A former Assistant Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Dennis Amachree, has argued that the appointment of Isa Pantami as Minister of Communications and Digital Economy exposed serious flaws in Nigeria’s security vetting system.
Amachree made the observation in his memoir, DSS @40: My Journey Behind the Shield, where he reflected on his four decades in the country’s intelligence service and examined some of the most contentious moments in Nigeria’s security history.
One of those moments, he said, was the controversy that erupted in 2021 after old sermons and public comments allegedly linking Pantami to sympathetic views of extremist groups, including al-Qaeda, the Taliban and Boko Haram, resurfaced online.
According to the retired intelligence officer, the episode raised troubling questions about how an individual responsible for overseeing Nigeria’s telecommunications and digital infrastructure was able to clear the country’s security screening process.
Amachree explained that the DSS conducts comprehensive background checks on nominees for sensitive public offices, reviewing their affiliations, public speeches, academic records, political leanings, associations and online activities before submitting intelligence reports to the President and, where necessary, the National Assembly. However, he stressed that the agency’s role is strictly advisory.
Although he said he could not confirm the contents of Pantami’s security report, Amachree expressed doubt that the minister’s past public statements would have escaped the attention of intelligence officers. He suggested that political considerations—including federal character, regional balancing and internal party calculations—can sometimes outweigh security recommendations.
Reflecting on Pantami’s confirmation by the Senate, Amachree recalled that then Senate spokesman, Ajibola Basiru, said lawmakers received no adverse security report before approving the nomination.
The former DSS officer said the development pointed to what he described as the politicisation of intelligence. In his view, either any adverse findings were removed before reaching the Senate, or they were ignored because of political interests.
He argued that both possibilities reveal institutional weaknesses in Nigeria’s national security framework and undermine confidence in the country’s intelligence process.
Amachree also maintained that the controversy damaged public trust in Nigeria’s counterterrorism campaign, noting the contradiction of prosecuting insurgents while defending the appointment of a public official whose past remarks had attracted widespread scrutiny.
Describing the episode as a cautionary tale, he urged future administrations to ensure that security assessments are treated with the seriousness they deserve, especially when making appointments to positions that oversee critical national infrastructure.
Insecurity: Ex- DSS Chief Says Pantami Should Not Have Been Appointed Minister
2027 Polls: Catholic Church Urges Voters To Consider Competence , Integrity, Over Ethnicity, Religion
By Suleiman Anyalewechi
Amidst fresh concerns raised by the All Progressive Congress’ decision to retain its Presidential Muslim -Muslim ticket ahead of the 2027 polls, the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria has called on the electorate to prioritize competence , integrity and commitment to the common good over religious and ethnic considerations in their choice of leaders.
This is as the Justice, Development and Peace Commission, JDPC. of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, expressed serious concern over the increasing erosion and subversion of public confidence and trust in the country’s democratic institutions and processes.
At a media briefing on Friday, the Secretary -General of the Catholic Secretariat, Rev Fr. Michael Ayanleke Banjo, emphasized the need for Nigerians to shun ethnicity and religion in their choice of political office holders in the forthcoming general elections.
According to him, voters should consider the ability of individuals to serve and deliver, rather than paying attention to where they are from, and their religious persuasion.
Rev Fr Banjo noted that such mundane considerations in our choice of political leaders has been at the root of the inability of the country to make the needed progress these past years.
“We should avoid politics of ethnicity or religion, of looking at where a candidate comes from or what religion he practises.
“What if a candidate is a Christian, and he is unable to deliver, and then you want to vote for him just because he is a Christian?.
“I think what we want is someone who is able to serve the common good and move the country forward; someone who truly believes that leadership is service, not self-serving; someone who wants to serve and achieve the common good of all Nigerians.
” We want Nigerians to look out for those qualities, and vote for such candidates”, Banjo stated.
Similarly, in a statement issued at the end of its 2026 Annual General Meeting in Abuja on Friday ,the JDPC lamented the growing public distrust in democratic process, noting that such development has the dangerous potential to undermine and weaken democracy in the country.
However, in the statement jointly issued by Banjo and Rev Fr Peter Babangida Audu, the JDPC maintained that the greatest threat to the survival of the country’s democratic arrangement is the growing tendency for the people to believe that their votes no longer count.
