Latest News
FEATURES
A staggering 55,910 Nigerians have been killed, and 21,000 others abducted by terror groups between 2019 and 2023, according to a report by The Observatory of Religious Freedom in Africa, ORFA.
The report, released on Thursday, blamed extremist groups, including Boko Haram, ISWAP, and armed herders, for these atrocities.
ORFA’s data revealed that Christians were disproportionately affected, experiencing 2.7 times more killings and 5.1 times more abductions than Muslims. Land-based community attacks accounted for 81% of civilian killings.
The study also found that armed herders killed at least 42% of civilians, while Boko Haram and ISWAP combined killed 10%. Kidnappings escalated, with 7,705 people abducted in 2022, and Christians were 1.4 times more likely to be abducted.
‘Islamist extremists enjoy relative freedom’
Frans Vierhout, ORFA’s data scientist, noted that the numbers are alarming.
According to him, the consistent increase in abductions and killings over the years indicates a worsening security situation.
He said, “Millions of people are left undefended. For years, we’ve heard of calls for help being ignored as terrorists attack vulnerable communities.
“Mass killings, abductions, and torture of whole families go largely unchallenged as the military pursue targets hundreds of miles away. Islamist extremists enjoy relative freedom to carry out atrocities against civilians in large regions of Nigeria.
“Across the country, over 11,000 incidents of extreme violence took place during the data period, with more than 55,910 killings and 21,000 abductions.
The little-known armed herders killed at least 42% of all civilians, while Boko Haram and ISWAP combined killed 10%.
“In the North Central zone alone, 3,007 incidents of extreme violence occurred. Of these, 2,010 involved killings, 700 were abductions, and 297 were a combination of killings and abductions.”
In the same vein, Rev. Dr. Gideon Para-Mallam, an ORFA partner and analyst, emphasized the need for government action.
FG’s priority
He insisted that the government must prioritize civilian protection and address the root causes of the displacement crisis. He stressed that the current security operations focusing on the North-East and North-West leave North-Central and Southern Kaduna vulnerable.
Para-Mallam said, “Nigeria’s government must prioritize civilian protection and address the root causes of the displacement crisis.
“Armed herders are targeting Christian populations, while Muslims also suffer severely at their hands. Kidnappers work to Islamist goals. Where young women are kidnapped, tortured, and sexually violated, hope for a normal married life and family may vanish.”
ORFA urged the international community to examine the data and understand Nigeria’s challenges.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for strengthening relations between Nigeria and the European Union, particularly in addressing malnutrition and other humanitarian challenges.
He expressed Nigeria’s appreciation for the EU’s support and noted the need for continued collaboration between the two partners.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by an EU delegation led by the outgoing EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Samuela Isopi, on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the Vice President, in a statement by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, expressed deep appreciation for Ambassador Isopi’s contributions during her tenure.
“You have contributed significantly to strengthening the relationship between the EU and Nigeria. Your assistance in humanitarian efforts in the North East and North West and trade between our two nations has been invaluable,” he told the envoy.
Noting Nigeria’s strategic importance to the EU, Senator Shettima said, “Nigeria is the most populous nation on the continent and is projected to become the third most populous nation globally by 2050, after China and India. We appreciate your commitment and involvement in some of the most important programmes in Nigeria.”
The Vice President particularly commended Ambassador Isopi’s work in Nigeria, saying, “You have contributed immensely towards strengthening the relationship between the EU and Nigeria. You have midwifed many transactions and assisted in many humanitarian endeavours in the North East and the North West subregions.”
“You have been around for some epochal moments in Nigeria’s political evolution. You were part of the process that midwifed the current transition. You were actively involved in signing the peace accord with political parties before the 2023 elections. You have been the focal person even in championing humanitarian causes.
“We value the EU’s continued engagement and support, especially in humanitarian efforts and development initiatives. We need your support now more than ever, particularly in addressing humanitarian crises and security challenges in the Northwest,” he added.
Responding, Ambassador Isopi reflected on her three-year tenure in Nigeria, highlighting the progress and collaborations achieved. She declared, “After three memorable years, it’s time for me to say goodbye.
