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October 8, 2025 - 3:04 PM
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POLL: Federal character in appointments, Tinubu or Buhari, who performed better.

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We conduct regular polls as part of our efforts to make sure that everyone’s voice is heard on contentious issues of the day.  This week, we are running polls on adhering to federal character appointments, who do you think has performed better between Former President Buhari and Incumbent President Tinubu?

The poll will run from November 14th – 20th, 2023. Be part of it!

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1. Federal character in appointments, who performed better.

In terms of adhering to federal character in appointments, who do you think has performed better between Former President Buhari and Incumbent President Tinubu?

Vote Below:

[totalpoll id=”209814″]

This poll will run from November 14th – 20th, 2023.

 

 

 

POLL: Pressing Social Issues in Nigeria That Need Attention And Appointment Of Mr. Ola Olukoyede As The Executive Chairman Of The EFCC

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We conduct regular polls as part of our efforts to make sure that everyone’s voice is heard on contentious issues of the day.  This week, we are running polls on Tinubu’s appointing Olukoyede as EFCC executive chairman and pressing social issues in Nigeria that need attention.

The polls will run from  October 19th – 25th, 2023. Be part of it!

 

1.  social issue that need the most attention in Nigeria?

POLL: Which social issue do you think needs the most attention in Nigeria?

 

Which social issue do you think needs the most attention in Nigeria?

Vote Below:

[totalpoll id=”207560″]

This Poll will Run from 19th – 25th October, 2023

 

Lessons from the recent coup in Niger

The recent coup in Niger against the democratically elected government of Mohammed Bazoum has again thrown into the front burner the fate of liberal democracy in Africa, in particular the West African sub region. Since the ‘Third Wave’ of democracy started in the continent in the 1990s, there has been a certain belief that liberal democracy, despite its twists and tumbles, is gradually entrenching itself in the continent.

A democratic space is quite elastic and can contract or expand without this elasticity necessarily being a threat to the survival of democracy. In recent years however the number of constitutional coups (change of constitution by African leaders to extend their term limits) and military coups have raised questions of whether we are indeed witnessing democratic reversals in the continent. For instance, since 2010, there have been over 40 coups and attempted coups in Africa, with about 20 of these occurring in West Africa and the Sahel (including Chad).

Niger itself has had about four military regimes since independence in 1960 but has managed to organize three democratic elections since 2011which saw its former President Mahamadou Issoufou respect the constitution’s term limits and passed the baton to the 64-year old Mohammed Bazoum. That was regarded as a no mean accomplishment for a country surrounded by neighbours that are facing insurgencies, extremism and armed coups. 

The recent coup in Niger, a country of 25 million people which is often ranked the poorest country in the world, follows others since 2020 in Guinea (2021), Burkina Faso (2022), Chad’s ‘dynastic coup’ (2021), and Mali (2020 and 2021). The coup plotters have, as they are wont to do, suspended the country’s constitution and installed Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani as Head of State.

There are several lessons from the coup:

One, liberal democracy is still struggling to entrench itself in Africa between forces who believe that its worst form is better than any other alternative and other forces who feel so disenchanted with its practice that they want to try something else, including delinking from the state into primordial contrivances. This explains why the coup had both supporters and others opposed to it, almost on equal measure.

Supporters of the coup took to the streets and burnt the headquarters of the ruling party, accusing the party of corruption and not doing enough to improve the security situation in the country or ending the long-running jihadist insurgency. Some also say that the coup was spurred by attempts to remove Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani as commander of the presidential guard, which eventually carried out the coup. Essentially the support and opposition to the coup reflects the tension between democratic and anti-democratic forces in many African countries.

Two, Africa has continued to be a theatre for a proxy confrontation between the big powers. Since 1999 when Putin came to power in Russia and began aggressive efforts to reclaim the lost glory of the defunct Soviet Union (which it largely inherited), it has sought to project power on the global stage and has sought to win new friends and revive old friendships in the continent. The Western powers, in particular the USA, have sought to contain this expansionism in what could be termed a revival of the Truman Doctrine – a doctrine enunciated by President Truman in 1947 to contain Soviet expansionism anywhere, and often used by historians to date the beginning of the Cold war.

For instance, though both the USA and France have military bases in Niger, anti-Western sentiments have been strong in the country. In fact, some of the demonstrators in favour of the coup had Russian flags. Mohamed Bazoum himself was pro-West and was seen by the West as their ally in the fight against jihadism in the Sahel and in the efforts to stop illegal migration to the West through the Mediterranean Sea. Expectedly therefore Western countries have strongly condemned the coup – formally because they support democratic rule but probably more because they see in Bazoum an ally that will help stop growing Russian influence in French West Africa.

In fact, Bazoum was reported to have accused the Russian military contractor, Wagner, (which is very active in Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea, Central African Republic, and Sudan – among other African counties) of spreading misinformation against his government. There is no doubt that both Wagner and Russia will like to get a foothold in Niger, which accounts for 7% of the world’s supply of uranium. The West believes that the new military junta, if they are allowed to succeed, will be pro-Russia.

Three, the crisis of governance in Africa is breeding a general disaffection with the practice of democracy at a time no visible alternative seems to be in sight. The free speech guarantee in liberal democracy has enabled citizens to expose many acts of bad governance including corruption and nepotism, which in turn creates an impression that liberal democracy is responsible for such malfeasances – further alienating some people.

At the same time many African leaders have failed to uphold the basic tenets of democracy – like rule of law, respect for fundamental human rights, conduct of free and fair elections and guaranteeing security of lives and property. Periodic elections, which could have afforded the citizens the opportunity to change their leaders, have generally proven to be a farce, further alienating the citizens both from the state system and from the electoral process. In situations of anomie such as this, the military is given the ammunition to strike.

Four, supranational institutions like the Economic Community of West African States (which recently gave the Nigerien military junta seven days to restore constitutional order in the country) have in recent times been unable to force its will on coup makers and sit tight leaders as it did in years past. For instance, the sub regional organization compelled President Laurent Gbagbo to vacate office after he was defeated by Alassane Ouattara in the 2010 Presidential Election in Côte d’Ivoire. It also restored the presidential mandate of Adama Barrow of Gambia in 2016 after Yahya Jammeh refused to vacate office after losing in the presidential polls.

In recent years however, ECOWAS has been unable to restore constitutional order following the coups in Mali in 2020 and 2021, Guinea (2021) and Burkina Faso (2022). A major reason for this is that most presidents of ECOWAS nations have defaulted on the ECOWAS Protocol on   Democracy and Good Governance through electoral malpractice and tenure elongation.

For instance, President Alpha Conde’s decision to seek a third term has always been cited as the major reason for the coup in Guinea. In Côte d’Ivoire, 81-year-old Alasane Quattara whose mandate was restored through the intervention of ECOWAS in 2010 after President Gbagbo refused to accept defeat had no qualms amending the country’s constitution to give himself a third term. In Senegal, the President has just given up his third term bid after massive mobilisation against him.

Essentially when the political class makes mockery of democracy, they not only invite disenchanted citizens to de-link from the state they also unwittingly invite the military, as the only institution with the legal monopoly of force, to intervene.

Additionally, supranational institutions like ECOWAS and the African Union not only kowtow to powers like the USA and Europe because of their dominance in the global system but also because of their power of the purse. Essentially therefore the ability of African leaders to force coup makers in the continent to restore constitutional order is increasingly limited. Quite often they are forced to work with extra African powers as junior partners.

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Jideofor Adibe is a professor of Political Science and International Relations at Nasarawa State University, Keffi and Extraordinary Professor of Government Studies at North Western University, Mafikeng South Africa. He is also the founder of Adonis & Abbey Publishers and can be reached at 0705 807 8841(Text or WhatsApp only).

Obasanjo Pledges Support to Help Bauchi Attract Foreign Investors

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Wednesday said he is ready to assist Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State in attracting foreign investors to the state.

Obasanjo, who spoke during the commissioning of the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre in Bauchi, emphasized the importance of both local and international investment in Nigeria’s development.

He highlighted the potential of Bauchi’s tourism sector, saying it could be developed into a major attraction for visitors from within and outside the country.

“We can develop Bauchi into one of Nigeria’s top tourist destinations,” Obasanjo said. “Visitors will be able to stay in hotels, attend conferences here, and make Bauchi a center of attraction and tourism in Nigeria.

“I congratulate you once again. As we commission this project, we are also starting a conversation on investment something our country urgently needs. Governor, I want to assure you that I will go anywhere with you to seek investments for Bauchi State.”

The former President also praised Governor Mohammed for his developmental efforts.

“In terms of developing Bauchi State, I am impressed by what I have seen and heard,” Obasanjo said. “This international conference center, named after one of Nigeria’s greatest leaders, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, is a fitting tribute to his legacy.”

Dasuki ₦33.2bn Fraud: EFCC Seeks Adjournment to Update Witness List

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Justice Charles Agbaza of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday, October 8, 2025, adjourned the trial of former National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki (retd), to October 31, 2025.

The adjournment followed a request by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to update its list of witnesses.

Dasuki is being prosecuted by the EFCC on an amended 32-count charge of criminal breach of trust and money laundering involving N33.2 billion.

He is being tried alongside a former General Manager of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Aminu Baba-Kusa, and two companies Acacia Holdings Limited and Reliance Referral Hospital Limited.

One of the charges alleges that Dasuki, while serving as National Security Adviser, misused N10 billion from the Office of the National Security Adviser’s account with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in November 2014.

The money, said to have been received in foreign currencies $47 million and €5.6 million, was allegedly diverted to fund the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential primary election, contrary to Section 315 of the Penal Code Act.

All defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

During Tuesday’s proceedings, EFCC detective Adariku Michael testified that the agency launched an investigation in September 2015 after receiving intelligence about large-scale fund movements from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) between October 2014 and April 2015.

However, defence counsel Solomon Umoh (SAN), representing Baba-Kusa, objected to Michael’s testimony, arguing that his name was not included in the EFCC’s original witness list.

In response, EFCC counsel O. Atolagbe explained that the witness had previously testified before the Chief Judge and had already submitted relevant documents to the court.

Atolagbe also noted that the case had been ongoing for nearly a decade and requested an adjournment to regularise the Commission’s witness list. The defence did not oppose the request.

Justice Agbaza granted the request and adjourned the case until October 31, 2025, for continuation of the trial.

10 Surprising Facts About May Agbamuche-Mbu, INEC’s Acting Chair

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has named May Agbamuche-Mbu as its Acting Chairman following the expiration of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure, marking the start of a new chapter in the leadership of Nigeria’s electoral body.

