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The National Leader of Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, has urged the country’s leadership and citizens to revisit the foundational principles of federalism as contained in the 1963 Constitution, calling it the blueprint for national unity and enduring progress.
Fasoranti, in a statement on Wednesday commemorating June 12, called for the country to return to the 1963 Republican Constitution, which he said provides the needed framework for true federalism, a structure that empowers Nigeria’s diverse regions to operate with some degree of autonomy.
“To ensure an enduring framework for unity and progress in the country, federalism enables the constituent parts of the country to exercise some level of autonomy or self-determination as obtained in the First Republic,” he said.
He described the present system as over-centralised and inadequate for Nigeria’s complex needs, arguing that true federalism would encourage balanced development and reduce regional tensions.
Fasoranti continued by hailing the milestone of uninterrupted democratic governance since 1999 but emphasised the need for structural reforms to deepen democratic practice in Nigeria.
The elder statesman acknowledged the sacrifices made by pro-democracy groups that fought for the restoration of civil governance.
He said,”Without doubt, the sustained and uninterrupted democratic rule since 1999 is a product of the sacrifices and commitment of our heroes and heroines in the civil society groups, and other well-meaning compatriots, who, along with Afenifere, coalesced into the National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, to constitute the vanguard of progressive forces that ensured the restoration of democracy and the birth of the Fourth Republic.”
Fasoranti expressed hope in the continued vibrancy of progressive movements, and he said he is confident that the progressive spirit will continue to sustain and nurture democratic ideals in Nigeria
Turning to the persistent insecurity plaguing the nation, Fasoranti noted that despite ongoing efforts, the country remains under siege from violent non-state actors.
He proposed the creation of State Police and Community Policing as realistic and urgently needed solutions to combat insecurity.
Fasoranti said,”We, in Afenifere, share the view of many other patriotic Nigerians that establishing State Police and checking internal collaborators appears to be the panacea for this scourge that tends to make living or travelling in certain parts of the country a nightmare
“I am therefore seizing this opportunity to call on the federal and state governments to establish the State Police and the Community Policing system.”
Fasoranti concluded by reminding Nigerians of the deeper meaning of June 12 and the need to rise above divisions in pursuit of a greater national purpose.
14-year-old girl abducts four-year-old sister, demand ₦50 million ransom in Katsina — Police
AFOLABI
The Katsina State Police Command said it has uncovered a kidnapping syndicate involving a 14-year-old girl who conspired with three others to abduct her four-year-old sister and fake her own abduction to demand ransom.
Spokesperson for the command, Abubakar Sadiq, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing journalists on the command’s activities for the month of May.
He said the incident was reported on February 20, 2025, by one Alhaji Badamasi Bala of Madaci Yan Nono Quarters, Katsina, who informed the police that his two daughters, aged 14 and 4, had been kidnapped.
The abductors demanded a ransom of ₦50 million for their release.
“Upon receipt of the letter, the Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, CP Bello Shehu, detailed the command’s anti-kidnapping to investigate. Promptly, detailed investigation commenced.
“About four months from the date of the kidnapping, the eldest daughter surfaced. When questioned, she confessed to having conspired with three others to kidnap her 4-year-old sister and faked her own kidnapping,” he said.
The other suspects, aged 25, 19, and 16, were subsequently arrested, and the four-year-old victim was rescued unharmed.
He added, “They all confessed to the commission of the offence.
“During the investigation, one live round of 7.62mm ammunition was recovered from their possession. Investigation is ongoing.
“The Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, CP Bello Shehu, psc, fdc, MNIM, commends the officers’ efforts and urges the public to continue supporting the crime-fighting efforts of the command by reporting suspicious activities for prompt and decisive action.”
Political economist, Professor Pat Utomi, has used the occasion of Nigeria’s Democracy Day to call for a deeper reflection on leadership in the country, describing some politicians as “thugs and tropical gangsters.”
