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Youths Paid 20k To Attack Opposition Leaders – Obi

April 25, 2025

Peter Obi, the 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, says some youths are being paid by those in power to attack activists and critics of the government in power.

Obi spoke during an engagement at Johns Hopkins University in Washington, D.C., United States, US.

The LP chieftain said the act portends grave dangers for the future of the country and its growing democracy, noting that those doing it has betrayed the country.

He urged the youths to resist being used by leaders who have no interest in their future, adding that instead of allowing themselves to be used, they should demand accountability from their leaders. He bemoaned what he described as “transnational” politics

He said, “In the transactional politics of Nigeria, some people pay them to cause confusion.

“Go to social media—those that are being paid ₦20,000, ₦40,000 monthly to abuse you are the same youths you’re fighting for, because I am over 60 and I have few years to go.”

Recall that during the 2023 Presidential election, some thugs led by Musiliu Akinsanya, aka MC Oluomo blocked many voters in Lagos, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s home state from voting, after they threatened them not to show up on the day of the elections.

Also, the Oba Of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu had during the election threatened to dump in the “Lagoon” some persons from a section of the country, for voting against the President.

MC Oluomo and Oba Akiolu, the traditional ruler of Lagos, where Tinubu once served as Governor, and its current Political Leader are close ally of the president.

MC Oluomo, a widely known thug and enforcer was recently made the President of the National Union of Road Transport workers, NURTW, a motor drivers’ Union used by those in power to harass the opposition.

Sole Administrator Ibas Confesses: “Rivers Very Difficult To Rule”

Ayodele Oni

April 25, 2025

Vice Admiral Ibok- Ete Ibas - Rivers Sole Administrator

By Ayodele Oni

The Rivers State Sole Administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, has finally appeared before the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee overseeing affairs of the State.

He sought the Committee’s understanding for additional time to adequately prepare a detailed briefing on the ongoing situation in the State, citing the fragile security and political environment under the current state of emergency.

Addressing the Committee at the National Assembly on Friday, Ibas began by acknowledging the Leadership of the Committee and the importance of its role in upholding democratic integrity.

“Mr. Chairman, please permit me to begin by respectfully acknowledging your leadership and the critical role of this committee in safeguarding the democratic and constitutional integrity of our great nation.

“I deeply regret my inability to attend earlier engagements with this esteemed committee… Today is exactly 10 days after the first invitation, and in between we’ve had four days that were off calendar as public holidays plus the weekends inclusive.

While Rivers State is “relatively calm,” Ibas cautioned that the situation remains “fragile” and requires delicate handling.

He requested the Committee’s understanding and indulgence to allow more time for a comprehensive report.

“It is important that any engagement with this committee is done with the depth, accuracy and clarity it rightfully deserves.

He admitted the difficulty of managing the state’s affairs under emergency rule and reiterated his respect for the National Assembly’s oversight responsibilities.

Nigeria’s Police Sgt Tanko Is Best Graduating Student In Chinese University

The Source

April 25, 2025

Theophilus Tanko - Best Police Graduating Student

The Inspector General of Police, Dr. Olukayode Egbetokun, has celebrated Police Sergeant Peter Theophilus Tanko, for making the Nigeria Police Force and Nigeria proud in China.

Sgt. Tanko, who was under a Government-sponsored Scolarship in China, graduated in Law, after the five-year course, as the best student in his class and the University. It was, therefore, his lot to deliver the Valedictory Speech.

On April 22, 2025, at Force Headquarters, Abuja, the IGP received and celebrated Tanko.

“A release by Force Spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the IGP charged Police personnel on Capacity Building.

Adejobi release reads: “In line with his commitment to promoting professional growth, academic excellence, and capacity development within the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, on Tuesday, 22nd April 2025, received Sergeant Peter Theophilus Tanko at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, following his outstanding academic achievement in the People’s Republic of China.

“Sergeant Tanko, a dedicated officer attached to the INTERPOL Section of the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID), successfully completed a five-year law programme in China, under a government-sponsored scholarship. His academic journey began with a one-year mandatory course in Chinese language at Nanjing Normal University, after which he proceeded to Jiangsu Police Institute for his Bachelor’s Degree in Law.

“He distinguished himself throughout his academic pursuit and emerged as the best graduating student at the Institute. In recognition of his remarkable performance, he was selected to deliver the valedictory speech on behalf of all international students during the convocation ceremony held in June 2023.