Agbamuche-Mbu, the most senior National Commissioner and a respected legal practitioner, assumes the role in line with INEC’s internal succession policy, which mandates that the most senior Commissioner steps in pending the appointment of a substantive chairman.

Hailing from Delta State in the South-South, Agbamuche-Mbu brings over 30 years of legal and administrative experience to the position. Colleagues describe her as a calm, reform-driven leader known for integrity and institutional discipline.

Born in Kano State, she began her education at St. Louis Secondary School before earning a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1984 and was called to the Nigerian Bar the following year.

Her pursuit of excellence took her abroad, where she qualified as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales and earned an LL.M. in Commercial and Corporate Law from Queen Mary University of London. She also holds postgraduate degrees in International Dispute Resolution and International Business Law.

A member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), Nigeria Branch, Agbamuche-Mbu once served as its Secretary and is widely regarded as an expert in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).

Before joining INEC in 2016, she was the Managing Partner of the Lagos-based firm Norfolk Partners and also gained prominence in legal journalism as Editor of THISDAY Lawyer, where her “Legal Eagle” column published over 120 influential articles between 2014 and 2016.

She has also served in several national roles, including as the sole solicitor on the Presidential Projects Assessment Committee (2010–2011) and as a member of the 2016 Ministerial Committee that drafted Nigeria’s Solid Minerals Road Map.

An INEC official who spoke on condition of anonymity described her elevation as “expected,” saying, “Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu has the experience, temperament, and institutional knowledge to ensure continuity and stability at this crucial moment.”

With her assumption of office, attention now turns to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is expected to name a substantive Chairman ahead of the Commission’s next round of electoral activities.

10 Key Facts About May Agbamuche-Mbu

  1. Veteran Legal Practitioner: Over 30 years of professional experience spanning both public and private sectors.

  2. Delta Roots, Kano Upbringing: Born in Kano but originally from Delta State.

  3. OAU Graduate: Obtained her LL.B from Obafemi Awolowo University in 1984.

  4. Dual Bar Qualifications: Called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985 and the UK Bar thereafter.

  5. Highly Educated: Holds an LL.M and two postgraduate degrees from UK institutions.

  6. ADR Specialist: Member and former Secretary of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

  7. Public Service Record: Served on presidential and ministerial committees shaping national policy.

  8. Law Firm Leader: Former Managing Partner of Norfolk Partners, Lagos.

  9. Legal Writer: Former THISDAY Lawyer editor and columnist.

  10. Respected Reformer: Known within INEC for integrity, balance, and administrative competence.

Tunisian Man Freed After Death Sentence for Facebook Posts

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A 56-year-old Tunisian man, Saber Ben Chouchane, has been released from prison after receiving a presidential pardon.

His release on Tuesday, October 5, followed intense criticism of his death sentence, which had been handed down for several Facebook posts that criticized President Kais Saied and government officials.

Ben Chouchane was arrested in January 2024 for a series of online posts that condemned the president’s leadership, accused the judiciary of corruption, and called on Tunisians to protest peacefully.

A court in Nabeul, east of the capital Tunis, later found him guilty of insulting the president and the judiciary, spreading false information, and inciting unrest.

Last week, the court sentenced him to death, a punishment that drew sharp condemnation from rights organizations and foreign observers. His lawyer, Oussama Bouthelja, said the verdict shocked him, describing it as “an excessive and disproportionate use of the law against peaceful expression.”

Human rights groups said the case showed how far Tunisia’s government has moved away from democratic principles since 2021, when President Saied dissolved parliament and began ruling by decree.

Since then, dozens of critics, lawyers, and journalists have faced prosecution under Decree-Law 54, a 2022 regulation that criminalizes the spread of what the authorities call false news.

The Amnesty International regional office described Ben Chouchane’s sentence as a grave attack on basic freedoms. It said his posts contained criticism and calls for reform but no threat or violence.

The organization also urged Tunisian authorities to overturn convictions based on peaceful speech and to abolish the death penalty, which remains in the country’s law though executions have not been carried out for years.

Following his sentencing, public pressure mounted. Local and international groups issued statements condemning the verdict, and several Tunisian lawyers’ associations called it “a dark day for justice.”

However, on October 7, President Saied issued a pardon, and Ben Chouchane was released overnight. His lawyer confirmed that he returned home to his family the following morning.

Bouthelja said the pardon came after his client withdrew an appeal, a move that allowed the president to grant clemency under Tunisian law. While the release brought relief to his family and supporters, activists said the case remains a warning about the shrinking space for free speech in the country.

Since Saied’s power consolidation, Tunisia has seen a series of arrests targeting online critics and opposition figures. Legal scholars and civic groups say the use of criminal law against dissenters has become a defining feature of the country’s politics.

Breaking The Glass Ceiling At INEC: The Case For A Female Chairman

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As Nigeria inches toward another crucial leadership transition at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), one conversation that must not be ignored is the urgent need to appoint a woman as the next Chairman of the Commission. For more than six decades of electoral administration, from the Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO) to the National Electoral Commission (NEC), and now INEC, no woman has ever been given the opportunity to lead the body responsible for managing Nigeria’s democracy. That reality is both telling and troubling.

The absence of a woman at the helm of INEC is not just a statistical oversight; it is a glaring reflection of how Nigeria continues to marginalize half of its population in decision-making spaces. In a country where women constitute nearly 50 percent of the population and play significant roles as voters, civil servants, observers, and even electoral officers, it defies logic that none has ever been considered worthy to lead the electoral umpire.

This conversation is not about tokenism or gender sympathy, it is about equity, competence, and the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic process. Nigerian women have consistently proven their leadership mettle across sectors, often under more difficult conditions than their male counterparts. From Dora Akunyili’s fearless reforms at NAFDAC to Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s trailblazing economic stewardship and global leadership at the World Trade Organization, to Amina Mohammed’s international diplomacy as Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Nigerian women have demonstrated excellence, integrity, and transformational leadership on the global stage.

If these women can shape global policy and manage institutions with billions in budgets, why should leading INEC, a constitutionally independent body, be considered beyond the capability of women? The issue here is not a lack of qualified female candidates but a lack of political will to appoint them.

Nigeria cannot forget the high level of patriotism displayed by Professor Nnenna Oti, who served as the INEC Returning Officer in Abia State during the 2023 governorship election. As popularly known, she stands as a shining example of integrity, courage, and professionalism in Nigeria’s electoral process. Despite intense pressure, threats, and lucrative offers to compromise the will of the people, she upheld the sanctity of the ballot and ensured that the true outcome prevailed. Her uncommon display of character in the face of political intimidation underscores the transformative impact that women of principle can bring to public service. It is precisely this kind of ethical fortitude and moral clarity that Nigeria needs at the helm of its electoral body, making a strong case for a female successor to Professor Mahmood Yakubu as the next INEC Chairman, someone who can restore public confidence and strengthen the nation’s democracy through fearless and transparent leadership.

Without a doubt, INEC occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s democracy. Its Chairman is not just an administrator but the moral compass of the electoral process. The credibility of elections, the trust of citizens, and the integrity of governance all depend on how the Commission is led. At a time when confidence in Nigeria’s elections is waning, amid persistent concerns over vote-buying, logistical failures, voter suppression, and the manipulation of technology, the Commission needs leadership that can restore trust and project transparency. A woman at the helm could bring that needed change in tone and culture.

Research and experience have shown that women in leadership often bring distinctive strengths, greater attention to detail, inclusiveness, and empathy. They tend to foster collaboration, listen more, and act with moral conviction. These are not sentimental traits; they are leadership assets that Nigeria’s electoral system badly needs. When women lead, they often prioritize the collective over the personal and emphasize fairness and accountability, values that are essential for an institution like INEC.

Across Africa, women have led key national institutions and demonstrated that competence has no gender. In Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa, women have occupied sensitive electoral, judicial, and administrative positions with distinction. Nigeria cannot continue to trail behind on such an important front. The rest of the continent is proving that breaking barriers for women strengthens democracy rather than weakens it.

Critics who insist that gender should not be a factor in the appointment of the next INEC Chairman miss the essence of this argument. The call is not to pick any woman but to select a qualified one from the many eminently capable Nigerian women with the right blend of administrative, legal, and ethical grounding. Names abound in academia, the judiciary, the civil service, and civil society, women who have built careers on integrity and institutional reform. The argument is simple: Nigeria’s democracy will be stronger when its leadership reflects the diversity of its people.

Beyond symbolism, appointing a woman as INEC Chairman would send a powerful message about Nigeria’s seriousness toward gender inclusion and democratic fairness. It would also align with global and regional commitments Nigeria has signed onto, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 5) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, both of which advocate gender equality in leadership. More importantly, it would inspire millions of Nigerian girls and women to believe that public service is not a male preserve.

Nigeria’s history is filled with examples of women who rose above systemic barriers to lead with courage. The likes of the late Dr. Ameyo Adadevoh, who risked her life to contain the Ebola outbreak; the late Dora Akunyili, who confronted corruption in the pharmaceutical sector; and Justice Aloma Mukhtar, Nigeria’s first female Chief Justice, all stand as living testaments that women do not need to be given power, they only need not to be denied it.

The argument for a female INEC Chairman also ties directly into Nigeria’s larger struggle for inclusive governance. The statistics remain alarming: women occupy less than 7 percent of elective positions across the country and less than 10 percent of appointed federal positions. These figures reflect a chronic imbalance that must be corrected through deliberate action. Inclusion is not achieved by accident, it is achieved by intent.

Appointing a woman as INEC Chairman would be a bold and historic step toward correcting this imbalance. It would set a precedent for other public institutions and political structures to follow, sending a clear message that gender should no longer be a barrier to leadership. It would also reinforce the credibility of INEC itself, by projecting an image of fairness and balance in the very institution tasked with ensuring fair play in elections.

Furthermore, such an appointment would hold both symbolic and practical importance for Nigeria’s democracy. Symbolically, it would mark a break from the past, a decisive move away from the patriarchal tradition that has dominated the country’s political and institutional leadership. Practically, it could introduce a leadership style that emphasizes transparency, inclusion, and responsiveness to citizens’ needs, qualities that Nigeria’s electoral system desperately requires.

As the tenure of the current INEC leadership winds down, the Federal Government has an opportunity to make history, to not just fill a vacancy, but to correct a legacy of exclusion. The President, in exercising his constitutional prerogative, should rise above political considerations and make a decision that strengthens Nigeria’s democracy and aligns with the spirit of fairness enshrined in the 1999 Constitution.

