The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) and the Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs) have dropped a bombshell on the ongoing probe of the former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr. Mele Kyari.
The political parties and the civil society coalition said the court order freezing four Jaiz Bank accounts linked to the ex-NNPCL boss is “a welcome first step” but warned that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) must not reduce the scandal to another round of media sensation.
The coalition, in a statement jointly signed by the CNPP’s Secretary-General, Comrade James Ezema, and the National Secretary of CNCSOs, Alhaji Ali Abacha, insisted that the EFCC must go beyond freezing accounts and activate INTERPOL to trace Kyari, arrest him, and extradite him back to Nigeria to face questioning and prosecution.
“For years, we raised the alarm that Mele Kyari’s management of NNPCL was fraudulent, riddled with looting, and protected by the Buhari presidency. Our calls were ignored, our warnings suppressed. Today’s EFCC action has vindicated us,” CNPP and the CSOs declared.
The coalition reminded Nigerians of its past alerts: “trillions of naira lost in subsidy fraud exposed in August 2022, shady crude oil swap deals revealed in February 2023, subsidy removal scandals unearthed in July 2023, withheld crude oil earnings flagged in January 2024, and crude oil theft operations under Kyari denounced in June 2024 after his sack by President Bola Tinubu.”
“Now, ₦661,464,601.50 has been tracked into suspicious Jaiz Bank accounts, disguised as NGO funds and book launch donations. That is only the tip of the iceberg. The real looting runs into trillions,” CNPP and the CSOs thundered.
The groups of over 75 allied civil society organisations hailed President Tinubu for allowing the EFCC to act, contrasting it with the “shielding of sacred cows” under the late Muhammadu Buhari. But it cautioned: “Mr. President must not stop here. Nigerians will not forgive half measures. All stolen funds and assets must be recovered. Anything less will be a complicity.”
CNPP and the CSOs reiterated their demand for a forensic audit of NNPCL’s finances during Kyari’s reign and the establishment of an independent judicial commission to investigate both pre-commercialisation and post-incorporation dealings of the government owned oil company. It also pressed for immediate publication of EFCC’s findings, warning against selective leaks and media suppression.
“This is a litmus test for Nigeria’s fight against corruption. The oil wealth of this country has been stolen while citizens suffer hunger and poverty. If this government is serious, Mele Kyari and every accomplice must be extradited, prosecuted, and stripped of their loot. Nigerians demand justice, not excuses,” the statement concluded.
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), has identified Nigeria as one of the countries with highest rates of drug addiction globally.
Country Representative of the UNODC, Nigeria Office, Cheikh Toure, who announced the rating, stressed the need for preventive strategies, including education at primary and tertiary levels, community-based interventions, and stronger inter-agency collaboration to address drug abuse, human trafficking, and financial crimes.
Toure, spoke in Akure, Ondo state on Thursday, when he led his team on courtesy call on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The UN official commended the efforts of the Ondo State Government in the areas of security, economic development, and youth empowerment.
He explained that UNODC’s mission is not only to engage at the national level, but also to work directly with states and local governments to ensure grassroots impact.
He assured that the UNODC would explore more partnerships with Ondo State to strengthen youth resilience, enhance prosecution capacity, and reduce the prevalence of drug abuse and other crimes.
“Ondo State has shown commendable commitment, and we are here to see how best to consolidate our work at the grassroots level, especially in empowering young people and strengthening institutions to curb crime.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa, had earlier explained that his administration is deeply committed to the fight against drug trafficking, cybercrime, cultism, kidnapping, and other related offences, stressing that security and the rule of law remain the cornerstone of his government’s development agenda.
The governor emphasized that Ondo State places premium importance on order, security and the rule of law, which form the first pillar of his administration’s seven-point agenda.
He noted that the state has consistently supported security agencies through intelligence gathering, prosecution, logistics, and technical backing to strengthen the fight against crime.
“In recent times, we distributed about 75 hybrid vehicles to our security agents to aid their operations, especially in flashpoint areas across the state.
“We have also given massive support to the NDLEA to tackle illicit drug cultivation and trafficking, particularly cannabis, which grows freely in some parts of the state.”
