FEATURES
Last week, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo harped on the urgent need for reform and strengthening of the nation’s electoral process.
Obasanjo specifically called for the dismissal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Mahmood Yakubu, and officials of the commission at all levels for electoral integrity.
The erstwhile President spoke at the weekend via a recorded video address at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States, saying the electoral system reform is now among the top targets for change in Nigeria.
Obasanjo stressed that Nigerians must ensure that the INEC chairman and his staff were thoroughly vetted, adding that the vetting exercise should yield dispassionate, non-partisan, actors with impeccable reputations.
“As a matter of urgency, we must make sure the INEC chairperson and his or her staff are thoroughly vetted. The vetting exercise should yield dispassionate, non-partisan, actors with impeccable reputations.
“Nigeria must ensure the appointment of new credible INEC leadership at the federal, state, local government and municipal – city, town, and village levels – with short tenures – to prevent undesirable political influence and corruption, and re-establish trust in the electoral systems by its citizens.
“The INEC chairperson must not only be absolutely above board, he must also be transparently independent and incorruptible,” he said.
Obasanjo pointed out that INEC failed to implement the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and INEC Election Result Viewing Portal during the 2023.
“These technologies were touted by the INEC chairman himself. In the end, these technologies did not fail.
“INEC wilfully failed to use or implement them which resulted in widespread voting irregularities. It was a case of inviting the fox into the hen house,” Obasanjo stated.
However, the Presidency took issue with Obasanjo’s critique of the INEC.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy in a statement on Monday accused him of hypocrisy given his administration’s alleged role in organising what it described as the “most fraudulent election held in Nigeria since 1960.”
“It is hypocrisy writ large when a man who presided over the worst election in Nigeria demands the sack of the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission,” Onanuga wrote
DAILY POST reports that the call is a renewal of the controversies that trailed the outcome of the 2023 general elections, including the recently held off-cycle elections in Kogi, Imo and Edo states.
DAILY POST also recalls that the alleged non-compliance with the 2022 electoral law by INEC was one of the grounds on which the presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, and that of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, challenged the declaration of President Bola Tinubu as the winner of the February 25 presidential election.
Although Atiku and Obi lost their petitions at the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) and the Supreme Court, they had argued that INEC did not follow the provisions of the 2022 electoral act and its own rules in conducting the election.
The duo maintained that INEC breached its regulations and guidelines by not deploying technological devices for voter accreditation, verification, continuation, and authentication as required.
However, DAILY POST reported that the Supreme Court particularly acknowledged that the non-functioning of the Result Viewing (IReV) portal of the Electoral Commission may reduce the confidence of the voting public in the electoral process.
“Truth must be told, the non-functioning of the IReV may also reduce the confidence of the voting public in the electoral process,” Justice John Okoro said while delivering the lead judgment in the appeal by the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku.
Recently, Sam Amadi, Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, said the “gross flaws” and “manipulations” in the Edo governorship election were sufficient reasons for the country to have radical and comprehensive electoral reforms.
Amadi had earlier in a post on X suggested that anyone dreaming of becoming president in 2027 is not serious without disbanding INEC.
“Anyone thinking of being the President of Nigeria in 2027 and not thinking of disbanding this @inecnigeria is not serious,” he posted on X.
Also speaking further at a press conference recently in Abuja, he stated that the performance of the INEC in Edo did not inspire confidence that it would do better in the then forthcoming Ondo election.
“There were allegations that election results were manipulated.
“The INEC leadership has assured that they will avoid the mistakes of Edo,” he said.
“There is no reason to trust that they would act honestly to uphold electoral integrity in Ondo.
“The second issue is the procedure of result collation in Edo. We have read reports of forensic reviews of observer groups. We see clearly that the result declared by INEC differs materially from the results uploaded in the IREV.
“This inconsistency is damaging to the integrity of the elections. Furthermore, INEC is issuing certified copies of results that are different from what it has uploaded on the IREV.
“This is alarming. It does not assure us of the integrity of future elections,” he said.
Speaking to DAILY POST, a Public Affairs Analyst and Communication Scholar at Peaceland University, Enugu, Nduka Odo, said the manipulation of results and lack of accountability among INEC officials were serious concerns that needed to be addressed.