According to the body, many Nigerians no longer have confidence in the ability of democratic institutions to guarantee justice and fairness, adding that this has posed more threat to democracy than election-day malpractices.
The JDPC, however, appealed to the people not to despair or withdraw completely from the democratic process, insisting that remaining apathetic will only compound the situation.
This is as it urged the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, and democratic institutions to remain transparent, and neutral in their activities, as well as adhere strictly to the extant rules and regulations governing their operations.
The JDPC also appealed to security agencies to remain neutral and professional in the discharge of their duties, especially, during elections .
Life Imprisonment For Suspects Linked To Oyo Abduction Not Severe Enough – Oyo Govt
By Ayodele Oni
The Oyo State Government has affirmed that it will not appeal against the judgement of a federal high court in Abuja, which sentenced three accused persons to life imprisonment after finding them guilty of withholding information about the alleged masterminds behind the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
It, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the life imprisonment sentence handed to the convicts over the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The government described the judgment as a “cold comfort,” arguing that the punishment did not fully reflect the severity of the crime.
It stated that it had expected the convicts to receive capital punishment due to the trauma caused to the victims, their families and residents of the state.
However, the state government confirmed that it would respect the decision of the court and would not appeal the judgment.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, disclosed this during a radio programme in Ibadan while reacting to the verdict delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The court had earlier sentenced the three individuals to life imprisonment after finding them guilty of withholding information about the alleged masterminds behind the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
Reacting to the ruling, Oyelade said the punishment was not sufficient considering the impact of the incident on the victims and the wider community.
He argued that individuals who conceal information that enables criminal activities should be held accountable alongside those who directly carry out such offences.
According to him, those who assist criminals by hiding vital information contribute to the success of such crimes and should not be treated differently from the perpetrators.
Despite the state government’s reservations, the commissioner said the administration would respect the rule of law and accept the court’s decision.
He also commended the Federal High Court for the swift conclusion of the case, describing the development as an indication that serious criminal matters can be handled efficiently within Nigeria’s justice system.
Oyelade further called for a review of the country’s anti-terrorism and criminal laws to ensure that kidnapping, terrorism and other security-related offences attract appropriate penalties.
He stressed that stronger legislation, faster prosecution and effective enforcement would help deter criminals and improve security across the country.
The commissioner also reaffirmed the Oyo State Government’s commitment to strengthening security measures around schools and protecting pupils and teachers from future attacks.
Release Details Of Kidnap Suspects, Ondo Community Urge Police
By Ayodele Oni
Residents of Ode-Irele, the headquarters of Irele Local government area of Ondo State have called on the state police command to release details of suspects arrested in connection with the kidnap of a woman in the area.
The Command has however explained that investigation into the incident is ongoing and that the matter involves thorough handling.
The people expressed concern over the concealment of the identity and prosecution of suspects arrested by the Ondo State police in connection with the abduction of Mrs Morenike Falona, the wife of a prominent chief and business man in the town.
Mrs Morenike Falona was roughly abducted in the presence of her husband, Chief Babatunde Falona and other family members in the night at their home on the 15th of June, 2026, by heavily armed gunmen.
The combined efforts of security agencies and the cooperation of the Ikale/Apoi/Ijaw Arogbo communities, facilitated the rescue of the abducted woman three days after.
Few days later, the community was reliably informed that four suspected kidnappers had been apprehended in connection with the crime and taken to the Police Headquarters in Akure for interrogation and further investigation.
However, since the arrest of the suspects, the police was yet to brief the press or disclose the identity of the suspected kidnappers or charge them to court, raising suspicion among the Ikale/Apoi/Arogbo communities that the police might be up to something else.
A community leader and retired Public servant, Sir Rufus Falona who spoke on behalf of the Folana family said Irele and the surrounding communities are becoming worried about the silence of the police over the matter.
According to him, the continued concealment of the identity of the alleged suspects and the silence of the police over the matter, coupled with the failure to charge the suspects to court, further aggravated the fear that they might eventually evade justice.
Sir Falona however appealed to the Commissioner of police, Ondo state to fast track the investigation, unmask the criminals and prosecute them according to the laws.
Reacting to the report, the Ondo State Police Command, while noting with concern the anxiety of the family and members of the community, explained that the command was trying to be thorough as criminal investigations, particularly those involving kidnapping, syndicates and other organized crimes, are often intelligence-driven and require a high level of confidentiality.