Utomi shared his thoughts in a series of posts on Wednesday and Thursday via his X handle, where he emphasised the need for Nigerians to liberate themselves from politicians whose actions he said continue to damage the country’s progress.
“The real reflection for June 12 has to be how the people can liberate themselves from thugs and tropical gangsters masquerading as politicians, as their character flaws damage the prospects of the people of their countries,” he wrote.
Utomi linked the spirit of June 12 to the leadership struggle championed by the late Chief MKO Abiola, whose annulled 1993 election victory is widely regarded as a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s democratic history.
“Engaging the leadership question in African politics is what drove Chief Abiola.
“So June 12 is perhaps the day to reflect on leadership,” Utomi stated.
The professor also referenced Kenyan public intellectual PLO Lumumba, noting that Lumumba frequently points out Nigeria’s failings when compared with countries like Qatar, often to the discomfort of Nigerian elites.
“From inside, we hear it every day from people like PLO Lumumba who often shows off Nigeria’s failings when he compares with Qatar, as Nigerian elite in his audience grin sheepishly as if they do not realise it is about them he is speaking. But what he says is the truth,” he added.
Utomi further revealed that he would observe three minutes of silence at noon on June 12 in honour of some key figures linked to the democratic struggle.
These include the late Chief MKO Abiola, whom he described as a hero, and others like Tunde Akinleye, a former chairman of Ikoyi Club, and elder statesman, Papa Ayo Adebanjo.
He also referenced the book ‘Tropical Gangsters’ by development expert Robert Klitgaard, suggesting the term aptly describes the nature of political leadership in parts of Africa.
June 12 is officially recognised as Nigeria’s Democracy Day in honour of the 1993 elections, which are considered the freest and fairest in the country’s history.
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has bemoaned the continuous child labour practices in the country, lamenting that the situation steals the dream of young children.
She said this against the backdrop of the World Against Child Labour Day 2025, marked on June 12.
She called for strengthening of laws to discourage the practice, while rallying support for families, and investment in quality education for every child.
In a personal statement she wrote to commemorate the day, she said, “Today, we raise our voices for millions of children whose dreams are stolen by the harsh reality of child labour. It is unacceptable that children are still forced to work instead of going to school, pursuing their dreams and learning how to grow into productive members of the society.
“Let us speed up efforts to end child labour in all ramifications by strengthening our laws, supporting families, and investing in quality education for every child.
“I urge us to work towards building a country where every child is free to thrive, dream, and reach their God-given potential. God bless our precious children!
The theme for this year’s celebration is: “Let’s Speed Up Efforts! End Child Labour!”
A socio-political activist, Reno Omokri has said his support for the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu was not financially induced.
Omokri, who is known for his attacks on opposition figures, particularly the Labour Party presidential candidate in the last election, Peter Obi, addressed the matter while featuring on Channels TV program on Wednesday.
The former presidential spokesperson claimed that his support for the administration is based on patriotism birthed by his love for the country.
He vehemently denied the allegations that he is on the payroll of the APC government, following his consistent support for relatively all President Tinubu’s policies.
He said, “So who was paying me between 2025 and 2023 when I was traveling over on matters concerning Nigeria?
“Why would anyone give me money? I’m doing this not just for the love I have for Tinubu but the love I have for Nigeria.
“Right now, I’m in Lagos and I don’t live here. I came to Lagos because people have spread wrong information about the Lagos-Calaba coastal highway.
“I bought a ticket with my own money, then I came and gathered journalists. I also gathered members of the public, ordinary Nigerians. I bought a drone with my own money to verify that indeed the 30 kilometers highway is complete”.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike has vowed to ensure that President Bola Tinubu’s enemies develop high blood pressure.
Wike said he had realised that Tinubu’s opponents are unhappy with his good works since assuming office in 2023.
The minister made this statement during the commissioning of the Arterial Road N16 (Shehu Shagari Way) from Ring Road 1 (Nnamdi Azikiwe Way) to Arterial Road N20 (Wole Soyinka Way), along with other roads in the Katampe district of capital city, by President Tinubu on Wednesday.
