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…Says Nigeria is a crime scene that needs fixing
The 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, has decried the growing insecurity and hardship across Nigeria, describing the country as a “crime scene” in dire need of repair.
Speaking at the public presentation of the book “Obi: The Political Change Agent”, authored by Ike Abonyi, in Abuja on Tuesday, Obi lamented that although Nigeria is not officially at war, many citizens live like refugees, both within and outside the country.
“Today in Nigeria, we’re not officially at war, yet Nigerians are living in IDP camps in their own country. Nigerians are refugees in Chad, in Cameroon. And the only reason is because we don’t have a government that cares for them,” he said.
Obi urged Nigerians to actively work to “dismantle this crime scene called a country,” warning that the current system is unsustainable and dangerous.
“Some people are dancing while the ship is sinking. When it finally goes down, it will consume everyone — rich or poor. I’ve seen this before in places like Beirut and Afghanistan. Crisis does not discriminate,” he warned.
He criticized the nation’s priorities, pointing out that while government buildings are being renovated and parties thrown, women continue to die during childbirth and millions of children remain out of school.
“We use public resources to paint offices and build mansions, while women die trying to give birth. According to a recent report, one woman dies every seven minutes in Nigeria during childbirth. That’s what we want to dismantle,” Obi stated.
The former Anambra State Governor emphasized that many of Nigeria’s problems stem from a lack of leadership and value creation.
“Our leaders in government and business are producing poverty. When people hoard money without creating value, they are fueling poverty. A functional economy must be built on the exchange of real value,” he said.
On currency devaluation, Obi supported the idea but stressed the need to eliminate corruption first.
“Yes, I support removing fuel subsidy, but only after removing the criminality in the system. If we build confidence in the market and clean up corruption, the naira will stabilize. It’s happening in Ghana and Angola — why not here?”
He also lamented the collapse of Nigeria’s infrastructure, citing a trip to Kafanchan where he didn’t see a single trailer transporting goods — a sign, he said, of a broken, unproductive economy.
“Colonial masters built railways to move goods — cotton, granite, ginger. Today, they’re gone. We have no trains, no trailers, nothing. And we wonder why people are hungry?”
Obi called for a new wave of leadership, especially in the National Assembly, urging voters to elect leaders who are committed to peace and service rather than personal gain.
“We must not allow people who want to make money from politics. If that’s your goal, you are part of the problem,” he declared. “This time, we will vote. The votes will count. We will be everywhere.”
Obi ended his remarks by thanking supporters and urging them to remain committed to the cause of national transformation.
Earlier, Professor Sam Amadi, former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), described Peter Obi as the ideal leader to spearhead a necessary democratic revolution.
“A successful revolution is defined by democratic civilization and democratic diplomacy. Peter Obi possesses the profile, pedigree, personality, and passion to lead this change,” Amadi said.
He noted that while Nigeria’s challenges are vast, they can be overcome with the right leadership, commitment, and collective sacrifice.
An alleged Police Inspector and two others have been apprehended by the local vigilante in Makurdi for allegedly vandalising Jos Electricity Distribution Company’s installations in the Demekpe axis of the town.
The suspects, according to an eyewitness, were nabbed in the early hours of Tuesday at about 4 am while carrying out their nefarious activities.
According to the source in the neighbourhood, the trio had gone to vandalise the power installation in the area when the vigilante confronted them, “and two members of the gang, on sighting the vigilante fled but a man in his early 50s identified as Innocent Ishaku was apprehended.
“Two of his accomplices who initially fled were later apprehended when he disclosed their names as Isa and Mohammed, who are well-known members of the community.”
He stated that the said Ishaku was interrogated further and he disclosed that he was an Inspector with the Police serving in Makurdi for about 10 years after being transferred from Abuja.
The suspected was also alleged to have confessed that he and his accomplices had been carrying out cable theft around Wadata axis of the town.
The trio were immediately handed over to the “D” Division Police Station, Makurdi while items recovered from them included electrical cables and connectors, and a Police Identity Card with service number 309976 bearing Innocent Ishaku.
Contacted, the Head of Corporate Services, JEDC Makurdi office, Dr. Adakole Elijah confirmed the incident.
The Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent, DSP, Udeme Edet could not be reached at press time.
It is not a hidden fact that Nigerian passport holders face some of the strictest visa requirements globally. This is because of the demand of many countries which includes lengthy processing time, proof of funds and extensive documentation.
The factors that determine and influence the ease of obtaining visa for Nigerians include visa type, individual circumstances and current policies. Most people face challenges such as high embassy fees, limited appointment availability, strict financial requirements, and bias against Nigerian passport holders in some regions.