It is time to move beyond rhetoric and token gestures. Nigeria cannot continue to preach equality while practicing exclusion. Our democracy cannot mature when half of its citizens are systematically kept away from leadership. The glass ceiling at INEC has stood unchallenged for too long, it is time to break it.

Appointing a woman as the next INEC Chairman would not only redefine leadership in Nigeria’s public institutions but also stand as a national statement that competence, not gender, is what truly matters. It would inspire a new generation of women to engage more confidently in the political process and restore faith in the promise of Nigeria’s democracy.

The world is watching. Nigeria has the chance to make history, not by words, but by action. The Federal Government must seize this moment and appoint a competent woman as the next INEC Chairman. In doing so, it will not only be breaking the glass ceiling but setting a foundation for a stronger, fairer, and more inclusive democracy.

Top 7 Nollywood Films to Watch This October

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As we go further into the final quarter of 2025, Nollywood is intentional in keeping its movie fans entertained with thrilling blockbusters; some are already streaming on Netflix and Prime, while others are debuting in cinemas this October.

Below is a descriptive guide to seven films that deserve your attention this month.

1. The Wildflower (YouTube)

Director: Biodun Stephen
Runtime: 1h 47m
Genre: Drama

Biodun Stephen’s The Wildflower is set quietly within a single compound. The film follows three women; Rolake (Damilare Kuku), Mama Adaolisa (Toyin Abraham), and Adaolisa (Sandra Okunzuwa) whose separate struggles against harassment and domestic violence collide after one act of defiance.

The Wildflower is now available to stream on YouTube.

2. Thin Line (Netflix)

Genre: Thriller / Drama

 Thin Line tells the story of Pastor Raymond (Uzor Arukwe), a man whose perfect image shatters when a blackmail scheme involving a sex worker, Annie (Uche Montana), spirals into tragedy. Annie turns up dead and Raymond is left to prove his innocence and face public judgement.

It also features Mercy Aigbe and Olu “Deno” Adebamowo. It’s one of the month’s most talked-about Netflix releases.

3. Everybody Loves Jenifa (Prime Video)

Directors: Funke Akindele, Tunde Olaoye
Genre: Comedy / Drama

Funke Akindele returns as the beloved Jenifa in a film, who is now a successful philanthropist, however Jenifa faces rivalry from a glamorous new neighbour, Lobster (Stan Nze) who is married to a familiar past figure (Nancy Isime).
With an ensemble cast including Stan Nze, Falz, Layi Wasabi, Jackie Appiah, Bisola Aiyeola, and Patience Ozokwor amongst others, Everybody Loves Jenifa is sure to keep you glued to your TV.

 The film’s massive box-office success of ₦1 billion in under three weeks cements its place as a major 2024 breakthrough in cinema.

4. The Waiter (Netflix)

Genre: Action-Comedy

Ayo Makun leads this high-energy satire that unfolds in the lavish Crystal Hotel, where a terrorist group interrupts a government event. As Akpos, he becomes an unlikely hero in the midst of the chaos.

5. Farmer’s Bride (Netflix, October 17)

Writer: Jack’enneth Opukeme
Genre: Historical Romance / Drama

Set in 1980s Ibadan, Farmer’s Bride is a tale of forbidden love and betrayal. Odun (Femi Branch), a wealthy but lonely farmer, marries young Funmi (Gbugbemi Ejeye), whose heart belongs elsewhere. Her secret affair with Odun’s nephew, Femi, leads to devastating consequences that ripple through the family.

Supported by strong performances from Mercy Aigbe, Tobi Bakre, and Wumi Toriola, the film stands out for its rich period detail and haunting cinematography. Farmer’s Bride begins streaming on Netflix on October 17.

6. Tare (In Cinemas October 24; Netflix release pending)

Genre: Family / Drama

Tare tells the story of complexities of family, loyalty, and forgiveness. When long-buried betrayals resurface, a household once bound by love is torn apart.
The film stars Toyin Abraham, Jide Kene Achufusi, Nosa Rex, and Ibinabo Fiberesima.

7. Son of the Soil (In Cinemas October 31)

Genre: Action / Crime Thriller

Closing the month is Son of the Soil, an action-packed drama set against Nigeria’s criminal underworld. Razaaq Adoti plays Zion Ladejo, a former Special Ops soldier who returns home to avenge his sister’s death and dismantle the syndicate responsible.
It features Ireti Doyle, Patience Ozokwor, Damilola Ogunsi, and Sharon Rotimi.

Averting Another ‘Gen-Z’ Protest in Nigeria

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Who are the Gen-Z? An online source said “Gen Z (Generation Z), also called zoomers, are the demographic cohort born roughly between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, generally from 1997 to 2012. They are known as the first generation of true “digital natives,” having grown up with the internet and smartphones from a very young age. This generation is also noted for its diversity, its pragmatic approach to finances, concern for social and environmental issues, and a focus on work-life balance.”

They are preceded by the Millennials which another online source says are also known as Generation Y. They are a demographic cohort generally defined as those born between 1981 and 1996. They are the generation that came of age during the new millennium and are characterised by being “digital immigrants” who are comfortable with technology and value immediacy and efficiency.

Gen-Z are succeeded by Generation Alpha or Gen-A. Generation Alpha are people born from roughly 2010 to 2024. They are characterised as the world’s first generation fully born into the 21st century and the first to grow up with ubiquitous technology and global digital connectivity. As digital natives, Gen. Alpha experiences and learns through technology and are defined by their diversity, global outlook, and early exposure to issues like climate change. Interestingly, Gen-Z are trending globally for their recent protests.

In an article titled “What to Know About the ‘Gen Z’ Protests Roiling Countries Across the Globe” published in Time Magazine of October 2, 2025, an editorial fellow with the media group, Connor Greene wrote that “Young people are taking to the streets en masse in cities around the world in an effort to fight against perceived government corruption, staging contentious protests that have sparked violent clashes with authorities and, at times, turned deadly.

Spanning countries in Africa, Asia, and South America in recent weeks, the so-called “Gen Z” protests have been motivated by a variety of grievances directed at government leadership, from severe shortages of water and power in Madagascar to limited access to education and healthcare in Morocco to corruption scandals in Nepal and Peru. Within the past month, the demonstrations have toppled one country’s government and contributed to the dissolution of another, as well as resulting in hundreds of arrests and injuries and dozens of deaths.”

He said further that “Similar demonstrations have taken place in Kenya, Indonesia, and the Philippines in recent months, underlining a new generation of young adults’ growing influence in public life around the world.” Cable News Network, better known as CNN of October 4, 2025 says “From Kathmandu to Lima, youth-led uprisings are driving thousands from their screens to the streets, demanding accountability, change and, in some cases, toppling governments. These Gen-Z protesters come from disparate backgrounds and have different demands. But the throughline is clear: Growing inequality and marginalization is destroying young people’s hopes for the future – and the only way forward is to confront a broken social contract head on.”

The 2025 Gen-Z protests across the world is reminiscent of the Arab Spring of 2011 where the death through self-immolation of a vegetable seller in Tunisia, Mohamed Bouazizi on January 4, 2011, sparked off protests against the cost of living and the country’s authoritarian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. His 23-year-rule ended 10 days later when he fled to Saudi Arabia, becoming the first leader of an Arab nation to be pushed out by popular protests.

According to a chronicle done by Al Jazeera news network of December 17, 2020, similar protests in Egypt between January 25 and February 11 led to the end of the 30-year reign of President Hosni Mubarak. In Libya, an uprising led to the capture and murder of President Muammer Gaddafi on October 20, 2011, after 32 years in power. In Yemen, violent protests led to change of power as Ali Abdullah Saleh, who had ruled Yemen for 33 years, handed power to his deputy Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi on February 27, 2012, after a year of protests. Peaceful protests started by teenagers on March 6, 2011 led to violent repression by President Bashar al-Assad. The revolt led to years of civil war which eventually led to the ouster of al-Assad on December 8, 2024.

Nigeria has had her fair share of protests with the most violent one in recent past being the October 2020 #EndSARS protests which led to wanton destruction of properties and deaths. The uprising which initially took off on social media, especially on Twitter led to massive street protests in many states in Nigeria. They were led by Nigerian youths who demanded a definitive end to atrocities of the Nigeria Police Special Anti-Robbery Squad.; the disbandment of SARS, release of all arrested protesters, compensation for the victims of police brutality, accountability in police operations and punishment for erring SARS officers alongside psychological and medical evaluation for all the SARS operatives. Amnesty International of October 21, 2020 said at least 56 people died across the country during the protest which began on October 8, 2020, There was also #EndBadGovernance protest in August 2024.

The resurgence of the culture of protests especially by Gen-Z should be concerning to Nigerian authorities. This country has an estimated 60 per cent youth population with many of them tech savvy. While it is true that President Bola Tinubu has established a full-fledged Youth Development Ministry, coupled with the existence of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, these measures are not enough to placate the restive youths who still feel short-changed and excluded in the decision-making process of the country. In a smart move, President Tinubu brought back the student loan scheme where he said in his 65th Independence Anniversary broadcast that “Approximately 510,000 students across 36 states and the FCT have benefited from this initiative, covering 228 higher institutions. As of September 10, the total loan disbursed was N99.5 billion, while the upkeep allowance stood at N44.7 billion.”

Under the immediate past administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, the age qualification for electoral contest as president was reduced from 40 t0 35 and that of House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly were reduced from 30 to 25 in what was widely known as Not-Too-Young –To-Run Act.

On the flip side however, while many youths seek to contest elections, the highly monetised electoral process prevent them from emerging as candidates or winning at the general elections. I am of the considered view that more youths need to be involved in the decision making process and given leadership role. Government at all levels needs to create the enabling environment for Nigerian youths to get jobs or be self-employed. This is why government needs to double down on insecurity, corruption and the rising cost of living. Should these continue to fester, no matter the kind gestures government may extend to Nigerian youths, it will not be enough. Youths wants equity, justice and fairness. Will they get it?

 

I.G:@jideojong

Nigeria is Led by a Man Unable to Credibly Defend his Own Academic Records— Atiku Fires at Tinubu

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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of institutionalizing deceit and moral decay following the resignation of Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, over alleged certificate forgery.

In a statement made available to The News Chronicle on Tuesday, Atiku said Nnaji’s exit exposed what he described as the “deep moral crisis” at the heart of the Tinubu government, alleging that the administration is “an assembly of forgers and impostors masquerading as public servants.”

