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“Close June 12’s Chapter, Pay Abiola Family N45b” – Sule Lamido to Tinubu

May 14, 2025

Sule Lamido and Bola Tinubu and MKO Abiola

By Gideon Njoku

“Abiola has been double-punished. He was not given the Presidency, and he is owed N45 billion in debts”

A former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, has warned the Federal Government of the injustice in its continued punishment of the late Chief Moshood Abiola.

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, May 13, 2024, at the launch of his book, Being True To Myself, Lamido described a situation where Abiola was still being owed the sum of N45 billion by the Federal Government of Nigeria as double punishment.

Chief Abiola won Nigeria’s Presidential Election which was held on June 12, 1993. But he was denied the joy of occupying the seat by the Military Regime of General Ibrahim Babangida which canceled the exercise and its outcome. Abiola was to tragically die in detention where he was clamped and being prosecuted by the late General Sani Abacha Regime for fighting for his mandate, just when he was expected to be set free by the General Abubakar Abdulsalami Regime which succeeded Abacha’s after the maximum leader’s sudden death.

However, even though it had since been taken for granted that Abiola won the election, it was not until recently during the launch of his autobiography that Babangida publicly admitted that the late Abiola won the Presidential election free and fair and square.

It is based on that admission that Lamido, who revealed that Babangida told him about the N45 billion owed to Abiola by the Federal Government is pleading that the debt be paid to the Abiola family so as to close the June 12 chapter.

Lamido: “I would like to appeal to President Tinubu to close the chapter of June 12. In his book, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida revealed that Abiola won the election.

“When I went to him (IBB), he said Abiola is being owed N45 billion. Abiola is double-punished. One, he was not given the Presidency, and two, he is being owed.”

Specifically addressing the Minister for Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who represented President Tinubu at the event, Lamido said: “Please, tell him (President Tinubu) to pay Abiola’s family the N45 billion. When this money is paid, the chapter of June 12 will be closed. It is very important.”

Babangida, even though he was the Head of the Regime, blamed Abacha, who was his subordinate, for the cancelation of that Presidential election which repercussions still haunt Nigeria till date. He was dismissed as a coward by the Abacha family and a number of other people for heaping the blame on the late Head of State.

Disbelief As Female Broadcaster Slumps, Dies In Office

Adesina Soyooye

May 13, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

Mrs Bukola Agbakaizu, a broadcaster with Ogun State Television went to work as usual. She was on afternoon duty.

But that was to be her last day in office and the last day she would go home from office to her beloved family alive.

For, instead of going back home, she was put in a body bag to the morgue.

The accomplished broadcaster, according to reports, slumped as she was about to take over for her shift. All efforts to revive her failed. Rushed to the Federal Medical Center, Abeokuta, she was confirmed dead by doctors on duty.

Her sudden passing on Monday, May 12, 2025, has sent Shockwaves through her family, her colleagues in the office, and the entire members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State Council which Ex-Officio member she was.

Agbakaizu was a staff of the Ogun State Television (OGTV), in which studio she slumped and died.

Prior to her sudden death, colleagues said they knew she was on medication for high blood pressure but never showed any sign of any other ill-health. “She took her medicines religiously. In the Nigeria of today, who is free from high blood pressure?”, offered a source close to her.

Until her passing, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Ogun State Chapter said, Mrs Agbakaizu was a “consummate and dedicated staff” of the state-owned television station.”

In a condolence statement issued in Abeokuta by NAWOJ’s state Chairperson, Sekinat Salam, Agbakaizu’s death was described as “a painful and a bitter pill to swallow”.

It read in part:

“Ogun NAWOJ received the news of Mrs Bukola Agbakaizu’s death with a rude shock. Her death came when her experience and exemplary leadership would be needed by the association.

“As a dedicated member of NUJ, Ogun State Council and NAWOJ, Ogun State chapter, the mother of two will be sorely missed by all. Her compassion towards others, dedication, love and passion for the pen profession will always be remembered and cherished by all.

