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Cocaine Trafficker: “I Bribed Myself Through With N10k, Testifies In Abba Kyari’s Drug Trial

May 5, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

Not a few people were shocked at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday when a convicted drug trafficker, Emeka Ezenwanne disclosed that he smuggled cocaine into the country after N10,000 in bribes. He said with N10,000 he bypassed airport security.

Ezenwanne was made this revelation when he testfied in the ongoing corruption trial which has suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, at its center.

Ezenwanne is currently serving a two-year sentence at Suleja Correctional Centre, and appeared as the fifth prosecution witness in the trial of Kyari and four others.

Kyari was the head of the disbanded Intelligence Response Team (IRT). The four others undergoing trial with him were his subordinates.

They are facing an eight-count charge involving drug trafficking and the tampering of evidence in the case brought against them by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Ezenwanne, in a detailed testimony said he flew to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on January 15, 2022 on.an Ethiopian Airlines flight, and received ten sachets of cocaine from two couriers arriving from Brazil.

“They handed me the drugs at the airport lounge, and one even took my photograph after the exchange.”

According to him, he returned to Nigeria through Enugu International Airport on January 19, where he said he was intercepted in company of his associate, Chibunna Patrick Umeibe. Those who arrested them were plainclothes security operatives who were later identified as IRT officers.

He said: “As soon as I approached my companion outside the terminal, a Sienna vehicle pulled up and men jumped out. I was bundled into the car after shouting, ‘Jesus! Jesus! Is this how it ends?’’

On arrest, the drug trafficker said their bags were seized, searched at nondescript police station, photographed, and subsequently transported to the IRT office in Abuja. It was in Abuja that he said he noticed that the weight of the cocaine found on him has depreciated, meaning that it has been tampered with.

His words: “When we saw our bags again on January 25, the weight was clearly reduced. I used to have 10 sachets, but only eight were left. My associate noticed missing items too” , and more so, he testified, some of the confiscated drugs tested negative for cocaine after being handed over to NDLEA. Another evidence of tampering.

The convict said that on the two occasions he smuggled cocaine into Nigeria, nobody stopped him at the airport. Instead, he revealed that Immigration officials at Enugu simply asked for a bribe money. “They told me to pay for a smooth search. I handed over N10,000 and walked through”, he disclosed.

Howevee, cross-examined by Kyari’s defense counsel, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), Ezenwanne testified that he never met or spoke to Kyari himself during his arrest and detention. He said: “I did not see the first defendant at any point,” and noted that despite offering to surrender the drugs during the arrest, he was still detained.

Kyari and his officers, according to the NDLEA, tampered with over 21kg of cocaine seized from Ezenwanne and Umeibe. The Agency also disclosed that only a fraction—3.8kg—tested positive during official procedures.

Borno Govt Closes IDP Camps, As Resettlement Efforts Get Underway

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 5, 2025

Professor Babagana Zulum, Borno State governor

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Borno State Government has announced plans to shut down the Muna Internally Displaced Persons, IDP, camp in Maiduguri, the State Capital.

On an unscheduled visit early Monday morning, May 5, 2025, the State Governor Prof. Babagana Zulum, informed that plans have been concluded for over 10,000 inhabitants of the camp to return to their homes in the next few weeks.

The Source reports that the Muna camp was one of the several IDP camps established at the tick of the Boko Haram insurgency in the state between 2012 and 2014 to cater for several thousands of displaced persons from the areas taken over by terrorists.

However, following the return of a semblance of normalcy in the last few years, the Borno State authorities have set up resettlement centres across the affected areas with many IDPs returning to their original homes.

Notwithstanding ,the resurgence in terrorism activities of late, Governor Zulum said that all the IDP camps in, and around the State Capital will be closed in no distant time .

According to the Governor, the closure of the Muna camp, is in tandem with his administration’s resolve to close all IDP camps not just within Maiduguri, but adjourning towns.

He, however, stated that over 75% of the occupants have already been taken care of at some of the resettlement centres established across the State.

Consequently, he assured the remnants of the readiness of Government to facilitate their resettlement as well as assist them in improving their means of livelihood .

According to him, the closure of the IDP camps is a significant step towards transiting from the era of emergency humanitarian efforts to that of long-term recovery and resettlement.

