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Labour Union Protests Cut In FG Workers Salary, Threatens Action

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Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi - AGF

By Ayodele Oni

The National leadership of Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (Trade Union Side) has resolved to picket the office of the Accountant General of the Federation by Wednesday 3rd April,2025 if the abysmal cut in the salaries of Federal Public Servants in Nigeria is not addressed.

This was contained in a letter addressed to the office of the Accountant General of Federation dated 17th March,2025, vide JNPSNC GEN COR VOL 1/ 96.

The letter  indicated that there has been sharp cut and mutilated salaries paid in the months of January and February 2025 to Federal Public Servant.

Gbenga Olowoyo , the National Secretary of joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (Trade Union Side) signed the letter and made available to newsmen in Abuja

The letter stated inter alia that “The attention of the National leadership of the joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) Trade Union Side has been drawn to a press release issued by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation dated 7th March, 2025 bothering on the mutilated payment of salaries of Federal Public Servants for the months of January and February 2025.

“The National leadership of JNPSNC had taken critical step to look into what Accountant General Office paid in the months of October, November and December 2024 which it claimed comprised the following:

“The claims by the office of the Accountant General of the Federation is far from the truth.

“The diligent and scientific findings by the National leadership of Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) Trade Union Side vide comparative study of workers pay slips for the months of October, November and December indicated that the Federal Government only used the instrumentality of media propaganda to ditch out unsubstantiated information.

“The truth of the matter is that Federal Government is owing Federal workers the underlisted outstanding payments: “

“It is expedient to state that the payment of Peculiar Allowance which was supposed to be 40% of workers’ salaries but was surreptitiously short-changed by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation with abysmal payment which does not commensurate with the actual percentage stipulated in Federal Government circular issued during the former administration under former President Mohamodu Buhari. “

“On the strength of the aforesaid, the office of the Accountant General of the Federation should, as a matter of urgency, do a thorough assessment of his claims and correct the anomalies and pay correct Salaries for Federal workers in the month of March 2025 alongside arrears of the mutilated salaries experienced by workers in the months of January and February 2025.

“Without mincing words, failure on the part of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation to do the needful , by paying normal salaries in the month of March 2025 ( and arrears of short payments that characterised the months of January and February 2025 salaries)

workers will not hesitate to picket the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation , by Wednesday 3rd April, 2025, in order to correct the unwarranted and unjustifiable Salaries cut.

“The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Chairman of income Salaries and wages commission, leaderships of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Presidents/ General Secretaries of affiliate unions of Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC) Trade Union Side have been notified accordingly.”

FIFA Council Loss: Pinnick Reflects On Loss,  Gives Glory To God

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Amaju Melvin Pinnick

By Akinwale Kasali

Amaju Melvin Pinnick has reflected on his failure to be re=elected at the FIFA Council, saying it is no time to shed tears, but to appreciate God for his grace, mercy and benevolence thus far.

The Delta State born former Football administrator said that his head remains unbowed as he reviewed events that led to his failure to retain his job as a member of the Federation of International Football Associations, FIFA, Council.

He gave accounts of the events that led to the outcome at the Confederation of African Football, CAF, General Assembly in Cairo last Wednesday, where Djibouti’s Souleiman Waberi secured the last available seat with 29 votes, at his expense with 28 Votes.

He attributed it to last-minute politics which saw him lose his re-election bid.

He said: “When I started out 26 years ago, as a volunteer at the FIFA U20 World Cup that Nigeria hosted, I never dreamed of reaching these heights. Never thought I could become the number one administrator of football in Nigeria (and for eight years for that matter), play key roles in African football and easily mingle with the world’s top football governors.

“I give gratitude to give to the Almighty God, to those who have helped me one way or the other and to all those I have met on my way.

“Football politics is fierce, but I am proud to have fought a good fight.

“I campaigned hard; travelled to more than 30 countries. Hours before the election, I was sure of close to 40 votes. But politics happened. I am not bitter about anything, just full of gratitude to everyone who supported my push.”

