC) can take Rivers from the back door, which is unfortunate.

In the 60s, Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa-Balewa was asked what he was doing about the crisis in the Western Region and he said as far as he was concerned, there was no crisis. We all know the rest of the story.

I want to tell Tinubu that he is not a king or emperor. This is a Republic and he doesn’t have absolute powers. This is how Adolf Hitler started in Germany from 1933 to 1945.

Instead of Tinubu addressing critical issues in the polity, he is busy naming and renaming public facilities after himself. Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.) is not the Governor of Rivers State. He is in office illegally. As long as he is there illegally, he doesn’t have powers to appoint people to fill all these critical positions because he was never elected.

Today and with the series of crises, insecurity, hunger, joblessness and other vices in the country, Tinubu is busy toying with the future of this country.

Nigerians don’t feel safe anymore in their fatherland but the Federal Government, All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Senate are only interested in controlling Rivers resources.

Aside the fact that history is a faithful record of the past, it is also a prophecy of what is coming. That is why Fela’s song is still apt, decades after.

Today, I see what led to the collapse of the First and Second Republics being repeated by the APC-led Federal Government.

When democracy was suspended in Rivers, the National Assembly, without the mandatory two thirds approval, rubber-stamped this unconstitutional action by voice vote.

That was an indication of things to come.

It is disheartening that Nigeria is on the spot globally for the wrong reasons.

The law says two thirds of members of the National Assembly must approve a declaration of state of emergency. That is, 74 Senators and 240 Representatives. So, what is the meaning of voice vote? Did they get these numbers before the emergency rule was okayed?

This presidential system we are operating now is worse than what happens in a military organisation.

This is no longer democracy. It portends what is coming in 2027.

My message to Tinubu is that power is transient, not absolute. The power you wield today is not permanent. You only know the beginning of a crisis. You don’t know where and when it will end.

Nigerians are suffering but these operators don’t care about the people.

There is a dangerous slide to anarchy in the polity. If they don’t apply the brakes brakes now, the wrong direction they are heading may lead to political collapse.

To President Tinubu, I want to ask you: is this democracy or dictatorship?

Where did you get the powers to suspend elected officials when you declared emergency rule in the oil-bearing state on Tuesday, March 18, 2025?

As the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, you have powers to declare emergency rule all over the country to deal with enemies of state but from which Constitution did you get the powers to suspend elected officials?

If you remember, former President Goodluck Jonathan declared emergency rule in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states in 2013 but he did not sack the Governors. Kashim Shettima, who is your deputy today, was Borno Governor then. Despite the fact that he did not sack Governors then, below is what you (Tinubu) wrote to attack Jonathan:

“It is now abundantly clear that President Jonathan has finally bared his fangs, confirming what was widely speculated. By declaring a state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, he has intimidated and emasculated the Governors of these states. We are witnessing a dangerous trend in the art of governance and a deliberate ploy to subvert constitutional democracy.

“The body language of the Jonathan administration leads any keen watcher of events to the unmistakable conclusion of the existence of a surreptitious but barely disguised intention to muzzle the elected governments of these states for what is clearly a display of unpardonable mediocrity and diabolic partisanship geared towards 2015.

“Borno and Yobe states have been literally under armies of occupation, with the attendant excruciating hardship experienced daily by the indigenes and residents of these areas.

“This government now wants to use the excuse of the security challenges faced by the Governors to remove them from the states considered hostile to the 2015 PDP/Jonathan project.

“Let me be quick to say that this administration will be setting in motion a chain of events the end of which nobody can predict”.

President Tinubu, if, in 2013, you accused Jonathan, somebody who did not remove Shettima and others from office, of ‘setting in motion a chain of events the end of which nobody can predict’, what do you want Nigerians to say about you with your suspension of democratically-elected governor, his deputy and lawmakers?

Tinubu, if your advisers are not ready to tell you the truth, Nigerians have spoken with one voice that your despotic tendencies – by jettisoning democratic governance in the name of state of emergency – cannot stand.

This is a travesty taken too far. Sadly, Nigeria is sliding dangerously into full-blown dictatorship.