Bandits Invade Bauchi State Communities, Kill 15, Injure Many

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 5, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Bauchi State Police Command, on Monday, May 5, 2025, said that special operatives drawn from the Tactical Team have been deployed to Mansur area in Alkaleri Local Council of the State to beef up security following a dawn attack by suspected banditry elements.

The Source reports that the surprise and coordinated attacks on Mansur, Digare Sabuwar Sara ,and Yalo, resulted in the death of about 15 persons, with many others said to be seriously injured.

Eye witness accounts, mostly from locals who survived the attack said the hoodlums ambushed the residents of the affected communities while they were asleep between late Saturday night and early Sunday morning, thus, residents had little or no opportunities to effectively defend themselves.

Locals who volunteered comments said most of the casualties were members of the local Vigilante groups who have been over seeing the protection of the communities.

There are widespread beliefs that the deadly attacks may have been masterminded by banditry elements from neighbouring States of Gombe, Taraba and Plateau states who are said to be often engaged in cross border activities within the North East and North Central regions.

The attackers who were said to be heavily armed opened fire indiscriminately on both members of the vigilante on patrol and civilians resulting in heavy casualty figures.

The Bauchi State Police Command in a statement on Monday, while condemning the incident also informed that efforts are underway to track down those behind the dastardly act.

The State Commissioner of Police, Sani Omolori Aliyu, described the attack as “utterly reprehensible and a significant threat to the peace and security of the State.

On a visit to the affected communities he reaffirmed the unflinching commitment of the Service towards exploring all options in apprehending the perpetrators.

According to the statement issued by the Command’s spokesman, Ahmed Wakili, the bandits struck while local hunters and members of the local vigilante group were out on the field on a route patrol of the forest corridors between Bauchi and Plateau states.

He noted that the resultant direct confrontation by both sides explain the high

casualty figures recorded.

“Upon receiving the report, a team of operational tactical operatives was dispatched to the scene where they recovered the bodies of the dead.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased include both quasi-security operatives and civilians from Sabuwar Sara village who were mercilessly shot by the bandits while attempting to flee from the attack” the police stated.

EFCC Finally Opens Up On Reason Behind Arrest Of VDM

Akinwale Kasali

May 5, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has finally broken silence on the reason behind the arrest of controversial Social Media Influencer and social media activist, Martins Vincent Otse, popular as VeryDarkMan (VDM), over multiple petitions.

It would be recalled that the EFCC arrested VeryDarkMan on Friday, May 2, 20,225, after visiting GTBank with his mother to complain about an alleged deduction from her account.

The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, in an interview with BBC News Pidgin on Monday, May 5, 2025, said the activist was taken into custody following complaints from several petitioners.

He said, “We arrested him to respond to a series of allegations raised against him by some petitioners.”

When asked if the case was connected to Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), Oyewale noted that the petitions were from different individuals and the agency owed them a duty of protection.

Oyewole noted that the social media activist will be released after meeting his bail conditions, adding he will be arraigned in court.

He stated, “We will release him when he meets the bail conditions and we will take the case to court as soon as possible; we are law-abiding.”

Meanwhile, Nigerian musicians, David Adeleke, known as Davido, and his colleague, Raoul John Njeng-Njeng, known as Skales, have joined calls for the release of VeryDarkMan.

Davido, on his social media handle, commended Nigerians for voicing their support for VDM.

He stated that the united voice in support of VDM showed a united youthful voice. He called for the rights activist’s release.

“Outside all the noise, it’s good to see that the good one does actually impact lives and people actually appreciate! The support I’m seeing for VDM everywhere is encouraging.. makes one want to do more for the masses. FREE MY GUY,” he wrote on his X handle.

On his part, “Shake Body“ crooner, Skales, urged the youths to wise up and stand for their rights. He urged Nigerian youths to boycott GTB.

Governor Lawal To Battle President Tinubu, Matawalle Over Call For State Of Emergency

Akinwale Kasali

May 5, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has declared his readiness to battle President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, over mounting calls for a declaration of a State of Emergency in the State.

This was disclosed by a Group, the Northern Patriots for Justice and Democracy, NPJD, who accused Zamfara State Governor of launching a political war against President Tinubu and Matawalle.