Wike recalled how he came to understand, while watching television, that some individuals harbour resentment towards Tinubu.
The minister vowed to continue rolling out commendable projects that would cause further dismay to the President’s critics.
He said: “Sometimes, I don’t know, spiritually I was touched. I was just touched to turn it (TV) on, and I was watching, and I didn’t realise that people could be in pain, but now I know that such people are in pain.
“I now must make sure I continue to give them high blood pressure. As they continue to be in pain, it’ll be sweetening us, and that’s now my job.
“I’ll be happy, moving around, and laughing every time, and they’ll be there shouting, fighting, and killing themselves. So, Mr President, thank you for being part of this revolution.”
The media adviser to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Paul Ibe, has labelled the trio of Segun Sowunmi, Daniel Bwala, and Reno Omokri as political adventurers and nomads who switch allegiances for personal gain.
Ibe further said that Sowunmi has never directly worked for Atiku, but merely served as a spokesperson within the now-defunct PDP Presidential Campaign Council.
He made this clarification while addressing misconceptions about Sowunmi’s political alignment and his criticism of Atiku.
According to him, Sowunmi’s involvement was strictly with the PDP campaign organisation, which ended after the 2023 elections.
“Sowunmi was never a direct aide to Atiku Abubakar. He was one of several spokespersons in the defunct campaign organization. That’s an important distinction.
“Bwala and Omokri are like political nomads, moving from one place to another, always seeking the next opportunity. It’s a cultural phenomenon. The media needs to be careful not to misrepresent these roles. It often serves the interests of political opponents,” he stated.
Speaking on the matter of political loyalty, Ibe explained that while defections are a democratic right, those who benefited from Atiku’s platform should not malign him to gain favour elsewhere.
“You’re free to associate with anyone, but don’t bite the hand that fed you,” he said
Joe Igbokwe, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has said that he could see only “one or two real men” in the planned coalition to sack President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Igbokwe, a staunch supporter of the present administration, made the claim in a post on his official Facebook page on Wednesday.
According to him, aside from the two unidentified “real men”, other members of the coalition are irrelevant and unknown.
He wrote, “When I look at the composition of the so-called coalition I see one or two that are real men.
“Others members are unknown, they have nothing to bring to the table, no skill, no energy , no resources, no charisma, no history, no character etc”.
DAILY POST reports that former Vice-President of Nigeria Atiku Abubakar and former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, are among the opposition figures teaming up against the APC government.
Former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, and his Rivers State counterpart, Rotimi Amaechi, are also members.
Igbokwe had rated El-Rufai higher than every appointee of President Tinubu’s government, stating that the former governor is smarter and more intelligent
An Indian national, Tukur Shamsudden, and 12 Nigerians were on Tuesday arraigned by the operatives of the Police Special Fraud Unit, Ikoyi, Lagos, for alleged conspiracy and unlawful diversion of Automotive Gas Oil, commonly known as diesel, valued at over N4 billion, property owned by Dangote Industries Limited.
Other defendants who were arraigned are Ikechukwu Obi, Chigozie Osukwu, Ukaegbu Chukwuma, Umeh Ugochukwu, Emmanuella Akamadu (female), Zango Umar, Emmanuel Oku, Shaibu Michael, Lucky Otoide, Mmaduabuchi Okezuonu, Ephraim Kanakapudi, and Omojowo Emmanuel.
The defendants are facing 16 counts bordering on conspiracy, unlawful diversion of diesel, and receiving proceeds of fraudulently diverted products.
According to the prosecuting counsel, M. Y. Bello, the defendants comprised staff members of Dangote Industries Limited and officials of transport companies contracted to move diesel from Dangote depots to its Ibese and Obajana plants.
He specifically listed among the Dangote Petroleum Industries Limited staff in charge Akamadu Emmanuella, Emmanuel Oku, Zango Umar, Lucky Otoide, and Ephraim Kanakapudi.