Nowhere in the constitution is it written that democratically-elected officials can be removed by emergency declaration.

Jonathan demonstrated this in 2013. You criticised him. Now, you have done something worse. Even before the heavily-compromised National Assembly ratified it, you already swore-in the Administrator.

Are we in full-blown presidential lawlessness now?

The message you are sending to Nigerians is that laws mean nothing to those in power.

With series of unchecked abuses, this is a classical example of how democracies die.

Enough of executive recklessness and brigandage. The time for tolerating a flagrant disregard for our democratic norms must come to an end.

Rivers State stands as the cornerstone of our economic vitality and financial resilience. The current trajectory is far from a viable path to peace; rather, it risks igniting a crisis that will reverberate beyond state lines, impacting every Nigerian. I speak from the position of an elder who has seen so much in our country.

Let this serve as a clarion call: Enough is enough. A word is sufficient for the wise to heed the warning. The stakes are too high to remain silent any longer.

Enough is enough.

Finally let me leave you with this quotation.

“ Every time we refuse to face up to issues and confront them we weaken our character, says one writer. We need courage to have strength of character. If we do not have the courage to face things are wrong and deal with them then we are what the people of old called ‘moral cows in our plump comfortableness’.

There is no doubt that our age suffers from a lack of moral courage. So many are in the inglorious business of keeping their heads down. ‘We are in the process’ says a politician, ‘of being standardized morally – and at a very low level.’ The new moral code is: ‘It must be right if everybody does it.’

Many Leaders can lose their way because of lack of courage. They lie down before everything instead of standing up for something. All is not lost while we have courage. God is ready to give you all you need.”

CHIEF OLABODE IBIYINKA GEORGE ATONA OODUA OF YOŔUBALAND
JUNE 16, 2025

Dangote Trying To Kill Us And Our Families With Hunger- Marketers

James Orji

June 18, 2025

Petroleum Marketers under the aegis of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria, PETROAN, have cried out to the Nigerian authorities to save them and their families from hunger.

This is in view of the recent plans by Dangote Refinery to begin distribution of PMS and Diesel across the country with 4000 newly acquired compressed Natural Gas, CNG trucks.

The president of the Association Billy Gillis-Harry made the Save our Soul call to the federal government while speaking on Channel Television programme, Morning Show.

The magazine reported that Dangote Refinery had on Sunday announced its plan to venture into petroleum distribution with the new acquired trucks. Apart from offering to distribute diesel and petrol free of charge to marketers, the $20 billion Refinery also promised retail outlets other mouth-watering incentives including credit purchase once they have guarantee from any Nigerian commercial bank .

The move by Dangote has received mixed reactions from the stakeholders in the energy sector of the nation’s economy.

Reacting to Dangote’s plan to embark on fuel distribution, PETROAN President Gillis-Harry said they will be thrown out of business, with their family facing the threat of hunger

According to Gillis-Harry, the behemoth Dangote should not be allowed to swallowed up small players in the sector, saying this is not good for the country.

He called on the federal government and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, the regulator in the sector to come into the aid of the marketers before their businesses, now at the mercy of Dangote are destroyed.

He accused Dangfote of trying to destroy the harmony in the sector by trampling on the rules, he urged the authority to intervene by ensuring that Dangote is stopped from trampling on the rules.

For instance, he said it’s against the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA rule for Dangote to be involved in Refining and distribution at the same time, noting that their businesses and family will suffer if Dangote is allowed to go ahead with the plan.

The PETROAN President: “If one company that is as massive as our brother’s (Aliko Dangote) can do all of this, of course, it is going to take us out of business.

“There are rules for that and I don’t think one company should take the responsibility to interpret and operationalise what the regulators should do. We need the regulators to interpret very efficiently.

“Right now, we are struggling to feed family and get things going and suddenly we are going to be out of business from August. It is going to take us transporters, many retail outlets owners and marketers out of business and that will affect all the jobs that have been created by these operators in this sub-sector.”