Odo opined that the electoral body’s excuses about national infrastructure and readiness were unconvincing.
He stressed that INEC must get its act together and demonstrate strong commitment to free and fair elections.
“INEC’s integrity is once again under fire, and I’m fed up with their constant failures.
“Like former President Obasanjo’s criticism, I agree that INEC’s lack of integrity, especially in electronic transmission of results, is alarming.
“The recent governorship election in Edo State was a critical test for INEC, and from what I’ve seen, they’ve failed miserably.
“Their inability to ensure transparency and fairness in the electoral process is appalling. The manipulation of results and lack of accountability among INEC officials are serious concerns that need to be addressed.
“The fact that some parties didn’t even submit polling and collation agents, yet they’re participating in the election, is a joke.
“The electronic transmission of results is not rocket science, but INEC has made it seem like an insurmountable task.
“Their excuses about national infrastructure and readiness are tired and unconvincing. It’s time for INEC to take responsibility for their failures and ensure that future elections are credible and transparent.
“INEC must get its act together: No more excuses, no more failures. INEC needs to demonstrate its commitment to free and fair elections.
“Accountability is key: INEC officials involved in electoral malpractices must be held accountable. Transparency is essential: Electronic transmission of results must be implemented effectively to prevent manipulation.
“It’s time for INEC to redeem its integrity and ensure that the people’s votes count. Anything less is unacceptable.”
On his part, Onyebuchi Igboke, the Project Manager of Advocacy Partnership for Good Governance and Convener, Office of the Citizens, told DAILY POST that the electoral commission should be for persons of integrity.
Igboke particularly noted that the INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu dashed the hope of many Nigerians contrary to his promise to transmit presidential election results in real time.
According to him, the electoral system in Nigeria should be reformed, suggesting that the power of the President to appoint the INEC chairman be removed.
He said: “INEC as an institution should be manned only by persons who have integrity. From what was observed from the last election, the INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu dashed the hope of Nigerians, especially young Nigerians.
“He made a promise severally before the 2023 presidential election to transmit results electronically, not just the transmission of results but in real time.
“However, everyone was disappointed how the results for the presidential election weren’t transmitted as he promised.
“I totally agree with what the former President Olusegun Obasanjo said about the institution lacking in integrity. In a sane clime, the INEC chairman should have resigned after the event of the 2022 general election.
“In the recent off-cycle elections in Kogi, Imo, Ondo, and Edo states, we saw what happened. Is that what we wish to have as an election?
“Election is a serious business because it gives people the opportunity to recruit individuals who will manage their resources, lead them into prosperity, and solve their problems.
“Electioneering in Nigeria should be reformed. This should begin by removing the power of the President to even appoint the INEC chairman.”
Last week, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo harped on the urgent need for reform and strengthening of the nation’s electoral process.
Obasanjo specifically called for the dismissal of the Chairman of INEC, Mahmood Yakubu, and officials of the commission at all levels the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, at all levels for electoral integrity.
The erstwhile President spoke at the weekend via a recorded video address at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States, saying the electoral system reform is now among the top targets for change in Nigeria.
Obasanjo stressed that Nigerians must ensure that the INEC chairman and his staff were thoroughly vetted, adding that the vetting exercise should yield dispassionate, non-partisan, actors with impeccable reputations.
“As a matter of urgency, we must make sure the INEC chairperson and his or her staff are thoroughly vetted. The vetting exercise should yield dispassionate, non-partisan, actors with impeccable reputations.
“Nigeria must ensure the appointment of new credible INEC leadership at the federal, state, local government and municipal – city, town, and village levels – with short tenures – to prevent undesirable political influence and corruption, and re-establish trust in the electoral systems by its citizens.
“The INEC chairperson must not only be absolutely above board, he must also be transparently independent and incorruptible,” he said.
Obasanjo pointed that INEC failed to implement the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and INEC Election Result Viewing Portal during the 2023.
“These technologies were touted by the INEC chairman himself. In the end, these technologies did not fail. INEC wilfully failed to use or implement them which resulted in widespread voting irregularities. It was a case of inviting the fox into the hen house,” Obasanjo stated.