“Nigeria has been busy, and I leave with an even warmer feeling than when I arrived. Nigeria has made great progress, with much more development and improved infrastructure,” she added.
The Ambassador emphasised the close collaboration between the EU and Nigeria, particularly with the Vice President’s office.
She said, “We’re proud of our collaboration with the office of the Vice President on many programmes. Your office has led the way, and we’ve been working diligently”.
“We aim to support Nigeria in peace and security. We’re very present and committed in the Northeast, now looking increasingly at the Northwest.
“We recently launched a new education programme there. We’ll continue to support the government’s efforts in humanitarian assistance, including new development actions in education and health.”
The Ambassador also noted the EU’s role in Nigeria’s economic development: “We’re also very active in economic development, working closely with your office on several initiatives, particularly in agriculture. We’re supporting key value chains, especially in the North, as we know that creating jobs for youth is crucial.”
She expressed confidence in the future of EU-Nigeria relations. She said, “We want to reinstate our continued engagement and renewed determination from the EU to work with Nigeria. I’m sure my successor will find a good partner in Nigeria to develop our relationship further.”
The deputy head of the delegation, Zissimos Vergos, and the Political Adviser to the EU in Nigeria, Osaro Odewingie, were also present at the meeting.
[Leadership]
The committees of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) focusing on Social Affairs, Gender and Women Empowerment, Legal Affairs and Human Rights, Political Affairs, Peace, Security, and the African Peer Review Mechanism (MAEP), along with Legal and Human Rights, and Trade Customs and Free Movement, have advocated for the elimination of the residence permit requirement among member states.
Naija News understands that the joint committee presented their recommendation to member states and the ECOWAS Commission on Thursday in a draft report following their delocalized sessions in Banjul, The Gambia.
The ECOWAS Residence Permit, commonly referred to as the ECOWAS Residence Card, is a document provided to citizens of member nations who intend to reside in another ECOWAS country for an extended duration for purposes such as business, employment, or personal matters.
The establishment of the ECOWAS Residence Permit system was part of the ECOWAS Treaty, signed in May 1975.
The treaty aimed to foster economic integration and collaboration among West African nations, including provisions for the unrestricted movement of individuals within the region.
Nevertheless, the joint committee believes that the residence permit system hinders the free movement of citizens across the region.
The report, which would still go through plenary approval, stated in part that “the issuance of residence permits should be completely abolished in the region in conformity with the Community Text. “
The parliamentarians had previously expressed concerns about the failure to implement the ECOWAS free movement protocols at borders throughout the West Africa region.
In their recommendations, the joint committee has also advocated for the organization of comprehensive awareness campaigns to educate citizens and pertinent government officials about regional agreements, including the Protocol on Free Movement.
“The Free Movement Protocol should be made available to all Immigration Officers, especially at the border posts.
“All training programmes of Immigration and Customs officials should include training on the relevant Community Texts,” the draft report said.
The parliamentarians have also called for the assignment of officials at border posts to monitor, document, and report incidents of extortion and other forms of misconduct.
Furthermore, the report urged the ECOWAS Commission to ensure that their respective Member States effectively execute all Community Texts ratified by Heads of State and Government.
It emphasized the necessity for full adherence by Member States to the implementation of the ECOWAS Biometric Identification Card.
Additionally, the parliamentarians requested that the ECOWAS Commission and Parliament undertake review processes of all ratified Community Texts at the national level to reduce discrepancies between regional Texts and national legislation.
Earlier in the week, the joint committee facilitated a town hall meeting with stakeholders and an interactive session with border officials in The Gambia and Senegal to assess the degree of implementation of the ECOWAS free movement protocols and to identify the challenges obstructing their complete execution.
[NaijaNews]
-Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote said that by entering the textile industry, his company lost billions of naira in investment
-The billionaire businessman also said he was forced to sell his bank, Liberty Merchant Bank, for N1.2 billion
-He said the government failed to offer any protection through policy decisions, which resulted in the closure of the two factories
Behind every success story, there is always that struggle which is not so known to many. Such is the case of some billionaires like Aliko Dangote, who had records of failed businesses before finally becoming Africa’s number one billionaire.