A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, Jimoh Abayomi, stated that premature disclosure of operational details, identities of suspects or other sensitive information may jeopardize ongoing investigations, compromise efforts to apprehend additional accomplices or prejudice subsequent prosecution.
He noted that following the rescue of the victim, Mrs Morenike Falona, several investigative steps were initiated, including the arrest and interrogation of suspects connected with the case, emphasising that the command has no interest in concealing the identity of criminal suspects or frustrating the course of justice.
ASP Abayomi therefore reiterated the unwavering commitment of the State Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, to transparency, professionalism and the rule of law, assuring the public that appropriate information would be made available to the public while suspects will be charged to court accordingly.
“The North In Hopeless Situation, I Will Be Lucky If I’m Not Arrested” – Abacha’s CSO, Al-Mustapha”
By Suleiman Anyalewechi.
Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, (rtd) former Chief Security Office CSO to the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, vowed to always speak truth to power, even at the risk of being hounded.
Mustapha, who spoke alongside former Vice Chancellor of the Ahmadu Bello University, Prof.Ango Abdullahi , former Peoples Democratic party PDP National Secretary, Dr Usman Bugaje and others at the the occasion of the third edition of late General Hassan Usman Katsina’s memorial lecture in Kaduna on Saturday, alerted that he may be arrested for speaking truth to both Northern leaders and Nigeria.
Echoing the positions of the keynote Speaker, Bugaje, and Prof Abdullahi, Abacha’s former CSO blamed what he referred to as the state of hopelessness in the North, on its leaders whom he accused of completely deviating from the values and governance framework left behind by their founding fathers.
According to him, although many modern leaders of the region may be feeling unease about his views, he will never stop reminding them that they have failed the people.
“But many people may not like what I am saying. From the situation of the North, and indeed Nigeria, from every child on the street to the elite, if they are truly there, know that Nigeria is in a sorry state.
“The state of the North itself is totally hopeless. Speaking the truth in the present circumstances is the job of patriots.
“People who praise-sing people in power are no more than deceits. In fact, they are a threat to the society”, Mustapha stated
While applauding and describing the theme of the lecture “From Sacrifice to Strategy: Rekindling.Gen. Hassan Usman Katsina’s Vision for a Prosperous Northern Nigeria” as apt, he expressed disappointment with the low turnout of leaders of the region.
Mustapha particularly condemned the failure of most Northern Governors to be part of the event, given its sensitive and important nature.
He stated that he was not all that surprised at the failure of the Governors to attend the lecture, and noted that most of them lack initiatives; are not ready to make sacrifices for their people and region; completely out of touch with the needs and aspirations of their people ,as well as without any understanding of the problems of their people and how to solve same.
“Our leaders don’t care about the future of the people and country. In fact, the system is too rotten.
“Those in leadership position in the region, and the country in general, don’t understand the problems of the people, and they also don’t have any solution to them.
“Nigerian leaders don’t understand what true leadership entails. They are completely detached from the people they claim to b leading.
“I don’t care if I should be arrested here after this speech. But the most important thing is that I will continue to speak truth to power no matter the threat.
“Our leaders have totally abandoned the ideals of our founding fathers, and it is the main reason we are in this sorry state. The Governors of the Northern region don’t have focus, and are not interested in the welfare of their people”, Mustapha noted.
Shoot on Sight Order: “IGP’s Message Misrepresented” – NPF
By Ayodele Oni
The Nigeria Police Force has clarified that the “shoot-on-sight” order given by the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, was merely to remind Police officers on the existence of the act.
The IGP was quoted to have issued the order during his recent visit to Makurdi, Benue State.
It described media reports to that effect as a misrepresentation of his remarks.
In a statement, the Force said the IGP’s comments at a stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi had been taken out of context.
According to the statement, Disu merely reminded police officers of the provisions of Force Order 237, which regulates the lawful use of firearms by officers in the discharge of their duties.
The police explained that the IGP said officers had been adequately briefed on the operational guidelines governing the deployment of firearms and understood when it is appropriate to use their weapons in line with the established Rules of Engagement.
The Force stressed that the Inspector-General did not direct officers to shoot anyone on sight as widely reported.
Rather, the IGP reaffirmed that illegal possession of firearms and acts of violence would not be tolerated by law enforcement agencies.
