• Come to our rescue, protesters beg Ibas

Aggrieved women of the Bille community in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State have stormed the Government House, Port Harcourt, to protest the abductions of eight candidates of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).

The students were kidnapped by suspected pirates on their way from Port Harcourt to Bille to write the external examinations

It was gathered that they were among those abducted on May 6, when the sea robbers hijacked three passenger boats and goods worth millions of naira.

The protesters, who were dressed in black, under the auspices of  Concerned People of Bille Kingdom, carried many placards and sang in solidarity to draw the attention of the authorities to their plight.

Addressing the women, the Camp Commandant, Rivers State Government House, O. I. Gabriel, commended them for their peaceful disposition and assured that actions would be taken immediately.

Gabriel said: “The Sole Administrator gave instruction to the Chief of Staff and Chief of Staff now instructed me as the Camp Commandant to come and address you. 

“And that I should collect the letter from you for immediate action to be taken in respect of the letter.”

• Three Kebbi senators defect

Yesterday’s defection of three Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senators from Kebbi State into the All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken the ruling party’s majority to 68 members in the Red Chamber.

The three senators – Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North) and Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South) – dumped their party for the APC at plenary.

The trio on Friday visited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Villa in Abuja to finalise the defection plan. 

But the PDP in Kebbi State chapter said the exit of the senators would in no way affect its fortune in the Northwest State.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kebbi State has said that the defection of the senators will not reduce its strength or prospects in the state.

They are the latest lawmakers to dump the main opposition party for the APC.

The defections reduced the number of PDP senators to 30.

Trailing the PDP is the Labour Party (LP) with five senators, Social Democratic Party (SDP) with two members. The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) have one senator apiece.

Two seats from Edo and Anambra are vacant following the election of Monday Okpebholo (Edo Central) as governor and the demise of Anambra South Senator Ifeanyi Mbah.

Aliero, a former minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and onetime governor of the state, in a letter read on the floor of the Senate, said his decision followed “deep reflection, extensive consultations and careful assessment” of the political and socio-economic realities of the country and his constituency.

“I have made the decision to formally resign my membership of the PDP and rejoin the APC, of which I was a founding member.

“Politics must never be about personal loyalty to a platform. It will always be about service, solutions and results. 

“The PDP has become disconnected from the aspirations of the very Nigerians it seeks to lead,” he said, blaming the party’s internal divisions and lack of ideological clarity.

He expressed renewed confidence in the APC’s leadership, describing it as “a more viable platform through which I can effectively serve my constituents.”

Senator Abdullahi, former Senate Leader and Senator Maidoki echoed similar sentiments. 

Abdullahi in his letter, described his return to the APC as a “homecoming,” noting that the issues that led to his initial exit from the party in 2022 had been resolved by the current the governor.

“I believe it is in the best interest of the constituency that I represent to take this step. It is politically imperative for me to join President Bola Tinubu by providing my legislative knowledge and experience to support the efforts that the President is making in reinventing Nigeria.”

Reacting to the defections, the leadership of the Senate dismissed arguments that members of the opposition were moving to the ruling APC to avoid prosecution or for other sinister interests.

Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and Edo North Senator Adams Oshiomhole, in their separate comments, noted that such defections are not strange in a democratic setting.

Bamidele said: “No one is being coerced. If anyone will be coerced, definitely it is not Senator Aliero, it is not Prof Yahaya Abdulahi that will be coerced. Neither is it Senator Maidoki who had also made a mark at the private sector before he came into politics to replicate the same feat.”

The Deputy Senate President who congratulated President Tinubu and the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, who was present at the Red Chamber to witness the defections, described the influx of defectors into the ruling party as an indication that both the President and the party chairman are working well. 

He said: “Let me congratulate the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for this very big gain by the ruling party. Congratulation also goes to the national chairman of the party for this gain. Of course, he and the President have been working together and we have seen the results in the number of people coming to the party.

“It’s just a sign that the government is doing well and that’s why people are attracted because of the performance of the government.

“So, all we need to tell Mr. President is that we commend what he’s doing. We also commend the government of Kebbi State the presence of your governor here shows that you are working in harmony with your people.” 

Oshiomhole, who reacted to the defection on a television programme last night, dismissed concerns that the APC’s two-thirds majority in the National Assembly poses a threat to democracy.

He emphasized that the influx of defectors will not in any way stifle robust and objective parliamentary debates.