“We pray that her soul finds peace in the Lord, while the family he left behind will continue to be under protection of the God Almighty. Rest on, the amazon of our profession,” the statement stated.

She passed at the age of 52 years.

Lagos IGR Hits N1.3trn, Generates N14bn From Land Use Charge

Akinwale Kasali

May 13, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

The Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, of Lagos State rose to N1.4 Trillion in 2024.

This is as the Lagos State Government announced a substantial rise in its IGR, hitting approximately N1.3 trillion in 2024—a 45% increase compared to the N895 billion collected in 2023.

Abayomi Oluyomi, the State Commissioner for Finance, made this disclosure during a Ministerial Press Briefing held as part of activities marking the Second Anniversary of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s Second Term.

Oluyomi also highlighted that over N14 billion was generated from the Land Use Charge, LUC, marking a 37% year-on-year Growth in Property Tax Revenue.

Oluyomi credited the improvement in the IGR boost of the State to a comprehensive property enumeration campaign, which has captured more than 800,000 properties in the state’s tax system.

“Under my leadership, the Ministry of Finance has undergone significant transformation, introduced new innovations, and reviewed key processes, despite the economic challenges faced over the past two years.

“These efforts reflect our commitment to generate additional revenues and to prudently manage the financial resources and contribute to the achievements recorded across the administration’s development initiatives.

“We sincerely appreciate all constructive feedback and valuable suggestions,” he said.

Oluyomi further noted that the Ministry of Finance is tasked with crafting financial strategies, managing revenues and expenditures from both state and federal sources, and driving policies that promote sustainable economic development in Lagos.

Terrorism Upsurge: Gov. Zulum Tells Borno Residents To “Remain Resilient, We Shall Overcome”

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 13, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum has strongly condemned the recent spates of terrorist attacks rocking some parts of the State.

The Source reports that terrorist elements in the last few weeks launched coordinated attacks on the Maiduguri/Damboa Road, Marte, Chibok, Gwoza, Kala Balge, as well as other communities, living behind significant figures of both military and civilian casualties.

Most of the attacks have been targeted at military facilities and new civilian settlements, raising serious apprehension of the State relapsing to its past volatile state of insecurity.

Only a couple of days ago, an improvised Explosive Device IED attack on Maiduguri/Damboa Road resulted in the death of several innocent road users.

In a statement from Dauda Iliya, his media aide, Governor Zulum,also, extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of all the victims of the senseless attacks.

The Governor however, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment towards confronting the renewed insurgency headlong.

“These acts of terror are deeply condemnable.The recent tragic loss of our education workers, gallant troops ,and innocent civilians is a painful reminder of the challenges we continue to face.

“I am more determined than ever to support the military, security agencies, and our volunteer forces in the fight to end terrorism and insurgency in our state.

“The recent surge in attacks will not deter our resolve to tackle the scourge of the 16-year long insurgency .

“I urge the people of Borno to remain resilient and prayerful. This is a partial eclipse, and we shall overcome it Insha Allah ” Governor Zulum assured.

He emphasized that his recent visits to Izge, Gwoza, and other hotspots for engagement with both troops and residents is an eloquent testimony of his administration’s resolve not to be cowed by the activities of terrorist elements.

“It Is Not About You, It Is About Protecting Democracy” – CUPP Cautions Fubara

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 13, 2025

Siminalayi Fubara - Governor of River State — Governor Similanayi Fubara

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The suspended Governor of Rivers State ,Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has been upbraided for his seemingly defeatist disposition towards the collective struggle to restore democratic order in Rivers State.

The Source reports that President Bola Tinubu, had on March 18, 2025, suspended the Governor, his Deputy and Members of the State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.

The President subsequently appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok- Ete Ibas as the State Sole Administrator.

But the action has continued to draw flaks from across the country with not a few stridently calling for an immediate return to constitutional democracy.

However, while at a Church Service on Sunday, May 11, in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Capital, Governor Fubara noted that his spirit has since left the Government House.