“The Inspector-General of Police did not issue any ‘shoot-on-sight’ order as widely misreported,” the statement stressed.
It added that the IGP only reiterated that officers are guided by Force Order 237 and are expected to act strictly within the law when confronted with security threats.
The Police urged the public and media organisations to rely on verified information and avoid circulating reports capable of creating unnecessary panic or misunderstanding.
To ensure transparency, the Force encouraged members of the public to watch the full video of the Inspector-General’s remarks to appreciate the context of his comments.
The clarification followed widespread media reports suggesting that the IGP had ordered police officers to shoot anyone found carrying illegal firearms during the stakeholders’ meeting in Benue State.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to professionalism, accountability and adherence to the rule of law in all its operations across the country.
How Suspected Coup Plotters Shared Offices – Report
By Suleiman Anyalewechi
As the trial of the alleged masterminds of a coup plot to oust President Bola Tinubu continues, an insight into its operational dynamics and power sharing arrangements have been provided by a document linked to the panel investigating the plot.
According to the document cited by Premium Times, while the plotters had planned to install their leader, Col Mohammed Ma’aji, as the Head of State, one of the key figures in the alleged would-have-been putsch, Lt Col Shamsddeen Bappah, opted to head the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC.
Similarly, the duo of Major Iliyasu Jamilu and Lt Sunday Felix requested to be appointed as an Aide-de-camp ADC to the in-coming Commander-in-Chief, and a Minister respectively.
As it is customary, the about 7,400 page investigative report by the panel revealed that the promoters of the coup plot had equally outlined several operational steps designed to wrest complete control of some strategic military formations and institutions, including the Aso Rock Villa.
The document revealed that members of the group were assigned specific duties, including the take over of some critical military formations and national assets such as airports, strategic military formations, and broadcast stations.
The panel quoted one of the suspects, Major Abdulkarim Ibrahim, as saying that the plotters had planned to execute the final take-over operation between the wee hours of 1 am and 2 am tentatively of September 27, or October 1 or October 4, 2025.
However, according to the findings of the Panel, the group could not settle for a final date, owing to the non-conclusion of the plot before being intercepted.
The Panel further disclosed that Major Ibrahim informed that the final execution date was made dependent on the availability of all necessary logistical support, including loyal troops , weapons ,and other critical resources.
The document claimed that Usman himself was assigned the important duty of leading the assault on the Presidential Villa after due surveillance and reconnaissance of the critical security architecture.
Although the measure was said to have been opposed owing to its potential to give away the plot and raise unnecessary suspicion, the coupist had planned to cut off power supply to the Presidential Villa minutes before launching the operation.
One Zekeri Umoru ,an employee of the Construction giant, Julius Berger, was said to have reasoned that the idea of throwing the nation’s seat of power into complete darkness will naturally trigger the alarm bell.
Apparently for critical logistical support and back-up, including reinforcement during the execution of the plot, Lt Col Bappah was assigned the task of manning the 102 Army battalion in Zuma in Niger state, but close to Abuja.
The document revealed that for effective take over, and control, other members of the group were detailed to man and secure Air House, Military formations and facilities in Lagos, as well as the residences of designated top military brass.
Furthermore ,the panel in its report stated that while the plotters had planned to mobilise troops and other logistical items including weapons and ammunition from several military formations, the leader of the group had hoped to immediately reshuffle the Armed Forces with the appointment of new Service Chiefs to replace the incumbents most of whom were said to had been earmarked for elimination.
According to the Panel’s report, to effectively secure their position ,and avoid a possible counter coup, the plotters were said to have made contingent moves to ban movements in and out of the country for the first few days of the operation.
Investigators also disclosed that the plotters, as is normal in top security plans and operations, made use of coded words in their communication.
To divert attention ,they were said to have referred to themselves as “farmers”, as well as the plot itself as “farming”
Similarly, while fertiliser was used in reference to logistical items including weapons and troops, “harvest” referred to the day of execution of the coup.
The document also contain outlined such other activities like statements obtained from the alleged coup plotters, their bank details, private notes, communication note, as well as other vital records linked to the scheme.
The Source reports that Col Ma’aji, Lt Col Bappah, Major Ibrahim ,and one Col M M Adamu (rtd) had earlier been identified as ringleaders.of the alleged plot .
Meanwhile,the accused persons, apart pleading their innocence, have insisted that whatever statements being brandished by the Panel were obtained from them under duress.