What should ordinarily be a matter of national shame is being disguised as a ‘voluntary resignation’ a desperate attempt to whitewash yet another scandal,” Atiku declared.

The former Vice President faulted the government for allowing Nnaji to resign instead of dismissing and prosecuting him for forgery and deceit.

He also berated the Department of State Services (DSS) for failing in its screening responsibility, noting that the same agency that disqualified Nasir el-Rufai over alleged security concerns cleared Nnaji.

“The DSS truly deserves our flowers for this national disgrace,” Atiku said mockingly. “Their failure of due diligence has made Nigeria an object of ridicule before the world.”

Atiku linked the incident to what he described as a long-standing pattern of deception within the Tinubu administration, alleging that it mirrors the President’s own history of “identity and certificate controversies.”

From the Chicago State University saga to multiple contradictory claims under oath, the world has seen ample evidence that Nigeria is led by a man who has been unable to credibly defend his own academic records,” he stated.

According to him, “when a man of questionable identity leads a country, deception becomes the standard of governance,” adding that Tinubu’s alleged history of forgery and perjury has “institutionalized falsehood in public service.”

Atiku called for an independent and transparent investigation into the academic and professional credentials of all members of the Federal Executive Council, starting with President Tinubu himself.

“Nigerians deserve to know the truth about those who preside over their lives and resources,” he said, warning that without such cleansing, the country would continue to sink “deeper into moral decay, economic ruin, and global embarrassment.”

Amnesty Raises Alarm Over 1,844 Deaths in Southeast Insecurity Crisis

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A poorly-managed security situation in Southeast Nigeria, which unleashed a free-for-all reign of impunity in which numerous state and non-state actors committed serious human rights violations, resulted in the killing of at least 1,844 people between January 2021 and June 2023.

This is according to a report by a human rights organization, Amnesty International, Nigeria, presented on Tuesday, in Enugu, Southeast Nigeria.

The report titled ‘A decade of impunity: Attacks and unlawful killings in Southeast Nigeria’, documented unlawful killings, torture, forced disappearances and arbitrary arrests at the hands of rampaging gunmen, state-backed paramilitary outfits, vigilantes, criminal gangs and cult groups in the Southeast region.

The presentation attracted key stakeholders from all 5 states of the Southeast, including the civil society, women and youth groups, families and communities of victims of insecurity and violence, the media and other relevant groups.

In an overview of key findings from the report, the Director, Amnesty Nigeria, AI Nigeria, Isa Sanusi said the report was based on interviews with 100 people, including survivors, victims’ relatives, civil society members, lawyers, and traditional and religious leaders.

He also revealed that the organization carried out research missions to Owerri in Imo state, Asaba in Delta State, Obosi in Anambra state, and Enugu in Enugu state, between April 2023 and November 2023.

According to him, the report underscores the roles of secessionist groups, armed groups, security agencies and state-backed paramilitary groups in turning the once-peaceful and economically viable region into a place of bloodshed, rights violation, and economic loss.

Noting that the report also provides the authorities with adequate leads to open an investigation that will end the impunity and provide victims with justice, the AI Nigeria director said every family or victim of the violence deserves justice and accountability, and it is an obligation for the Nigerian government to protect lives, whether in the city or the hinterlands.

“Amnesty International is saying that the Nigerian government must begin to take action against forced disappearances, killings, torture, and assassinations by state and non-state actors.

“Insecurity in the southeast has affected people’s rights, including the rights to life, physical integrity, security, liberty and freedom of movement. Many people have not traveled to their hometowns for several years for fear of attack or abduction. Schools shut, markets closed with harsh economic implications for communities.

“The Nigerian authorities must uphold their constitutional and international human rights obligations by guaranteeing, protecting and ensuring the rights to life, physical integrity, and liberty, safety and security of the people and stemming the tide of rampant insecurity in the Southeast region.

“Authorities must undertake prompt, thorough, independent, impartial, transparent and effective investigations into all allegations of violations and abuses committed by state and non-state actors,” he said.

Earlier, an AI Nigeria Board member, Ler Jonathan-Ichaver said the report presentation signals the organization’s commitment to mobilizing Southeast stakeholders to begin to demand accountability from government and other players, as it concerns insecurity in the region.

She said the organization is launching at the back of the report, a global campaign to draw the world’s attention to the killings in the Southeast, and to drive action for change to end the cycle of violence.

“This will be a call on all stakeholders to use their contacts within and outside Nigeria to support the efforts to put an end to these atrocities.

“We have over 10 million voices across the globe backing us, and today signals again, our commitment to leading this charge collectively, as advocates for justice and a better future for ourselves and the coming generations,” she noted.

In a presentation on the research methodology adopted for the research, a staff of AI Nigeria, Maurice Chukwu expressed worry that of all the five Southeast governors, who the organization sought a meeting with to discuss the violence in the region, only that of Anambra State responded and committed to meet with the organization.

A relative of one of the victims of the killings, Nduka Ozor, from Agwa community in Imo state shared gory experiences of how his brother, a legal practitioner, was brutally murdered by known gunmen within their area, calling for justice for his brother and others who faced a similar ordeal.

Some panelists at the report presentation including the executive director the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, RULAAC, Okechukwu Nwanguma and a professor of International Relations and Strategic Studies at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Felix Asogwa commended the report’s comprehensiveness and said the Amnesty International did a very good job in highlighting the teething challenges driving insecurity and killings in the region.

According to Nwanguma, “the report is a very important intervention on the problem of impunity, which is driving the problem of insecurity in the southeast. It also validates what RULAAC and other CSOs have documented in trying to identify impunity.

“It is a call to conscience, showing clearly that without accountability, peace will remain elusive. People in the southeast are trapped between criminal forces and abusive security forces, whose highhandedness is driving the problem. It is worrisome that security forces respond to security matters in a way that they themselves constitute insecurity.

“Recalled how a former IGP in Enugu, ordered police operatives to go after secessionist groups and kill them and not worry about what will happen. These are the issues and until we begin to demand accountability for these reckless actions, nothing will change,” he said.

Another panelist and civil society activist, Nelson Nwafor faulted the culture of silence by the southeast stakeholders and governors over the killings in the region, stressing the need to use the report to engage security agencies, the state and non-state actors so that an end can come to the anomaly.

Immediately after the presentation of the report, the group launched a campaign, demanding stakeholders’ action to ensure protection of citizens in the region.

Edo Cultural Group Rejects Iyaloja Concept

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The Edo Art and Cultural Heritage Institute (EACHI) has declared its full support for the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, over his position on the traditional leadership of markets within the Benin Kingdom.
In a statement issued in Benin City on Wednesday by its representative, Mr. Okpioba Idemudia, the institute affirmed its alignment with the monarch’s declaration that the Iye-Eki remains the only legitimate traditional head of markets in the kingdom.
According to the statement obtained by The News Chronicle, the Iye-Eki occupies a sacred and respected role in Benin’s traditional hierarchy, symbolising the cultural essence and heritage of the people.
He reiterated the organisation’s dedication to safeguarding the ancient customs of the Benin Kingdom, stressing that any attempt to introduce external leadership systems would amount to a violation of the people’s traditions.
Idemudia praised Oba Ewuare II for his steadfast commitment to preserving the age-old cultural values that have defined the Benin monarchy for centuries.
He equally lauded market women across Edo State for resisting attempts to impose an Iyaloja or any non-traditional market leadership structure, describing their action as courageous and culturally conscious.
The group further urged all indigenes of Edo State to remain united and continue to rally behind the Oba’s rejection of the Iyaloja concept, which it said runs contrary to Benin’s established traditions.
”We at EACHI reassure the people of Edo and the broader community that we will continue to support and promote the preservation of our rich cultural heritage,” Idemudia stated.

Vivian Elabor to Lead Edo Tourism Drive

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Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has appointed Mrs. Vivian Elabor as the new Director-General of the Edo Tourism Agency.

The announcement was made on Wednesday in Benin through a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor.

According to the statement obtained by The News Chronicle, Ikhilor explained that the appointment, which takes immediate effect, underscores the government’s determination to reposition the tourism and creative economy sector as a catalyst for economic diversification, cultural revival, and youth empowerment in the state.

The statement said Elabor is a seasoned professional with more than two decades of experience spanning media, community engagement, and public relations.

”She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Media and Mass Communication from London Metropolitan University, United Kingdom, and diplomas in Theatre Arts and Healthcare Management.”

Ikhilor noted that Elabor had an impressive career in the United Kingdom, where she worked in various roles, including as Presenter and Head of Production at BEN Television, London. There, she created influential programmes that showcased African culture and excellence.

She has also worked extensively in housing management and rehabilitation services, supporting vulnerable populations through leadership roles at Change Grow Live (CGL) and Clear Springs–Ready Homes.

”As a Board Member of the Centre for Wounded Servicemen and Fallen Heroes Support Fund, Elabor demonstrated commitment to humanitarian causes and national development,” Ikhilor further said.

Her appointment is expected to bring renewed vigour to Edo’s tourism drive, aligning with the administration’s vision of making the state a leading destination for culture, heritage, and leisure in Nigeria.

Steven Gerrard Admits Chelsea Slip Still Haunts His Career

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Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has spoken candidly about the unsettling memory of his infamous slip versus Chelsea during the 2013–14 Premier League season—one of the few excruciating episodes in his great football career.

Despite his incredible achievements at Anfield, the former captain admitted that the failure to win the Premier League title still haunts him.

 

Having grown through Liverpool’s academy in 1998, Gerrard made more than 700 appearances for the team, scoring 186 goals and winning several honors. including three League Cups, two FA Cups, and the UEFA Champions League. Still, the Premier League title—the one trophy that eluded him—still represents unfinished business for the former midfielder.

 

Gerrard’s greatest regret comes from the 2013–14 season under Brendan Rodgers when Liverpool appeared set to finally break their lengthy domestic title drought. A 2–0 defeat to Chelsea at Anfield broke those expectations as the Reds were atop the table. Gerrard’s unlucky slip let Chelsea striker Demba Ba score the opener before Willian sealed the result, therefore transferring the title momentum to Manchester City, which would ultimately win the title.

 

Looking back at the event on Rio Ferdinand Presents, Gerrard admitted that though he has accomplished much in football, memories of his expensive error occasionally surface. He explained how disappointments can be brought on by viewing old videos of missed penalties, back passes, and lackluster performances for England or Liverpool. Gerrard confessed that the slip “still makes me feel terrible” and is a point he has to accept as part of his story even though he has learned to handle those emotions.