This article will explore 10 countries in the world where securing a visa is generally easier for Nigerians, particularly for those who present genuine intentions and complete documentation.
1. Singapore
If you want to visit Singapore stress-free, you can book a packaged holiday. Qatar Airways via Dubai is the best flight option for this trip.
The Easy visa with travel package to Singapore is valid up to 90 days and a travel trip you should know is that proof of onward travel and accommodation may be requested.
The country is a tourist destination best known for urban explorers and foodies.
2. Mauritius
The visa to Mauritius is free for 90 days for tourists on arrival. The African nation combines African, Indian, and French influences in a stunning island setting. Notably, the visa-free access makes the destination a very attractive alternative to Seychelles with more affordable options.
The country is a tourist attraction best for beach holidays, luxury travel, and Indian Ocean exploration.
3. Hong Kong
Hong Kong offers Nigerians an eVisa, which means there are no associated costs of travel to apply for it. However, it can be a bit discouraging based on the fact that it takes a long time to obtain. So, you are urged to apply early.
The duration of the eVisa is determined by Hong Kong Immigration. Hong Kong is best for extended layovers and Pacific island exploration.
4. Benin Republic
Next door to Nigeria, Benin Republic is a visa-free entry destination for Nigerians.
It is a very affordable destination, even a short drive from Lagos is possible. Benin Republic is best for weekend trips, cultural exploration, and historical tourism.
5. Maldives
The Maldives represent the tropical luxury experience. Although it is an expensive option and luxury destination, the visa-free access is a huge win for tourists and fun lovers. The trip can be done on a budget when staying on local islands. Maldives offers a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival.
6. Malaysia
Malaysia is another country that offers eVisas to Nigerian citizens. However, some applications may require an NDLEA certificate but a good travel history outside the continent could serve as a replacement for the certificate.
The eVisa to Malaysia is available online and processed within 5-7 days.
7. Rwanda
Rwanda is not only a visa-free destination for Nigerians, but it is also one of the best budget-friendly travel destinations on the African continent.
The country is a visa-free destination for Nigerians and African Union member states. Rwanda is a popular destination known for its first-time solo and leisure-seeking travellers.
8. Seychelles
Seychelles is one of the countries with the most accessible visa regimes for Nigerians, although it can sometimes be challenging for Nigerians.
It offers a free 30-day visitor’s permit on arrival. The country is a relatively expensive destination, but the visa-free access helps to save money upfront.
9. Kenya
Kenya’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is one of the easiest visas for Nigerian citizens to obtain. The ETA is available online and processed within 2-7 days. It is advisable to apply for the ETA at least one week before travel.
10. Ghana
Ghana is also a next-door nation to Nigeria and no visa is required for Nigerians for up to 90 days.
The country is a good destination to explore as it is renowned for business networking, affordable gateways and cultural exploration.
President Bola Tinubu has encouraged FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to disregard detractors and focus on his transformative work in the Federal Capital Territory.
Tinubu commended Wike’s leadership, emphasising that the centre’s overhaul reflects his administration’s commitment to excellence and quality governance.
The president stated this during the inauguration ceremony of the rehabilitated International Conference Centre in Abuja on Tuesday.
Speaking at the event, Wike praised President Tinubu for showing leadership by giving him a matching order to rehabilitate the centre. The minister added that he received pressure about the project from some people whose names he didn’t mention.
In his speech, President Tinubu said the centre’s rehabilitation is part of his administration’s efforts to “change the way we do things and reflect us as people of quality, people of character.”
Reacting to Wike’s remark about pressure from people, Tinubu told the minister to focus on his work in the FCT and ignore busybodies and bystanders.
“Don’t pay attention to the busybody and the bystanders. Whatever they say, continue with your good work. You’re a transformational leader. You have the foresight and determination to succeed.”
Earlier in his speech, Wike said the conference built in 1991 by the military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida was an eyesore because no renovation work has been done on it since its first inauguration.
Wike said any agency or ministry that intends to use the halls within the centre must pay to sustain and maintain the facility.
A former governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor-Kalu, has said it is not advisable for Nigeria to return to the era of paying a subsidy for petroleum products imported into the country, insisting that the subsidy was a scam.
Kalu, who is the senator representing the Abia North senatorial zone in the Senate, spoke in his Igbere country home on Tuesday, adding that the Federal Government can subsidise agriculture and food to reduce the effect of subsidy removal on Nigerians.
He said President Bola Tinubu has been working tirelessly to pull people out of poverty, adding that the economy of Nigeria will soon be stable because of the economic policies of the president.