However, the Presidency took issue with Obasanjo’s critique of the INEC.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy in a statement on Monday accused him of hypocrisy given his administration’s alleged role in organising what it described as the “most fraudulent election held in Nigeria since 1960.”
“It is hypocrisy writ large when a man who presided over the worst election in Nigeria demands the sack of the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission,” Onanuga wrote
DAILY POST reports that the call comes fresh from the divided opinions and controversies that trailed the outcome of the 2023 general elections, including the recently held off cycle elections in Kogi and Edo states.
DAILY POST also recalls that the alleged non-compliance with the 2022 electoral law by INEC was one of the grounds on which the presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, and that of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, challenged the declaration of President Bola Tinubu as the winner of the February 25 presidential election.
Athough Atiku and Obi lost their petitions at the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) and the Supreme Court, respectively, they had argued that INEC did not follow the provisions of the 2022 electoral act and its own rules in conducting the election.
The duo maintained that INEC breached its regulations and guidelines by not prescribing and deploying technological devices for voter accreditation, verification, continuation, and authentication as required.
However, DAILY POST reported that the Supreme Court particularly acknowledged that the non-functioning of the Result Viewing (IReV) portal of the Electoral Commission may reduce the confidence of the voting public in the electoral process.
“Truth must be told, the non-functioning of the IReV may also reduce the confidence of the voting public in the electoral process,” Justice John Okoro said while delivering the lead judgment in the appeal by the PDP presidential candidate Atiku.
Recently, Sam Amadi, Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, said the “gross flaws” and “manipulations” in the Edo governorship election were sufficient reason for the country to have radical and comprehensive electoral reforms.
Amadi had earlier in post on X suggested that anyone dreaming of becoming president in 2027 is not serious without disbanding INEC.
Amadi’s statement comes after the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had declared the All Progressives Congress, APC’s Monday Okpebholo as winner of the Edo State governorship election last September.
“Anyone thinking of being the President of Nigeria in 2027 and not thinking of disbanding this @inecnigeria is not serious,” he posted on X.
But speaking further at a press conference recently in Abuja, he stated that the performance of the INEC in Edo did not inspire confidence that it would do better in the then forthcoming Ondo election.
“There were allegations election results were manipulated.
“The INEC leadership has assured that they will avoid the mistakes of Edo,” he said.
“There is no reason to trust that they would act honestly to uphold electoral integrity in Ondo.
“The second issue is the procedure of result collation in Edo. We have read reports of forensic reviews of observer groups. We see clearly that the result declared by INEC differs materially from the results uploaded in the IREV.
“This inconsistency is damaging to the integrity of the elections. Furthermore, INEC is issuing certified copies of results that are different from what it has uploaded on the IREV.
“This is alarming. It does not assure us of the integrity of future elections,” he said.
Speaking to DAILY POST, a Public Affairs Analyst and Communication Scholar at Peaceland University, Enugu, Nduka Odo, said the manipulation of results and lack of accountability among INEC officials are serious concerns that need to be addressed.
Odo opined that the electoral body’s excuses about national infrastructure and readiness are tired and unconvincing.
He stressed that INEC must get its act together and demonstrate strong commitment to free and fair elections.
“INEC’s integrity is once again under fire, and I’m fed up with their constant failures. Like former President Obasanjo’s criticism, I agree that INEC’s lack of integrity, especially in electronic transmission of results, is alarming.
“The recent governorship election in Edo State was a critical test for INEC, and from what I’ve seen, they’ve failed miserably.
“Their inability to ensure transparency and fairness in the electoral process is appalling. The manipulation of results and lack of accountability among INEC officials are serious concerns that need to be addressed.
“The fact that some parties didn’t even submit polling and collation agents, yet they’re participating in the election, is a joke.
“The electronic transmission of results is not rocket science, but INEC has made it seem like an insurmountable task. Their excuses about national infrastructure and readiness are tired and unconvincing. It’s time for INEC to take responsibility for their failures and ensure that future elections are credible and transparent.
“INEC must get its act together: No more excuses, no more failures. INEC needs to demonstrate its commitment to free and fair elections.
“Accountability is key: INEC officials involved in electoral malpractices must be held accountable. Transparency is essential: Electronic transmission of results must be implemented effectively to prevent manipulation.