The former Edo governor said: “Whether this is dangerous for democracy, I don’t think so. If you follow debates in the House, sometimes you can’t distinguish between PDP or the APC. It depends on the position people take. The diversity of Nigeria is better served at the national level because every interest is represented.”

With Ganduje to witness the defections were Kebbi Governor Mohammed Nasir Idris; former Kebbi governor Saidu Dakingari; Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, Yusuf Sununu; Senator Uche Ekwunife; Farouk Lawan and the Secretary to the Kebbi State Government among others.

Adams Oshiomhole, a lawmaker of the Nigerian Senate, has said that Nigerians cannot expect President Bola Tinubu to fix Nigeria’s mismanaged economy within the period of 24 months that he has been in office.

Speaking during an interview with newsmen, the former governor of Edo State said the nation’s economy was mismanaged by past administrations.

While stating that he was not out to blame anyone for Nigeria’s bad economy, Oshiomhole said the worst is over for Nigerians.

“The kind of economy that was inherited by this government, and you expect that in 24 months, he (President Bola Tinubu) would have fixed all the whole problems and Nigeria would be back.

“Truly truly, this country was badly mismanaged, the economy was badly mismanaged. This is not to blame anyone but this is to speak to facts.

“So, I feel I can say that I think the worst is over,” Oshiomhole said.

He also said that Nigerians across the country would begin to experience the benefits of some of the policy reforms implemented by the Tinubu-led administration.

“We are going to begin to witness improvement in the quality of standard if living.

“I expect that all the other employers of labour who are benefitting from some of the courageous decisions that the president has taken would ensure that they pay a living wage,” the lawmaker added.

Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele has dismissed claims that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is coercing lawmakers from opposition parties to defect.

He stated that recent defections into the APC are voluntary and reflect a growing recognition of the party’s political direction and governance agenda.

Bamidele made the clarification during Tuesday’s plenary session while responding to widespread concerns that the APC and President Bola Tinubu are steering Nigeria toward a one-party state.

His words: “We are not at the polls. No one is being coerced. If anyone would be coerced, it is certainly not the Senator Adamu Aliero that I know.

“Nor is it Professor Yahya Abdullahi or Senator Maidoki — all of whom have proven themselves in both politics and the private sector.

“They are not in politics to survive or to feed. Professor Yahya Abdullahi, for example, is the kind of person who would rather stay in the opposition and speak boldly. But he and others recognise that this is not a time for grandstanding. It is a time to work together to move Nigeria forward.”

His comments followed the defection of three senators from Kebbi State Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North), and Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South) who crossed from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.

Their move adds to recent defections by several House of Representatives members, notably from Delta and Kebbi states.

Just last week, Senator Kawu Sumaila (Kano South) left the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) for the APC, citing unresolved leadership issues within his former party.

Critics, however, argue that the defections are part of a calculated APC strategy to weaken the opposition and consolidate power.

But Bamidele countered that the realignment of lawmakers is not unusual in a democratic setting.

“This is the beauty of democracy. People are free to choose where they believe they can make the most impact. No one is being forced. The president is not plotting to erase the opposition — far from it,” he said.

He concluded by calling for unity and collaboration across party lines to address Nigeria’s urgent developmental challenges.

Speaks On His Relationship With Lamido

Former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has stated that both he and former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, would not have tolerated the current state of affairs in Nigeria if they were still serving as governors.

Amaechi, who chaired the Nigeria Governors’ Forum during Lamido’s second tenure as governor, emphasised that their era was marked by bold opposition and a strong commitment to holding the federal government accountable.

Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja at the public presentation of Lamido’s autobiography, ‘Being True to Myself’, Amaechi reflected on their shared governance principles.

“I asked you (Lamido) this morning, what is going on currently in the country, in Nigerian politics — would it have happened when we were governors? You said no. And the answer is no,” Amaechi remarked.

He added, “We would have confronted the government, confronted the president. That’s how radical you were. That’s how our Governors Forum operated. That’s how determined we were to change things.”

Amaechi also shared insights into his political relationship with Lamido, noting that although they were once close allies in government, their paths eventually diverged over strategic differences.

“We were quite good friends in government. We had our bad times when we disagreed. I made the mistake of assuming he was as radical as I was. So, he was one of the governors I clung to when it came to radical decisions,” Amaechi admitted.

He continued, “The last one before we broke ranks was when we all agreed to go against President Jonathan. We formed a committee of governors and others. At the end of the day, he went to find a new party, the SDP. We said, ‘If we go to the SDP, we will lose the election. Let’s hang on to this one called the APC.’ He disagreed and left us. That’s where we parted ways.”