Governor Aiyedatiwa further highlighted Ondo State’s youth-focused initiatives, such as the One Youth, One Skill programme, which trains and empowers young people with vocational skills and startup grants, aimed at discouraging them from crime and fostering peace and productivity.
“Our ultimate goal is to build a resilient society where our youths are positively engaged and our communities live in peace and dignity.
“That is why we are ready to partner with the United Nations and other stakeholders to tackle crimes collectively,” he added.
Barely 24 hours after complying with their earlier resolution for the suspension of some Government officials, Benue State House of Assembly Lawmakers on Thursday August 21,2025 screened and cleared six out of the eight Commissioner-nominees submitted by Governor Hyacinth Alia.
The Legislators, however, rejected the nomination of Prof. Timothy Yangien Ornguga over petitions written against him by some individuals , particularly his former students at the Benue state University.
The Source reports that the Benue State House of Assembly had earlier declined the screening of eight Commissioner-nominees citing Governor Alia’s failure to implement its resolution calling for the suspension of three Government officials at least for a period of six months.
The officials included the Executive chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area , Maxwell Ogiri ,the Chairperson of the state’s Universal Basic Education Board SUBEB Mrs Grace Adagba,and the Executive Secretary of the Benue state Lottery Commission Michael Uper.
However ,after an initial refusal, Governor Alia on Wednesday August 20, asked the affected officials to proceed on a month-long suspension
A statement from Kula Yersoo ,the Governor’s media aide informed that the suspension of the officials were in line with the resolutions passed by the law makers .
” In line with the resolution passed by the House His Excellency affirms the following:
” The suspension of the Executive chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area Mr Maxwell Ogiri for a period of one month effective today Wednesday ( Wednesday August 20)
” The suspension of the Chairman of the state Universal Basic Education Board SUBEB Mrs Grace Adagba,for a period of one month effective today.
” The immediate suspension of the Executive Secretary of the Benue state Lottery Commission Michael Uper for a period of one month” the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary stated.
In an interactive session with the media after plenary, on Thursday, the Chairman ,House Committee on Information Alfred Berger, informed that the Lawmakers rejected the nomination of two person, including Prof Ornguga.
According to him, there are about four strong petitions against the Law Professor mostly from his erstwhile students at the Benue state University.
Professor Ornguga ,the House noted, was also rejected for not having a Primary 6 certificate.
The House spokesperson explained Prof Ornguga and another nominee, James Dwen, could not convincingly debunk the charges contained in the various petitions against them .
Subsequently, the House ,Berger added has asked Governor Alia to forward replacements for the two rejected nominees .
However ,in his defence ,when confronted with petitions against him , particularly the one dwelling on his alleged tampering of the results of a student, Prof Ornguga while insisting on his innocence, blamed the Dean of Faculty of Law of the University for the alteration
His blame game, coupled with his inability to explain the absence of the First School Leaving Certificate in his comprehensive resume ,was said to have forced the legislators to reject his nomination.
Ahead of the governorship primary election, Ekiti state Governor, Biodun Oyebanji has shut the door of the All Progressives Congress (APC) contest against any other aspirant as he warned ward chairmen and members of the party against entertaining aspirants such as Kayode Ojo, among others in their wards and localities.
Oyebanji, who described Kayode Ojo, who is presently pro Chancellor, chairman governing council of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, (UNN), as a desperado who has never contributed to the growth and development of the party and Ekiti, condemned him and his supporters who, he accused of not working towards the development of the state, but to refill their personal vaults in the forthcoming 2026 governorship election.
He equally warned members of his cabinets who dance around highest bidders, assuring that they would be caught and be flushed out from his government.
The Governor had last week sacked 15 commissioners from the state executive council, given no reason, but later recall one of them early this week.
Oyebanji stated this on Thursday when the Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti (EKSU) Alumni Solidarity Group for BAO, presented the nomination form purchased for him.
Recall that EKSU Alumni Solidarity Group for BAO on Monday visited the APC Secretariat in Abuja to purchase both the Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for the governor.
His words, “They have been giving money to some people to collect form so that after their defeat, they will go to Court, but God who did it then, would do it again.