Pinnick served as the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, FIFA, for Two terms, and also served as First Vice President of CAF between 2018 and 2019.

He, however, thanked President Bola Tinubu and the Government of Nigeria as a whole, as well as FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, National Sports Commission, NSC, boss, Shehu Dikko, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau and those he calls friends in government and the corporate world.

“I am drawn to tears by the support of President Tinubu, right from the time he publicly endorsed my candidature. I am most grateful and do not take anything for granted. I cherish my relationship with Gianni (Infantino) and appreciate his sincerity. I thank the National Sports Commission led by Shehu Dikko.

“The NFF, particularly Ibrahim Musa Gusau, were amazing in their push. Kudos also to my friends in government and the corporate world.

“I was to be no more than the head of NFF electoral committee back in 2014, but fate catapulted me to the presidency and I became the youngest-ever Nigerian in world football’s supreme council. I am more than fulfilled,” he said.

Edo Gov Okpebholor Using Kangaroo Arrangement To Impeach LG Chairmen,” PDP Alleges, Urges Halt In Allocation

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Governor Monday Okpebholo

By Ayodele Oni

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Edo State Chapter, has called on the Attorney General of the Federation, (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, “to immediately halt allocations to the state government through the Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) as stipulated in the Supreme Court ruling.”

Chairman of the party’s Caretaker Committee, Tony Aziegbemi, made the call at a press briefing he addressed in the party’s Secretariat on Monday.

He drew attention to what he tagged “the ongoing constitutional crisis and extermination of constitutional democracy in our dear State by the Senator Monday Okpebholo-led Edo State Government, which has crippled local government administration and placed the State on the brink of an unprecedented crisis, chaos, and anarchy.”

Aziegbemi recalled that Governor Okpebholo “had written to the Edo State House of Assembly ordering the suspension of duly elected chairmen in total disregard of the law.

“This directive was executed by the Assembly to the letter under the false pretence of gross misconduct and insubordination, without granting the chairmen a fair hearing.

“Not only did the House of Assembly purportedly and illegally suspended the council chairmen for two months, but their deputies were as well suspended, thereby raising the fundamental question:

“Even if the chairmen were to be suspended, what offence did the deputies commit to warrant their suspension?

“The illegal action of Okpebholo and the House of Assembly was despite the clear and binding ruling of every court in the land.”

He pointed out that the governor was executing his pre determined plan, despite that the State Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, had in an earlier judgement ruled “that the State Government, and the State House of Assembly or their agents have no right to suspend or dissolve elected Local Government Council officials” and also “issued a mandatory injunction, declaring the suspension null and void and restraining the state government and other parties from meddling in local government operations.

“The order was totally disregarded by the state government which also disregarded the advice of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through the Attorney General of the Federation on the matter.

“The Attorney General of the Federation had insisted that an elected local government official cannot be dissolved or suspended without following due process of law, which is the prerogative of councilors in the said LGA.

“The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister for Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, specifically warned that the illegal removal of local government chairmen by governors was a treasonable offence.

“This however could not stop Okpebholo’s resort to lawlessness and impunity as they deployed thugs and non-state actors who moved from council to council with whips and other dangerous weapons to enforce the illegal suspension of the local government Chairmen.

“Having failed in the purported suspension, Okpebholo resorted to all sorts of illegalities to impeach the council chairmen whose hired thugs refused access to their respective offices, importing non-elected local government legislators in kangaroo arrangements to sit and pronounce the impeachment of the Chairmen.”

Ezekwesili Urges President Tinubu To Lead By Example

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Oby Ezekwesili and Bola Tinubu

By Akinwale Kasali

Oby Ezekwesili, former Minister of Education, has urged President Bola Tinubu to lead by example, and also to embody the sacrifices he demands from Nigerians, rather than placing the burden solely on citizens.

She said that the political elite have continued to enjoy privileges at the expense of the citizens.