Consequently, they have objected to the court and Court Martial presently entertaining the cases, admitting the document in question in evidence.
Kaiama Residents Protest 171 Days In Captivity Of Woro, Kwara State Abductees; Urge Govt To Give Same Attention As Oyo Victims
By Suleiman Anyalewechi
Residents of Kaigama Local Council of Kwara State have expressed serious disappointment over the alleged neglect of over 176 people abducted by suspected terrorist elements in Woro community.
The people urged President BolaTinubu to fulfill his promise to establish an Army base in the Local Government Area for enhanced security.
The Source reports that some suspected terrorists had, in early February of 2026, invaded Woro community in Kaiama Local Council, killing some residents and whisking away about 176 others who unfortunately have since been held captive by their abductors.
Incensed by the prolonged stay of the victims in captivity, hundreds of residents of Kaiama, mainly the youth, at the weekend, engaged in a peaceful protest match to draw attention to the plight of the victims.
Carrying placards with various inscriptions, the protesters, who lamented that the victims have been in the kidnappers’ den for 171 days , called on the authorities , especially the Federal Government and Security Agencies, to apply the same seriousness and commitment that preceded the release of the Oriire ,Oyo School children ,to secure freedom for the Woro abduction victims.
The protesters who matched from the Emir of Kaiama’s Palace through the Divisional Police Headquarters to the Kaiama Local Council Secretariat said it is disturbing that the authorities seem to have abandoned the Woro victims to their fate.
The leader of the protesters ,Abdulhameed Abubakar, informed that the peaceful match is intended as a reminder to Security Agencies and Government at all levels of the plight of the victims.
He noted that the victims have spent so much time in captivity without any efforts at securing their release.
Abubakar also reminded President Tinubu of his pledge on February 5, 2026, a few days after the kidnap of the victims,to the effect that he would station an Army battalion in the Local Government.
He equally urged the authorities to take urgent steps to de-gazete the Kainji Lake National Park considered as a haven for terrorist elements.
“We are protesting because our people have remained in captivity for 171 days . We want the Government to act decisively and ensure their safe return.
“We, also, want a stronger security presence in Kaiama and the fulfilment of the President’s promise to deploy an Army battalion”, Abubakar demanded.
On his part ,the National President of Kaiama Development Association, KDA, Yakubu Salihu, said the continued stay of the victims in captivity has inflicted so much pain on the community, urging the authorities to prioritize efforts at securing their freedom.
He expressed concern that the people have not received the kind of response they had expected from the Government ,and security agencies concerning the plight of the victims.
“It has been 171 days, and we have not seen the kind of response we expected. We are appealing to the Government to rescue the victims without.further delay”, Salihu stated.
Abubakar demanded for the same level of attention given to the plights of the Papiri and Oyo abductees for the Woro victims.
“I Came Like John The Baptist” – Gov. Eno Defends Defection From PDP To APC
By Ayodele Oni
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has said that his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in 2025 paved the way for other Governors.
While defending his decision to leave the PDP for the APC, Eno likened himself to John the Biblical Baptist, whom he described as a forerunner who moved ahead of others.
Speaking during an interview on TVC on Friday, Eno said he defected before many of his colleagues, who have since followed the same path, insisting that his decision was deliberate and taken in the best interest of Akwa Ibom State.
“I came like John the Baptist,” the governor said, suggesting that he paved the way for others who later left the PDP for the APC.
Responding to criticism over his defection, Eno maintained that governance required pragmatism rather than sentiment, arguing that aligning with the ruling party at the federal level had brought greater opportunities for development.
“You can’t be hungry all the time. Why don’t you reject it? The man has done well. Funds are coming. Allocations are coming.
“And we’re able to have funds to get to work for our people. And so I had to. It was a decision well thought out,” he said, referring to President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The governor also disclosed that the presence of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, an indigene of Akwa Ibom State and a leading figure in the APC, influenced his decision.
According to Eno, remaining in a different political party from Akpabio could have created unnecessary political rivalry capable of affecting the state’s development, stressing that cooperation between the state and the Federal Government was in the interest of the people of Akwa Ibom.
Eno officially defected from the PDP to the APC in June 2025 after months of consultations with political stakeholders across the state, describing the move as one guided by conviction, constitutional rights, and the desire to attract greater benefits for Akwa Ibom people.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has said that his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in 2025 paved the way for other governors.