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has reduced the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to N910 per litre from N935 per litre in Abuja. 

However, the price adjustment has not yet been implemented in Lagos and other cities across Nigeria. 

Meanwhile, Dangote Petroleum Refinery initiated the price adjustment last weekend, slashing the gantry price of petrol to N825 per litre from N835 per litre, as competition intensifies in the domestic market.

This follows a previous price reduction last month, when the 650,000 barrels per day refinery lowered the gantry price to N835 per litre from N865 per litre.

According to checks by Vanguard, the latest adjustment aims to provide customers with better value and consolidate Dangote’s leadership position in the domestic market.

According to Petroleumprice.ng, “With control over more than 50% of Nigeria’s fuel market, Dangote recently dropped its petrol price to ₦825 per litre. While the refinery hasn’t officially announced this, sources say it offers flexible deals to its bulk marketers, who now resell at ₦830 or slightly lower.

“This approach helps Dangote stay ahead of depot owners facing higher overheads.

“Dangote’s model has closed the price gap by ₦10 to ₦15, applying significant pressure on competitors.

“Nigeria’s fuel market is undergoing a transformation. Crude prices play a minimal role, while local strategies now dominate. 

“Dangote’s growing market share stems from aggressive pricing and operational efficiency.

“Although consumers benefit in the short term, long-term effects may alter the country’s fuel supply landscape. As the price war continues, Dangote’s influence will likely expand, further straining smaller players.”

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for broader inclusion of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and high-net-worth individuals in Nigeria’s tax net to address growing tax evasion and boost revenue collection.

Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Special Adviser on Taxation and Revenue, Ogungbo Abdul-Kabir Opeyemi, made the call on Tuesday during the opening ceremony of the 27th Annual Tax Conference of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria in Abuja.

In his goodwill message, the governor pointed to a clause in the new tax reform bills awaiting constitutional approval, which exempts employees earning below N800,000 annually from Personal Income Tax, as a potential gap that must be tackled.

He said, “The clause(s) that puts a cap on income of employees at N800,000 per annum, before it can be subjected to Personal Income Tax, requires deliberate strategies to ensure taxpayers hiding in the MSME and start-up sectors are brought into the tax net and intensify effort on Direct Assessment drive for high net worth individuals to forestall the trend of tax evasion as witnessed across the country today.”

He urged sub-national governments to play a leading role in the implementation of the reforms and not wait on the Federal Government alone.

“It is imperative that as sub-nationals, we not only embrace but also lead the implementation drive,” he said.

The governor further called for policy commitments by state governments to update laws, adopt technology, invest in data analytics, and develop human capital to fully harness the benefits of the reform.

Highlighting Lagos as a benchmark for effective tax administration, Sanwo-Olu attributed the state’s recent internally generated revenue milestone of N1tn in 2024 to its digital reforms and a citizen-friendly approach to tax compliance.

“Our payer-centric system successfully built in conveniences and transformed how taxpayers fulfil their obligations without leaving their comfort zones. This greatly promoted voluntary compliance, hence the N1tn modest IGR stride achieved by Lagos State Internal Revenue Service in the 2024 fiscal year,” he said.

He added that Lagos had deployed artificial intelligence chatbots for engaging citizens, integrated data analytics, and created a harmonised platform through the Lagos Revenue Portal to improve efficiency and transparency.

Sanwo-Olu also highlighted initiatives such as the N10bn partnership with the Bank of Industry to support MSMEs and the passage of the Lagos State Electricity Law in December 2024 to promote energy self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on the national grid.

He reiterated the importance of fiscal reforms to national development, stating, “These elements are critical to realising the full potential of our tax reform efforts, enhancing fiscal capacity, and contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s overarching goal of attaining a $1tn economy.”

While commending President Bola Tinubu for his strategic leadership in driving tax and economic reforms, the governor also praised CITN for its commitment to building a resilient tax culture in Nigeria.

Veteran Nollywood actress, Jumoke George, has opened up in a emotional interview on how she started living in a church six years ago, while battling illness and the heartbreak of a missing child.

Speaking in tears on the TalkToB show hosted by fellow actress, Abiola Adebayo, Jumoke said she hid her predicament due to shame and fear of public ridicule.

The veteran actress explained that her health began to deteriorate earlier this year which forced her to cancel scheduled acting jobs.