Ezekwesili said this in an interview with News Central, lamenting the worsening economic hardship caused by the administration’s policies.

She stressed that before the government asks the people to make sacrifices, leaders must first set an example.

“If I had the opportunity to speak with President Tinubu, I would advise him to first understand the true meaning of sacrifice and demonstrate it in his leadership before expecting Nigerians to endure further hardship,” she said.

As regards the privatization of the Power Sector,

Ezekwesili, who also served as Minister of Solid Minerals, blamed political interference for the persistent electricity crisis in the country.

According to her, the privatization of the power sector was meant to resolve Nigeria’s energy challenges but was instead hijacked by political figures who lacked expertise in the industry.

“The entire process of privatization in the energy sector was handled poorly. Instead of genuine investors with the knowledge and capability to improve power supply, the system was handed over to political operatives and individuals with no real interest in the sector’s growth,” she stated.

The former minister also called on Nigerians to be more engaged in the political process ahead of the 2027 elections, emphasizing that the experiences of the 2023 elections should serve as a wake-up call.

“As we approach 2027, Nigerians must remember the irregularities that took place during the 2023 elections. When people protested, the response was, ‘Go to court.’

But why did they tell you to go to court? Because they have already taken control of the judicial system,” she alleged.

Ezekwesili urged citizens to take responsibility for the future of the country, insisting that active participation in governance is the only way to bring about meaningful change.

“This nation is worth saving, and it is up to the people to ensure that democracy works for them,” she concluded.

Jandor Goes Back To His Vomit, Joins APC

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Olajide Adediran - Jandor

By Akinwale Kasali

Olajide Adediran, popular as Jandor, the Peoples Democratic Party, Governorship Candidate in Lagos State at the 2023 General Election has gone back to his vomit. On Monday, Jandor returned to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC from which he defected to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the months running to the 2023 General Elections. He was the PDP’s candidate.

He announced his decision to return to the APC at a Press Conference held at his Campaign Office in Ikeja on Monday.

Explaining his decision to return to the APC, Jandor cited the APC as the best alternative to deliver good governance to Lagosians and Nigerians as a whole.

He emphasized that his decision was made after extensive consultations with political supporters and associates across Lagos State.

This announcement comes on the heels of his highly publicized meetings with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last week, with insinuations rife that he might return to APC.

He had days ago, dumped the PDP citing Indiscipline, anti-party activities and  betrayal by the Party leadership as the reason for dumping the PDP.

CSOs, Activists Protest Over Relocation Of Benue LG Election Tribunal To Abuja

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Activists Protest Over Relocation Of Benue LG Election Tribunal To Abuja

By Ayodele Oni

Members of Civil Societies Organizations, (CSO) took to the streets of Abuja on Monday, marching to the National Assembly and the Supreme Court to express anger over the escalating judicial crisis in Benue State.

The demonstrators, which also include human rights groups, and concerned citizens, carried placards and banners condemning the alleged hijack of the Benue State Local Government Election Tribunal by some politicians.

The protesters demanded judicial independence and fair adjudication of election-related cases, warning against political interference that could undermine democracy.

In a speech delivered during the protest,  Igwe Ude-Umanta, chief convener of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria, accused Justice Maurice Ikpambese, the Chief Judge of Benue State, of unilaterally granting a waiver to petitioners of the Local Government Election Tribunal, violating the constitutional requirement for a security deposit.

Ude-Umanta also condemned Justice M.M. Adamu of the FCT High Court for issuing an order compelling the tribunal to sit in Abuja, despite a previous court order restraining the tribunal from sitting outside Benue State.

The protesters called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to intervene urgently in the crisis and expunge corrupt judges from the Nigerian judiciary.

They also demanded that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should  take immediate action to address the crisis and ensure that justice is served.

BREAKING: Fubara Likely On His Way Out Of Office As Assembly Serves Him Letter 

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Siminalayi Fubara and House of Assembly Letter

By Akinwale Kasali

The crisis rocking the Rivers State Political landscape on Monday, March 17, took a more serious dimension  than before.