In a statement issued in Kaduna on Sunday and signed by its President, Alhaji Ibrahim Shehu Gwandu, the group said Governor Lawal has pulled out ₦10 billion from Local Government funds to bankroll a nationwide and international propaganda campaign aimed at deflecting pressure from the presidency and portraying Zamfara as politically stable.

“We have credible intelligence that Governor Dauda Lawal has withdrawn over ₦10 billion from Zamfara’s Local Government account to fund media propaganda, mobilise surrogate groups locally and internationally, and mislead the world into thinking Zamfara is not on the brink of collapse.

“This war chest is being used to shield his administration from scrutiny, distract the world from the state’s ongoing legislative coup, and dissuade President Tinubu from acting decisively.”

The group also alleged that part of the governor’s media strategy is to sponsor fictitious civil society groups to launch a coordinated smear campaign against Matawalle, including authoring phony petitions to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

“These groups have been paid to fabricate petitions against Matawalle and frame him as the enemy of progress in Zamfara.

“They are manipulating the narrative, trying to make it seem like the former governor is being hounded for corruption, when in reality, it is Matawalle’s close ties to President Tinubu and his firm stance on insecurity that have made him a target.”

Gwandu further accused the governor’s camp of “weaponising falsehood” against the federal government.

“There is now a calculated attempt to shift public anger toward the presidency by pushing the narrative that Tinubu is responsible for the hunger in the land. But the truth is, Dauda Lawal has squandered the resources of Zamfara State and has virtually nothing to show for his almost two years in office,” he said.

Zamfara has faced growing calls for a state of emergency in recent weeks. Armed attacks have intensified across several Local Government Areas, displacing thousands and deepening the state’s humanitarian crisis.

At the same time, the political structure has fractured, with 10 suspended Lawmakers forming a parallel assembly and claiming legislative authority—effectively splitting the house into two warring factions.

The NPJD warned that Governor Lawal’s actions amount to an open confrontation with the federal government.

“This Governor says Zamfara is not like Rivers. But what does that mean? The people of Zamfara are dying daily. Children, farmers, traders are caught between bandits and political egos. And instead of cooperating with federal authorities, he’s preparing for war against the same government elected to secure our lives,” Gwandu stated.

“It is irresponsible and dangerous for any sitting Governor to wage a political battle against the Commander-in-Chief while his state burns. The message from Gusau is clear: Dauda Lawal is more concerned with 2027 than with the lives being lost in Zurmi, Anka, Maru, and beyond.”

The group condemned the use of state funds to influence public perception, calling it a grave abuse of power.

“Let it be known that Zamfara State is not a monarchy. The constitution does not give any governor the right to withdraw billions of naira without transparency and accountability. That money belongs to the people. Yet we hear of payments made to PR consultants, political lobbyists, and social media influencers to defend the governor rather than defend the people,” the statement added.

Gwandu said NPJD has already submitted petitions to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over the alleged financial infractions.

He warned that civil society groups across the north would soon embark on mass action if the federal government fails to act.

“We will not watch in silence as Zamfara is turned into a personal kingdom. If nothing is done, we will mobilise peaceful protests across major cities in the north to draw attention to the abuse of office and worsening insecurity. Enough is enough.”

The group also urged President Tinubu to remain resolute in his mandate and not be swayed by “stage-managed” appearances of stability.

“President Tinubu has a duty, not just to the constitution but to every Nigerian, to act in the interest of national security. Zamfara cannot be allowed to descend further into anarchy because one man wishes to avoid federal oversight. The law must take its course.”

Gwandu further called on traditional rulers, community elders, and religious leaders in Zamfara to speak up, saying their voices are crucial in preserving the state’s democratic integrity.

“Zamfara is bleeding. The people deserve a leadership that puts their safety above politics. This is not a time for fence-sitting. If they remain silent, history will judge them as enablers of the current rot.”

As the Federal government considers its next steps, the unfolding drama in Zamfara is fast becoming a test case of constitutional authority, state accountability, and the limits of political grandstanding in the face of national security.

“Wike Believes That The President’s Breath Depends On Him” – Rivers Women

Adesina Soyooye

May 5, 2025

Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister — Nyesom Wike, FCT Minister

By Adesina Soyooye

“A tree does not make a tree, they tell Mr President”

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has been told that he does not have an exclusive right to President Bola Tinubu. The Minister was also reminded that he is not the only person in Rivers State who loves the President.