“It’s time for INEC to redeem its integrity and ensure that the people’s votes count. Anything less is unacceptable.”
The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo has ordered a comprehensive review of all recruitment exercises carried out by the Godwin Obaseki-led administration between May 2024 and November 2024.
A statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Umar Ikhilor, also ordered the suspension of recruitment into the state’s civil service until further notice.
Okpebholo, however, accused heads of various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of carrying out clandestine recruitment exercises into the state’s civil service. The statement made available to newsmen on Friday in Benin City stated that preliminary investigations revealed that backed-dated employment letters were issued without due process.
According to the statement, “The Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo is in receipt of the report of the clandestine activities being perpetuated by some Commissions, Boards, Parastatals and Agencies of Government in the State.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that these bodies have continued to issue back-dated letters of employment to their cronies without due process. “For the avoidance of doubt, this administration believes in the principle of fairness and equity which expects that all employment exercise should be merit-based, competitive and accessible to all Edo indigenes.
“In light of the foregoing and in order to arrest this ugly trend, the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo has directed the immediate suspension of all employment processes as well as the review of all appointments carried out since May 2024 by Commissions, Boards, Parastatals and Agencies of Government.
“Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies are to note and comply with the above directive”, the statement added.
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC Joe Igbokwe has said that President Bola Tinubu’s son Seyi Tinubu does not possess the required capacity to be the governor of Lagos State.
This comes amid reports urging the president’s son to run for governor in 2027.
Reacting to this development, Igbokwe in a Facebook post criticized those advocating for Seyi to be Lagos governor.
The APC chieftain described the calls as a distraction and an attempt to pull Tinubu down.
He further noted that to govern a state like Lagos is not a job for “boys.”
“Who are these faceless people pushing Seyi Tinubu for Lagos Governor? This is a needless distraction.
“To pull PBAT down is their target. Please allow PBAT to do his very engaging and tasking job. Ruling Lagos is not the job of boys? ” he wrote.
A mystery fire on Thursday night broke out at the College of Health Sciences of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi, gutting a building in the institution.
A source said the building which is in the physiology department of the institution was totally razed by fire.
It was, however, gathered that the fire was stopped from extending to other buildings as it was immediately attacked and put off.
So far, there has been no explanation as to the cause of the fire.
A senior official of the institution who confirmed the incident said an investigation was still on to unravel the mystery.
Though the fire destroyed the building and some properties within it, no life was reported lost in the incident.
A Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday, ordered the remand of 109 foreigners, charged over allegations bordering on cybercrime, in Kuje and Suleja Correctional Centres.
Justice Ekerete Akpan gave the order following an application by one of the defence counsel, James Onoja, SAN, for an adjournment to allow the prosecution to reflect the defendants’ names correctly on the charge sheet.
The foreigners, who are said to be citizens of China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand, Brazil, Malaysia and Myanmar, were recently arrested by the police.
They were apprehended in their residence at Plot 1906, Cadestral Zone 807, Katampe District of Abuja, where they were said to be engaging in cybercrime by allegedly promoting “a fraudulent and unregistered gaming platform.”
In a six-count charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/599/2024 filed in the name of the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police, the foreigners were charged with cybercrime, money laundering and unlawfully residing in Nigeria.
At the resumed hearing on Friday, Onoja informed the court that while conducting Know-Your-Customer (KYC) procedures for his clients, he discovered that their actual names were not reflected on the charge sheet.
“This information came to light when we were discussing the possible terms of bail for the defendants.
“We told them that the court would ask for their travel documents, and they said the names on the charge sheet were not their names,” he said.
The senior lawyer said he had discussed the matter with the prosecution lawyer, A.A. Egwu.
He said they requested the defendants’ travel documents so that their proper names could be reflected on the charge sheet.
He emphasised that it was the defendant’s responsibility to provide their correct travel documents for the plea and trial to proceed smoothly.
Onoja, therefore, proposed that the arraignment be adjourned in the interest of justice.
Egwu, who appeared for the police, responded that the court could make an order for the defendants’ respective embassies to provide their travel documents.
“We do not oppose the request for an adjournment,” he said.
A fire engulfed a block of classrooms at Limawa Day Secondary School in Minna, Niger State, on Thursday evening, with eyewitnesses attributing the blaze to suspected hemp smokers.