“The people following the person (Kayode Ojo) are not APC members, he has not contributed anything to the development of the party, he has never added to the welfare of the party.
“Can you work in Glo and take salary in MTN? I’m still waiting to see any party members, chairman, to open his door to these people, I’m still waiting.
“I want to see the local government chairman and ward chairman that will open their door for such a person. I’m waiting.
“Those of you that are on the platform and collecting money from the government but still supporting oppositions because of the money you are collecting from them, we are coming for you. We are not tolerating any nonsense again in this party, it is what you do you will eat from, no more sentiments.
“These desperados are not interested in Government, they are not interested in you, they are only interested in their pockets. If they are popular, they should go to another party and contest. I live in peace but I’m not going to allow anyone to take this platform for granted”
Also, the Senate Leader of the National Assembly, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele condemned critics of dilapidated condition of federal roads in Ekiti, describing them as mischievous oppositions with a mission to throw Oyebanji under the bus.
Bamidele, representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District backed the efforts of the Governor towards making sure that the roads are immediately fixed, stressing that he has physically contacted all relevant Ministries at the federal level to fast track the process.
The Senate Leader, who stated this via a virtual call, said “Politics has begun, you should be waiting for anything, they can tell you that the Governor has been flown out of Ekiti on health ground, that he’s fighting his wife, be prepared.
“Social media practice is largely unregulated in Nigeria. Those people holding him responsible for the state of federal roads, as far as the Governor is concerned, he came to Abuja several times and led us to the office of relevant stakeholders to discuss the state of federal roads.
“Some doesn’t know this, some know this but they are just being mischievous as a result of the moving train in the state. We are coming to that to reduce the threat of social media and the Senate will do something about that, it’s become a threat to the peace of the country”.
In his remarks, the Director General of EKSU Alumni Solidarity Group for BAO, Engr Dipo Bamisaye described the event as a vast and aggressive fulfilment of the vision of the creation of the Alma Mater.
Bamisaye attributed the decision of the alumni to purchase the form for the Governor to his giant strides in his political performances which transcends across education, health, agriculture, infrastructure, among others.
He noted that Oyebanji’s contributions to education has strengthened and refilled the confidence of the sector, through the payment of salaries, increment of Universities’ convention, building and renovation of infrastructures, among others.
Bamisaye stressed that his vision has enhanced the healthcare, making his commitment to the development of the state to stand out among others, adding that he has rewritten the script of leadership with empathy and sympathy for the advancement of Ekiti.
“We are glad that one of the alumni of the school is making us proud. The reason for this gathering is vast and aggressively fulfilling the vision of the creation of the University.
“This is not a campaign, we have decided to raise funds not only for the nomination form but to encourage him in ensuring his second term bid is sealed.
“We have reviewed his political performance in the last 30 months, his giant strides have made way for growth and development of the state.
“He has increased Subvention to all tertiary institutions, which is the reason we have a stable calendar in EKSU and other institutions.
“It’s noteworthy to say that Oyebanji is rewriting the script of leadership with empathy and sympathy for the development of the state.”
As insecurity remains unabated in the North, the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, has called on Northern leaders and citizens to remain vigilant and united in the face of escalating insecurity, political treachery and environmental disasters threatening the stability of the region.
Mamman Osuman, Chairman of the Forum, made the call on Thursday in Kaduna during the 78th National Executive Committee meeting of the body, where he warned against complacency and misinformation within the ranks of the North’s socio-political leadership.
Speaking, Osuman said: “This is not the time to sit on the fence or like the Ostrich, hide its head in the sand under the delusive pretext that it sees nothing. We must remain united and resolved against imperfections, avarice, misgivings, deceit, misinformation, misdirection and incongruities,”
He noted that the North has continued to grapple with insecurity ranging from terrorism to banditry, alongside natural disasters such as flooding, insisting that the Forum was deeply concerned about the toll on human lives.
“We have lost children, middle-aged men and women, and the aged to natural causes, flood, drowning, and to evil criminals, psychopaths, gangsters, bandits, marauders and terrorists. Our pains as a region is therefore a major concern to ACF for which I ask for introspection and prayers,” he lamented.