Dangote shared personal experience during his keynote speech at the 2024 Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) summit in Abuja, according to an Independent.ng report. He claimed his company lost billions of naira in investment due to his entry into the textile sector.
Dangote talked about his challenges in the rapidly expanding Nigerian textile industry and why his two plants had to close.
Following the 1960s textile boom, the chairman of the Dangote Group said his company invested billions of naira in the sector.
However, the two plants were shut down because the government did not protect policy decisions. Dangote stated that he was forced to sell Liberty Merchant Bank for N1.2 billion to cover the pensions and gratuities owed to Nigeria's textile mill employees.
“When textile businesses were booming, we set up our textile mills called Dangote General Textile Mills in Kano. Then, we massively invested billions at that time
“We also went and bought the foreign shareholder of Nigeria Textile Mill, which was a textile mill set up for the Western Region by Chief Obafemi Awolowo. That was 1960. At the end of the day, there was no government protection. We had to shut both the two factories."
The billionaire claimed that the Nigeria Textile Mill presented the most obstacle because most of its employees had been there for 25 to 30 years, making it challenging to pay their pensions and gratuities.
Dangote said: “Luckily for us, somebody now came and said he wanted to buy our bank, Liberty Merchant Bank. By the time we sold Liberty, I cashed out N1.2 billion. After cashing out N1.2 billion, the industry consumed N985 million to pay pensions and gratuities just to get out of the business. That is how we now got out of the business. We burnt our fingers."
Dangote claimed that even when former President Obasanjo then encouraged him to make investments in the textile sector, he had to decline the suggestion because of his prior experiences.
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain neutral during the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states.
Yusuf Dantalle, IPAC national chairman, spoke on Thursday at a meeting of INEC and political parties at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Dantalle said the election is a chance for political party leaders to restore confidence in the electoral process by ensuring the sanctity of the ballot box, and respect the mandate of the people.
“After 25 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria, we must get it right this time,” he said.
“The Edo state gubernatorial polls will be a litmus test for the Ondo state governorship election scheduled for Saturday 16th November 2024, which in turn gives direction to future elections in the country.
“Certainly, the integrity of INEC is at stake. The commission should justify the confidence citizens reposed in it to conduct free, fair, credible, transparent, inclusive and peaceful elections. The success of these elections will rebuild trust in the electoral process and boost voter turnout.”
The council urged political parties and their candidates to imbibe issue-based campaigns that will unite the people and foster development.
“There is no place for politics of bitterness and violence that has impeded the nation’s hard earned democracy. It is time to change the narrative. It is time for patriotism. It is time to strengthen, deepen and advance our democracy,” he said.
“It is a collective task in the quest for a strong, united, progressive, prosperous, equitable and just democratic society.
“To further enhance the nation’s representative governance, political parties should adhere strictly to internal democracy as provided in their respective constitution. We must live and lead by example.
“It is obvious that the failure to comply with parties’ constitutions is the remote cause of crises, leadership disagreements, factionalizations and litigations that have retarded the development of party politics in Nigeria.
“We should be the solution we seek in advancing democracy in the country. It is easy to blame the electoral body, security agencies and the Judiciary when as leaders of political parties we cannot comply with clear provisions of our parties’ constitutions and basic provisions of the electoral act and guidelines.
“It is time to jettison impunity and embrace internal democracy in our activities, particularly in the nomination of candidates for elections.”
[TheCable]
Atiku Abubakar, Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023, has said that he is not concerned about the politics of the 2027 elections.
Atiku spoke through his media adviser, Paul Ibe, in a statement on Thursday night.
Ibe said the former Vice President is preoccupied with recent happenings, especially in the hardship facing most Nigerians since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.
This response follows recent comments by Bode George, the former deputy national chairman (south) of the PDP, who suggested that Atiku should consider retiring from active politics and wait until 2031 if he still aspires to the presidency.
Reacting to George’s remarks on Thursday, Ibe said that Atiku’s focus is on the present challenges facing Nigeria, not the politics of 2027.
“At this point, Atiku Abubakar’s preoccupation is not 2027. His concern is about 2024,” Ibe said.
“It is about 2025 and 2026 and beyond. His concern is about the plight of Nigerians who are literally going through hell because of the failed trial-and-error policies of this administration.”