While defended his decision to leave the PDP for the APC, Eno likened himself to John the Baptist, whom he described as a forerunner who moved ahead of others.
Speaking during an interview on TVC on Friday, Eno said he defected before many of his colleagues, who have since followed the same path, insisting that his decision was deliberate and taken in the best interest of Akwa Ibom State.
“I came like John the Baptist,” the governor said, suggesting that he paved the way for others who later left the PDP for the APC.
Responding to criticism over his defection, Eno maintained that governance required pragmatism rather than sentiment, arguing that aligning with the ruling party at the federal level had brought greater opportunities for development.
“You can’t be hungry all the time. Why don’t you reject it? The man has done well. Funds are coming. Allocations are coming.
“And we’re able to have funds to get to work for our people. And so I had to. It was a decision well thought out,” he said, referring to President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The governor also disclosed that the presence of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, an indigene of Akwa Ibom State and a leading figure in the APC, influenced his decision.
According to Eno, remaining in a different political party from Akpabio could have created unnecessary political rivalry capable of affecting the state’s development, stressing that cooperation between the state and the Federal Government was in the interest of the people of Akwa Ibom.
Eno officially defected from the PDP to the APC in June 2025 after months of consultations with political stakeholders across the state, describing the move as one guided by conviction, constitutional rights, and the desire to attract greater benefits for Akwa Ibom people.
NBA President-Elect, Vows To Resign If Post Election Audit Pinpoint She Gained From Irregularities
By Ayodele Oni
Following allegations of rigging during the Nigeria Bar Association, (NBA), election, the president elect, Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN has promised to subject the poll to audit.
Badejo-Okusanya stated this during an interview on TVC News, while responding to allegations by some contestants and lawyers that the 2026 NBA presidential election was manipulated in her favour.
“I will subject this electoral process to a post-election audit and, in the very unlikely event, because I know there was no rigging, that it is discovered that I would not have won but for some manipulation, I will resign immediately.
“Not only will I resign immediately, but I will also join in ensuring the electoral reforms that I plan to embark upon as president.”
Despite defending the integrity of the election, the president-elect said she would subject the process to an audit to strengthen confidence in the association’s electoral system.
She said: “I had no desire to be a president whose electoral process is being questioned.
“I told my co-contestants publicly that if there was any indication or allegation that the process that brought me to office was flawed, I wouldn’t even discuss it with anyone before I resign. That remains my position.
The senior advocate acknowledged that the election witnessed technical difficulties following a cyberattack that disrupted the initial voting platform.
According to her, the ECNBA had initially conceded to demands by contestants to strengthen the voting system by incorporating telephone numbers for one-time passwords (OTPs) before the platform came under attack.
She spoke on efforts at reconciliation after the election ssying “I visited one of them in his office but was politely asked to leave, while another did not return her call.
“I have every intention of being gracious and magnanimous. I have no reason to gloat. God has been good to me. Many people didn’t give me a chance. I worked very, very hard and God crowned my efforts.
On claims that she enjoyed the backing of the outgoing NBA President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, she said he never informed her that she was his preferred candidate.
“As a matter of fact, he never told me that.
“If he said it to anyone else, he never said it to me. I don’t know whether the cordiality and civility that he showed to me, whether I don’t have any impression that he wasn’t showing it to anyone else,” she said.
Mrs Badejo-Okusanya, who made history as the first woman elected to lead the NBA through universal suffrage, vowed that her loyalty would be to NBA members, rather than the Federal Government, dismissing suggestions that her family ties to the Tinubu administration would influence her leadership.
“How can I be the candidate of the Tinubu administration when the Tinubu administration is not a member of the NBA?
“The constitution of the NBA is very clear. I read it very closely before I offered myself to serve. I’m well aware of the responsibilities of the president of the NBA, and I have the mandate of members of the NBA to lead them. My obligation is to them.”
Badejo-Okusanya said she wanted her tenure to be remembered for making the NBA more professionally relevant to its members and for defending the rule of law.
“For the members, I want them to remember my presidency as one that made the NBA more relevant to them professionally.
“For Nigerians, I want them to remember the NBA as one that took its responsibility to protect and promote the rule of law, to be the watchdog of society and to defend those who are less able to speak for themselves very, very seriously,” she said