The fire, which caused significant damage, was swiftly contained by firefighters from the Niger State Federal Fire Service.
Eyewitnesses claimed that a group of young boys frequently gathered on the school premises to smoke hemp.
Ibrahim Mohammed, a local resident, described how their careless actions may have sparked the blaze.
“These boys always come here to smoke weed, and with this harmattan season, things catch fire easily.
“Yesterday, they dropped a burning butt in one of the classrooms, which eventually ignited the fire,” Mohammed explained.
He added, “We’ve seen them smoking here before, and it’s clear their reckless behavior led to this unfortunate incident.”
The school’s principal, Datti Dauda, confirmed the incident, stating he was alerted by a neighbor about the fire.
“I received a call from our neighbor, the headmaster, who told me the school was on fire. I immediately contacted the fire service, and they responded promptly to extinguish the flames,” Dauda said.
Ruling out electrical faults as the cause, Dauda noted that the affected part of the building had no electrical connections.
He attributed the fire to possible actions of intruders, given that the school premises were often encroached upon.
The principal estimated the damage at over ₦1.5 million, citing the cost of repairing destroyed planks and other materials.
A senior official from the fire service commended the swift response of his team, noting that they arrived at the scene within five minutes of the alarm being raised.
“We acted immediately and successfully contained the fire, preventing further damage,” the official said.
In light of the incident, authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant, particularly during the harmattan season, when fires can spread rapidly.
The school has also called for enhanced security measures to prevent unauthorized access and ensure the safety of its facilities.
Controversial crossdresser, Bobrisky has regretted ever being famous.
He made his feelings known in a now deleted Instagram post.
Since serving his term for naira abuse, Bobrisky has been in one fiasco to the other with Nigerian security agencies.
Regretting his celebrity status, he wrote:
“Every spirit of monitoring spirit in my life, dissapear. Imagine posting and people are trying to know your location. I lost my privacy ever since I became famous.
I wish I was never famous.You just have to keep everything about you away from social Nigeria is too toxic”.
See the post below:
Sonia Adesua, the ex-wife of football star, Odion Ighalo has revealed why married people must wear their wedding rings.
She spoke in a post she shared on her Instagram page.
Sonia noted that wedding rings are symbols of commitment that visibly declares one’s relationship status publicly.
She wrote: “Married people in Lagos please always wear your wedding ring.They are a symbol of commitment to your significant other and a public statement to strangers.Stop confusing singles out there”.
See the post below
‘They Have Made A Mistake’ – Atiku Reacts As Reps Reject Six-year Single Term For President, Govs
AFOLABI
Atiku Abubukar, Nigeria's former vice president and 2023 presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has reacted after the House of Representatives rejected the bill that proposed a six-year tenure for Nigerian presidents and governors.
According to Atiku, the lawmakers’ decision is unfortunate.
He stated that they failed to recognize that Nigeria is at a critical juncture.
Recall that the bill, sponsored by Ikenga Ugochinyere and 33 others, was dismissed through a voice vote during Thursday’s plenary session.
This bill which suggested a single six-year term for elected presidents and governors across the nation, was also thrown out under Former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.
Also, Atiku had submitted a memo to the National Assembly earlier in October calling for a rotation of the presidency between the North and South.
Reacting to the House’s decision, Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, mentioned that his principal had expected that the bill would encourage those elected to focus on fulfilling their responsibilities to the public, aiming to reduce political distractions for presidents and governors.
He said, “So, it is sad that it was rejected, and we need to ensure that the laws we make promote the well-being of Nigerians and strengthen democracy in both word and deed.
“That is what this law was meant to do. Unfortunately, the House did not see this. It is unfortunate, and we hope that it is revisited, so they can realise that they have made a mistake”.
Nigeria now less stable and rated 'Vulnerable' - Africa Country Instability Risk Index Report shows
AFOLABI
Nigeria has become less stable in the past year and can now be categorised as ‘vulnerable’ based on an instability risk index, according to a new report.
SBM Intelligence, a pan-African think tank, ranked Nigeria as a ‘vulnerable’ country and one of the “biggest losers” in sub-Saharan Africa on its instability risk index. This was disclosed in its recent Africa Country Instability Risk Index (ACIRI) which assesses the political, economic and social factors frustrating stability in African countries.