Ibe further criticized the current administration, stressing that it is “insensitive” to discuss future elections when Nigerians are suffering under the current leadership.
He also urged George to focus on advising President Tinubu to reconsider policies that have worsened poverty and division in the country, rather than prioritizing the politics of 2027.
[politicsnigeria]
Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said it has granted an Approval-in-Principle to two crypto exchanges Quidax and Busha, giving them the status of legally recognised crypto trading platforms in the country.
The two exchanges were approved under the Accelerated Regulatory Incubation Program (ARIP) program of the Commission.
In addition to that, the Commission said it has also admitted four companies to test their models and technology under its Regulatory Incubation (RI) Program.
The four firms are digital assets offering platforms, which include Trovotech Ltd, Wrapped CBDC Ltd, Dream City Capital, and HousingExhange.NG Ltd.
Announcing the development via a statement on Thursday, the SEC the listed above firms are not the only entities that have applied to ARIP and the RI Program. It added that other applications received are being assessed would be granted Approval-in-Principle on a case-by-case basis as they meet all SEC requirements.
Legal recognition for crypto trading
While noting that the referenced Approvals-in-Principle is a precursor to the grant of full registration by the SEC, the Commission emphasized the legal status of the companies as crypto trading platforms in Nigeria.
“The SEC uses this medium to reiterate that only approved digital exchanges and platforms are legally authorized to carry out the business of crypto trading in any form in Nigeria.
“In this regard, the ARIP and RI remain the only avenues for well-intentioned entities to legitimately introduce their digital products and services to the Nigerian Capital market.
“The public is strongly advised to refrain from dealing with illegal operators who have not applied to and received the SEC’s approval under the ARIP or the RI Program.
“Intending investors are also reminded to always confirm from the various SEC information portals whether entities purporting to provide investment services are legally empowered to so do,” the Commission stated.
Backstory
It would be recalled that the SEC introduced the ARIP to strategically on-board firms that had commenced operations prior to the release of the Rules on Virtual Asset Service Providers in May 2022.
- This was in response to several calls by stakeholders on the need to regulate crypto trading in the country.
- Conversely, the RI Program was created to assess the business models of Digital Assets firms and test innovative products, services, and technology in a real-time market environment under close supervision by the SEC.
- The SEC said the first set of companies approved are to test its regulatory model, adding that the outcome of the process would inform further policy development in the crypto space in Nigeria.
What you should know
Despite the negative posture of the Nigerian authorities to crypto trading, many Nigerians have continued to transact with digital assets.
Several reports on global crypto trading have recognised Nigeria as one of the top countries trading in cryptocurrencies all over the world.
- Meanwhile, stakeholders in the blockchain space in Nigeria have blamed the recent controversy that surrounded the operations of crypto exchanges and the alleged manipulation of the Nigerian currency through peer-to-peer (P2P) crypto trading on the policies and actions of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which tends to distance the regulator from the market.
- According to them, the stance of the banking regulator opened the doors for bad actors, who were involved in currency manipulation through crypto trading.
- The activities of the bad actors are believed to be denting the image of several legitimate players in the industry.
[Nairametrics]
The United Nations (UN) Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, has reacted to calls for the resumption of nuclear testing around the world.
Recall that last month, Robert C. O’Brien, a United States former national security advisor to ex-President Donald Trump, had urged the former president to conduct nuclear tests if he wins a new term in the November 2024 presidential election.
O’Brien said Washington “must test new nuclear weapons for reliability and safety in the real world for the first time since 1992.”
He added that doing so would help the United States “maintain technical and numerical superiority to the combined Chinese and Russian nuclear stockpiles.”
When the cold war came to an end in 1992, the United States gave up the explosive testing of nuclear arms and eventually spoke to other atomic powers to also do so.
Experts and machines at the country’s weapons labs are instead used by the United States to verify the lethality of the country’s arsenal.
Taking to his official X handle on Thursday to mark the International Day Against Nuclear Tests, Guterres in an apparent reaction to such calls, argued that nuclear tests left a legacy of destruction and created long-term health problems for people.
He said the recent calls for the resumption of nuclear testing was a demonstration that lessons of the past have been forgotten or ignored.