He said, “President Tinubu has done very well in the last two years. I’m not playing politics, and I’m talking about revamping the economy, so let us come together and support the President to rebuild our economy.
“I’ve spoken seriously about the economy and getting it back on track on several forums, but this is a task that requires all hands on desk to accomplish. At the top, the economy is doing well, but it needs time to trickle down to the common man.
“But it will take time to get back on track because of the worldwide inflation. The effects of COVID are still with us, which might take up 10 to 15 years to pull out. I can assure you that President Bola Tinubu is working tirelessly to pull people out of poverty.
“I’m not a part of the President’s economic team, and I’m not saying this because I’m a member of the APC but as a citizen of Nigeria. The President knows people are hungry, and he is working to ensure the country is pulled out of hunger.
“A few things we have been able to get back are the stabilisation of the exchange rate of foreign currency in the past 9 months.
“Should we depend on petroleum subsidy again? No. We can subsidise food and others, but in petroleum, it was a very big scam.
“In the next two to three years, the economy will be stabilised. I know people are suffering, I pay people, I produce things, and I know the quantity I manufacture and what I sell. No president in the world wants to punish the people, but every president wants to ameliorate the suffering of the people”.
Speaking on the accolades from Governor Alex Otti, Kalu said that during his time as governor, his target was to build Aba to use the resources to build other places, and that’s what he did.
“There’s nowhere in Africa that people do not know Aba and Enyimba City, and that starts with securing the people. I created the Bakassi Boys, and they worked with the police and DSS to secure the place. This shows the people who said we didn’t do anything in the state. I laid the foundation and worked with a template to build the Aba and Umuahia added with Ohambele.
“My visit to Otti is very private. I’m the oldest governor of Abia State. I have the right to go to Governor Alex Otti. My discussion with him is about the state. I’m building 5 factories in Igbere, which will take off in the next one year, and before long, it will start processing, so I need peace and unity in this place.
“I’m APC to the core, and I’ve said that I’ll pull the trigger for the party. APC should work hard to deliver the party in the state and federal and we are committed to that.
“I’m a high-ranking member of the APC; to suspend me in the party, you will have to go to NEC. So we need to make the APC win in other places. Politics is not all about carrying crowd, because young men who are in politics to make money are making noise. We don’t do that. I’ve been in business for 40 years, and I’ve the track record,” he said.
Kalu also urged Nigerians to join hands to build a strong nation for future generations to come, insisting that nation-building cannot be achieved overnight.
He said, “Our duty is to Nigeria and to work for the country. We have done well. I have been fortunate to be in a few African countries and those institutions. People criticise our judiciary, but we have one of the best and strongest judiciaries in Africa.
“They criticise our journalism, but we have one of the best. In all, we are building a strong democracy. Democracy is not a job you do in a day or hour.”
Popular On Air Personality, Ifedayo Olarinde, popularly known as Daddy Freeze, has revealed the severe personal and financial toll he faced after publicly criticising Nigerian pastors and religious institutions.
According to an interview he granted to Leadership Podcast cited by PUNCH Online on Tuesday, he revealed that his outspoken views on religion came at a steep cost, including the complete loss of his business investments and a total blackout from his lucrative career as a Master of Ceremonies.
“When I came after the Nigerian pastors, at the initial stage, I lost 100% of my business. It got so bad for like two years,” he said. “I used to MC and my rates were high — I used to charge N1.5 million when the dollar was N150.”
The controversial on-air personality explained that he earned as much as $10,000 per MC job, often getting booked every couple of months. “A revenue of at least $60,000 annually from just one aspect of my business, and it went away,” he lamented. “Since 2019 till now, I haven’t had an MC job.”
Freeze recounted how even one confirmed gig fell through due to backlash. “After they paid upfront and the flier went viral, people said they were not going to attend the event,” he said. “The guy had to call and inform me, and when I told him that we had already agreed, he said if it is about the upfront payment, you can keep it.”
Known for his Free the Sheeple movement, Daddy Freeze has consistently challenged the teachings and wealth practices of some Nigerian pastors.
Justice D. E. Osiagor of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has convicted and sentenced nine Chinese nationals to one-year imprisonment each for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud, following their arrest in a major sting operation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
According to a statement on Tuesday via X by the EFCC, the convicts, identified as LI Dong, Deng Wei Qiang, Huang Bo, Xiong Zhen, Lai Rui Feng, Zhao Xiao Hui, Lui Hai Rong, Lui Gang, and Du Ji Feng, were part of a syndicate of 792 alleged cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud suspects apprehended on December 19, 2024.
The EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 charged the nine individuals in February 2025 with one count separate charges of cyber-terrorism and internet fraud.
The charge stated, “That you, LI Dong, Deng Wei Qiang, Huang Bo, Xiong Zhen, Lai Rui Feng, Zhao Xiao Hui, Lui Hai Rong, Lui Gang and Du Ji Feng, sometime in December, 2024 at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired amongst yourselves to commit an offence to wit: cause to be accessed computer system used for the purpose of destabilising and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 27 (1) (b) and punishable under Section 18(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act 2015.”
Initially pleading “not guilty,” the defendants reversed their pleas to “guilty” during a court session on June 5, 2025.
Prosecution counsel, Nnaemeka Omewa, urged the court to convict and sentence them accordingly, a request supported by the defence counsel.
Justice Osiagor subsequently sentenced each defendant to one year in prison, effective from their arrest date of December 10, 2025, and imposed a fine of N1,000,000 on each.
The court further ordered that the convicts be repatriated to their country of origin within seven days of completing their sentences, as directed to the Comptroller General of Immigration.
Additionally, mobile phones, computers, laptops, and routers seized during the EFCC’s “Eagle Flush Operation” were forfeited to the Federal Government.
A Nigerian pastor, Abel Damina of Abel Damina Ministries International, has said the offerings and tithes collected in churches don’t belong to God, but men.
The controversial man of God stirred discussion with his recent statements regarding the destination of offerings and tithes collected by churches.
In a viral video clip from a Sunday service sermon, Damina asserted that these contributions do not go to heaven.
“No offering goes to heaven. Every offering we collect is used by men.
“All the offerings we give to God go to men,” he explained, claiming that the funds are, in fact, spent.
He also challenged common pastoral rhetoric, specifically those statements used to encourage tithe payments.
According to Damina, preachers propagate the idea that God utilises offerings and tithes exclusively to affect people’s thoughts.
He further alleged that many preachers who require their congregations to tithe do not tithe themselves.
“Those tithe mongers who say the windows of heaven will open when you pay tithes are lying.
“The doors have been open since Jesus rose from the dead.
“They collect from everyone but don’t give to anyone.
“I was there; I know how it works,” Damina stated.
The publisher of Ovation International, Dele Momodu, has claimed that his soul has left the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Momodu stated this during an interview on the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State’s programme, on Tuesday.
The PDP chieftain bemoaned the division within the PDP, which, according to him, poses a serious challenge to the ruling party.
“My soul has left the PDP; it’s only my body that remains.
“If the PDP were united, it could defeat the APC in 2027.
“But too many forces within and outside are fighting against this.”
His comments come amid a deluge of defections from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Momodu added that, “the ruling party’s strategy is to weaken the opposition.”
[DailyPost]
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike on Tuesday renamed the Abuja International Conference Centre (AICC) after President Bola Tinubu.
While speaking at the commissioning of the edifice by the Tinubu in Abuja, Wike said the ‘Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre’ is a world-class structure requiring constant maintenance.
He noted with the permission of the President that anybody that would use the newly renovated ICC must be made to pay irrespective of his or her status
Details shortly…
[TheNation]
More...
Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal is reportedly negotiating a short-term loan deal to bring midfielder N’Golo Kanté from rivals Al Ittihad for the upcoming Club World Cup in the United States, according to transfer expert David Ornstein.
While no agreement has been finalised, there is growing optimism that a deal can be reached.
“Al Hilal are in talks to sign N’Golo Kanté on a short-term loan deal from fellow Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad for the Club World Cup,” Ornstein reported. “An agreement has not yet been reached but there is optimism that a deal can be done.”
Both clubs are controlled by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which acquired Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, Al Nassr, and Al Ahli ahead of the 2023 summer transfer window.
Al Hilal earned their spot in the expanded Club World Cup as the 2021 AFC Champions League winners, making them the only Saudi representative at the tournament.
Kanté, 34, joined Al Ittihad on a free transfer from Chelsea in July 2023 and played a key role in their Saudi Pro League title-winning campaign last season, finishing eight points ahead of Al Hilal.
The French midfielder, who has made 81 appearances for Al Ittihad, previously starred at Chelsea, where he won the Premier League, Champions League, Europa League, and FA Cup across seven years and 269 appearances.
Kanté joined Chelsea from Leicester City for £30 million in 2016 after helping the Foxes secure their historic Premier League title.
Al Hilal, now led by former Inter Milan head coach Simone Inzaghi, boasts a squad featuring former European stars such as Rúben Neves, Aleksandar Mitrović, and Kanté’s ex-Chelsea teammate Kalidou Koulibaly.