He listed a number of prominent Northern leaders and ACF stalwarts who recently passed away, including former Chairman, Chief Audu Ogbeh; Deputy Secretary-General, Alhaji Umar Moriki; former Minister, Professor Jubril Aminu; elder statesman, Alhaji Aminu Dantata; former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Muhammad Uwais; and immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari.
“Just last week, the cruel hands of death snatched away our former Chairman, Chief Audu Ogbeh. We also lost Professor Jubril Aminu, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, Justice Uwais, and Muhammadu Buhari. These are painful losses,” Osuman said.
He used the occasion to reaffirm the Forum’s non-partisan stance, stressing that while members were free to hold personal political beliefs, the ACF would not align with any political party.
“At this juncture, I must remind all members that ACF is not partisan. While we each have our individual beliefs, ideologies and idiosyncrasies, ACF, to all intents and purposes, absolutely remains aloof and does not belong to any political party but is nonetheless, stoically, unapologetically, unreservedly and passionately attached to the mission of the salvation of the North and its people—without prejudice to the indivisibility and sovereignty of Nigeria,” he emphasised.
The Forum, he explained, would however continue to collaborate with organisations with similar objectives, disclosing that the “Forum for National Restoration” had been invited to address members during the NEC meeting.
He further warned members against spreading unverified or radical views on its Rapid Response Platform, urging them to rely on state chapters and the headquarters for guidance.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has approved the sum of ₦45 million for the Oyo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OYSACA) to further curb the spreading of HIV/AIDS across the state.
Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, in a statement, said the governor, who spoke through his Deputy, Bayo Lawal disclosed this at the inauguration ceremony of OYSACA Ambassadors in Ibadan.
He explained that the funds alongside the recent approval of the purchase of HIV test kits are targeted at strengthening Agency’s capacity to combat the epidemic.
The Governor, while inaugurating the ambassadors, including, Chief (Dr.) Saka Balogun; Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu; Chief (Mrs.) Mutiat Ladoja; Alhaji Rasaq Adeleke; Wale Saminu and Shina Peller, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving public health and reducing the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the state.
He said that the ambassadors, who were carefully selected will assist in raising awareness and support the government in its efforts to fight HIV/AIDS in the state.
He congratulated the newly appointed Ambassadors and admonished them to lend their influence and networks to the campaign against the spread of HIV/AIDS.
“The inauguration of these ambassadors marks a significant milestone in our collective journey towards a future where HIV/AIDS is no longer a public health threat.
“As an ambassador, you are not just a representative; you are the champions of change, you are the voices for those who have been silent, the beacon of hope for those in darkness, and the catalyst in a more inclusive and compassionate society.
“Your roles will inspire truth, promote education, and ultimately save lives.
“I commend OYSACA for these initiatives, which underscore the importance of community engagement and leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
“Your efforts will undoubtedly contribute to reducing stigma, increasing awareness, and ensuring everyone has access to HIV prevention, treatment, and care.
“The governor put a man of experience, Dr. Gbola Adetunji, in charge of this agency. We sought him because of his tremendous experience in the area of healthcare deliveries, not only in Oyo State but in Nigeria.
“And to give effect to the assignment given to him, the Government has recently approved the purchase of HIV/AIDS test kits so that it will aid or assist the ambassadors we are inaugurating today.
“Secondly, the Government has just approved the release of 45 million naira to the agency for furtherance of the activities of the agency.
“As we embark on the journey together, let us work tirelessly to ensure that our efforts yield tangible results that will leave no one behind.
“Let us strive to create an environment where everyone feels empowered to make informed decisions about their health and where those living with HIV/AIDS are supported and embraced.
“The present administration has made health one of the pillars since the first term and also as part of the sustainable development program in the Omituntun 2.0.
“The ambassadors are carefully selected; it is not just a random picking to be our ambassador to drive this project, and I thank you for accepting to serve.
“They are eminent personalities who have impacted our society positively, and we want them to barely give more to the society.
Earlier in his welcome address, the chairman of OYSACA, Dr. Gbola Adetunji commended the governor’s proactive approach, stressing that the funds would enhance the agency’s capacity to reach high-risk populations and deliver life-saving services more effectively.