He stated that he was not all that excited or anxious to be reinstated as the Governor pointing out that some “fights are really not worth fighting for.”

But reacting to the development, the Coalition of United Political Parties CUPP, in a statement issued on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, by Chief Peter Ameh, warned that the suspended Governor has no powers to abandon the fight against the imposition of State of Emergency in Rivers state.

According to the Coalition, Governor Fubara’s comments and position are without the inputs of the people who are the real owners of the mandate.

The CUPP condemned the Governor for making such a weighty remark without wide consultations, insisting that it smacks of a gross act of betrayal of the people.

“The Coalition of United Political Parties, strongly, denounces the recent statement by suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara who declared on May 11, 2025, that “his spirit has already left the Government House” and expressed reluctance to return even if reinstated.

“This remark made amid the unconstitutional state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu on March 18, 2025, which suspended Fubara, his Deputy, and the Rivers state House of Assembly, undermines the collective struggle to defend Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.

“CUPP asserts that Fubara’s acquiescence is a betrayal of the millions who resisted Tinubu’s authoritarian overreach ,as it was never about Fubara’s personal sentiments,but about upholding constitutional democracy.

“The state of emergency which appointed Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (rtd) as Sole Administrator was widely condemned as unconstitutional, by the Nigerian Bar Association NBA ,the Peoples Democratic Party PDP and Civil Society groups.

“The Constitution does not permit the suspension of elected officials without due process such as impeachment, under Section 188.”

Seven PDP Governors the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project SERAP,and the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties CNPP have challenged Tinubu’s action at the Supreme Court ,labelling it a ”blatant violation ,and an attempt at State Capture.

“Nigerians, including CUPP” are supporting this resistance to protect the democratic rights of Rivers electorate ,not to defend Fubara personally.

“His claim that his spirit has left the Government House trivializes this fight ,breaking the hearts of those who protested and litigated to uphold the rule of law”, part of the statement reads.

The Coalition strongly condemned Governor Fubara’s disposition and statement as being indicative of his lack of resolve to courageously confront the tyranny of the All Progressive Congress APC-led Federal Government of Nigeria.

“While acknowledging the fact that the February 28, 2025 Supreme Court ruling on the Rivers state crisis highlighted some governance breaches by Fubara, the CUPP however noted that President Tinubu’s response was completely disproportionate, and illegal as have been pointed out by legal experts.

“The fight is about restoring constitutional order ,not not absolving Fubara’s errors .By framing his suspension as personal liberation ,Fubara misrepresents the struggle ,risking further destabilization of Rivers state ,and emboldening the APC’s alleged state capture agenda”, the CUPP further stated.

Consequently ,the Coalition called on Governor Fubara to immediately withdraw his statement,and reaffirm his commitment to the struggle to institutionalize democracy in the country.

” Your reluctance to return ,even if reinstated, disrespects the sacrifices of Nigerians who are challenging Tinubu’s actions from the streets to the courts”, the CUPP noted.

Three Kebbi Senators Defect To APC

Ayodele Oni

May 13, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The defection of three Senators of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has altered the political setting of the red chamber.

The three PDP Senators who announced their defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress. are Adamu Aliero; Yahaya Abdullahi; and Garba Maidoki. They are from Kebbi State.

They all alluded to the internal leadership crisis in the PDP as the primary reason for dumping the leading opposition party.

Their defection letters have just been read to senators by the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin.

They also expressed a desire to join President Bola Tinubu and support his bid to transform the country through his Renewed Hope Agenda.

The National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, many APC supporters and associates were at the Senate to witness the defection.

The defection has increased the number of APC senators to 68, while the PDP drops to 30. The Labour Party has five, SDP has two, NNPP, and APGA, one each.

“I Lack Words To Describe Asoluka’s Death”- Ohakim

The Source

May 13, 2025

A former Governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim, has expressed his devastation over the passing of Chief Chris Asoluka, PhD.