The reminder was extended to Wike by a group of Rivers State Women under the aegis of Rivers Professional Women League (RPWL).

RPWL was reacting to Wike’s apology to the First Lady over an incident in Port Harcourt on Friday when some women walked out the representative of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu at an empowerment programme for about 500 Women.

Mrs Tinubu was represented by the wife of the State’s Sole Administrator, Theresa Ibas.

Wike had blamed the incident on the Siminalayi Fubara, the suspended Governor of the State. Fubara has since strongly denied the allegation, and wondered why he would sabotage a programmer he not only supported morally but funded.

But in a statement signed by Nimi Fiberisima, Esq., RPWLPL President, Jennifer Boms Wolugbom, Secretary and Tambari Menete, Director of Publicity, the women explained that they were misinformed that the wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Fatima Abass, was going to address them.

They blamed Wike for turning what happened on Friday to a narrative to soothe his purpose”.

The women said the peaceful disposition of Rivers people should not be a tool to blackmail the people because it will be counter-productive.

The statement reads in part: “We are miffed by this constant unnecessary hitting-up of Rivers’ polity. It is trite to inform the public that Gov. Siminalayi Fubara is not by any means involved, or directed any of the Rivers Women to act on his behalf as to what transpired in Port Harcourt on Friday, May 2, 2025.

“The women are just organic supporters who do not want to be taken for a ride.

“Much as Governor Siminalayi Fubara is toeing the path of peace and embarking on reconciliation process, it does not translate to enslavement and/or insulting the sensibilities of Rivers people as being manipulated.

“It is apparent that Rivers women did not and cannot walk out on the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu or disrespect her husband, President Bola Tinubu. Such a narrative is the imaginative spinning of Chief Nyesom Wike to blackmail Rivers people, as always. What people failed to understand is that political position is transient and in no time this phase of history will pass and all the actors will also fizzle out, some on the good side and some others on the bad side.

“The truth remains that Rivers Women hold the Nigerian First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in high esteem and couldn’t have walked out on her. The disconnect is that women were misinformed that the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu would be represented by the wife of the Speaker of House of Representatives, Hajiya Fatima Abbas Tajudeen, on the strength of which they happily mobilised and excitedly prepared to receive her.

“Unfortunately, as they gathered in expectation, they were shocked to see Mrs. Theresa Ibas, which in itself was improper.

“It is, therefore, unfounded and preposterous for Chief Nyesom Wike to suddenly conclude, as always, to say the least, that Rivers Women embarrassed the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and by extension Mr. President.

“Undoubtedly, Rivers women respect and love Mr. President, his leadership and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and support her visionary empowerment programme, Renewed Hope Initiative, but the challenge is that often, Chief Nyesom Wike tends to be more Catholic than the Pope. He feels he is the only Nigerian that loves and supports the President most, and almost believes that the President’s breath depends on him. Let it be clear to all that ‘a tree does not make a forest’. Let’s heed the caution of the time, as time, indeed, will certainly tell.”

JAMB Investigates 2,157 Candidates For Exam Fraud, Release UTME Results

Ayodele Oni

May 5, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the results of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, (UTME).

This is just as the Examination body revealed that no fewer than 2,157 candidates of the 2025 UTME, are currently being investigated for suspected examination malpractices.

The Board disclosed this in Lagos on Monday, while announcing new details surrounding the conduct of the examination.

Details included the performance of underage candidates, incidents of examination malpractice, and pending investigations.

According to the Board, a total of 97,000 candidates were directly involved in examination infractions, while another 71,701 candidates were reported absent during the examination period.

It added that 40,247 underage candidates were allowed to participate in the examination as a special concession to demonstrate exceptional academic ability.

However, only 467 of them, representing 1.16 percent, met the minimum score threshold defined by JAMB as the benchmark for exceptional performance.

The Board said their progress would be further evaluated in three additional stages of assessment.

It noted that candidates who experienced biometric verification challenges were also being investigated, saying that those who are eventually cleared would be rescheduled to sit for the exam at specially designated centres.

JAMB added that results for others, including blind candidates and those classified under the JEOG category, are still undergoing processing and would be released once finalised.