He said the inauguration of the Ambassadors was a new chapter in the annals of the agency to seek further cooperation between the government and distinguished individuals to enhance the fight against HIV/AIDS in the state.
The Kogi State Police Command on Thursday August 21, 2025, provided a life line of over N52 million to the families of 27 personnel who died in the line of duty .
A statement from the spokesperson for the Command, SP William Aya, said the financial support to the families of the fallen officers was made under the Group Life Assurance Scheme and the Inspector General of Police Family Welfare Scheme.
According to Aya, the gesture which is aimed at improving the welfare and well-being of the family members of the departed personnel is, also, in tandem with the IGP’s unwavering commitment towards ensuring the protection of the interests of the families left behind by the fallen heroes.
Represented at the occasion of the presentation of the cheques to the beneficiaries by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Administration, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, urged them to make judicious use of the money.
He charged them to always place the upkeep and future of their families above any other considerations in the application of the funds.
“The total sum of N 52 ,885,344 .93 ( Fifty Two Million ,Eight Hundred and Eighty Five Thousand ,Three Hundred and Forty Four Naira ,Eighty Kobo ) was disbursed to 27 families of fallen heroes of the Command”. the CP stated.
CP Dantawaye emphasized that the funds, if rightly applied will go a long way in mitigating the effects of the loss of the officers on their families.
Of course, it’s stale news now that Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has finally climbed down from his high horse and recalled his 87 Aides, including Permanent Secretaries, all of whom he suspended in one fell swoop.
I waited this long before thanking the Governor for his magnanimity just to see if any of the forgiven Aides will be courageous enough to throw the job back to the Governor. That would have been the story. But none did.
So, this is to, on their behalf, in case they forgot to do so, thank the Governor and welcome them back to their idle offices.
You know the story dear readers. But for the purpose of this write-up, excuse just a brief.
The Governor woke up one morning, and, in one fell swoop, suspended all of 87 top Government officials for one month. They included 25 Commissioners, 14 Senior Special Assistants, 24 Special Assistants, and 22 Permanent Secretaries.
10 days later, however, he realized how bizarre his action was and recalled them. Their recall followed the same autocratic manner as the day they were suspended. He ordered them to resume work immediately.
Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru
I have since been following up on the story to see any new angle; to see if any of the suspended Aides had enough self-esteem to resign from office. I don’t know why I suddenly forgot that this is Nigeria, but I half- expected a couple of the political appointees, you know, Commissioners, not the Permanent Secretaries, to leave Nwifuru’s job for him. Sadly, none of them did. They simply swallowed his insult, and went back to their jobs and, perhaps, went to him to say: “Thank you, Your Excellency for your magnanimity”.
Since then, nobody has heard any “pim”, from any of them.They must need the job so badly to endure that humiliation. Country hard.
So, the next thing is: what was their offence? What angered the Governor so much that he would send 87 Aides on suspension.
There are two versions. The popular version and the Government version. We begin with the popular one which first made the rounds.
It alleged that the 87 of them were suspended because they were absent from the Birthday ceremony/Thanksgiving Service in honour of the Governor’s six-year old daughter; the last child of Ebonyi’s First Family; the State’s last child! The Governor was present. So, how dared these people, the Governor’s subjects, his subordinates, just Aides, stay away from such an important state function. For that, they were slammed with suspension from office.
The second version, this now the official Government story follows.
According to a statement by the Governor’s Media Aide, the 87 were sanctioned for not attending “a major Government function.” And what was the major event one is tempted to ask. Answer: A basic sports competition put together by the State’s Universal Basic Education Board, UBEB.
He said: “The Governor was away and had to instruct his Deputy to represent him at the grand finale of the Basic School Sports Competition organized by the Universal Basic Education Board, UBEB. However, most of the Commissioners and appointees failed to attend. So, when the Governor learnt about it, he had to act as this was not the first time such a thing will be happening.”
I may be wrong. But I don’t believe the Government’s story. Here are why.
It is not just Nwifuru, a number of State Governors think they are tin gods. Emperors. Their Aides mean nothing to them. Before them, the Aides are like rags used to wipe floors. It is difficult for the Aides to talk to them. Some hardly have access to them. There is no exchange of ideas. Some of the Aides either bend double to talk to them, or squat, or kneel. Their Principals think it is a sign of respect. But not true. It is a sign of fear. And to fear one is not the same as giving one respect.