 

Having retired in 2016 following a short tenure with LA Galaxy, Gerrard has entered management and guided Rangers to a Scottish Premiership victory in 2021 before assuming responsibilities at Aston Villa and Al-Ettifaq. Following the firing of manager Russell Martin, current indications point to the 45-year-old possibly returning to Rangers as the team tries to recover its shape in the current 2025–26 season.

Barcelona Faces Tax Fraud Probe Over €10m Payment in Malcom Transfer Deal

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Barcelona is again under investigation for suspected financial wrongdoing connected to the 2018 acquisition of Brazilian winger Malcom.

Reports from El Periódico and Catalan Police claim the club may have compensated intermediaries €10 million for services never carried out, so opening new queries about possible tax fraud and accounting fraud under Josep Maria Bartomeu.

 

Investigators claim that “mediation services” in Malcom’s €42 million transfer from Bordeaux were paid €10 million to a company named Business Futbol España (BFE). Still, the services are thought to be fake or significantly overblown. Malcom’s initial employment contract was purposefully arranged to lower reported income and avoid tax obligations by adjusting Malcom’s initial work contract, the Mossos d’Esquadra claim.

 

The News Chronicle observed from police investigations that the player deliberately altered his financial agreement, turning simple income payments into layered transactions routed through BFE. Researchers believe this change enabled Barcelona to avoid withholding levies that would have cost the team roughly half of the stated sum. Documents said to reveal several bogus invoices and a backdated agreement meant to justify the dubious payments.

 

At the focus of the inquiry are former president Josep Maria Bartomeu as well as many ex-board members, including Oscar Grau, Jordi Mestre Masdeu, and Francisco Schroder Quijano. Authorities believe the group is mismanaging and employing inventive accounting to conceal the club’s true financial activities. Further aggravating the club’s problems, this case links with more investigations, including suspected €30 million in secret commissions from Neymar and Antoine Griezmann’s transfers.

 

Nine of the twelve invoices associated with BFE bore no relationship to actual services, suggesting possible fraudulent billing of around €740,000, according to the Mossos report. According to reports, these created deals finished the €10 million plan around Malcom’s move.

 

Formal charges have still to be confirmed, but the investigation is becoming more intense. To resolve past inconsistencies and protect the club from possible legal consequences resulting from Bartomeu’s tenure, current president Joan Laporta’s administration has reportedly engaged in “preventive tax regularization.”

FERMA Launches ‘Operation Safeguard the Roads’ to Curb Accidents in Kogi

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The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has launched a special intervention programme called Operation Safeguard the Roads to reduce road accidents and improve safety in Kogi State.

The initiative was inaugurated on Tuesday at Ochadamu, along the Itobe–Anyigba Road, by the FERMA Engineer in Kogi, Muktar Abdulrahim.

He said the programme aims to make federal roads safer and more efficient for motorists while creating job opportunities for youths living along major road corridors.

According to Abdulrahim, the project will also discourage acts of vandalism and misuse of roads, such as dumping refuse in drains, cutting across roads without authorisation, and stealing road facilities like bridge rails and signposts.

He explained that the initiative will improve road safety, reduce travel time and costs, and create a sense of ownership among host communities.

The plan also includes vegetation control to enhance visibility, clearing of drains to prevent flooding, and minor road repairs such as patching potholes and fixing collapsed sections.

Abdulrahim added that residents along major roads will receive training on road maintenance.

He thanked FERMA’s Managing Director, Chukwu Emeka Agbasi, for introducing the programme.

Also speaking, FERMA’s North-Central Zonal Director, Awodun Daniel, said the initiative would make roads safer, especially as the festive season approaches.

Nigeria’s Power Supply Falls Again as DisCos Lose Over N158 Billion Amid Weak Revenue Collection

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The second quarter of 2025 saw another setback in Nigeria’s electric sector when both power generation and energy offtake fell by more than five percent.

Emphasized in the quarterly report of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), this recession reveals growing financial problems afflicting the value chain for electricity.

 

According to the study, from 4,770.59 megawatt-hours per hour in the first quarter to 4,501.06 in the second, the average hourly power production of the national grid fell by 5.65 percent. Likewise, the energy offtake by distribution firms (DisCos) decreased by 5.27 percent to 3,582.62 megawatt-hours per hour. Within the quarter, power plants produced 9,830.31 gigawatt-hours overall.

 

Though there is enough supply, The News Chronicle observed that inefficiencies in billing, metering, and energy gathering keep the sector’s liquidity in check. Of 7,824.43 gigawatt-hours received, DisCos, reaching an energy accounting efficiency of just 82.43 percent, billed only 6,449.82 gigawatt-hours to end users. This lack aggravates the industry’s cash-flow problem together with low collection rates.

 

According to NERC, the average total technical, commercial, and collection (ATC&C) losses across all DisCos for the quarter came at 37.92%, much beyond the 20.54% reference established under the 2025 Multi-Year Tariff Order. These flaws amounted to a total of N158.05 billion in lost income. Although Eko DisCo met its target, Kaduna DisCo achieved the poorest with an astonishing 70.98 percent loss against a target of 21.32 percent.

 

DisCos together billed clients N742.34 billion from energy valued at N909.59 billion, therefore indicating an 81.61 percent billing efficiency on the revenue side. Total revenue collected was N564.71 billion, which is equivalent to a collection efficiency of 76.07 percent, a modest increase from 74.39 percent the preceding quarter.

 

Additionally stressing liquidity were overseas and bilateral clients. Six overseas clients only paid $9.01 million out of $17.54 million owed, therefore generating an $8.53 million gap. Domestic bilateral consumers paid only N1.4 billion of their N2.8 billion bill, for a 50 percent compliance rate.

 

Analysts point out that the continuing underpayment by bilateral customers damages the stability of Nigeria’s electricity market, thus negating the goal of reforms meant to provide cost recovery and sustainable power distribution.

Gold Breaks $4,000 Mark as Investors Flock to Safe-Haven Assets Amid Global Instability

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Wednesday saw gold first surge over the $4,000 per ounce level, therefore confirming its status as the foremost safe-haven asset as investors shield against growing worldwide economic and geopolitical volatility.

The rally also suggests increasing optimism about further U.S. Federal Reserve interest rate reductions before the year is over.

 

In early trade, spot gold rose 0.9% to $4,017.16 per ounce; U.S. gold futures for December delivery reached $4,040. Gold’s remarkable performance builds on its already established momentum; prices climbing 53% so far in 2025 following a 27% increase in 2024 make it among the best-performing assets of the year.

 

Several forces are propelling the amazing surge: continuous central bank purchases, poor performance of the U.S. dollar, strong demand for gold-backed exchange-traded funds, and more investor worry about political and economic volatility in major countries. Now on day seven, the continuing U.S. government shutdown has only increased doubt by delaying important economic data releases and upsetting the Federal Reserve’s interest rate reduction estimates.

 

The News Chronicle reports that analysts see the achievement as a clear reflection of investor attitude. Market analysts believe the momentum is being driven by a mix of fiscal constraints, growing worldwide debt, and the “fear of missing out” among investors. Experts argue that the basic viewpoint remains bullish even if short-term corrections happen as international markets adapt to a lower-rate environment.

 

Investor forecasts indicate a 25-basis-point rate drop in the Federal Reserve’s next meeting, with another probable in December. While some traders may lock in profits around the $4,000 mark, analysts caution that continuing concerns of inflation and political instability—particularly in countries like France and Japan—continue to support gold’s rising path.

 

Expecting ongoing demand through exchange-traded funds and central bank accumulation, market analysts at Goldman Sachs and UBS have increased their gold price prediction for 2026. Other valued metals also gained, with silver climbing 1.3% to $48.44 per ounce, platinum rising 2.4% to $1,657.33, and palladium advancing 2.3% to $1,368.68.

Zulum Gifts House and Job to Dedicated Igbo Health Worker in Borno

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Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has presented a fully furnished two-bedroom house to Mrs. Marbel Ijeoma Duaka, an Igbo health worker from Anambra State, in recognition of her long years of service and dedication to the people of Mafa Local Government Area.

Mrs. Duaka was among 72 teachers and health workers who received houses during a commissioning ceremony on Tuesday in Mafa.

Governor Zulum praised Mrs. Duaka for her commitment, noting that she had worked at the Mafa Primary Healthcare Centre for over 24 years without leaving the town even during the height of the Boko Haram insurgency.

“She has been working here for more than 24 years and never left, not even for a month. During the Boko Haram crisis, most people fled, but she stayed. She even treated many members of my family, including my mother,” Zulum said.

The governor also announced that the house allocation would be changed from institutional to personal ownership and that Mrs. Duaka’s son, Anthony a Banking and Finance graduate had been given automatic employment at the state-owned Kashim Ibrahim University, Maiduguri.

In her response, Mrs. Duaka thanked Governor Zulum for recognizing her service.

“Today is the happiest day of my life. His Excellency has honoured me and appreciated my work. He gave me a scholarship to study Health Education, has now given my son a job, and gifted me a house. I am truly grateful,” she said.

Governor Zulum had earlier shown a similar gesture in 2022 when he rewarded another Igbo teacher, Mrs. Obiageli Mazi from Abia State, with a house for her hard work and punctuality after 31 years of service in Borno.

Emefiele’s Lawyer Accuses EFCC of Stalling Court-Ordered Forensic Test in Multi-Billion Dollar Fraud Case

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Once again embroiled in controversy is former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele, as his legal team claims the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is blocking a court-ordered forensic analysis of a crucial mobile phone.

Reportedly holding an important WhatsApp conversation linked to the $4.5 billion fraud charges against the ex-Apex Bank chairman, the controversial gadget—an iPhone designated “Exhibit E”.

 

At Tuesday’s hearing in front of Justice Rahman Oshodi at the Ikeja Special Offenses Court, Emefiele’s main lawyer, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), told the court that EFCC agents had stopped the forensic analysis twice, going against the court’s order. He claims that even though the forensic experts representing both sides and the court registrar were present on September 24 and 25, the investigation could not go forward due to EFCC opposition.

 

Ojo contended that the EFCC’s unwillingness to grant complete iPhone access violated the openness needed for fair trial proceedings. He argued that even after the registrar clarified the order for unlimited access, the defense’s forensic expert was denied the chance for a joint study with the team for the prosecution. Encouraging the court to force EFCC’s compliance will help to prevent planned delay techniques, according to the attorney.