“Recent calls for the resumption of nuclear testing demonstrate that the lessons of the past are being forgotten — or ignored,” the UN chief wrote.
“The world must speak with one voice to end this practice,” he noted.
International Day Against Nuclear Tests
In 2009, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 29 August the International Day Against Nuclear Tests.
According to the UN, the date recalled the official closing of the Semipalatinsk nuclear weapons testing site in today’s Kazakhstan on 29 August 1991; that one site alone had seen 456 nuclear test explosions between 1949 and 1989.
The global body said between 1954 and 1984, there was on average at least one nuclear weapons test somewhere in the world every week, most with a blast far exceeding the bombing of Hiroshima; nuclear weapons exploding in the air, on and under the ground and in the sea.
“Radioactivity from these test explosions spread across the planet deep into the environment. It can still be traced and measured today, in elephant tusks, in the coral of the Great Barrier Reef and in the deepest ocean trenches.
“Meanwhile, nuclear weapons stockpiles have grown exponentially. By the early 1980s there were some 60,000 nuclear weapons, most far more powerful than the bombs used in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
“Public indignation grew. By the 1960s it was agreed in principle that ending explosive nuclear tests would be a vital brake on developing nuclear weapons and thereby promote nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament. The preamble to the Non-Proliferation Treaty of 1968 talked boldly of achieving ‘the discontinuance of all test explosions of nuclear weapons for all time’.
“But then it took almost thirty more years and hundreds more nuclear test explosions before the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) was agreed in 1996. This is one of the world’s landmark treaties. What a difference it has made,” the UN noted.
[NaijaNews]
Topher of the Aces Duo has revealed that he would on Friday have a crucial conversation with his love interest in the Big Brother Naija season 9 ‘No Loose Guard’ reality show, Anita.
LEADERSHIP understands that Topher who is 24 years old has been on a ship with Anita of the Nelita duo who is 28.
Anita recently found out through Ben of the Beta duo that she was four years older than Topher, making her uncomfortable with being in a relationship with him.
During his diary session with Biggie on Thursday, Topher disclosed that he would ‘come clean’ with Anita after their wager games on Friday.
“Before coming into the house, I used to take pride in my age because I started a lot of things on time.
“I don’t want to mess things up for the house by having the conversation with her now, so I’ll just wait till after the games,” Topher said.
Topher also disclosed that he nominated the Beta duo for possible eviction because “Ben whispered the age thing to Anita”, thereby putting him under pressure in the BBNaija house.
[Leadership]
Canada has barred holders of visitor visas from applying for work permits while inside the country, effective immediately.
This was made known by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on Wednesday, marking a significant shift in policy.
“While the temporary policy was set to expire on February 28, 2025, IRCC is ending the policy as part of our overall efforts to recalibrate the number of temporary residents in Canada and preserve the integrity of the immigration system,” the statement read.
“IRCC is also aware that some bad actors were using the policy to mislead foreign nationals into working in Canada without authorization. IRCC will continue to process applications submitted before August 28, 2024, under the policy.”
The IRCC further said that the decision was influenced by concerns that some individuals were exploiting the policy to mislead foreign nationals into unauthorized employment in Canada.
“IRCC is also aware that some bad actors were using the policy to mislead foreign nationals into working in Canada without authorization. IRCC will continue to process applications submitted before August 28, 2024, under the policy,” the statement added.
This policy was initially implemented in August 2020 as a response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the time, many visitors were stranded in Canada due to international travel restrictions and border closures.
Under the policy, visitors could apply for a work permit without having to leave Canada.
Also, anyone who had held a work permit within the preceding 12 months but had changed their immigration status to “visitor” became eligible to “work legally in Canada while waiting for a decision on their new work permit application.”
[TheNation]
More...
•Plot to stop Tinubu’s re-election thickens
•North begins search for a one-term southern president
•Political leaders begin alignment moves
•Opposition parties eye coalition against APC
•Niger-Delta ex-agitators seek southern solidarity, back Tinubu
THE February 20, 2027 presidential election is exactly 910 days away, going by the timetable of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, but the political firmament is astir as if the poll will be held next year.