Ohakim, a close friend and associate of Asouka, described his passing as “an indescribable shock”, and highlighted Asoluka’s calm dignity and invaluable support during his tenure as Governor of Imo State.

Ohakim’s full statement reads : “I lack words to describe my state of mind since I learnt of the death of my bosom friend and ally, Dr. Chris Asoluka, a couple of days ago.

“The usual language is ‘shock,’ but for me, that is an understatement.

“Just sometime last week, I called the editors of my forthcoming memoir to say that in spite of the apparent space constraint, I had something very important to add to the book in order to properly put on record the immense contributions of Dr. Asoluka to the modest success we posted during my tenure as Governor of Imo State.

“Two days later, the news of his death came to me!

Chris was not a member of my cabinet, but he stood by me in all the challenges I faced.

“As a management expert, I found his advice on vital administrative issues quite invaluable. Of course, I was not alone.

“Dr. Chris Asoluka was highly sought after by everybody and every institution that placed premium on organizational excellence.

“Chris was simply everywhere.

Even though I knew of his ill health, from which he was almost fully recovered, Chris’s death should be a very, very big lesson to those of us still alive. In the touchy message released by his family to announce his passage.

“it said Chris transited from the world ‘with the calm dignity that defined his life.’ That testimony, ‘a man with calm dignity,’ should resonate in the minds of those of us that are still alive today, especially those unrepentant destroyers: to strive to live a life of dignity and calmness no matter how terrifying the challenges might be.

“My condolence goes not just to the family but to all Nigerians. To our good people of Imo State, I say once again, ‘take heart.’

“Coming just a couple of weeks after the demise of the late Paschal Dozie, another world-acclaimed economist, Dr. Asoluka’s death is quite painful.

But we cannot query God. As the late sage, Obafemi Awolowo, said, ‘It is not life that matters but the courage with which it is lived.’

“Chris was full of courage, but we should even show more courage in mourning him and bearing this irreparable loss.

“Good Night, Okwuruoha.

“Sgd:

H.E. Dr. Ikedi Ohakim”

Asoluka, a former Member of the House of Representatives was, also, a former Commissioner for Finance, Imo State. He passed on Friday, May 11, 2025, at the age of 70.

Rivers Women Protest As Pirates Abduct Eight Students On Way To Write WASCE

Ayodele Oni

May 13, 2025

Rivers Women Protest Priracy attack on Students

By Ayodele Oni

Some women in Rivers State have taken to the streets, demanding the release of their children and siblings abducted by suspected pirates.

Those abducted have spent eight days in captivity prompting the women of the Bille Community in the Degema Local Government Area to stage a protest at the Government House, Port Harcourt, demanding the release of the eight students.

The students were abducted by suspected pirates while in a boat, travelling from Port Harcourt to Bille to sit for the ongoing WAEC exams.

Suspected pirates had hijacked three boats with various goods and property worth millions of Naira and kidnapped 13 passengers in the Port Harcourt-Bille waterways on May 6, 2025.

Following the incident, the Chairman, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Port Harcourt Commercial District, Israel Pepple, has said they will suspend transport operations to compel the government to take the necessary action to protect the waterways from what he termed ‘incessant’ pirate attacks.

The women under the aegis of Concerned People of Bille Kingdom, clad in black attires, displayed several placards and chanted songs to drive home their demands.

Some of the inscriptions on the placards read, ‘Government save us from sea pirates’, ‘Our children going to write WAEC are with the pirates in the bush; some have been raped’, and ‘Bille people are suffering in the hands of pirates’, among others.

The women had first marched to the State Police headquarters along Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, and later moved to the Government House along Azikiwe Road, where they terminated the protest.

Some of the women who spoke to newsmen alleged that the heavily armed pirates also raped their daughters and disposed of their belongings.

They stated that the eight students are still in the hands of their captors over a week after they were abducted along with five other passengers in a boat.

While in front of Government House, one of the protesters, an elderly woman, flung herself to the ground shouting, “Government please help me my son is inside the River (creek). Sea pirates took him inside the bush. Government please help me bring my son, don’t leave like this.