The Board said it would hold a press conference later this week to formally announce individual results and outline the procedures for candidates to access their scores.

Protesters Storm GTB Head office, Demand VDM’s Release

James Orji

May 5, 2025

Amid controversy over the arrest of social media influencer, Martins Otse aka Verydarkman, VDM, protesters have stormed one of the branches of Guaranty Trust Bank, Abuja demanding his immediate release.

The influencer was arrested last week by the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, while he went to bank to lodge a complaint over alleged infraction in his mother’s bank account.

On Monday, dozens of protesters stormed the bank in the nation’s capital, demanding that the influencer be freed.

Chanting “FreeVDM” the placards carrying protesters said VDM is being harassed because of his “activism” and criticism of the authority, describing him as the “masses liberator”.

They said he had committed no “offence” to warrant his arrest by the EFCC.

The magazine reports that VDM was arrested by the anti-graft agency on allegation bordering on cyber stalking.

The arrest has sparked outrage online and raised questions about the bank’s alleged complicity in what critics describe as a targeted crackdown.

His arrest has generated serious backlash after prominent Nigerians, including the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi condemned the EFCC action, and also called for his release.

His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju claimed that VDM was ambushed by the bank for the EFCC to arrest him. The has denied the claim that the influencer was arrested at its premises.

This is not the first time VDM will have problems with the EFCC. His clashed with the agency started in May 2024, when he was arraigned at an Abuja High court for cyber stalking. The EFCC will later charged him to court in 2024 for alleged impersonation, after he put on the Nigerian Police uniform in one of his social media broadcast

Tribute: Celebrating A Development And Inclusivity Champion @54

James Orji

May 5, 2025

By Afam Victor Ogene

Reflecting on the leadership qualities of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, I’m reminded of Harry Truman’s timeless words: “In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better.” These words resonate deeply, capturing the essence of Deputy Speaker Kalu’s evidence-based development leadership and ingenuity.

Truman’s insight into the pivotal role of leadership in driving progress is, perhaps, more succinctly exemplified in the remarkable journey of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives. With courage and skill, he has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, inspiring a new generation of public servants and leaving an indelible mark on Nigeria’s legislative landscape.

Deputy Speaker Kalu’s vision and dedication to development have yielded tangible results, notably through his sponsorship of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) Bill. The establishment of this key regional development agency is a testament to his effective leadership, propelling the nation forward and cementing his legacy as a champion of progress and development.

His vision mirrors
the SEDC objective which is primarily to drive infrastructure development and economic growth, tackling the neglect of the region by successive governments. Key observers also posit that by leveraging private sector expertise, public institutions, and civil society networks, the Commission can create lasting solutions to the region’s challenges, which will, ultimately encourage national cohesion and inclusivity.

Recognizing the crucial role of peace in driving development, Deputy Speaker Kalu had initiated the Peace in the South East Project (PISE-P) ahead of the South East Development Commission’s establishment. PISE-P, a peace-building and development initiative, was designed to tackle the region’s complex socio-economic and security challenges, rising from agitations, economic decline, and security threats.

Much in the same way as the Deputy Speaker’s advocacy for greater female inclusion in leadership and decision-making has particularly endeared him to the female folk. As a powerful force for inclusivity, Rt. Hon. Kalu has taken a significant step by sponsoring a Seat Reservation Bill for women in the Legislature, further cementing his commitment to promoting increased women representation.

According to him, at the National Assembly, women make up only 3.6 per cent of the Senate and 4.7 per cent in the House of Representatives.

“Democracy thrives not merely through elections, but through inclusion. When half of our population remains underrepresented in halls of power, our democracy is not just weakened—it is incomplete.

“Today, 15 states in Nigeria have zero elected women in their Assemblies. At the national level, women make up a meagre 3.6 per cent of the Senate and 4.7 per cent of the House of Representatives. These figures are not just statistics; they are a stain on our collective conscience and a barrier to national progress.

“The Seat Reservation for Women Bill, which I proudly sponsor, seeks to alter this narrative. By reserving seats for women in the National and State Assemblies, we aim to dismantle systemic barriers and create a legislature that mirrors the diversity of our nation. This is not about charity—it is about justice, strategy, and national prosperity.”