The Rivers State House of Assembly has raised the antenna. It has, officially, accused Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his Deputy, Dr. Ngozi Odu, of Gross Misconduct.

In a letter of notice, the Lawmakers accused both Fubara and Odu of contravening the provisions of the law which indicate that funds could only be spent by public office holders in accordance with the constitution of the country.

In the notice forwarded to the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, the Lawmakers claimed that the action was in line with the Nigerian Constitution which mandated the Legislative arm to check the executive excesses.

Dated 14th March, 2025, the letter to the Speaker, as it affects the Governor reads:

“In compliance with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999(as amended) and other extant laws, we the undersigned members of the Rivers State House of Assembly hereby forward to you a Notice of Gross Misconduct by the Governor of Rivers State in the performance of the functions of his office.

*GROSS MISCONDUCT:

Reckless and unconstitutional expenditure of public funds contrary to Sections 128, 121 (1)(2) and 122 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended.”

That of the Deputy  Governor reads much the same.

“In compliance with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and other extant laws, we, the undersigned members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, hereby forward to you a Notice of Gross Misconduct by the Deputy Governor of Rivers State in the performance of the functions of her office.”

The Lawmakers, 27 of whom are loyal to the estranged political  godfather of Fubara, Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, first made an attempt to impeach the Governor in October of 2023. Since then, both sides have been playing a dangerous cat and mouse game.

The Supreme Court judgment of February 28 gave the Lawmakers an upper hand and reasons to go after Fubara’s job.

Wike, on Saturday, let it be known that he would not stop the Lawmakers from performing their constitutional duty. For “Constitutional duty”, read impeachment of the Governor and Deputy.

If the House succeeds in its mission, Speaker Amaewfule will act for 90 days, during which time the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, would organise a Governorship election.

Strong speculations are that Wike has allegedly, in the event, assured the Ogonis that the Governorship would be ceded to one of their own.

For the records, the House on the same 14th the letter was written adjourned indefinitely.

Details Later……

First Bank N30bn Insider Loan Fraud: Judge Orders Otudeko To Appear Before Him

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Oba Otudeko

Oba Otudeko, the former Chairman of First Bank has been ordered to appear in court to defend himself on the allegation that he alongside other directors of the bank abused their positions by granting N30 billion to themselves and their proxies while they held sway.

Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal high court in Lagos issued the order on Monday against the former FBN Chairman.

Otudeko is currently enmeshed in an  insider loan abuse saga with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC which has dragged him before the federal high court presided over by Justice Aneke.

The EFCC had had fileda 13-count charge against Otudeko and three other alleged accomplices over the multi-billion loan.

This followed the confession of a witness, Adesuwa Ezenwa who in August 2024, claimed that Otudeko and his accomplices awarded N30 billion to themselves and companies where they have interests. Ezenwa was a former Relationship Manager with the bank.

Apart from the former FBN Chairman, other alleged accomplices include Stephen Olabisi Onasanya, a former group managing director of thecommercial  bank; Soji Akintayo, an ex-board member of Honeywell Flour Mills plc; and Anchorage Limited, companies where Otudeko has substantial interests.

They were dragged to court last year by the anti-graft agency, but Otudeko has failed to appear before the judge, questioning the jurisdiction of the court to hear the matter.

But during the resumed hearing on Monday Justice Aneke said that the former chairman of the bank must appear before him and take his ‘plea’ before raising the issue of jurisdiction.

At the hearing of the matter on Monday, the judge said Otudeko must take his plea before an application challenging the court’s jurisdiction on the case can be decided.

The judge has subsequently adjourned the case to May 8 when the Otudeko is expected to appear before the judge.

According to the details of the case filed by the Commission, Otudeko and others were accused of obtaining the loan in  tranches of; N12.3 billion, N5.2 billion, N6.2 billion, N6.1 billion, and N1.5 billion—from FBN claiming that the loans were granted to some companies.