She said, “There are some things that are embarrassing to say but at this point, I have no choice. I want to speak out. I am working but it’s not like I get jobs every time.

“Sometimes, it could be once in three to four months. That was before I became ill. After I became ill, I couldn’t go for a set I was invited to. Someone paid me since last year, I didn’t know I would get sick, I spent the money on treatment. I had to borrow money to refund the person.

“I went to another location but I couldn’t work. They had to bring me back because of my health. I’ve done several tests. I was told to do some more which will cost about N400,000. I don’t know where to get the money from.”

Six Years of Homelessness 

Still speaking through her tears, the actress disclosed that she has been living inside a church for the past six years after being evicted from her apartment due to rising rent she could no longer afford.

“The house rent became high and I couldn’t afford it anymore. The landlord told me to leave, I begged but what can I do?” She said.

She added that the church leader gave her a small space to stay which she had to keep secret from many people because she was embarrassed.

“Daddy told me to bring my things to a place he got for me but it was too small, it couldn’t even contain my things, so I had to put my luggage with different people. The things I worked for all my life were just getting spoilt.

“I was given a small room to manage, so I didn’t let people know where I was staying, except a few people who I didn’t even take to the room.

“Everyone in the church has access to the room. I only welcomed guests in daddy’s living room downstairs where they hold events like harvest.

“So, I’ve been living in the church for about six years. This is where I put my mattress to sleep,” she said pointing at a space on the floor inside the church.

“It’s mummy church that gives me food to eat most times. Daddy died about two years ago, mummy church has also been trying. She buys drug for me and boils herbs for me.

“I’ve been living in the church. I couldn’t speak up because it was shameful. I was embarrassed,” she added.

Missing Daughter, Son In Debt

Jumoke’s pain doesn’t end with her health or homelessness as she revealed that her first child, Adeola, has been missing for four years.

“My first child, Adeola, has been missing. I’ve been looking for her for the past four years. Any small money I get from working was spent on looking for her.

“She was in Ibadan where she was working and living with my mother. So my mother just called me one day to say that she hasn’t seen Deola who said she was coming to meet me in Lagos. I said I haven’t seen her,” Jumoke recalled.

She disclosed that Adeola, however, called one day to beg for forgiveness and informed her that she migrated with some friends in search of a better life but they met something different.

Jumoke said, “Then one day she called me with a strange number, I had no idea where she was calling from, she said I should forgive her. I asked to know where she was, she said I should just forgive her that she doesn’t know where her journey will lead her to.

“She said some of her friends told her that they should travel to a certain country that she didn’t mention to find greener pasture but when they got there, they met a different situation.

“Since then, I haven’t heard anything from her. I’m the one taking care of her children because I’ve not seen the father of the children since they separated when the children were younger. I don’t have his number, I don’t know his town, I don’t know where to find him. She was born in 1984, she clocked 41 on May 1, this year. If she was here, at least we’ll be managing together.”

During the interview, Jumoke revealed that her son, Ife, has borrowed close to ₦2 million to support her medical treatment and general upkeep.

“Ife, has also been assisting me. He has tried. I have put him in so much debt.

“He has borrowed a lot to transfer to me. The money he has borrowed for me is close to N2 million. I’m worried about him. Let them not sack him at work.

“His salary is small but he has been trying to take care of me. He is searching relentlessly for his sister too,” she said. 

‘Pain Is Not Good,’ Jumoke Calls For Prayers

Throughout the interview, the actress pleaded with viewers for prayers, saying she has exhausted every option and doesn’t know if her suffering is spiritual.

“I am tired. I have tried my best as a believer. Even with my ill health, I have been fasting and praying. I don’t understand again, whether it is spiritual or not.

“Please pray for me, mothers in this world. Help me with your prayers. I need prayers. I have never ruined anyone life. I am tired, I can no longer bare it. No house, nothing, and a whole child is missing. Pain is not good. Please people pray for me,” she said.

Jumoke is now calling on the public not just for sympathy but for support and prayers.

A heated immigration debate on X has turned into a linguistic showdown after a British user claimed the UK care sector had become “critically dependent on Nigerians who barely speak English.”

The controversy started when Rachel Clarke tweeting as #doctor_oxford wrote on Monday, “1 in 5 of the UK’s care workforce have a non-British passport. Starmer would have us believe these carers are the “squalid” result of a “failed experiment”. I say they do vital, necessary, humane, skilled work and they are worth their weight in gold.”