“The Inspector-General of Police, while receiving Sergeant Tanko, applauded his dedication, discipline, and academic excellence, describing his feat as a source of pride to the entire Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Republic of Nigeria at large. The IGP noted that such achievements reflect the potential within the Force and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting officers in their pursuit of knowledge, capacity building and professional development.

“The IGP further encouraged officers across commands and formations to emulate Sergeant Tanko’s example by striving for excellence in service and self-development, stressing that the growth of the Force depends not only on operational strength but also on intellectual capacity and international exposure.”

Tinubu: Northern Leaders Make Fresh Demands; “We Will Reject Next Census”

James Orji

April 25, 2025

The Northern Elders Forum, NEF, has condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinbu’s federal appointments which they said is in favour of the South west. The decision to favour one section of the country against others, NEF said contravenes both the spirit of the Constitution and federal Character principle.

The Forum has also slammed the president for the recent constitution of the National Census Committee, NCC which they also claimed favoured the south west. With the way the Committee is constituted, the NEF said any Census conducted by it will be rejected.

According to the NEF, the only way to give credibility to the committee is for the president to rejig its membership reflect the diversity of the country.

The NEF made its position known in a statement signed on Friday by its spokesman, Prof. Abubakar Jika Jiddere, who accused President Tinubu of violating Chapter 2, section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

He decsribed Persident Tinubu’s appointments so far as a “clear affront to democratic values such as fairness, inclusiveness, justice, and balanced representation,” adding that his action “threatens the very fabric of Nigeria’s unity.”

“The composition of the Government of the Federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the federal character of Nigeria and to promote national unity, thereby ensuring that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few states or from a few ethnic or other sectional groups in that Government or in any of its agencies.”

The president’s appointment “is not only grossly lopsided in favour of the South-West but also appears to be systematically designed to exclude other key regions,” NEF said.

Part of the statement: “This exclusionary approach is a clear affront to democratic values such as fairness, inclusiveness, justice, and balanced representation.

“The conduct of a national census is a critical and sensitive matter, one that must enjoy the confidence and participation of all geopolitical zones. Any attempt to marginalise or suppress the interests of other regions risks undermining the legitimacy, accuracy, and national acceptance of the census outcome.

“Consequently, NEF demands the following: The immediate reconstitution of the National Census Committee to ensure equal representation of all six geopolitical zones in line with the federal character principle.

“A holistic review and equitable redistribution of all federal appointments in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to reflect true national diversity and constitutional compliance.

“The NEF warns that continued disregard for the principles of equity, justice, and inclusivity threatens the very fabric of Nigeria’s unity. The sustained marginalisation of certain regions breeds resentment, deepens divisions, and could fuel avoidable instability in the country.

“Nigeria is a diverse nation bound by a common destiny. Preserving its unity requires leadership that is fair, inclusive, and guided by the rule of law.” NEF said.

The Presidency, the magazine reported had recently responded to the allegation of nepotism saying President Tinubu has been fair to all sections of the country, noting that those appointed into government were chosen based on merit.

GTCO Gets New Chair; Agbaje Targets Foreign Capital For Second Phase Of Recapitalisation

James Orji

April 25, 2025

A former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Sulieman Barau has been appointed the Chairman, Board of the Guaranty Trust Holding Company, GTCO. His appointment is part of the ongoing reconstructing and succession plan of Nigeria’s most profitable financial institution, the company said on Thursday.

Barau’s appointment was announced during the Company’s fourth annual general meeting held virtually on Thursday. He took over from Hezekiah Oyinlola, who is exiting the position after years of great leadership under him which saw the company experienced exponential growth.

Also during the virtual AGM, the company’s shareholders approved the payment of a total dividend of N7.03 per share for the 2024 financial year. It had earlier declared interim dividend of N1 per share, bringing the total dividend pay out per share to N8.03.

The new chairman is expected to leverage on his experience in the banking and financial sector of the economy, to lead the company to new heights, the company said, saying Barau’s track record is not in doubt having previously served as a pioneering director of GTCO following its restructuring few years ago as a Holco.

Speaking the Group Managing Director of GTCO, Segun Agbaje said the Group has maintained its leadership role in the sector leveraging on the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN’s recent recapitalization exercise, which saw the company raised N209.41 billion, thereby expanding its shareholder base from 332,000 to over 460,000.