Recall that Otudeko was reported to have fled the country in January amid plans by the EFCC to arraign him before the court for the alleged fraud.

He later issues a statement saying he was ready to defend himself to stop his hard earned image from being dragged on the mud, saying he had no power to issue loans because he occupied no executive position in the commercial bank.

In the statement issued by his counsel, Olasumbo Abolaji, the business mogul said he was ready to “aggressively defend his reputation”.

Below, Otudeko statement:

“In light of recent news reports, Dr. Oba Otudeko categorically refutes the claims concerning his role in FBN Holdings and will aggressively defend his reputation.

“Dr Oba Otudeko is a builder and one of Nigeria’s foremost investors and industrialists. He has built directly from scratch and has worked with others to build many of Nigeria’s most successful companies. This includes FBNHoldings, where he served as a director (then Chairman) from 1997 to 2021 and was instrumental in supporting the transformation of the bank from an old generation bank to its current leadership role as a pan-African financial services holding company.

“As of this moment, he has received no official summons, neither has his legal team received any official invitation from relevant authorities. As he has done in the past, Dr Oba Otudeko is always ready and available to assist any government agency with appropriate oversight in the execution of their duties, with the expectation that these affairs will be conducted with the highest standard of professionalism.

“At 81, after 5 decades of contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s economy, Dr Oba Otudeko is now focused on mentoring the next generation of business leaders and contributing to the positive development of society through enterprise.

“He is not interested in serving in an executive capacity in any organization in Nigeria or elsewhere, neither is he interested in serving in a non-executive capacity on any board asides those he currently sits on. This includes any possibility of returning to the board of FBN Holdings Plc, which appears to be the focus of the recent unfortunate news barrage. FBN Holdings, a legacy institution built over 130 years, holds a special place in Dr. Otudeko’s heart. He trusts this strong foundation to guide the institution into the next era of success.

“Dr. Oba Otudeko is confident that the truth will prevail in due course and looks forward to addressing these claims in the appropriate forum.”

Unity Bank Champions Opportunities For Empowering Women

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Unity Bank Empowering Women

Leading lender Unity Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to women’s empowerment with a series of high-impact initiatives designed to inspire action toward gender equality and sustainable development.

The Bank hosted a webinar with the theme: “Unleashing Women’s Potential,” pivoted by the Unity Bank Women Network as it was marking this year’s International Women’s Day,

The webinar featured influential female leaders in the country, including Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi, a Nigerian entrepreneur and media personality, and Oluwabusayo Adegoke, a certified life coach and Strategy Consultant, who shared perspectives on women’s leadership, financial inclusion, and breaking barriers in male-dominated industries. The event provided an opportunity for professionals, entrepreneurs, and young women to gain valuable insights into personal and professional development.

The Bank also spotlighted women making significant contributions to their communities, particularly those driving change through education, mentorship, and financial empowerment. Among them were Abisoye Ajayi-Akinfolarin, a trailblazer empowering girls through technology; Tejumoluwa Olaobaju, an advocate leading the fight against period poverty in her community; and Chioma Ohakwe, a champion of inclusivity and women’s empowerment through targeted skill acquisition programmes for girls and women.

Speaking on the Bank’s commitment to gender equity, Mrs. Particia Ahunanya, Unity Bank’s Chief Compliance Officer and Chair of Unity Bank Women’s Network, stated: “Our commitment to financial inclusion and gender equity has made Unity Bank remain in the vanguard of championing opportunities for empowering women across all sectors. This is in view of the realization that women are crucial drivers of economic growth and societal transformation. Through initiatives like the ‘Unleashing Women’s Potential’ webinar and our community spotlights, the Bank is focused on promoting more initiatives to drive impact among the female gender”.

Unity Bank’s IWD 2025 initiatives align with its broader vision of supporting women in leadership, business, and entrepreneurship. Through gender-focused initiatives – particularly with products like the Yanga Account – the bank is committed to driving financial inclusion and empowering women to actively participate in economic and financial systems. By providing tailored financial solutions, Unity Bank aims to create equal opportunities for women to thrive, grow, and succeed.