The report spotlighted 48 West, Central, East and Southern African countries. These countries, according to the report, “were grouped by region as delineated by the African Development Bank.”
However, the think tank explained that North Africa was “exempted because of the sub-Saharan focus of this study.”
Although Mauritania and Western Sahara are mapped to West Africa, they were exempted from the study due to what the SBM Intelligence described as “a paucity of data, geopolitical considerations and a cultural and economic affinity with North Africa.”
The report sheds light on three key factors — history, economy, and geopolitics, as well as leadership and governance — and how they contribute to political instability in these countries.
It also evaluates the stability of the 48 African countries by considering indices like ethnic tensions, coup history, dominant ethnic groups, food security, poverty rate, debt sustainability, conflict and vulnerability, and economic diversity.
Countries are therefore categorised into six levels of stability — Red Watch, Critical, Warning, Vulnerable, Stable, and Safe.
The firm explained that a higher score indicates a higher level of political risk to business. According to it, a country that scores 70 and above is categorised under Red Watch.
Countries that scored between 60 and 69 are categorised as critical while those that score between 50 and 59 are placed under warning. Countries like Nigeria that scored between 40 and 45 are marked as vulnerable. Those that scored between 30 and 39 are marked stable while those that scored below 30 are marked safe.
“A lower score shows how stable a country is, while a higher one tells the opposite,” the firm noted.
‘Biggest losers, biggest gainers’
Countries like Botswana, Seychelles, Namibia and Zimbabwe joined Nigeria to earn the title of biggest losers.
Analysis by SBM Intelligence showed that Nigeria’s instability worsened as it ranked 45th this year, unlike the previous year when it ranked 39th and was marked “stable.”
This deterioration could be blamed on unfavourable government policies that weakened the country’s currency and eventually forced some big investors out of Nigeria.
It would be recalled that some multinational companies, including Kimberley-Clark, Procter & Gamble (P&G), GlaxoSmithKline Consumer (GSK) Nigeria, Equinor, Sanofi and Bolt Food, recently withdrew from the Nigerian market.
The exit was attributed to various challenges, such as foreign exchange shortages, rising energy costs, and declining consumer purchasing power amid high inflation.
“Botswana experienced a GDP decline of nearly 2% in the first quarter of 2024, and Zimbabwe experienced economic challenges such as debt and currency crises,” SBM Intelligence says, adding: “Nigeria, Africa’s fourth largest economy, ended the year with a score change of -6, following the exit of foreign businesses over weaker currency, rising inflation and other economic challenges.”
Meanwhile, five countries were crowned the “biggest gainers.” They include Angola, Burundi, Chad, Togo, and Madagascar.
“A cutback on governance costs drove Angola’s performance, while Madagascar’s GDP growth improved to 4.4 per cent in 2023 from 4.3 per cent in 2022,” the think-tank noted.
Regional perspective
The report indicates that Central African countries had the most representation in the top ten, with four countries present: Angola, Central African Republic, Chad, and Gabon.
West Africa followed closely in the top ten with three countries: Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Togo.
“The regions with the lowest representations are East Africa, with 20% represented by Burundi and Madagascar, and Southern Africa, at 10%, with Eswatini as its sole representative. The worst-performing entities are shared by Eastern and Southern Africa, at 40% each–represented by countries such as Seychelles, Kenya, Mauritius, and Comoros on the East side and Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia on the South,” the report noted.
However, Southern Africa retained its spot as the most stable region for the second year with a score change of -1.3, the report disclosed, noting that “Central Africa was the least stable, ending the year with a score change of 6.78, performing worse than East (1.07) and West (2.47). This performance can be explained by an improvement in South Africa’s economy, which grew by 0.4% in the second quarter of 2024 from 0.1% in the first quarter.”
While the raging conflict between the Rwanda-backed M-23 militia and Congo “contributed to the relatively poor performance in Central and East Africa”, attempted coups and Islamist insurgencies “contributed to West Africa’s poor outing.”
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The Federal University Gusau (FUGUS) in Zamfara state says Bernard Odoh, former vice-chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Anambra, fraudulently obtained his professorship.