The club will kick off their Club World Cup campaign against Real Madrid on June 18, followed by matches against Red Bull Salzburg on June 22 and Pachuca on June 26.
[Punch]
President Bola Tinubu has departed Lagos for Abuja, the nation’s capital, after a two-week stay.
The president was accompanied to the Lagos airport by Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of the state, on Tuesday afternoon.
More to follow…
[TheCable]
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has stepped up efforts to rally support for a proposed opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections, seeking the backing of key northern political leaders to strengthen the alliance.
In a recent private meeting, Atiku reportedly visited former National Security Adviser General Aliyu Gusau (rtd) and appealed to him to help persuade prominent northern politicians who have expressed scepticism about the coalition’s direction and motives.
“Atiku begged Aliyu Gusau to specifically speak to former Senate President David Mark, former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido and ex-presidential aspirant and former governor of Kaduna State, Ahmed Makarfi,” a source familiar with the meeting disclosed. “These are northern leaders who have expressed scepticism about the Atiku/El-Rufai coalition and have distanced themselves from it,” the source added.
General Gusau, a retired military intelligence chief and one of Nigeria’s most influential political figures, has previously served as national security adviser to both Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan. He remains a powerful force in the background of Nigerian politics.
Though initially unconvinced about the intent of the coalition, Gusau agreed to initiate contact with the three senior northern figures to understand their perspectives and possibly facilitate a path forward. A meeting has reportedly been scheduled for this weekend at his Abuja residence.
“The meeting is for them to discuss the motives and modalities for the coalition and see if it’s worth supporting,” a source close to the talks confirmed.
David Mark, Sule Lamido, and Ahmed Makarfi have all been courted, it is understood.
Mark is said to be particularly cautious due to what some describe as a lack of clarity in the coalition’s formation. Makarfi has remained silent on the matter, while Lamido has taken a more vocal stance.
Lamido recently declared that he would not participate in any PDP meeting unless the party sanctioned key members who had openly endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term. He specifically named the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, as examples.
The proposed coalition is a joint effort by several prominent opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
[Politics Nigeria]
Former Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, has described politicians moving from opposition parties into the ruling All Progressives Party (APC) as sinners seeking forgiveness.
Dalung who spoke in Abuja disagreed with the postulation that politicians were trooping into the APC because the ruling party has performed well, “rather they are sinners, who are seeking forgiveness for their numerous sins.”
Dalung said the defectors were only fulfilling what a former Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole said regarding corrupt politicians, that no matter the gravity of their sins, they will be forgiven as soon as he join APC.
Oshiomhole has severally denied this quote attributed to him but politicians have been using it.
He said, “These are people who have committed heinous crimes against the Nigerian people and they are jumping into the APC ship for the forgiveness of their sins. Not that they believe in Tinubu, no; they do not. They are only assembling so that their sins will be forgiven.
“So it is a conclave of political cardinals who have committed grave sins against the Nigerian people and a political party has offered them the opportunity of forgiveness on entrance,” he said.
The former minister also warned that if care is not taken, the defectors would create problems in the ruling party in the future.
He said: You know there is an adage in Hausa that if animals celebrate the death of a butcher, has the knife also died? If beneficiaries of the mandate of the people are defecting, have the people also defected?
“So there is no value added to Tinubu except that he has compounded the situation in his party and there will be an implosion.”
He also dismissed concern in certain quarters that the entrance of politicians like the former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai into the Social Democratic Party (SDP) could be a potential threat to the presidential ambition of Prince Adewole Adebayo, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, adding that “Adebayo’s political charisma, image and personality within the Nigerian political environment has presented him as an obvious force to deal with in 2027.”
He emphasized that Adebayo is the only presidential candidate who has consistently maintained a media campaign against the failed and unpopular policies of the current government.
“So, Nigerians are very conversant with Adebayo’s voice, charisma and leadership qualities. So, whether you mobilize the whole politicians into the SDP, you must resolve the question of Adebayo in the SDP as a presidential candidate before any other person.
“This is because nobody has promoted the SDP in Nigeria like Adebayo. After Chief MKO Abiola, you rank Adebayo in the contemporary SDP as the highest. So, the concern as some people are expressing is normal. Human beings entertain such fears but the reality is that the name SDP since 2023 has been sustained unilaterally by the doggedness, commitment, dedication and selflessness of Prince Adebayo.
“So, he is a force to beat in whatever political arrangement that the SDP will put on ground to produce a presidential candidate. He is a patriot who did not join politics for himself; he has surrendered the rest of his life to the service of humanity and he did that at his 50th birthday.”
[DailyTrust]