As the global conversation on gender equality continues to gain momentum, Unity Bank calls on stakeholders across industries to accelerate actions toward creating a more inclusive society without limitations.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has lamented the selection processes of traditional rulers in the country, saying that criminals, drug addicts, vagabonds, bandits, and kidnappers have infiltrated royal institutions.

The former president said the rapid proliferation of traditional rulers, many of whom lack the required training and moral standing, has led to the deterioration of traditional institutions in the country.

Obasanjo, who stated this in one of his newly released book, Nigeria: Past and Future, which was unveiled last week, bemoaned the abandonment of the traditional training and apprenticeship system that once upheld the dignity of royal offices, stressing that this neglect has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s socio-political challenges.

He said, “Today, there are criminals, drug addicts, vagabonds, bandits and kidnappers as so-called traditional rulers.”

He noted that instead of being custodians of culture and justice, some traditional rulers have engaged in disgraceful acts that further damage the country’s fragile system.

He cited the example of a monarch involved in electoral malpractice.

“This is a great pity, and it has greatly contributed to the problems of Nigeria by traditional rulers. How do we account for a traditional ruler snatching a ballot box at an election polling station and running away with it?” he queried.

Obasanjo reflected on the past, when traditional rulers commanded honor and respect, particularly during the colonial and early post-independence periods, saying that such standards have now been lost.

“The class of traditional rulers with their distinction, honour and dignity, as we knew them in the colonial days and early post-independence days, has been diluted and polluted.”

While calling for urgent reforms, the former president stressed the need to restore traditional leadership’s lost dignity and value in Nigeria.

Related News

Obasanjo bemoans selection process of traditional rulers in Nigeria

Senate moves to establish National Council for Traditional Rulers

88th birthday: In my lifetime, Nigeria’ll be great — Obasanjo

He argued that traditional rulers should serve as key contributors to national development instead of being a burden.

“That dignity, aura and respect should be brought back and traditional rulers should be an asset to Nigeria’s development and greatness and not a liability,” he declared.

Obasanjo further emphasized the need for moral rejuvenation among traditional rulers, particularly those with deep historical significance.

He insisted that if properly repositioned, they could be crucial in achieving Nigeria’s long-term aspirations.

“There is a need for moral re-armament among the traditional rulers — the ancient and historic ones. And they can and should make meaningful contributions to the Nigeria of our dreams that will serve the purpose and interest of all

#Terrible President: NYSC Uguamaye Is Voice Of Reason, Truth – Peter Obi

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NYSC Uguamaye and Peter Obi

The National Youth Corps member, Ushie Rita Uguamaye, also known as Raye, recently had an experience that highlights a troubling trend in our nation—one where voices of reason and truth are met with intimidation rather than dialogue and engagement.

Reports indicate that she has faced threats from NYSC officials simply for expressing her concerns about the current administration.

This pattern is not isolated. I, too, have been subjected to threats for daring to offer constructive suggestions and comments.

I now face daily intimidation, harassment, and name-calling simply for expressing solution-based views on government policies.

Such actions are antithetical to the principles of democracy. A government that silences its citizens is not democratic or one that is subject to accountability and good governance and is most often corrupt.

I urge the current administration to reflect deeply on its approach to dissent and recognize that constructive criticism is a cornerstone of democratic progress.

To all patriotic Nigerians: Our nation’s future and development depend on our collective courage to speak out against misgovernance, injustice, and intimidation.

Do not let fear stifle your voice. Stand firm, support one another, and continue to advocate for Nigeria we all envision—a nation where freedom of speech is sacrosanct, and leadership is accountable to the people, especially in critical areas such as education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.

A just and prosperous Nigeria should be one where people like Raye are encouraged to speak out about the challenges they face, while those in government take urgent action to address these issues.

A New Nigeria is POssible! -PO