In response, Angantýr who tweets as #BasedNorthmathr wrote, “Why did we make our care sector critically dependent on Nigerians who barely speak English and each bring with them 3 dependents”

This remark quickly sparked widespread backlash from Nigerian users, who were swift to defend their community and their command of the English language.

One of the most prominent responses came from Ifedayo (#ifedayo_johnson) who publicly challenged Angantýr to a full English language proficiency test, including writing, listening, reading, and speaking.

Ifedayo wrote, “I’m openly challenging you to an English Language Skills test. This would entail Writing, Listening, Speaking and Listening tests.

“If your overall score is higher than mine, I’ll quietly pack my bags and leave this country within 24 hours. But if I score higher than you, you’ll keep your mouth shut and never again question or disrespect the English Language skills of any Nigerian. Let me know when you’re ready so we fix the date and other modalities. About time y’all are put where you belong.”

In response, Angantýr agreed, saying, “Okay, I’ll do it.” However, Ifedayo raised the stakes by proposing a second phase of the challenge to compare both parties’ economic contributions and benefit usage in the UK.

The Nigerian wrote, “I suggest it be on a Twitter space so everyone can have real time update. We will start by tendering the highest level of university education we both have. Then straight to the test proper.

“After this first phase is done and dusted, I’ll challenge you once again on behalf of every Nigerians to show what you contribute into the country and economy in terms of taxes etc. and what you take from it in terms of benefits and other public funds. I will also do same.”

He added, “If I take from this country more than I contribute, I’ll pack my bags and leave within 24 hours. If my contribution is higher than yours and I what I take back is lower than yours, you’ll keep mute and never drag Nigerians into any of your agenda again! Please, let me know whenever you’re ready as I’m ready anytime you are.”

The Briton however replied by clarifying that he agreed only to the English proficiency tests, adding that he will “happily do an IELTS and we can compare scores. I’ll get back to you.”

Further criticising the initial comment made by the Briton, Ifedayo wrote, “If no be condition wey make crayfish bend, How many English una sabi. Despite stereotypes, Nigerians consistently rank among the most proficient English speakers in the United Kingdom. Like I said, these guys just need to be put where they belong. Imagine saying Nigerians can barely speak English.”

In a separate challenge, another user, #agodliveshere, offered a £3,000 prize for a test involving 50 objective questions and two 1000-word essays, which Angantýr also accepted.

#agodliveshere added, “An examiner(s), questions, and method are needed; then location, time, and date should follow. You will need to take some responsibility too. You are the one who needs to prove Nigerians barely speak English. Drop your email address in my inbox, and I will reach out for the planning. I can’t sort out venue, examiners, logistics, time, date and judges all alone. WDYS?

Angantýr however has not responded to the call for the arrangement.

When another Nigerian, Sam Omezia (#SOmezia1) also challenged the Briton to an English language test, Angantýr declined saying, “Sorry man I’m fully booked.”

As the exchange continued, some Nigerians on X.com corrected Angantýr’s grammar, with some pointing out that his phrase “each bring” was grammatically incorrect and should be “each brings.”

Nyakno Abbasi, tweeting as #YNyakno, wrote, “Mr Speaker, Shouldn’t it be “each brings” instead of “each bring” for subject-verb agreement? Just a Nigerian correcting a Brit who barely writes well.”

Some others continued to defend Nigerians’ command of the English language.

Aina Orosun tweeting as #seyfunmi argued that although English is a foreign language which Nigerians are forced to learn in school, many of them can outperform native English speakers in grammar and vocabulary.

“We learnt it forcefully and we will beat you the colonizers silly. When you hear Nigerians, you will run,” he wrote.

Damidiya tweeting as #ogunlola23 commented under the Briton’s post saying,” There is no Nigerian here that does not speak good English and has a minimum of BSC, I have both BSC and MSC and I speak English better than you bro. Thank you!”

Akinwunmi, tweeting as #Dieux_oint, also commented, “You will be shocked that we speak and write better English than a lot of “yous”. You are highly misinformed. We speak English, and got educated in English. You have an ageing population and your benefits system already made a lot of people lazy.

Christian, who tweets as #omorogiec, wrote “Nigerians who barely speak English? Nigeria is an English-speaking country, right from Kindergarten up to University. Also, nothing less than 95% of Nigerians in UK care sectors are all degree holders. Immigrants aren’t your problem; quit scapegoating them.”

Yemi, who tweets as #yemitula, also commented, “English is Nigeria’s official language. You might not like our accent, but saying this about Nigerians makes you look ignorant.”