Others were said to be employed by Arigen Integrated Limited, Obat Limited, Amaiden Energy Limited, Regal Gate Limited, Alkham Limited, Prestige Limited, and Opetrus Global Limited.
Bello told the court that the offences were committed between January 2022 and December 2023.
The prosecutor alleged that Tukur Shamsudden, while representing Regal Gate Ltd., Alkham Limited, and Prestige Limited, companies contracted by Dangote Industries Limited, diverted 1,530,893 litres of AGO, valued at N1,530,893bn.
He also told the court that Omojowo, acting as the managing director and representative of Opetrus Global Ltd, a company contracted to transload AGO from depots to the Dangote tank farm, fraudulently diverted 2,455,229 litres of AGO valued at N2,455,229,000, on or before December 20, 2023.
He also told the court that Omojowo, acting as the managing director and representative of Opetrus Global Ltd, a company contracted to transload AGO from depots to the Dangote tank farm, fraudulently diverted 2,455,229 litres of AGO valued at N2,455,229 billion on or before December 20, 2023.
Earlier at the resumed hearing of the matter on Tuesday, the prosecutor informed the court of another amended charge against the defendants, which was filed following the arrest of the Indian national and the duo of Ephraim and Omojowo.
Consequently, all defendants were re-arraigned on the amended charge.
Justice Dipeolu adjourned the trial to July 22 and 23, 2025, for the commencement of the trial.
Efforts by DAILY POST to speak with Dangote Refinery’s spokesperson, Anthony Chiejiena, were unproductive
Famous Nollywood actress, Biola Bayo has revealed why she announced her separation from her husband, Oluseyi.
DAILY POST reports that the actress had a week ago announced her separation from Oluseyi, in a post shared to celebrate him on his birthday.
The development that came four years after their marriage sparked controversy on social media with many condemning her for the timing.
She was accused of making the announcement on her husband’s birthday to set him up for dragging.
However, speaking amid the backlash, the heartbroken actress explained that she made the announcement because “she doesn’t want another person to announce it for her online”.
Speaking about the timing during the presentation of a house to actress Jumoke George, Biola Bayo noted that the post was made with the consent of her husband.
“Please, I’m a human too. The other one I said about my marriage was because I don’t want people to say my story for me, that was why I came out to say it. And that’s my style. So that people would not be saying something different or saying things that would make me sad. But I didn’t know that you people would still use it against me.
“People have already asking me that you are not posting your husband, and I knew different rumors would come out online that very day, that is why I spoke about our separation but yet it was used against me.
“I have already told my husband before I posted. So he was aware that I would post it so that other people won’t be the one to tell the story on social media. But I know that God will reward everybody accordingly,” she said.
DAILY POST reports that in 2023, the actress who is known to be open and realistic, while announcing the arrival of their son, revealed that they gave birth to him through a surrogate mother
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Popular Nigerian musician, Mayorkun has stated that Davido, his former record label boss, helped him to secure a deal with Sony Music Africa.
DAILY POST reports that Mayorkun was signed to Davido Music World, DMW, record label in 2016. He parted ways with the label in 2021.
His departure from David’s label to Sony Music West Africa sparked assumption of strained ties between them.
However, speaking in an interview with 3Music TV, the singer disclosed that Davido played a key role in the deal with his new record label.
“Aside from having my label, right now I am also with Sony Africa. Shout out to Davido for that as well, he facilitated the deal,” Mayorkun stated
The ex-boyfriend of the famous Nollywood actress, Angela Okorie, Oil Money, has made allegations after their recent breakup.
In a series of posts via his instagram story, Oil Money publicly accused several well-known Nollywood actors of having an intimate relationship with Okorie.
He went further by revealing the names, as well as sharing pictures of the individuals allegedly involved with the actress.
The ex-boyfriend also revealed what he claimed to be the easiest way to get intimate with Okorie.
According to him, all it takes is a flashy car and some alcohol.
“If you wan chop grandma, just get one nice car and rent one nice car and then get any type of alcohol,” he stated.