This is in spite of the fact that President Bola Tinubu, a southerner, who succeeded former President Muhammadu Buhari, a northerner, is barely 15 months into his 48-month first term.
Currently, political leaders, especially from the North are locked in a series of consultations on the issue. Underground alignment and re-alignments are also ongoing.
Already, leaders of opposition parties have declared their readiness to form a strong coalition to stop the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
Those seeking to stop Tinubu hinge their stand on the president’s alleged poor performance since he took over on May 29, 2023, which they said had inflicted avoidable crushing hardship on Nigerians.
Early in the week, a joint ticket of Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma and APC National Chairman, Alhaji Umaru Ganduje, was reported.
In a quick counter, Ganduje disowned the move, which he said was being orchestrated by those plotting to put a wedge between him and President Tinubu.
Northern power brokers angling to stop Tinubu are said to be looking for a southerner, who will do a term and relinquish power to the North in line with the North-South power rotation principle. After Tinubu’s four years in 2027, the South will need another four to balance the North’s eight years occupied by Buhari.
This is one of the reasons some are rooting for former President Jonathan with one of the northern groups pairing Jonathan and Governor Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State as a sellable 2027 Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, ticket.
Jonathan, Fintiri ticket best option for Nigerians —Northern group
Northern political group, Let Nigeria Breathe Again, mid-week endorsed a potential presidential ticket of Dr. Jonathan and Fintiri for the 2027 election.
The group’s leader, Mustapha Aliyu Lere, believes this pairing offers the best chance for unity, peace, and progress in Nigeria.
Lere praised Jonathan’s leadership and integrity, noting that he has committed no sins against anyone since leaving office in 2015.
He also commended Fintiri’s transformation of Adamawa State during his five-year tenure as governor.
He appealed to the PDP to unite and support Jonathan’s potential candidacy, citing the need for experienced leadership to address Nigeria’s challenges.
2018 law rules out Jonathan
However, Jonathan, who ran for second term in 2015 and lost to Buhari is not qualified to run courtesy of a 2018 Bill of the National Assembly signed into law by President Buhari.
The bill, which limits tenures of vice presidents, and deputy governors who succeed principals, was signed into law on June 8, 2018.
Specifically, the Constitution amendment Act Number 16, provides that a vice President or a deputy governor who succeeds and completes the tenure of a president or governor can only run for the office one more time.
By the provisions of the law, no one can take the oath of office as president or governor more than twice.
Before this amendment, vice presidents or deputy governors, after completion of their predecessors’ term could run for office for another two terms.
This was the case with former President Jonathan, who succeeded President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2010, contested and won the presidential election in 2011 and still contested same office in 2015.
The new law prohibits this, hence Jonathan is not eligible to run as president in 2027.
Unfolding realignment for 2027
The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 poll, Mr Peter Obi, recently met with his New Nigerian Peoples Party, NNPP, counterpart, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in what was considered as part of political realignment ahead of the 2027 polls.
Obi also met with Atiku in Abuja, as well as also former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido and former Senate President, Bukola Saraki.
Already inter-parties defection of lawmakers is ongoing.
Atiku Abubakar, first mooted the idea of a merger by opposition political paries while hostinf the Inter Party Advisory Council, IPAC, last November. He said the country was sliding into a one-party state, and added that it is crucial for the opposition parties to come together to wrest power from the APC.
He told the IPAC team: “You have come here today to say that we should cooperate in order to promote democracy. But, the truth of the matter is that our democracy is fast becoming a one-party system; and of course, you know that when we have a one party system, we should just forget about democracy.
“We have all seen how the APC is increasingly turning Nigeria into a dictatorship of one party. If we don’t come together to challenge what the ruling party is trying to create, our democracy will suffer for it, and the consequences of it will affect the generations yet unborn. “
Recently, the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu, said leaders of opposition party politics are in talks to build a more formidable party to oust the ruling party.
“Twenty-two of the thoughtful and proactive leaders of political parties in blazing the trail have joined hands with our party, ADC, and like us, are committed to building a larger party that will give accommodation to all well-meaning patriots.
“We have resolved to work with all political leaders across that appreciate the need for coming together for a new Nigeria. We discriminate against none; our commitment is a new Nigeria that will lead our dear continent out of its present abyss. We have therefore set up committees to consult far and wide to ensure the dawn of a new era,” Nwosu stated.