Agbaje pointed out that the Group is now set to launch its second recapitalization exercise in 2025, targeting foreign capital investment into the company, hinting that the Group’s next growth trajectory will focus on “deepening digitalization, enhancing customer experiences, and expanding our ecosystem of financial and non-financial solutions,” he added that the company reached a milestone last year after ‘delivering’ N1 trillion Profit Before Tax, PBT, the first Nigerian bank to achieve the feat.

Agbaje: “In 2024, we reached a historic milestone, delivering over N1 trillion in profit before tax, becoming the first Nigerian financial institution to achieve this feat.

“In 2024, we navigated a rapidly evolving regulatory and macroeconomic environment with a focus on strengthening our financial position and delivering best-in-class banking services.”

On the public offer, he said “This Public Offer attracted strong participation from both domestic retail and institutional investors, raising N209.41 billion and expanding our shareholder base from 332,000 to over 460,000.

“With this momentum, we are prepared to launch the second phase of our capital raising plan in 2025, targeting significant foreign institutional investments to further solidify our reputation as a globally recognized and competitive financial services brand.

“Our focus will be on deepening digitalization, enhancing customer experiences, and expanding our ecosystem of financial and non-financial solutions. We will continue to invest in cutting-edge technology, strengthen our cybersecurity framework, and build strategic partnerships that unlock new growth opportunities.

“Most importantly, we will remain true to our purpose: driving economic progress, fostering financial inclusion, and creating sustainable value for all stakeholders,” the GMD said.

Okowa’s Defection: PDP Shall Overcome – Bukola Saraki

The Source

April 25, 2025

“Those who want to leave PDP should leave now and allow us to concentrate and reposition the Party. Tomorrow is very bright”

Following the development in the Delta State Chapter of our party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), I have been inundated with phone calls from leaders and members of our party as well as various youths who have been active in promoting democracy and good governance in our country. Many of the callers want to know what my reaction is to the defection of top PDP leaders in Delta State and its impact on our party.

My view is that those who want to leave the PDP should leave now and let the rest of us who want to stay concentrate on rebuilding the party and refocusing it to play the role of a viable opposition that will provide a better alternative for the good people of Nigeria.

I am convinced that it is important for all Nigerians to work for the sustenance of democracy. And to sustain democracy, there must be viable choices for people at every point. Also, there must be a viable opposition to keep people’s hope alive and create credible alternatives to keep the government on its toes. A one-party state as being disingenuously designed by some people will not augur well for a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-cultural, multi-religious, and highly diversified society like ours. It is even more dangerous when we eliminate alternatives and make people hopeless.

Therefore, it is in the interest of Nigeria and the survival of our democracy for the opposition to be vibrant and strong enough with the capacity to replace the ruling party at any point. Thus, my charge to our party members is that the PDP is merely experiencing a rebirth. Those who want to leave the party should go and let those of us remaining have a clear view of who we are talking to and where their political loyalty lies. All we need is for those who want to stay back in PDP to show commitment and we can all work to rebuild the party.

This development has vindicated the stance of people like me who have decided to remain silent and watch events unfold. I have seen that there was no sincerity with supposed leaders of the opposition. One was not sure of the next person one was talking to.

My appeal to PDP members nationwide is that we should know that the sustenance of democracy is not a sprint. Rather, it is a marathon. It is not a knock-out football match series. It is a league. 24 hours is a long time in politics and nobody can predict how the dynamics will evolve in the coming weeks and months. That is why PDP members across the country should not be discouraged, disillusioned, disappointed, or demoralised by the development in Delta State. We should stay strong and focus on strengthening the party. It is not necessary at this point to lament why they left.

Our party members should also refrain from blaming our woes on the ruling party. That would be a lazy approach. They are playing politics to win elections. It is our responsibility as party members to ignore their antics and seize the moment and momentum to make our party stronger and better.

Yes, it is unbecoming and shocking for the running mate to the standard bearer of a leading party to abandon ship to join the ruling party. This is unprecedented and nobody should try to justify such an act with the talk of being put under pressure. It is simply a sign of how low we have sunk as a polity. The country is experiencing a collapse of leadership values.

These developments in the polity are the reason why I have always canvassed the idea that we should emphasize building and strengthening our institutions and not individuals. With the defection of the governor of Delta State, even if the party has only ten governors in its fold, the PDP is still in a good position to win the next round of elections..

Our numerous party members should know that the PDP is better with fewer members who are loyal, sincere, determined, dedicated, and committed to its ideas, ideals, and progress than to have so many who will identify with us in the afternoon and be romancing the ruling party in the night.