 

The News Chronicle learned that the legal attorney for the EFCC, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), countered these allegations by stating that the defense’s prior forensic investigation was flawed. He said the specialist hired by Emefiele’s team undertook parts of the process online, compromising data veracity, because the expert lacked a verified forensic laboratory. Oyedepo went on to say that automatic syncing or data change could result from any unauthorized access to the gadget, hence compromising the credibility of the evidence.

 

Justice Oshodi told the prosecution to present its forensic report within 24 hours and ordered both sides to exchange documents electronically to shorten delays. The court adjourned the case until October 8 for further trial.

 

During an earlier cross-examination in the current hearings, one of Emefiele’s aides, John Adetola, confessed he kept no records of an alleged $400,000. Payments made to his former boss cast more doubt on the testimony presented before the court.

Calling On Leaders With Skeleton Of Fake Certificates In Their Cupboards To Resign Like Nnaji

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The resignation of Geoffrey Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, has peeled back yet another layer of rot in Nigeria’s political establishment. His decision to quit President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet amid allegations of certificate forgery should not be dismissed as a personal misfortune. It should serve as a clarion call to others in government who have skeletons of fake certificates hidden in their cupboards. They, too, must resign, because deception has no place in public service.

For too long, Nigeria’s democracy has been corrupted by fraudsters in fine clothing, men and women who parade themselves as leaders, whereas they are not, and not even more qualified academically than some, for their personal guards and special assistants assigned to their high offices. 

For too long, Nigeria’s democracy has been corrupted by fraudsters in fine clothing, men and women who parade themselves as leaders while their academic records are built on lies. Certificate forgery has become an unspoken epidemic, an assault on truth and a betrayal of the very foundation of democratic governance. How can a society progress when its leaders ascend to power through deceit? When those entrusted with shaping policy cannot even defend the authenticity of their own education?

What makes this plague particularly tragic is its normalization. Forgery scandals no longer shock Nigerians; they now evoke resignation. Each time a politician is exposed; the system simply absorbs the embarrassment and moves on. That culture of impunity must end. Nnaji’s resignation, whether by choice or compulsion, should be the beginning of a cleansing process across all tiers of government.

Public office is a trust, not a trophy for impostors. Democracy demands honesty, not because it is convenient, but because it is sacred. When politicians forge certificates, they commit moral perjury. They cheat the nation, mock the educational system, and ridicule every young Nigerian who burns midnight oil to earn a legitimate qualification. This is not just dishonesty; it is anti-democratic sabotage.

Nnaji’s resignation should therefore be treated as a moral turning point. Those who know that their credentials cannot stand public scrutiny must step aside before the truth drags them into disgrace. Integrity is not negotiable. If they have any respect left for the institutions they represent, they should do what Nnaji has done; bow out.

At the same time, Nigeria’s vetting and oversight mechanisms must stop treating certificate verification as an afterthought. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Federal Civil Service Commission, and other agencies must make background checks a rigorous, transparent, and continuous process. Universities must also stop shielding powerful figures from exposure, the truth must be allowed to breathe, no matter whose ox is gored.

Equally important is the need for a cultural shift. Our society’s obsession with titles and degrees has become toxic. Too many Nigerians worship credentials instead of competence, and that obsession has created fertile ground for forgery. We must begin to value character above certificates, and integrity above image. Leadership is not about how many degrees one claims to have, but about the truth behind those claims.

President Tinubu must seize this moment to send a strong message. A government that tolerates deceit at the top cannot inspire confidence among the governed. If he truly intends to restore integrity to public life, he should order a full audit of ministers, appointees, and senior officials. Those found wanting should not only resign but face legal consequences.

The cupboard of deceit in Nigeria’s political class is overflowing, and the stench is unbearable. The time for half measures is over. Nnaji’s resignation has set the example,  the rest must now follow. Those with skeletons of fake certificates in their cupboards should step down before the truth does it for them. Nigeria deserves leaders whose qualifications are real, whose records are clean, and whose consciences are intact.

Until then, the nation will continue to live under the shadow of hypocrisy, where those who lied their way into office pretend to lecture citizens on integrity. The time to end that charade is now.

The Nigerian people have endured enough hypocrisy from their leaders. For decades, citizens have been deceived, short-changed, and mocked by those who swore oaths of office on the altar of integrity but turned around to build their careers on falsehoods. Every election season, the same political class that preaches accountability ends up riddled with scandals,  from forged certificates to falsified age declarations and dubious academic claims. These are not harmless infractions; they are deliberate acts of deception that insult the collective intelligence of the electorate. Nigerians have watched, in painful silence, as liars occupy public offices while honest, hardworking citizens are told to “wait for their turn.” The result is a dangerous erosion of public trust, a situation where many no longer believe that sincerity or merit can get one to power.

If democracy is to mean anything in this country, it must begin with truth. Democracy is not sustained by slogans or party flags; it is sustained by the moral contract between leaders and the led. That contract collapses when those in power lie about who they are or how they got there. When a man forges a certificate to qualify for public office, he is not just cheating a system, he is defrauding a nation. He is desecrating the very principles of fairness and justice that democracy is built upon. Truth is not optional in governance; it is the oxygen that keeps democracy alive. Without it, everything else, elections, policies, constitutions, becomes a charade.

Integrity, not forgery, should define public office. The question every Nigerian must now ask is simple: what does it say about us as a nation when fraudsters can rule over us with impunity? A leader who falsifies credentials cannot be trusted to tell the truth in matters of state. Such a person is unfit to make laws, execute policies, or represent a people who expect honesty. Leadership is not a hiding place for liars; it is a sacred duty that demands transparency. When integrity dies in leadership, governance becomes a performance, and the people become spectators in their own democracy.

The cupboard of deceit is full, and the stench can no longer be hidden. Each new scandal adds to the rot, exposing the moral decay at the heart of Nigeria’s politics. But the cleansing must begin now, not tomorrow, not after the next election, not after another court ruling. It must begin with courageous leadership and a citizenry that refuses to be complicit in deceit. Those who forged their way into power must be made to leave the same way they came, through exposure and disgrace. The Nigerian people deserve a government that smells of truth, not one reeking of forgery. It is time to clean out the cupboard and reclaim the integrity of public life once and for all.

Estranged Realities: Israel and the Global Sumud Flotilla

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Showing that cloddishness that we have come to expect from them, Israel’s detention of the activists on the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) was a coarse and violent affair.  Having been intercepted in international waters on route to Gaza to break the Israeli-imposed blockade, the 470 or so activists, hailing from some fifty countries travelling on 40 boats, were duly taken to the Ketziot prison complex in the Negev desert in southern Israel.  According to GSF, the endeavour was intended to “break the illegal siege on Gaza by sea, open a humanitarian corridor, and end the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people.”

US activist David Adler, who was released and deported to Jordan on October 7, issued an audio message shared with Al Jazeera through the advocacy group Progressive International describing the events: “We were kidnapped, stripped, zip-tied, blindfolded and sent to an internment camp on a police van without any access to food, to water, to legal support.”  His Jewishness, along with that of a fellow activist, had been noted by the captors.  “After interception, we were violently forced onto our knees into positions of submission, where the two Jews of the flotilla were taken by the ear and ripped from the group for a photo-op with [National Security Minister Itamar] Ben-Gvir, staring at the flag of the State of Israel, taunted by his goons.”

Over the course of five days, Adler endured “serial and systematic violations” of basic human rights.  At night, riot police accompanied by attack dogs would raid the prison to strike fear into the interned activists.  

Adler’s accounts received solid corroboration from other members of the flotilla.  Spanish lawyer Rafael Borrego, after arriving in Madrid, spoke of “repeated physical and mental abuse”.  The authorities “beat us, dragged us along the ground, blindfolded us, tied our hands and feet, put us in cases and insulted us.”  A statement to Reuters from nine Swiss nationals referred to “inhumane detention conditions and the humiliating and degrading treatment”.

Australians on the GSF referred to instances of kicking and slapping of detainees by prison guards, the use of sleep deprivation techniques, the confiscation of medication and instances of humiliation by being caged and bellowed at by “an Israeli government minister” (Ben-Gvir could hardly resist the opportunity).  Surya McEwen recalls being “slapped, having his arm dislocated and having his head slammed into the ground.”

Much attention was also focused on the celebrity activist, Greta Thunberg, who was on her second outing.  “I could talk for a very, very long time about our mistreatment and abuses in our imprisonment, trust me, but that is not the story.”  A report from The Guardian noted her dehydration, the provision of “insufficient amounts of both food and water”, the outbreak of rashes caused by bed bugs.  She had also been forced to hold and kiss the Israeli flag as images of her were taken.

Sweden’s Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard said in a statement to Swedish news agency TT that she had “taken note of the reports of allegations of abusive treatment.  If the reports are true, this is very serious.”

The reaction from other countries has not been quite so explicit.  Australian activists on the GSF were less than impressed by the efforts of their diplomats, given the relative lateness of their release and complaints of mistreatment.  US activists also received a cold response from their consular officials.  Adler recalls being told by the US general consul that, “We are not your babysitters.  You’d have no food, no water, no money, no phones, no planes.”  US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, who gleefully accepts the distorted offerings of information from the Israeli foreign affairs ministry, had a personal observation on Adler’s conduct, calling him a “self-absorbed tool of Hamas”.

Israel, for its part, aggressively sought to denude and denigrate the merits of the flotilla, both in terms of its mission and the integrity of its participants.  Customary libels were offered: Thunberg and her fellow activists were useful idiots, and various organisers behind the effort to break the blockade were terrorist sympathisers with links to Hamas.  No mention needed of the humanitarian crisis taking place in the hellish enclave of Gaza as, apparently, there is nothing to mention.  

As for allegations of mistreatment, the Israeli foreign ministry was brusque and dismissive: “The lies they are spreading are part of their pre-planned fake news campaign.”  Ben-Gvir, however, spoke on October 5 of how “proud” he was of the harsh conditions that the detainees were being kept in.  “These are the terrorists of the flotilla,” he declared.  “Supporters of murderers.”  On his visit to Ketziot prison, he reasoned that the flotilla members, being “terror supporters”, deserved “the conditions of terrorists”.

Israeli authorities also claimed that the flotilla carried little humanitarian aid to speak of.  In a sharp statement, the GSF called such accusations by Ben-Gvir and other officials “verifiably false” and “obscene.  The boats were meticulously documented, loaded with medical supplies, food, and other life-saving goods for people in Gaza being systematically starved by Israel.”  