Once some of them become Governors, their personal affairs become State affairs. Things they were not celebrating before, they celebrate. They would celebrate the memorial services of their fathers, mothers, grandparents who passed loooooong before they became Governors. Even their birthdays become State events.
One former State Governor in the South-east had the bizarre habit of shutting down his State for between three to four days to celebrate his birthday. On the final day, each Local Government Council delivered a cake to him. And all will be displayed publicly. It was obscene.
Another, who is at tye Federal level now, shut down his State for over one week for his mother’s funeral ceremonies. One other who lost his Senatorial bid on his exit as Governor, shut down Government activities on
the day he arrived the State after the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, upheld his election victory as Governor at the polls. On the day he arrived Owerri Airport, en route his State, everywhere was taken over by hundreds and hundreds of people, including all Government officials, masquerades, youths, market women, different associations, the lot. About 100 buses invaded the airport and took up every space. Even the protocol lounge was packed with people like sardines. When he eventually arrived, the crowd invaded the tarmac. The very long convoy was to proceed, first, to the Governor’s village, then to the State Capital.
But let me, for one moment believe the Governor’s version which is: that the 87 Aides did not accompany the Deputy Governor to a Sports event organised by SUBEB. What was so important about it that would make a Governor shut down Government activities? What was so important that even Permanent Secretaries would accompany the Governor’s Political appointees to a football match?
Whatever happened to the Commissioners for Education and Sports? Were the two not enough to accompany the Deputy Governor who the Governor had sent to represent him? To ask all his Cabinet and non Cabinet members, as well as the the Permanent Secretaries to abandon everything for a Sports event, that’s absurd.
And it confirms the follows: They are idle. They are not busy with State affairs. They are being paid salaries and allowances for nothing. The Governor has too many Aides than required – afterall, for the number of days a whopping number of them was on suspension, the Government did not collapse. It also confirms that the Governor shuts down Government activities as he pleases, arbitrarily. And generally does what he likes because there are no checks and balances, otherwise, shutting down the Government for frivolous reasons, or suspending 87 top Government officials for not attending a football match could count as an impeachment offence.
If the State had an active House of Assembly, which is accountable to the people, not to the Governor, perhaps, Nwifuru could have thought twice before suspending 87 Aides in one fell swoop. But that is our lot. Lack of checks and balances.
Because of that lack, there is no interrogation of anything, and anything goes on. Some of our Leaders talk anyhow.
It is why a Governor Monday Okpebholo would look everybody in the face, and say “I have been told that I have achieved more in office within eight months than my predecessor achieved in eight years.” It is why he would bar a Nigerian citizen to not visit Edo without clearance from him. It was, also, why Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, the immediate past National Chairman of the APC, when he was Kano State Governor, literally barred his predecessor, Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso, a Senator then, a former Minister for Defence, from visiting Kano. When the Board of the Police Service Commission took up the then State Commissioner of Police after the Kwankwasiya Group reported the CP, he insisted the Governor would raise hell, and there could be a near-war, big crisis. Members were astounded.
It is, also, why a former Governor, aspiring to be President, will tell us that insecurity would disappear within one month of his Government if he gets elected. Thank God he said “if”, not when. So we wait. In more serious countries, that loose talk is enough to dismiss him as unserious and disqualify him from running. He would have been taken up on that. It is why a serving Minister, and a former Minister both, former State Governors, would, on national television, in the midst of extreme hardship and poverty in the country, be telling us whose Rolls Royce was more “decently acquired” than the other. In other climes, the question would be: how did you guys manage to acquire Rolls Royces, given that for over 30 years, all you guys have been known for is government job? It is why the Ondo State Government would brazenly insinuate that the late Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, who the whole world knew succumbed to cancer, may have been killed by his beloved wife, Betty; it is why heartlessly, they want to humiliate and desecrate his dead body, and break his family’s heart again, that they plan to exhume him for a coroner’s inquest. It is why a Sheik Ahmad Gumi would allege, without proof, that the Isreali Mossad has been invited to come and murder high profile Muslims in Nigeria. Nobody has invited him to explain how, where and when.