We still have about two years before the next election. That is a long time in politics. We have enough time to brace up to the challenge. There is nothing that prevents us from getting some governors from the other parties to join our ranks. My appeal to our young party members is that this defection is just a mere challenge to us to further mobilize and put our house in order. Also, our women’s wing should seize the opportunity to help in the rebuilding mission. The PDP will come out stronger from this development.

I am very sure the various leadership organs of our party will soon make public their reaction to this development and convey the necessary meetings to strategize on how to strongly and strategically respond to it. Therefore there is no cause for alarm.

Our party members should not lose focus, hope, or the determination to win. We should see the current development as a challenge to rebuild and refocus the party. Tomorrow is very bright.

*Dr. Saraki, CON, Waziri of Ilorin, is a former President of the Senate*

Rivers State Not Under Martial Law, Group Warns Ibas

Suleiman Anyalewechi

April 25, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

An advocacy group ,the Civil Rights Watch, CRW, on Thursday, April 24, 2025, cautioned the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok- Ete Ibas, against the resort to intimidation and suppression of the people.

It warned that no kind of veiled threat will deter the people from exercising their fundamental human rights to peaceful protests, or engaging in any other legitimate means of ventilating their disaffection with the imposition of an unconstitutional arrangement on them.

The CRW cautionary note is coming against the backdrop of the Sole Administrator’s recent warning to youth and women groups protesters demanding for the restoration of democratic institutions in the state.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by Hector Ighikiowubo, his Media Aide, Admiral Ibas cautioned protesters against testing his will, insisting that the state of emergency declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu granted him sweeping powers to deal with any situation that may threaten the peace of the state.

“The fact that people are able to protest speaks to the Administrator’s level of tolerance. If you check the gazatte, it grants him sweeping powers. But he has exercised restraint.

“These protests are testing his will. We urge Rivers residents to be restrained and allow peace to reign. All hands must be on deck to restore democratic institutions”, Admiral Ibas stated.

But in a statement issued on Thursday by Segun Adekunle its President, the CRW, condemned Ibas’ warning as tyrannical, reckless and unbecoming of a person charged with the duty of restoring normalcy in Rivers State.

The group particularly took exception to the Sole Administrator’s description of the spate of protest marches against emergency rule as ” a test of his will.

According to CRW, declaration of State of emergency in the State does not translate to the people being under martial law, noting that the constitution of Nigeria, which is what is still applicable in Rivers State, allows for peaceful assembly and association.

“This isn’t a military rule. Nigeria is not under martial law. The constitution allows for peaceful assembly, and any attempt to criminalize, or threaten such activities is illegal.

“Ibas’ veiled threats to use ‘sweeping power’ is nothing short of declaration of war on democracy.

“The women protesting in Rivers state are not criminals. They are mothers, market women, teachers, citizens who have taken their destinies in their own hands to demand what is right; that the man elected by the people governs in peace”, the CRW noted.

The group advised the authorities to rather pay attention to the security threats posed by terrorists in different parts of the North instead of dissipating energy on innocent and harmless Rivers state protesters demanding for the restoration of democratic institutions.

“This country is battling real threats in Benue and Plateau states where terrorists have turned communities into graveyards. Yet the Sole Administrator of Rivers State believes that the real enemy is unarmed women marching peacefully for democracy.

“Under Ibas’s reign as Sole Administrator, Rivers state has witnessed illegal removal of statutory appointees, clampdown on Local Government Councils ,and now public threats to peaceful citizens. This is not governance, but despotism”, CRW noted.

The group, therefore, called on the Federal Government, particularly the National Assembly to call Admiral Ibas to order before Rivers State will descend into chaos and anarchy.

According to the civil society group, the unfolding events in Rivers State is a potential threat to the country’s fragile democracy.

“If unelected officials feel emboldened to act like overlords in any part of this country, then the very idea of Nigeria as a constitutional democracy is under siege. President Bola Tinubu must act now”, the CRW insisted.

LASG Laments Poor Performance Of State In 2024 WAEC

Akinwale Kasali

April 25, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

The decline in the standard of Education in Lagos State is shaken the Lagos State Government. The poor performance is despite the huge budget allocated ro the Educational Sector in the State.

The Government is literally mourning the woeful performance of the Students in the State at the 2024 West Africa Senior Secondary School Examination Council, WASSCE.