On arriving in Athens after being deported, Thunberg praised the “global, international solidarity” of the GSF where hypocritical, mealymouthed governments had failed. “This is a last resort.  That this mission has to exist is a shame.”  At this writing, negotiations on the US proposed peace plan continues, as does slaughter and starvation in the Strip.  As, it would seem, the estranged reality that permits mendacity to flourish.  

 

Dr. Binoy Kampmark was a Commonwealth Scholar at Selwyn College, Cambridge. He currently lectures at RMIT University. Email: bkampmark@gmail.com 

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Anambra First Lady Advocates Early Detection to Reduce Disease Impact

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The Wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, has described cancer as a ‘generational threat’ that must be collectively fought, to end its persistent claim of the lives of women every year.

Soludo, founder of the Healthy Living initiative, gave the view in a statement on Wednesday to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, observed every October.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM), is an annual international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities every October to increase awareness of the disease and raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure.

According to Dr Soludo, it is worrisome that despite the increased awareness in society, there is still a spike in cases of breast cancer and other forms of the disease.

She noted that early detection remains the most effective way to treat and reduce the impact of breast cancer.

“The statistics are alarming, but we can all play our part to reduce the impact.

“The two major steps are to learn how to perform self-examinations regularly and to go for periodic screenings in reputable hospitals,” she said.

Soludo noted that while October is globally recognised as a time to promote breast cancer awareness, the commitment to combating the disease should go beyond the commemorative period.

“We must do more as concerned stakeholders to strengthen awareness and extend cancer education to every community,” she said.

She also reaffirmed her commitment to promoting healthy living among women through her pet project, Healthy Living initiative.

The Anambra First Lady’s Healthy Living project focuses on wellness education, nutrition, and preventive health care.

The Coming-of-age Vision

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Transition means home tasks,

mindset growth, rites and risks.

Isn’t it biological, emotional,

radical, social and rational?

A huge shift from childhood,

habit or naivety to adulthood.

 Africa, haven’t you been shaken

out of inertia? Seeking your sun?

Africa, witness the walk of truth

which is itself a course, a blunt bath

like a ripening fruit, the coming-of-age

sound, sincere sovereignty, an act of courage.

Certificate Forgery Allegations Force Innovation Minister Out, Tinubu Accepts Resignation

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Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, has resigned from office following allegations that he forged his university degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates.

The allegations were first reported by Premium Times.

Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed Nnaji’s resignation in a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, noting that President Bola Tinubu has accepted it.

According to the statement, the minister submitted his resignation letter to the President on Tuesday, September 7, thanking him for the opportunity to serve the country.

“President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him success in his future endeavours,” Onanuga said.

Nnaji was among the first batch of 28 ministerial nominees from 25 states whose names were forwarded to the Senate for screening and confirmation in August 2023, The News Chronicle reports.

Mahmood Yakubu Resignation: Can May Agbamuche-Mbu Restore Trust in Nigeria’s Electoral System? ‎

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‎On October 7, 2025, Professor Mahmood Yakubu resigned as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), handing over leadership to Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu. This transition occurs just a month before the Anambra governorship election and two years ahead of the 2027 general elections.

‎Agbamuche-Mbu, the longest-serving National Commissioner at INEC, steps into this role amid growing concerns over electoral credibility. Her appointment is seen as a stabilizing move, but the real question remains: can she restore public trust in a system marred by allegations of manipulation and inefficiency?

‎Born in Kano to parents from Delta State, Agbamuche-Mbu has over 30 years of legal experience, including qualifications in both Nigeria and the UK. She has served on various federal committees and led a prominent law firm in Lagos. Her tenure at INEC has been marked by a focus on legal oversight and dispute resolution.

‎However, her appointment comes at a time when INEC faces significant challenges. The commission has been criticized for logistical failures, voter disenfranchisement, and allegations of political interference. The upcoming elections, including the Anambra governorship poll and the 2027 general elections, will test her ability to navigate these turbulent waters.

‎Agbamuche-Mbu’s legal background and experience in alternative dispute resolution position her well to address these issues. Her approach will need to be both firm and transparent to rebuild public confidence.

‎As she assumes leadership, the nation watches closely. The question is not just about her qualifications but about her capacity to lead INEC through a period of scrutiny and reform.

‎In the coming months, Agbamuche-Mbu’s actions will speak louder than words. The integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process may well depend on her ability to steer INEC back to credibility.

‎The clock is ticking. The nation waits.

INEC Chair: Will Politics Trump Justice, Equity, and Fairplay?

“And who do you think President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will appoint as the next INEC chairman? Strange enough, his South-west is the only section of the country yet to occupy the post.“

“Point of correction! The president does not appoint INEC chairmen; he only recommends to the National Assembly for ratification.”

”It is the same thing! Whether he recommends or appoints, has there been any time his recommendation was turned down by the National Assembly?“

“Whose fault if the National Assembly chooses to be a rubber stamp? If you are crowned the king of hawks but cannot snatch chicks, whose fault?”

“It is easier said than done! Ever heard of the word ‘lobbying’?”

“What does that mean?”

“Soon, it will be harvest time when lobbying begins, if it has not started already”

”I say lobbying for what? “

“I say lobbying for the confirmation of the new INEC chairman…”

“Has he been named? “

”He has been rumoured”

“Oh! Mere rumours are what you are exalting that much? “

“There is no smoke without a fire. Some insiders not happy with the choice must have leaked the information…”

“And enemies wasted no time in alerting social media? By the way, where is the rumoured candidate from?”

”Social media is powerful! Witness what tampering with social media has caused in Nepal! I used to think our youths were the only ones pressing phones. Did you watch the scenes of how the Nepal youths rubbished their leaders?“

”It was an eye-opener. The Gen Z phenomenon is worldwide. But can a similar thing happen…”
”Ssshh!”
”Sorry! I should not get you into trouble?“
”You better not get yourself into trouble! Because I will disown you sharp-sharp!”

“I trust you won’t! After all, what are friends for?”

“Ending up like Nnamdi Kanu or Simon Ekpa is not one of them! Didn’t you see how Ekpa cried like a baby when he was sentenced to six years imprisonment in Finland for acts of terrorism?“

“But our discussion here is not about terrorism but the public interest…”

”And who defines public interest – you or them? Who will the court listen to – you or them? Do you have the millions that lawyers demand to defend clients in court?

“When I never chop bellefull! I understand that these days the fat cats among them even demand to be paid in dollars!”

“Oh-ooo!”

“Back to our discussion: Where exactly is the next INEC chairman coming from?”

“It depends…”

“On what?”

“Of course, on what the president wants to achieve in 2027!”

“And what can that be?”

“If morning shows the day, the president is anxious to bag a second term in office.”

“I see! In street slang, that is what is called ‘Leekan sii!’ One more time! One good turn…”

“Even if it is a bad turn!”

“But must it be by fire or by force? “

“You must have forgotten Niccolo Machiavelli so soon! The end justifies the means!”

“However ‘mean’ the means? Who, then, do you think the president will be comfortable with?“

“Whoever serves his best interest! It can be Humpty-dumpty Nwosu, Maurice Iwuru-wuru, Attahiru Jaga-Jaga or Yakubu Mumu…”

“You are too much! By the way, what is the president’s best interest in this matter?“

“Second term; no more, no less!”

“Are you kidding me?”

“Didn’t you hear him say – grab it, snatch it, and run with it?”

“Emilokan himself! In other words, you are saying there is no vacancy in the Presidential villa until Emilokan has satisfied himself?“

“Exactly! Until 2031, God willing!”

“But what if the opposition resorts to the same method Emilokan and his opposition APC alliance employed to boot Jonathan out of office?”

“That was Jonathan! No one should ever name his son Jonathan!“

“What do you mean? A man of peace…”

”He should have ended up in a monastery!”

“A gentleman par excellence…”

“A seminary will suit him better!”

“He saved the country from another civil war by conceding defeat to Buhari…”

“And handed over the country to terrorists …”

“He said the blood of a single Nigerian was not worth his election…”

“But the blood of thousands of Nigerians so far killed by terrorists is worth his timidity and surrender…”

“Your sense of judgment surprises me! The Biafran civil war lasted a whole two-and-half years…!”

“Terrorism has ravaged Nigeria since Jonathan dropped the baton in 2015! That is 10 full years and we are still counting!”

“Are you aware of the colossal sums spent prosecuting the Biafran civil war?”

“Much more has been wasted fighting the terrorists and we are still counting!”

“So you do not think Emilokan should take a cue from Jonathan?“

“Never! A man holding the yam and the knife dropped both and took to his heels, his tail between his legs. He didn’t look back until he landed in Otuoke, a place he did very little to lift up, unlike what Buhari did to Daura and the entire Katsina state!”

“I am surprised at your characterization of this man…”

“He takes after his namesake…”

“And who is that?“

“Biblical Jonathan, of course!”

“What do you mean?“

“Biblical Jonathan was heir apparent to the throne. His father, King Saul, was the first king of Israel. Jonathan was in line to succeed his father, but he chose to allow sentiments take the better part of him, relinquishing the throne to a mere friend, David, who became king in his place…”

“Jonathan even lost his life to the bargain…”

“Oh-ooo! The kingship moved from the house of Saul to the house of David forever! No one should ever name his son Jonathan! Fickle-mindedness should never be second nature. So, if I may ask, what is the man coming back to look for? To once again do us in, as they say? Tufia! Affliction shall not rise a second time! ”

“Thank God the man is still alive. Even if he is crawling, by now a dead and buried Buhari would have got to heaven…”

“Hell, I beg your pardon, hell! The same hell he consigned us to here! The odoriferous nuisance of the man who allowed it daily assails our sensibilities…”

“You are judging Jonathan harshly…”

“Can we mention Buhari without mentioning Jonathan or can we mention APC without mentioning PDP? Jonathan and PDP handed Buhari and his terrorists the presidency on a platter. Our people have a saying…”

“You are always using proverbs…”

“Yes, because we also always quote foreign authors. Wisdom does not reside only with the Caucasians”

“That is true. So what did our people say this time around?“

“They say when we complain that a child is foolish and someone counters that provided the child does not die; we must ask him what kills a child faster than foolishness!”

“Stupidity, even!”

“Oh-ooo!”