Why North doesn’t want Tinubu re-elected
Although he played critical roles in the emergence of President Buhari in 2015, northerners opposed to Tinubu said he has betrayed the North that helped him into power. They also accused him of mal-treating northern politicians on whose support Tinubu rode to power.
Several northern political figures and groups have expressed dissatisfaction with Tinubu’s administration, citing a range of issues from perceived neglect of northern interests to concerns about governance and security. They also pick holes in his appointments, which they described as sectional.
According to them, since independence, no ethnic group had held, at once, major slots like the President, Petroleum Minister, Finance Minister, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Inspector General of Police, Chief of Army Staff, Interior Minister, Power Minister, Solid Minerals Minister, Transport and Marine/Blue Economy Minister, Attorney General of the Federation and Justice Minister, Controllers of Customs, and Immigration, and Chairman of Federal Internal Revenue Service, FIRS, among others. Today, they said under Tinubu, the Yoruba, one of Nigeria’s three major ethnic groups, is holding the above positions.
One of those leading the move against Tinubu’s re-election is a prominent northern socio-cultural and political group, the Northern Elders’ Forum.
A member of the group, Prof. Usman Yusuf, reportedly said the North regretted supporting Tinubu during the 2023 general poll. He described the past one year of Tinubu’s administration as “deception, destitution, and hopelessness.”
He lamented: “People have lost hope. It pains me to see our people lining up to collect cups of palliatives. Renewed Hope has turned into hopelessness. People have lost hope.”
The NEF Spokesman, Abdulaziz Sulaiman, also reportedly said the North made a mistake by supporting Tinubu in 2023, adding that they would not repeat the mistake in 2027 but would strive to select a candidate who would unite the country and govern in the best interests of all Nigerians.
In like manner, the North-East Governors’ Forum accused the Tinubu-led Federal Government of neglecting the region in the provision of capital projects.
The forum’s Chairman and Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, complained of blackout in the zone and alleged that road and rail connections between the South-East and North-East had been abandoned.
Considered the electoral power bank of Nigeria, it is difficult to beat a United North in political contests in the country. The leaders are aware of this hence the ongoing realignments.
The perceived northern gang-up against Tinubu came to the fore after the meeting of immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir el-Rufai and the candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party in last year’s presidential election, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso; and the visit of the former governor of Sokoto state and a serving senator, Aminu Tambuwal, led by a former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, to former President Buhari in his Daura country home in Katsina State.
Although, Atiku said he visited Buhari to pay him Sallah homage, analysts insist that the visits were connected with posturing for 2027.
Although, el-Rufai, who could not make it through the Senate as TInubu’s ministerial nominee, has not openly declared war against Tinubu’s government, his son, Bashir, in a message to Tinubu, said: “Nobody is too big to be voted out of office by the people. It will happen and wallahi, nothing will happen. So, forget all this intimidation flying up and down. Let us be patient.”
Niger-Delta agitators urge Southerner solidarity
Meanwhile, the Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Forum, has kicked against the northern gang-up against Tinubu and called for solidarity among southern political leaders to demand for justice, equity and end the marginalisation of southern politicians in governance affairs.
Addressing a press conference in Port Harcourt, the Chairman of the group, Ambassador Alban Paulinus, also known as General Skillar, said that Niger Deltans must come together to deal with the issues threatening political stability and unity of Nigeria.
Going down memory lane, the ex-agitators noted that the tenure of former President Jonathan was also characterized by injustice, which led to his being denied a second term.
”A similar pattern is emerging with President Tinubu, as some Northern groups are already calling for his removal barely a year into his administration,” the group said.
It observed: “This starkly contrasts with the attitude of northern leaders during the administration of former President Buhari, who served two full terms despite significant security challenges.
The forum decried this disparity as a destabilizing force and called for an immediate end to this trend of undermining Southern leadership, warning that continued provocations might leave them with no choice but to take decisive actions to protect their region and identity.
The Niger Delta Ex-Agitators expressed support for President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” which they described as a robust blueprint for national development.