BACKGROUND
On Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu dissolved UNIZIK’s governing council and sacked the institution’s vice-chancellor and registrar.
Odoh was described as “unqualified” for the role of vice-chancellor of the university, in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy.
“The sacking of the governing council and officials followed reports that the council illegally appointed an unqualified vice-chancellor without following due process,” the statement reads.
“After the controversial appointment, the Federal Government stepped in to address tensions between the university’s Senate and the governing council of the 33-year-old institution.
“The government expressed concern over the council’s apparent disregard for the university’s governing laws in its selection process.”
ODOH FIGHTS BACK
However, in an interview with Arise Television on Thursday, Odoh said the president erred by firing him.
He added that since his appointment as vice-chancellor was not made through a press release, he cannot be removed through one.
The embattled don said he was qualified for the position of vice-chancellor of UNIZIK ab initio. He added that his appointment followed due process.
Odoh said the case against his appointment is before a federal high court and industrial courts.
He added that Tinubu and Tunji Alausa, education minister, should have waited for the verdict of the courts before booting him out.
Odoh said by leaving the university without a vice-chancellor, governing council and registrar, Tinubu has fomented crisis in UNIZIK.
The embattled university don added that two of the assessors, and a registrar from FUGUS who deposed to an affidavit on his professorship, are still alive and can back his claims.
‘PRODUCTS OF ADMINISTRATIVE FRAUD’
In a statement on Thursday, Yakubu Anivbassa, FUGUS registrar, said the documents referenced by Odoh were “products of administrative fraud”.
The FUGUS management said Odoh “was never a staff member of the university” and his claims are “tissues of lies and misinformation”.
“The Federal University Gusau hereby states in clear and unambiguous terms that the so called letters of offer of tenure of appointment as Professor and confirmation of promotion to the post of Professor, dated 30th April 2015 and 12th November 2015, being paraded by Dr Bernard Odoh are null and void,” the statement reads.
“The documents being paraded by Dr. Odoh Bernard Ifeanyi and purported to be certified true copies hurriedly endorsed by Ibrahim Bawa Kaura, former Registrar of the Federal University, dated November 8, 2024, six solid years after the latter left the services of the Federal University Gusau, are products of administrative fraud orchestrated by Dr. Odoh.
“Dr Odoh working in cahoots with the former Vice Chancellor of the University and the Registrar, as there is no official record of Dr. Odoh’s employment in the custody of the University.
“Further proof of the desperation to perpetuate such illegality is the impersonation and usurpation of the duties of the current Registrar of the University by the former Registrar, Ibrahim Bawa Kaura, who procured a fake stamp to certify Dr. Odoh’s equally fake employment documents as true copies on November 8, 2024, six years after his disengagement from the university.
“Dr. Odoh Bernard Ifeanyi is not and has never been a tenure staff of the university, let alone being confirmed as a professor by the institution.
“Whatever claim to the contrary by Dr. Odoh is nothing but the antics of a drowning man who is hell-bent on using the good name of the Federal University Gusau, to give vent to his desperate ambition to become the Vice Chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, through subterfuge.”
The registrar said certification of public documents is guided by the Evidence Act 2011, adding that requirements include payment of fees and a certified true copy.
Anivbassa added that the document must be sealed, dated and signed by the officer responsible for issuing the document with his name and title of his office.
“A careful perusal of the above requirements and their juxtaposition against the certification of Dr. Odoh’s documents by Ibrahim Bawa Kaura, clearly shows that the so called certified true copies fell short of the provisions of Section 104 of the Evidence Act, 2011 and are therefore, not legally tenable,” he said.
Anivbassa said Bawa, having left FUGUS as a registrar in 2018, has “no locus” to certify university documents.
“Therefore, the so-called certified true copies of Dr. Odoh’s documents relating to his alleged employment as endorsed by Ibrahim Bawa Kaura on November 8, 2024, are illegal, criminal, null and void and of no effect whatsoever,” the statement added.
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced that Nigerians will need to pay for the newly introduced multipurpose national identity cards due to limited government revenue.
Peter Iwegbu, head of card management services at NIMC, disclosed this during a two-day press conference in Lagos on Thursday.