Speaking to newsmen, a lady who gave her name as Blessing Alale narrated that “Some time ago my mum was a victim. On that day, eight of them were abducted, and a ransom of N30 million was paid. After the N30 million they requested, we bought dream fuel (petrol), power banks, bread and water before they will release them.

“We paid all that before they were out. That was then. Now this one on the 6th of this month our children were going to write WAEC in Bille, sea pirates abducted them.

“The other time they will say they are adults, but these are children going to write WAEC. Their siblings are writing the exam. So it means that these children have missed out on all the papers that have been written.

“That is why the women, the mothers are here, I’m also a mother and have come out to say enough is enough. These mothers of the abducted one and the entire mothers of Bill are here seeking for help so that these children will be released to join the others.

In her address presented to a government House official, one of the leaders of the protest, Janet Adebayo, said, “On 6th May 2025 along the Port Harcourt –Bille Waterways a speedboat carrying 13 passengers was intercepted by heavily armed pirates who diverted them into the creeks.

“Since then, all abducted persons remain missing, leaving their families in a state of deep distress and uncertainty.

“This tragic incident marks yet another escalation in the persistent security threats along our waterways and endangers the lives of commuters and the socio-economic stability of riverine communities, especially Bille Kingdom in particular.

“In the light of this, this is an urgent appeal for intervention in the activities of sea pirates and formal submission to the Rivers State Government.

“We humbly appeal to the Nigerian Police, the Army and the Navy for urgent intervention by deploying patrol units to intensify surveillance and rescue operations.

“Additionally, we request your support in working with relevant security agencies to ensure the safe release of the kidnapped victims and prevent further attacks.

Addressing the women, the Camp Commandant, Rivers State Government House, O.I. Gabriel, thanked them for their peaceful disposition and assured them that actions would be taken immediately.

Gabriel stated, “The Sole Administrator gave instructions to the Chief of Staff, and the Chief of Staff now instructed me, as the Camp Commandant, to come and address you.

“And that I should collect the letter from you for immediate action to be taken in respect of the letter.”

When contacted, the spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, said the investigation is still ongoing to ensure those abducted are released unhurt.

She stated, “We have intensified efforts to also ensure that the perpetrators are fished out and made to face justice.”

APC LG Primary: Aregbesola Political Structure Crippled In Alimosho

Akinwale Kasali

May 13, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Time was when Rauf Aregbesola was a political godfather and dictator in Alimosho area, Lagos State.

He stood like a colossus, and dictated who got the ticket to run as a Lawmaker in the National Assembly, State House of Assembly, Chairman and Councillor under the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Sadly, Aregbesola’s structure in the Party has collapsed since his defection from the APC.

Though no one ever envisioned it, not even the co-founders, that the once rosy relationship between President Bola Tinubu and Aregbesola would degenerate into him leaving the Party, 12 years it birthed APC, but it happened. He left.

His defection resulted in his disciples leaving the Party in droves, particularly in his stronghold, Alimosho City.

His allies who once occupied all political offices including Council Chairmanship seat in Alimosho under Aregbesola’s umbrella, do not have any candidate for the July 12, 2025 council election after his Aspirants for the Chairmanship Seat across the six Local Government and Local Council Development Area, LCDAs, lost during the Local Government primaries conducted by the Party in the State.

This development during the primaries held across the Six Councils, Alimosho Local Government, Egbe-Idimu, Ayobo-Ipaja, Mosan Okunola, Igando-Ikotun, and Agbado Oke-Odo LCDAs, have crushed the age-long political structure created and controlled by Aregbesola through his representative, Abdullahi Enilolobo, who held the structure together after their leader assumed office as the Osun state governor and later as minister under the Buhari led administration.

It would be recalled that Aregbesola’s structure which was once used as the negotiating power for the group during the 2023 election has been pulled down during the 2025 Local Government Chairmanship Primaries by the party members who were said to be loyal to two other groups controlled by the Special Adviser to the President on Sustainable Development Goal,SDG, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, and the other, Bisi Yusuf, a former Lawmaker.