You name it. In our dear country, anything goes. Anybody says anything and gets away with it. No questions. That was what gave Governor Nwifuru the liberty to suspend 87 top Government officials from work over extremely frivolous reason – whether it was his daughter’s birthday or a Sports tournament. And it is, also, because we take every nonsense that not one of those Aides, especially, the Commissioners, had the courage to walk away from the job. If he could run his government without 87 Aides, why waste Government’s money to keep them?
See, physical looks can be deceptive. I have never met this Governor before, but looking at him – either in pictures published in newspapers, or video photographs on television, I could have sworn he is incapable of such impulsive and temperamental actions. But for his height, he looks so ordinary. It does seem, however, that in that lanky body hides some arrogance, some power drunkenness, some I don’t care attitude.
Until he became Ebonyi State Governor, thanks to his powerful and enigmatic predecessor, the now Minister for Works, Dave Umahi, an Engineer, the one who became a billionaire long before he was 30 years old, I never heard of Nwifuru. I was a bit taken aback when I found out, many months after he became the Governor, that he was the Speaker of the Ebonyi House of Assembly. As a Speaker he never made any “pim” with Umahi as Governor. He was not in the class of the very powerful Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa who “deals” with his Governors. Obasa has been Speaker under three Governors, including the incumbent gentle- looking and calm Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and, none could shake Mr Speaker. Sanwo-Olu’s predecessors knew better than that. And so does he.
But back to Nwifuru. I enjoyed his story when he told us his father had 30 wives and 108 children. I was not one of those who criticised when him when he crowned his father a Traditional Ruler. I was like, a man who managed 30 wives and 108 children, is perfect to manage a Community. That should be this Governor’s story. The next story should be his achievements at the end of his tenure in office as Governor. He should not allow this flinging of power to be his footnote.
So, Mr Governor, an unsolicited advice: Don’t allow your story (as a Governor) be one of a joke, and a dismissive wave of the hand. Its beginning is the suspension of 87 Aides for not attending your daughter’s 6th birthday or a local sports event. That’s absurd. Honest.
“Not true, our mission to Tokyo was for strategic engagements” – Presidency
Peter Obi, Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 Election, has slammed the Nigerian Government over the empty Nigerian booth at the ongoing Ninth Tokyo International Conference (TICAD9) in Japan.
Not a few Nigerians have expressed shock after they watched a viral video of the event and saw that not a single person was at the Nigerian Stand even though Nigeria sent a delegation to Japan for the international event. Nothing was exhibited unlike the stands of other African countries.
In a post, Wednesday on his X account, Obi said nobody should be surprised because the empty stand represents President Bola Tinubu’s empty promises made to Nigerians during his campaign for the Presidential seat.
But Presidential Adviser on Media and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, had, in response to the video of the empty stand and the anger which followed it, reeled out what the Nigerian delegation was in Tokyo for. He explained that the the delegation was there for strategic engagements, not just exhibition.
In a statement, Onanuga said:
“The trending social media narrative about an empty booth labelled ‘NIGERIA’ at the ongoing 9th Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan, totally misrepresented our country’s mission and activities at the conference.
“While we understand the urge by many social media users to seek clicks with many incorrect posts, we also recognise that the author may have acted out of patriotic concern. But it is a concern inspired by ignorance about Nigeria’s mission at the triennial conference.
“The Nigerian delegation to the summit, led by President Bola Tinubu, is laser-focused on its core objectives of achieving tangible outcomes from the scheduled lineup of bilateral and multilateral engagements targeted at driving optimum performance in key sectors of the economy, especially in power, industry and agriculture.
“The Nigerian official delegation working with Corporate Nigeria, represented by some of our leading business leaders, didn’t come to Yokohama and Tokyo to attend any Trade Expo, designed as an open forum for participating nations.
“The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) is scheduled to host an investment forum on Thursday, August 21, 2025
“The Nigerian ministers are busy with bilateral sideline discussions. At the same time, President Tinubu will lead meetings with the executives of Toyota Corporation, CFAO, UN-Habitat, UNDP, and the International Finance Corporation. The delegation’s schedule does not include participation in an open forum trade exhibition.