He explained that the payment model aims to ensure that only those who genuinely need the cards will apply for them, avoiding the inefficiencies of past initiatives where physical cards were issued for free but largely uncollected.
Iwegbu emphasized that introducing a paid model would streamline production and distribution, ensuring better management of resources.
The new multipurpose ID cards are expected to serve various functions, including identification, financial transactions, and accessing government services.
Iwegbu said, “Before we stopped due to funding, we produced more than two million cards but a lot of them are still in our office, people were not able to pick them up because they didn’t need it.”
Aside from low collection, Iwegbu said the government could not fund the production of ID cards due to limited revenue.
“The government’s limited revenue is also a major factor in the decision to make Nigerians pay for the new ID card,” he added.
He said NIMC is also working with banks across the country, which will make it possible for people to walk into any bank closest to them and request the card.
Also speaking, Lanre Yusuf, director of information technology at NIMC, said the idea of a free national ID card did not turn out well in the past.
Yusuf described the new ID card as a post-paid identity card, which means that individuals must need the card before initiating a request for it.
The director said, “To get the new national ID card, Nigerians will need to make a payment, select a pickup location, and then collect their card from the chosen location.
“The government has implemented programmes to make the card accessible to the less privileged Nigerians who cannot afford it but require it to access government support.
“This initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to inclusivity and equality.”
Yusuf also said the multipurpose ID cards are expected to launch soon, with sample test cards already received.
“The new national ID card is a multipurpose card that can serve the purpose of identity verification, payments, and even government services,” he said.
Notorious armed bandit leader Jiya Turji has reportedly received a ransom payment of ₦6 million from residents of Sardauna village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
This was disclosed on Friday by counterterrorism and insurgency expert Zagazola Makama in a post on his X handle.
Makama revealed, citing intelligence sources, that the villagers paid the ransom to secure the release of five community members abducted by Turji’s gang during an earlier attack.
“The ransom negotiations were intense, with the bandits initially demanding a much higher sum before agreeing to settle for ₦6 million,” Makama said, quoting locals.
The five abductees were reportedly freed after the payment was made, though the incident has heightened fears among residents of Sabon Birni over recurring attacks by Turji’s gang.
“The victims, who have been in captivity for several weeks, were reportedly freed after the payment was made,” he added.
Local leaders have repeatedly called on security agencies to intensify efforts to curb banditry in the region, which has seen an alarming rise in kidnappings, extortion, and violent attacks.
As of press time, neither the Sokoto State Government nor security agencies have commented on the ransom payment. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges in combating insecurity in Northern Nigeria.
All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Jesutega Onokpasa, has called on President Bola Tinubu, to cancel the appointment of Daniel Bwala, a former campaign director to the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar.
Recall that Daniel Bwala was recently appointed Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, was on Monday night redesignated as Special Adviser on Policy Communication.
In an interview on Arise TV, Onokpasa said some of Tinubu’s supporters have claimed that Bwala’s appointment was a strategy, but he thinks it is ‘stupidity’.
According to him, Bwala’s appointment hurts, noting that Tinubu’s failure to revoke the appointment will lead to his defeat in the 2027 presidential election.
He said, “The manner in which President Bola Tinubu stabbed his supporters in the back is absolutely ridiculous, meaningless and inexplicable appointment. I am a Tinubu supporter and not a sycophant; his apologists are calling his appointment of Bwala strategy, but I think it is stupidity.
“We won this election with the lowest margin since 1999. Every other president has won with more than 50 percent of the votes but we won with less than 40 percent. How do you call a president a drug dealer, Bwala is a lawyer. He had no evidence, he called Tinubu a drug baron. How do the president now appoint such a person? No everyone is interested in getting appointment.
“I am only bothered about the insults from Bwala. Tinubu seemed to take us for granted, he does not feed us, I have never gone to Tinubu’s house to seek for anything, there are do who do that not everyone. I just like the President like he is a family member, that is why, it really hurt me, he thinks he can behave anyhow, just stab us in the back, I don’t trust him anymore.
Bwala helped Atiku Abubakar to fail in 2023 and he would help Tinubu to fail in 2027. The President has the right to hire who he wants, and we have the right to rire a President. Tinubu has to rescind his appointment of Daniel Bwala. He has to respect us in the APC. “