It was gathered that Aregbesola’s Political dynasty had approached the Council Chairmanship Primary held inside the Party’s secretariat at Acme, Ikeja with the aim to retain tickets of the six Councils as it was during the former minister’s reign but the results announced after the exercise sent a shocking wave across Alimosho.

It would be recalled that at the Primary, the results announced by the electoral Committee led by APC former publicity Secretary, Babatunde Ogala, the aspirant sponsored by Yusuf, one of the allies of Aregbesola lost the the Chairmanship ticket for Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA to Abiodun Agbaje, who won the primary with 23 Votes.

Also in Egbe-Idimu LCDA, Balogun Idris, the Aspirant from the Orelope-Adefulire camp won with 17 votes, while Kazeem Adeniran and Egunjobi Rasak polled eight votes and one vote respectively.

Orelope-Adefulire choices won the the Chairmanship Primaries for Mosun-Okunola, Alimosho, and Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA.

While Igando-Ikotun LCDA Chairman, Lasisi Akinsanya, who was once loyal to the Aregbesola group, got his second term ticket through his personal relationship and efforts and not courtesy of Aregbesola group.

Sources in APC disclosed that a lot of Aspirants in the Six Councils in Alimosho lost the Primaries because of their ties with Aregbesola.

An APC Chieftain who claimed anonymity revealed that some members of the group in Egbe-Idimu LCDA have started reaching out to the other groups, in other to remain relevant within the party.

He said: “I received a call recently, the caller is the aide to Egbe-Idimu LCDA Chairman, Kunle Sanya-Olu Olowoopejo, who has left the council boss to pitch his tent with the Orelope-Adefulire group.

“I know this will happen because the council Chairman, who is a senior member of the Aregbesola’s group, has serve his term and efforts to secure the party ticket for their member has proven abortive.

“This primary was the only thing still giving the group any relevance within the party and since they could not achieve their aim during the LG primaries, it is obvious that they have lost out completely and the structure does not exist in Alimosho again.

“This is why the victory for many who had endured the torture from the Aregbesola’s group are rejoicing today that the group’s structure has been pulled down completely within Alimosho”, he added.

Following this development, Aregbesola ‘s has finally lost his stronghold, as he has remained irrelevant since leaving the APC.

His followers who are still in the Party are been witch hunted for still aligning with him.

Immorality: Kano Varsity Orders Female Students Out Of Hostel

Ayodele Oni

May 13, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Following allegations of immorality and other social vices, the management of Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria, (MAAUN) has ordered the immediate closure of one one female hostel.

The hostel, Al-Ansar Indabo female students’ hostels located at Hotoro and UDB Road in the Kano metropolis, has failed safety and disciplinary tests.

In a statement the University’s Vice President, Campus Life, Dr. Hamza Garba also announced the withdrawal of its approval for the use of the hostel following reported violations of its code of conduct.

According to the statement, the decision was taken as part of MAAUN’s efforts to ensure the provision of safe, secure, and morally upright accommodation for its students.

The statement reads : “I am directed by the management to write, inform, and bring to the attention of our esteemed parents and students that the university has withdrawn its approval for Al-Ansar Indabo female students hostels located at UDB Road and Hotoro.”

It noted that the hostels failed to comply with university regulations guiding the operation of private students accommodation.

It added that the non-compliance had led to various infractions, including reported cases of immoral behaviour, poor water and electricity supply, students violence, unauthorised movement at night, and the sharing of facilities with unknown tenants.

“These issues pose a serious threat to the well-being of our students.”

“The university, therefore, directed all affected students to vacate the hostels immediately after the conclusion of the current semester examinations and warned them against further association with the facilities for their own safety and security.

“Management is working closely with relevant security agencies to ensure total compliance with the directive.

“Students and parents are advised to contact the Office of the Vice President, Campus Life.”

The university further stated that it would not take responsibility for any consequences arising from non-compliance with the directive.

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