“Specifically, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, is leading the pre-activation meeting to execute several power projects in Nigeria that are being funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
“One of the projects is the Lagos-Ogun Power Transmission System Improvement, which is designed to improve the wheeling capacity and grid stability and enable the connection of industrial customers on the corridor.
“There is also the partnership between the National Power Training Institute (NAPTIN) and JICA to enhance Vocational Training Delivery for the power sector.
“The third power project is the Distributed Access Through Renewable Energy Scale-up, for which $190 million has been provided.
“The Minister of Power is scheduled to negotiate with notable Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) such as TOSHIBA and HITACHI.
“The Bank of Industry, led by its Managing Director/Chief Executive, Dr. Supo Olusi, is also in high-level discussions with the Japan International Cooperation Agency and other participating multilateral institutions for its annual global fund syndication.
“Social media posts are often sensational and do not tell complete stories, just as the trending video does not capture Nigeria’s participation at TICAD 9. Our country is fully and well represented and part of the essential conversations and negotiations that are going on at TICAD9.”
But Obi countered the Presidency’s explanation as
an attempt to cover the country’s shame on the international stage. “Nigerians are tired of excuses from the government”, he added.
Obi: “The empty Nigerian booths in the ongoing Ninth Tokyo International Conference, TICAD9, in Japan do not just define the empty promises of this government for the past two years, they also reflect the consistent emptiness Nigerians have been fed at home by this government. Even the defence being put forward by the government, that they only wanted to have more ‘strategic engagements’ is the same tired excuse we have heard over and over again.
“This government has mastered the art of throwing around wrong statistics and misleading statements, not to provide real solutions, but to camouflage the emptiness of its performance and the suffering it has inflicted on Nigerians.
“The empty booths at TICAD are not just about a diplomatic embarrassment, they are a clear symbol of the hollow promises and empty governance that our citizens have endured.
“Just as those booths stood empty in Japan, so too have the lives of millions of Nigerians been left empty, with empty hope, empty relief and empty of the progress they were promised.
“The truth is unavoidable, the empty booths abroad are a physical reminder of the empty promises at home.
Governor Sule to contest for Nasarawa North Senatorial seat in 2027
As permutations for the governorship election in Nasarawa state continue, Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu, representing Nasarawa West, has announced his resignation from the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Wadada in a letter dated August 20, 2025, addressed to the SDP ward Chairman in Tudun Kofa, Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, cited persistent internal crises and litigations within the party as his reason for exiting.
“This decision has not been taken lightly, but I feel compelled to do so due to the lingering internal crisis that has plagued our party for some time,” the letter reads.
The Lawmaker expressed appreciation for the opportunities and relationships built during his time in the SDP but maintained that it was time to “move on and explore new avenues.”
Wadada is being rumoured to be a likely contender for the Nasarawa State governorship position in 2027, on the ticket of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) based on zoning arrangement in the state.
His resignation from the SDP has further reduced the number of opposition lawmakers in the national assembly.
Meanwhile, the State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has made known his intention to run for the Nasarawa North senatorial district during the 2027 general election.
Alhaji Suleiman Musa Nagogo, Director-General, Nasarawa State Bureau for Pension Administration, disclosed this while speaking to All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in Wamba.
According to the DG Pension Bureau, he has been communicated by the Governor on his intention to run for the Senate seat come 2027.
“I have been in Wamba this Monday morning with a crystal clear message from His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engineer Abdullahi A. Sule, to simply introduce a very important subject matter to the people of my own home, Wamba Local Government Area.
“That important message is to inform them that he is desirous of contesting for the office of Senator of the Federal Republic come 2027,” he stated.
Nagogo explained that following his resolve to contest for the senate seat, Governor Sule has appointed a committee to handle the project across the Nasarawa North senatorial district.
“That committee is still a committee of work in progress because we are yet to reach any reasonable milestone in the process of execution of this project.
“But I consider it imperative that, as the saying goes, charity begins at home. I should be able to take it upon myself to call on my own people of Wamba Local Government and inform them about this project,” he added.