“So, with the rumoured choice of the next INEC chairman…”

“It will be a travesty if he does not come from the South-west or the Yoruba section of the rumoured North-central…”

“Leave that alone for now! How do you think the 2027 election will go; especially with the rumoured entry of Jonathan into the race?“

“You cannot continue to do the same thing the same way and expect a different result”

“I see! The next election will not be free and fair is what you are saying…”

”It will be free to the extent that previous elections were free.”

“Come again!”

“It will be fair to the extent that the people are fair to themselves!”

“I still don’t get the point!“

“It will be credible to the extent that our cultural milieu allows for credibility!”

“I give up!”

“Don’t give up! If you want free and fair elections under prevailing circumstances, you need to try the solution propounded by Eugen Bertolt Friedrich Brecht…”

”And who is this Eunice or what did you call her name…”

“Not Eunice, but Eugen; not a woman, but a man; and not a Nigerian, but a German theatre practitioner, playwright, and poet who became disillusioned with the government of his day”

“I see! What did he say?“

“In a poem titled ‘The Solution’, he argues: ‘After the uprising of the 17th June/The Secretary of the Writers Union had leaflets distributed in the Stalinalee/Stating that the people had forfeited the confidence of the government/And could win it back only by redoubled efforts/Would it not be easier in that case/For the government to dissolve the people/And elect another?”

“And you call that a solution? Is it possible to dissolve the people? Do governments elect people or people elect governments?”

“That is what is called an inverted pyramid! When oro-p’esi-je, you invert the pyramid”

“That must have been why Fela sang: Oro p’esi je o/Oro di huun! Something that passeth human understanding”
”Exactly! The government dissolving the people and electing another or the government appointing a competent and honest INEC chairman capable of conducting free and fair election, which do you think is easier to achieve?

“Appointing a competent and honest INEC chairman, of course!”

“You are wrong! The answer is not as simple as you think! You may have to first solve the mathematical wonder of 2520 before solving that riddle”

“And what is the mathematical wonder of 2520?“

“Let that be a topic for another day!

* Former editor of PUNCH newspapers, Chairman of its Editorial Board and Deputy Editor-in-chief, BOLAWOLE was also the Managing Director/Editor-in-chief of The Westerner news magazine. He writes the ON THE LORD’S DAY column in the Sunday Tribune and TREASURES column in New Telegraph newspaper on Wednesdays. He is also a public affairs analyst on radio and television.

HE can be reached via turnpot@gmail.com 0803 251 0193, 0807 552 5533

BREAKING: INEC Chair Mahmood Yakubu Bows Out, Hands Over to Agbamuche

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The National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has handed over leadership of the commission to Mrs. May Agbamuche, who will serve as Acting Chairman.

 

Yakubu made the announcement on Monday during an ongoing meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) at the INEC headquarters in Abuja.

 

Mrs. Agbamuche, the most senior National Commissioner at INEC, is now expected to oversee the affairs of the electoral body pending further directives.

 

Details shortly….

Youth Empowerment: ECOWAS Begins Taenprowiz Fish Production Training in Anambra

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The second batch of the ECOWAS-sponsored youths training on the improved Fish Production Business System and Technology called Taenprowiz has commenced in Anambra State.

Under this ECOWAS Youth Employability Project (ECOWAS YEP), the second batch of Taenprowiz Youth trainees, comprising 200 youths, have been onboarded.

Eligible trainees include youths between 18 and 35 years of age, Nigerian Citizens and citizens of other ECOWAS countries.

The News Chronicle correspondent in Anambra reports that the training commenced with a formal onboarding process involving digital and manual documentation for the successfully selected trainees, after three months of rigorous processing of nominations, applications, candidates’ response collation and final shortlisting.

The Taenprowiz is a total Solution package (a System and Technology) already patented, and it is about the business Goal, investment knowledge, operations work plan, financial literacy, and practical cashflow in the Fish production business.

During a series of virtual and physical meetings, trainees were taken through the rudiments of the business evolution process, the ideation, the Business Concept formulation involving product or service, customer, value proposition and the distribution channel as well as the basic principles of the Taenprowiz Fish Production Business System and Technology (Computer Operating System).

The trainees during the first physical meeting held at the FABDA Office Complex, Awka, learned the first principles, processes, and protocols of actualising a functional Table Fish Production Business from the idea stage up to generating the Business Plan.

The Managing Director and CEO of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Business Development Agency, FABDA, who is also the Training Co-ordinator, Mr. Emeka Iloghalu said the training is critical in helping the youths understand the concept of Throughput, Inventory and Operating Expense in the Table Fish, Brood Stock and Seed Fish Production Business.

“The trainees will also be able to deploy the concept of Throughput in planning for the production operations for the Table Fish Production Business, as well as constrain the production operations work plan with the Cashflow requirements based on the Throughput concept to generate the Operations Business Model/Plan

“It is also expected to help them produce a finance and investment forecast to model the Table Fish Production Business growth path from the very beginning,” he said.

Iloghalu noted that the youths, when empowered through the training with skills and protocols of seed fish stocking, fish feeding, fish grading, fish water management and fish harvesting, will be well equipped for immediate employment and engagement in the fish business.

“Successful Youths will be ready for employment in any standard Table Fish Production Business/Farm, be co-operators in any Co-operative Fish business and can become fish business investors,” Iloghalu enthused.

The FABDA boss noted that the ECOWAS Commission is looking forward to using the initiative to increase the population of youths within the ECOWAS region who are engaged in the Fish business and Agribusinesses.

This, he noted, is because the blue economy and agricultural sector are strategic sectors that have enormous capacity to create wealth and employment, as well as contribute to resolving the food security question in the region.

Iloghalu noted that the FABDA has been on its mandate to drive and industrialize the Fisheries and Aquaculture economy in Anambra, and this falls in line with some strategic targets including to achieve 51 million kg of table fish production per annum for self-sufficiency.

According to him, that is why they are focused on training the youths on the Table Fish Production business at this stage, using the only current Business Solution for Fish production, which is the TAENPROWIZ Fish Production Business System and Technology. Many of the Youth Trainees expressed joy, happiness and enthusiasm for the privileged to be in the ECOWAS Taenprowiz Fish Production Business Training at this time.

NSCDC Intercepts Trailer Loaded with Stolen NNPCL Pipes in Adamawa

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The Adamawa State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has intercepted a trailer carrying stolen pipes belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

According to the Command’s spokesperson, DSC Amidu Baba, on Tuesday, five suspects were arrested with 204 iron pipes in their possession.

NSCDC Intercepts Trailer Loaded with Stolen NNPCL Pipes in Adamawa
Suspects

He stated that the suspects were apprehended on September 30, 2025, along the Jalingo–Numan Road while transporting the pipes to Yobe State.

The pipes were hidden under bags of chaff inside the trailer to conceal the theft before NSCDC operatives stopped the vehicle.

Baba added that the suspects and the recovered items are now in custody, and further investigations are ongoing.

Taraba: APC Chieftain Denies Knowledge of Gov. Kefas Decamping to APC

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A Chieftain of the All Progressive Congress, APC, in Taraba State, Chief David Sabo Kente, has said that he has no knowledge of Governor Abu Kefas’ decamping to the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC.

He disclosed this during a telephone interview with journalists in Jalingo.

Kente described the claims as baseless and harmful to his political reputation, stressing that he has had no communication with Governor Kefas regarding any defection plans.

He dismissed widespread rumours suggesting he is behind alleged efforts to facilitate the defection of Governor Agbu Kefas of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP to the All Progressive Congress APC.

“As I speak to you, the governor has not told me that he wants to move to the APC,” Kente said.

“Virtually all the APC members have isolated me over the past two years, and they’ve even rejected offers from the national government that were meant for me.”

According to him, the persistent speculation has further eroded his influence within the party, with some members accusing him of secretly negotiating the governor’s move.

“They have further damaged my political programmes by alleging that I masterminded the governor’s plans to join the APC.

Chief Kente, who hails from the same local government area as Governor Kefas, emphasised that neither he nor other key political figures from Southern Taraba have been consulted about any such defection.

“Just like you’re hearing it as a rumour, that’s how we, his close associates in the APC, are also hearing it,” he said, citing a conversation with Senator Joel Danlami Ikenya, who also denied any knowledge of the alleged move.

Kente, who had previously declared he would not contest against Governor Kefas out of respect, hinted that the shifting political landscape may lead him to reconsider his position.

“Dynamics are changing, and when dynamics change, decisions also change,” he remarked.

On his past contributions to the APC, Kente recalled the role he and Senator Ikenya played in establishing the party’s presence in Southern Taraba in 2016.

He also highlighted the cultural expectations within the Jukun community, where mutual respect and open consultation are highly valued.

“In our culture, our brother should have told us if he is thinking of joining our party. But right now, all we know are rumours,” he said.

He concluded by urging APC members to ignore the speculation and stop attributing the alleged defection plot to him.

“If the governor is indeed considering coming to the APC, it is without our knowledge or involvement,” he added.

Kente who is a former gubernatorial aspirant of the All Progressives Congress APC in Taraba State, hinted that he is under immense pressure from various groups in the State and may be compelled to contest the governorship election in 2027 to salvage the State from bad governance.

Kente also, a former director of finance in the National Assembly, said that he went out of his way to support the present governor of the State Dr Agbu Kefas to win elections in 2023 despite being in the opposition party.

He however lamented that the government has failed in its first two years in office and has grossly undermined his efforts and sacrifices.

Governor Eno Inspects Model Secondary School Project in Nsit Ubium

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has inspected the ongoing construction of a model secondary school at Ikot Akpan Abia Ubium in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, describing it as one of the flagship projects under his administration’s ARISE Agenda aimed at transforming education across the state.

In a statement posted on his official X handle, Governor Eno said the model school is designed to set a new standard for secondary education in Akwa Ibom, integrating modern learning facilities with community development objectives.

According to the Governor, the school is the first of three model institutions, one in each senatorial district, and will feature state-of-the-art classrooms, ICT and technical laboratories, hostels, a library, sporting facilities, and a multi-purpose hall.

Governor Eno emphasized that the project goes beyond education, noting that such initiatives also stimulate local economies, create employment opportunities, and foster development in rural communities.

“Beyond education, projects like this stimulate our local economy, create employment opportunities, and bring development to our communities. We’re not just building schools; we’re building the future of Akwa Ibom,” he stated.

The ARISE Agenda, which stands for Agricultural Revolution, Rural Development, Infrastructure Maintenance, Security Management, and Educational Advancement, remains a cornerstone of the Eno administration’s policy direction, with education positioned as a key driver of sustainable growth and human capital development in the state.

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