This is coming just days after the actress, Okorie clashed with R
Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has criticized the Bola Tinubu-led administration, accusing it of failing the Nigerian people.
The former governor of Rivers State said he is ready join the coalition that would challenge Tinubu in 2027.
Amaechi said he would keep telling the truth to power despite being a member of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
The former governor disclosed this in an interview with BBC.
He accused Tinubu of worsening the economic hardship in Nigeria.
The former minister also maintained his loyalty to the APC but insisted that being a party member does not mean blind support for the government.
“If the government is failing the country, you don’t just go along because you’re in the same party. You know that’s not right,” he said.
Amaechi said Nigerians are dying of hunger and he is feeling the effect.
“People are dying. People are starving. I myself am feeling the effects of hunger,” he said.
Amaechi is widely believed to be part of the opposition coalition aimed at removing Tinubu from office in 2027.
Top leaders of the coalition like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, among others, had graced Amaechi’s recent 60th birthday celebration in Abuja.
During the occasion, Amaechi, Atiku and El-Rufai accused Tinubu of weaponizing poverty in Nigeria
The Southern Kaduna Leadership Council (SKLC) has called for a judicial investigation into the administration of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of leading a campaign of intimidation and injustice against communities in Southern Kaduna.
At a press conference titled “Dispelling Lies and Hate Against a People”, the Council refuted allegations made by El-Rufai’s former media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, that some chiefdoms, including Adara, willingly sought changes to their traditional identities.
SKLC Secretary, Timothy B. Gandu, stated that these claims were not only misleading but contradicted by official state documents.
Gandu explained that in 2017, the El-Rufai government set up a 13-member committee to review and propose new names for chiefdoms—shifting emphasis from ethnic to geographical identities.
According to him, this move was unilaterally driven by the government, not by traditional leaders.
He cited a letter from the office of the Secretary to the State Government as evidence that the initiative came from the top, not the grassroots.
The Council further alleged that only a few communities actually requested changes, while the majority either opposed the renaming or never made any such request.
Out of 25 affected chiefdoms, 17 rejected the changes, and seven clarified that no requests came from them.
Southern Kaduna, home to over 56 ethnic groups across 12 local government areas, could not have unanimously sought such changes, the Council argued.
“The claim that traditional institutions across the state independently requested name changes is false. For instance, in Lere LGA with nine ethnic groups, only one made such a request. Similarly, in Kauru and Kagarko LGAs, only isolated requests were made,” Gandu said.
The Council also accused El-Rufai of fueling religious and ethnic divisions during his time in office.
They referenced a widely circulated video in which the former governor reportedly admitted to misleading party members from Southern Kaduna and pushing for a religiously skewed political structure in the state from 2019 onward.
Other serious allegations made against El-Rufai’s administration included the creation of emirates in multi-ethnic communities under the pretext of reform, imposed name changes and removal of traditional rulers, unexplained killings of key community leaders, drastic reduction of districts from 390 to 77 which weakened local leadership structures, and the demotion of Southern Kaduna chiefs under the 2021 Traditional Institution Law.
They also cited the labeling of youths from the region as criminals, arbitrary shutdown of local tertiary institutions, unfair retrenchment and civil service bias, lack of IDP camps despite widespread violence and displacement, unlawful boundary adjustments affecting local chiefdoms, expansion of the Kachia Grazing Reserve without community input, and the arrests and dethronement of community leaders.
The Council claimed these actions were part of a calculated plan to alter the demographic balance of Southern Kaduna and reduce its political relevance.
They urged President Bola Tinubu to authorize a full investigation into El-Rufai’s conduct in office, ban him from holding public office for constitutional violations, instruct security agencies to investigate those allegedly paid to suppress violence, and examine actions that may qualify as crimes against humanity.
The group also called on Governor Uba Sani to repeal the 2021 Traditional Institution Law, restore traditional institutions to their status before El-Rufai’s tenure, reassess laws and policies deemed exclusive or discriminatory, and support reconciliation and development in the region