[Vanguard]
Tragedy struck in Zamfara State when Halliru Liman, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Wasagu Division in Kebbi State, was reportedly shot dead by a soldier at a military checkpoint.
The incident occurred in the Danmarke area of Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The spokesperson for the Zamfara State Police Command, ASP Yazid Abubakar, confirmed the incident in a statement on Thursday.
According to Abubakar, DPO Liman was en route to Birnin Kebbi in Kebbi State to attend a meeting when his journey was abruptly cut short at the military checkpoint manned by personnel attached to Operation Dadarin Daji.
Despite identifying himself as a police officer, Liman was shot on the spot by the soldier.
The Zamfara State Police Command has called for a thorough investigation into the incident, stressing the need for accountability and justice.
The statement reads, “On August 28, 2024, at approximately 1030 hours, SP Liman was brutally murdered by military personnel led by one Hassan, attached to OPHD Sector 6, Dan Marke area of Bukkuyum, Zamfara State.
“The circumstances surrounding this heinous crime are alarming and unacceptable.
“SP Liman, who was on his way to attend a monthly conference in Birnin Kebbi, was stopped by military personnel despite identifying himself as a police officer.
“In a shocking display of aggression, Hassan pointed his gun at SP Liman and shot him in the head, resulting in his instant death. We condemn this unprovoked attack in the strongest possible terms and demand a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident
“The military’s actions are a clear violation of the rules of engagement and the principles of inter-agency cooperation. We urge the relevant authorities to take immediate action to address this egregious incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
“The police and military must work together to maintain peace and security, not engage in violent confrontations that undermine public trust. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and colleagues of SP Halliru Liman and assure them that we will do everything in our power to ensure justice is served.”
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has been plunged into darkness after the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) disconnected the institution’s power supply due to unpaid electricity bills.
This development was confirmed in a statement released by the university’s management on Wednesday, highlighting the growing financial strain caused by escalating electricity costs.
UNILAG has been struggling to cope with rising energy expenses, a situation exacerbated when EKEDC recently upgraded the university’s tariff classification from “Band B” to “Band A.” This upgrade led to a significant increase in monthly electricity bills.
Prior to the tariff change, the university was paying between ₦150 million and ₦180 million per month.
However, under the new “Band A” category, the June bill nearly doubled, soaring to almost ₦300 million—a 100% increase that has left the university financially strained.
The university management expressed deep regret over the ongoing blackout that has affected the campus since Tuesday.
They explained that despite ongoing negotiations with EKEDC and a recent payment of ₦180 million made on August 20, the institution was abruptly disconnected from the power supply on August 27, without any prior notice.
“Just two weeks after our meeting, we were hit with a staggering bill of nearly half a billion naira (₦472 million) for July, further increasing our debt burden! We kept our promise and paid ₦180 million on August 20, yet on August 27, EKEDC disconnected us without notice and has refused to reconnect the university to the national grid,” the statement read.
The university management assured the community that they are actively working to resolve the issue with EKEDC. In the meantime, they urged calm and announced that power supply across the campus would be rationed until further notice.
Police operatives in Lagos have arrested a nurse over the death of a 36-year-old woman simply identified as Abiola in the Lekki area of the state.
She reportedly died after undergoing a botched buttocks enlargement procedure at a clinic in the Lekki-Phase 1.
BBL is a popular enhancement surgery that sculpts the buttocks while removing excess fat from other body areas.
Read Also: What you need to know about FG’s ban on under-18 WAEC, NECO candidates
The spokesman for the state police command, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident in a statement.
He said the deceased’s driver reported the incident at the Maroko Police Division.
“Upon their arrival, the clinic owner directed a nurse to administer the injection on Abiola. Moments later, chaos ensued as the woman lost consciousness and started gasping for breath.
“Desperate for help, the driver rushed Abiola to another hospital in Lekki Phase 1 but she was confirmed dead by the staff on duty upon arrival.
“Detectives from the command had visited the scene, gathered evidence, inspected and photographed the woman’s remains, and subsequently transported the corpse to a morgue for autopsy.”
“The nurse has been taken into custody while an investigation into the incident continues.”
Meanwhile, experts have warned that complications from butt enhancement can lead to death, particularly if conducted by a quack.