These robust ideas reflect the refined intellect and impressive academic background of Deputy Speaker Kalu. With multiple degrees in law, business, and international relations, as well as an MBA from Oxford Brookes University and an LLM in terrorism and international humanitarian law from the University of Calabar, his expertise is evident. Little wonder he surrounds himself with highly educated and skilled aides, forming a formidable team.

His exceptional legislative and organizational skills earned him a notable appointment as Chairman of the Committee on Monetary and Financial Affairs of the Pan African Parliament (PAP), African Union (AU).

One defining trait of Deputy Speaker Kalu’s strength of character is his unwavering commitment to his ideals and convictions. He consistently demonstrates firmness and courage on matters of national importance, standing firmly on principle. This resolute leadership style sets him apart as a courageous leader dedicated to the nation’s well-being.

As a Presiding Officer, Rt.Hon. Kalu is colour-blind in the dispensation of patronage. In helping fellow honourable members attract diverse projects to their constituencies, the deputy speaker does not consider political parties, ethnic or religious divides.

As Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs in the immediate past 9th Assembly, Rt.Hon. Kalu never gets tired of regaling, especially New members, the place of effective representation in ensuring their return to the parliament.

Perhaps, much more than any previous holder of the current office he occupies, Rt. Hon. Kalu will be better remembered as one who used his position, and stature, in the service of his constituents in Bende Federal Constituency, his State, Abia, his colleagues of the 10th House of Representatives, and of course, the nation at large.

As he clocks 54, on Monday, May 5, 2025, I join the Hosts of Heaven, to wish him many more years, in the service of the Fatherland.

Ogene, a former Editor of The Source magazine, is Leader, Labour Party and Anambra State Caucuses, 10th House of Representatives, Abuja

Afenifere Condemns Negative Comments About Nigeria At International Engagements

Ayodele Oni

May 5, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Afenifere, a social political group has flayed negative comments about Nigeria at the various international fora.

The group maintained that de marketing the country outside the borders has continued to inspire negative impression on Nigeria.

This was contained in a statement on Monday by the organizing secretary of the group, Kole Omololu made available to journalists in Akure.

The statement added that “This growing proclivity for externalising domestic political grievances does little to advance our collective cause.

“Rather, it undermines national pride and compromises Nigeria’s standing within the international community. To besmirch one’s own country on foreign soil is neither sagacious nor patriotic.

“A recent example was the de-marketing of Nigeria and misrepresenting the country at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, on Thursday, April 24, 2025. It is, indeed, a grievous affront to the values that ought to underpin national aspiration.

“Afenifere registers its profound disquiet at the increasingly calculated manoeuvres by certain political elements intent on imperilling the cohesion of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and discrediting the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, both within and beyond our national borders.

“These orchestrated campaigns, often cloaked in the rhetoric of democratic dissent, are rapidly transgressing the fine line between legitimate political opposition and a pernicious assault on the nation’s global reputation.

“It is deeply lamentable that some have chosen international platforms to propagate narratives that cast Nigeria in an unflattering light, ostensibly under the guise of advocacy or reform.

“As a non-partisan yet nationally conscious organisation, Afenifere remains an unwavering custodian of the Nigerian Project.

“We affirm our steadfast belief in the unity, progress, and sovereign dignity of the Republic. Thus, it is wholly unacceptable when personal ambition and self-interest eclipse the sanctity of our shared identity and national image.

“In a period marked by multifaceted challenges and strains on national cohesion, the burden of leadership must necessarily encompass the preservation of our homeland’s integrity.”

Afenifere charged leaders at the various levels of government to rise up the the challenge and save the country from by speaking with United voice.

“To remain tacit in the face of concerted calumny is tantamount to complicity. On this note, for His Excellency Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who spoke up in defence of the President and the nation, we say well done.

“Accordingly, we urge Nigeria’s political stewards, particularly at the sub-national level, to repudiate this creeping culture of acquiescent silence.

“We specifically call upon members of the Progressive Governors Forum and the South-West Governors Forum to rise to the occasion and speak with a unified and resolute voice. A principled and vigorous defence of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and international esteem is both apposite and imperative.

“Let no holder of public office allow transient political calculations to eclipse the primacy of national interest. The stakes are too significant, and posterity will not be kind to those who falter when the dignity of our Republic stood in jeopardy.”

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