TheyMinistry of Education disclosed that 54.3 per cent of the 58,188 students who participated in the examination failed woefully.

It added that only 45.7 percent of the Senior Secondary School students who took part in the examination could successfully scale the hurdle with the two major subjects, English and Mathematics.

A check on the statistics provided by the Government further revealed that of the 58,188 students who participated in the examination, 45.7 per cent – 26,591 – passed while 31,596 others would have to retake the examination.

Tolani Alli-Balogun, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, made this disclosure on Thursday while reeling out the scorecard of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.

He lamented that the Government spent over N1.5 billion to ensure the students participated in the examination without hitches.

Alli-Balogun further expressed concern about the abysmal performance, saying there was need to up the ante in the State Educational Sector.

Outrage Over Imposition Of Mortuary Levy By Enugu State Govt

Akinwale Kasali

April 25, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

The Imposition of Mortuary Tax Levy by the Enugu State Government on the people has been met with outrage.

The State Government had imposed taxes on corpses kept in mortuaries. Each corpse attracts N40 per day.

The decision by the State Government has sparked debate about the morality and feasibility of taxing dead bodies in the State.

Many are calling on the State Government to reconsider the tax and prioritize the welfare of its citizens.

Condemning the decision of the Enugu State Government, Ben Nwoye, former State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, said it was insensitive and inhumane for the Government to come up with such outrageous Tax.

Nwoye questioned the logic behind taxing the dead when the living are still struggling to pay their taxes.

“Have we finished taxing the living before we go into the dead?”, he asked. “The living should pay their tax, those selling things, they’re making money, you must have your tax paper, traders pay their income tax”, he queried.

Speaking further, he said, “When you govern, you govern with a human face. And I think this one lacks sensibility. It is insensitive, even if it is one kobo for the tax.”

Nwoye emphasised that the tax is not just a financial burden but also an emotional one.

“As Igbo, there is a way we relate with our dead, and if I’m told that for me to keep my deceased person for one day I have to pay N40, it gets to me,” he said.

He also pointed out that the mortuary attendants already pay taxes to the State and Federal Government.

“The mortuary people are mortuary attendants. They also have to pay the State tax, they have to pay the Federal tax.

Now we are taxing the bereaved.”

Nwoye believes that the State Government should focus on taxing the living rather than the dead.

“We raise funds by directly taxing the bereaved for keeping the body of their deceased loved ones? Then you pay N40. I don’t think it’s right.”

He called on the State Government to review and reconsider the tax. “So, it’s something they have to go back and review and look at it,” he said.

Nwoye also questioned the calculation behind the tax.

“Someone must have made an attempt in doing calculation of how many bodies that are left, how many deaths we have per year,” he said. “Because you have to budget for this.”

He believes that the tax is a sign of insensitivity and lack of empathy.

“It has to be in paper, the estimate that maybe 200 people or 1000 people will die this month and will be kept in the morgue, you have to write,” Nwoye said.

Nwoye emphasised that the tax is not acceptable in Igbo culture.

“From our own concept, cultural concept, it is not acceptable,” he said. “Certain things don’t belong in this culture when you govern, you govern with a human face.”

He urged the state government to prioritise the welfare of its citizens over revenue generation.

Air Peace Resumes Flight Operations As NiMET Labour Unions Suspend Strike

The Source

April 25, 2025

Air Peace, Nigeria’s foremost airline and West and Central Africa’s largest carrier, on Friday, April 25, announced the resumption of all flight operations.

This followed the suspension of the industrial action by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and other labour unions in the aviation sector.

In a release signed by Dr. Henry Ndiulo, its Head, Corporate Communications, which conveyed the good news, the Airline thanked Nigerians for their patience, understanding, and unwavering support throughout this challenging period.

“Your resilience and trust in our brand mean the world to us. We commend the active and decisive intervention of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Hon. Festus Keyamo, SAN, MON, whose leadership and commitment were pivotal in resolving the impasse and restoring normalcy within the aviation industry.

“Hon. Keyamo’s swift engagement with all stakeholders, his transparent approach to dialogue, and his unwavering dedication to the stability and progress of the aviation sector reflect a deep understanding of the critical role aviation plays in national development.

“His efforts not only facilitated the timely resolution of the strike but also underscored his broader vision for a safer, more efficient, and investor-friendly Nigerian aviation landscape.”

For the safety of its passengers and crew members, Air Peace cancelled all its flight nationwide, following the strike. Other Airlines, however, carried out with their operations.

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