He said Dangote should focus on refinery while other players should also be allowed to play their role in the sector without being swallowed up.

He said, “We don’t want one strong man but many strong men,” he said, rejecting any form of monopoly by the Dangote Refinery.

Gillis-Harry said, “We hope that the industry leaders would be able to get everybody together on the same table to address issues so that everybody will be at peace. Yes, it is competition but competition of what size? Is it a competition of one winner takes all? It should be a competition of everybody winning and Nigerians winning on the ultimate term.

“We are not sitting down. PETROAN is also gathering momentum to be able to look for alternatives on how we can source our product for our teeming members.

“There is a PIA that has been passed and is functioning that rules the industry. Pricing is regulated by Article 207. Licensing also has its procedures and processes.

“Everybody has to have a license to operate in a certain way. So, if you have a license to operate as a refinery, please refine and let those who have licensing and operational permits also do so.

“Let those who have operational permits and requirements for logistics do so. And those of us who have operational approvals for retail outlets should also do our bits and do it effectively.”

Following the announcement on Sunday Dangote has faced stern criticism from not a few Nigerians, particularly keen sector players who insist that the plan is to muscle up other small players in the industry

The Refinery is owned by Africa’s Richest Man, Aliko Dangote.

LG Polls: Lagos APC Says No More Automatic Second Term Tickets For LG Chairmen

Akinwale Kasali

June 18, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Following the Party Primaries that was marred by series of controversy bothering on imposition of candidates, favouritism and powerplay, the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has declared that henceforth, no Council Chairman seeking re-election in the 57 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas, LCDA, will be granted an automatic ticket.

The Party, through its State Chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, said that going forward, Council Chairmen seeking second term ticket will be centred on how his policies and programs have impacted on the residents.

The Party stressed that all Chairmanship Candidates, should they win the election, should only consider themselves for re-election only if they delivered on their promises to the residents of their Council optimally.

According to the Party, all Chairmen will be expected to unveil their Development Blueprint before the Party, and the agenda will be monitored to ensure they do not derail from their programs and projects.

Announcing the Party’s decision during the official presentation of Candidates for the 2025 Local Government Elections and the Flag-Off of their Campaign, held at the APC Secretariat in Ikeja, Ojelabi stated that a Second Term in office is not certain for any underperforming council Chairman.

He stressed the importance of the office to the people and emphasised that the Chairmen owe the residents a duty to provide basic amenities and prioritize welfare.

The Party Chairman argued that it would not be business as usual for the Council Chairmen, whom the citizens often accused of performing below the allocations received from the Federal Government.

He cautioned the Candidates not to maltreat their Deputies when they get into office, saying they were not a spare tyres but co-Pilots saddled with the responsibility of giving the residents the dividends of democracy.

In the same vein, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mudasiru Obasa, and other leaders of the party have charged the 57 Chairmen and Vice Chairmanship Candidates to commence aggressive grassroots campaigns to ensure a landslide victory for the Party during the election scheduled for July 12, 2025.

Sanwo-Olu stated that the event symbolises the beginning of the journey that requires hard work, commitment, and unalloyed dedication to serving the public who would be entrusting them with the mandate to lead their respective Councils through votes.

“As we raise the flags today, we are more than happy, but let us remember the values and principles that bind us together for a better future.

“APC is a Party known for progressive movements, and we are not only focused on winning the election but also bent on bringing about quality and positive change in the lives of the people.

“We must continue in the legacy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We must let Nigerians know that the APC is here to serve the people, and we must not disappoint them by delivering our promises to solve the problem.

“We must emulate the revered Sage, Late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who was known for good works.”

Meanwhile, Obasa urged aggrieved aspirants not to work against the Party during the Poll, saying this election will serve as a yardstick for the 2027 general election in Lagos.

“If you have faith in the Party, then whatever the Party decides is binding.

“It’s not about having enemies and trying to frustrate the system. The party is supreme, and its decision must be supported. We must support our party.

“We should not forget that the 2027 election is coming and this Council Poll will be the template for the election that will usher in President Bola Tinubu for his second term”, Obasa stated.

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