The trending debate comes amid intensifying scrutiny of the UK’s immigration policies.

PUNCH Online reports that the UK’s Immigration White Paper released on May 12, 2025, introduced a series of sweeping reforms aimed at tightening border controls and reducing immigration.

The new measures outlined restrictions on overseas care worker recruitment, higher skill and salary thresholds, and tougher rules on study, family, and asylum visas.

The major policy changes include the end of overseas social care recruitment, a post-study work visa period shortened from two years to 18 months, and broader English language requirements among others.

Former National Secretary of the defunct Social Democratic Party and ex-Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, has linked the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election won by the late MKO Abiola to the N45bn contract debt allegedly owed Abiola by the military government of the late Gen. Murtala Mohammed.

According to Lamido, the military refused to pay Abiola the debt after Gen. Mohammed’s died and when Abiola won the June 12, 1993 presidential election, they decided to annul it for fear that if sworn in as President, Abiola would recover the N45bn debt, a situation which might bankrupt the country at the time.

Lamido made the assertion on Tuesday in Abuja during the public presentation of his autobiography titled ‘Being True to Myself’.

He, therefore, called on  President Bola Tinubu to pay Abiola’s family the alleged N45bn debt in order to bring closure to the June 12 saga.

Lamido said, “When (General) Murtala (Muhammed) died, Abiola came in with a claim that he was owed, I think, about N45bn for contracts executed by International Telephone and Telecommunication for the Ministry of Communications. The military high command at that time said no. He went round the Emirs in the North to lobby and the Emirs asked that they (military) should please pay the money.

“They (military) said they cancelled the June 12 elections because if they made him President, he would take his money and the country would become bankrupt. Those who were close to Abacha should know this, because Abacha was then one of the big shots; they were all aware.

“Before I end my remarks, I want to appeal to President Tinubu to finally close the chapter of June 12. 

“In his book, General Ibrahim Babangida acknowledged that Abiola won the election. When I visited him, he also confirmed that Abiola is owed N45bn. He was doubly punished: first, denied the presidency; second, denied what is owed to him.”

Lamido urged the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammad Idris Malagi—who attended the event on behalf of President Tinubu—to convey the message to the President.

“Please tell the President to pay the Abiola family the N45bn. Once this is done, the June 12 chapter will be closed. It is very important,” he stressed.

Also speaking at the event, former President Olusegun Obasanjo emphasised that the work they started for Nigeria was not yet finished.

He called on Lamido and others not to retire, stating that it remained their responsibility to ensure Nigeria reaches its full potential.

“You (Lamido) are now a statesman. But Nigeria that we are working for, we haven’t got there. Our job is not finished until we are finished,” Obasanjo said.

Obasanjo praised Lamido’s service during his tenure as Foreign Affairs Minister, describing him as an effective diplomat who helped restore Nigeria’s international standing after years of isolation.

He recalled appointing Lamido after his original nominee declined and praised his loyalty, dedication, and performance.

In his remarks, President Tinubu—represented by the Minister of Information and Orientation—commended Lamido’s autobiography as an important contribution to Nigeria’s political literature.

He described Lamido as a principled opposition figure and reiterated the administration’s openness to constructive criticism.

The president’s representative highlighted the government’s ongoing economic reforms, acknowledging their difficulty but asserting that they are beginning to yield positive macroeconomic results.

He said the administration remains committed to national security, tax reform, and inclusive development.

“Are we where we want to be? No. But President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shown uncommon audacity and vision to set Nigeria on the path of growth and development. We are now entering a phase of intended beneficial outcomes,” he said.

General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who served as chairman of the occasion, was represented by former INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega.

He encouraged more Nigerian leaders to document their experiences and contribute to a broader understanding of the country’s governance challenges and history.

“It is my hope that ‘Being True to Myself’ will inspire other actors and activists to write their own books. We all have a role to play in building a better Nigeria,” Jega said.

In his vote of thanks, Lamido expressed gratitude to the organising committee and attendees.

The event drew a large crowd of prominent political figures.

Among those present were former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo; former Senate Presidents Ken Nnamani and Pius Ayim; former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi; and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Also in attendance were the Governors of Gombe State, Muhammadu Yahaya; Jigawa State, Umar Namadi; and Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, alongside several former governors including Gabriel Suswam (Benue), Ahmed Makarfi (Kaduna), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), and Liyel Imoke (Cross River).