The Deputy Director General of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Salisu Mohammed, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately declare a national emergency on insecurity. Mohammed made this strong appeal during an interview on Prime Time, a political affairs program aired on Arise Television, on Thursday. He emphasized that the alarming state of insecurity in Northern Nigeria has now spilled over into other regions of the country, making it a collective national problem that requires urgent and drastic intervention. According to him, the worsening situation is no longer confined to the North but has metastasized into insecurity across Nigeria, threatening the peace, stability, and unity of the nation. “The stance of the Northern Elders on the insecurity situation, not just in the North but in Nigeria as a whole, is that the President should officially declare a national emergency,” Mohammed stated. He argued that the fight against insecurity should go beyond military action, stressing the need for a comprehensive societal approach that includes active citizen involvement alongside the efforts of the Armed Forces, the Police, and other security agencies. Mohammed further highlighted that the current security architecture in Nigeria has been overwhelmed, and as such, traditional measures will no longer be sufficient. Declaring a national emergency, according to him, would allow for drastic handling of the crisis, ensuring that all sectors of society are mobilized towards restoring peace. The Northern Elders Forum has consistently raised concerns about the persistent killings, kidnappings, and banditry in Northern Nigeria, noting that these security threats have increasingly undermined economic growth, disrupted education, and weakened social structures across the country. For them, Tinubu’s administration must urgently prioritize national security as a matter of survival, rather than politics or regional focus.
More than a year after Nigeria’s local government areas (LGAs) secured a landmark Supreme Court ruling affirming their autonomy, state governors still appear to maintain firm control over these grassroots institutions. In July 2024, the Supreme Court delivered a historic judgment that granted full financial and administrative independence to the country’s 774 local councils. The verdict declared unconstitutional the frequent interference of state governments in local administration. Specifically, it prohibited governors from: Despite this pronouncement, implementation has remained elusive. This delay has reignited calls from some political actors that the entire local government system in Nigeria should be abolished. Adamu Garba Calls for LG Scrapping Adamu Garba, a former presidential aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), recently renewed the controversial debate by urging that local governments be scrapped altogether. According to him, LGAs are mere channels exploited by state governors to divert public funds. Garba proposed that the powers of local governments be handed over to traditional rulers, arguing that these custodians of culture and tradition are better positioned to serve local communities effectively. He stated: Action Alliance Opposes LG Scrapping However, not all stakeholders share this view. Kenneth Udeze, National Chairman of Action Alliance (AA), strongly rejected Garba’s position. Speaking with LMSINT Media, Udeze emphasized that local governments remain vital in delivering the dividends of democracy to rural communities. According to him, the real problem lies in bad governance and corruption, not the structure of local government itself. Udeze stressed: He further revealed that his own LGA recently received an allocation of over ₦400 million, yet citizens saw little to no development because funds were allegedly diverted by the state. Legal Perspective: Scrapping LGs Not in Nigeria’s Interest Activist lawyer Maduabuchi Idam also opposed the idea of abolishing LGAs. He described such a move as “self-serving” and argued that it only benefits individuals seeking political or financial control. Idam noted that Section 7 of the Nigerian Constitution clearly establishes the existence of local governments and guarantees their autonomy. He further highlighted the Supreme Court’s 2024 ruling (AGF vs Attorneys-General of the 36 States), which reinforced this constitutional mandate. According to him: Idam concluded by questioning why the Supreme Court judgment has not been enforced, stressing that its decisions are binding and must be obeyed by all levels of government. The Way Forward The debate over whether Nigeria should scrap local governments or strengthen them reflects the ongoing struggle between constitutional governance and political realities. While critics like Adamu Garba believe LGAs are ineffective and prone to abuse, others argue that they remain a necessary tool for grassroots democracy. The consensus among reformists, however, is that Nigeria needs genuine electoral reforms, direct allocation of funds, and stronger enforcement of judicial rulings to make local governments truly effective. For now, the question remains: Will Nigeria strengthen its third tier of government, or will it bow to calls for restructuring in favor of traditional institutions?
Kindly Share:
The Kaduna State Police Command has issued a formal invitation to the former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, alongside seven prominent leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). They are being summoned in connection with allegations of criminal conspiracy, incitement of public disturbance, mischief, and causing grievous bodily harm. According to a police letter dated September 4, 2025, and signed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Uzainu Abdullahi, the ADC State Chairman was instructed to present El-Rufai and the other accused individuals before the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) on September 8, 2025. List of Individuals Summoned by the Police The document identified the following ADC leaders to appear alongside El-Rufai: The police explained that the summon falls under the case titled:“Investigation Activities: Case of Criminal Conspiracy, Inciting Disturbance of Public Peace, Mischief, and Causing Grievous Hurt.” The authorities stated that the invitation is intended to give the individuals the opportunity to respond to the allegations leveled against them. ADC Office in Kaduna Sealed by Security Operatives In a related development, security operatives sealed off the ADC party office located at No. 4 Ali Akilu Road, Kaduna on Wednesday. This occurred only a few hours before the Northwest leadership of the ADC was expected to pay a condolence visit to the state chapter. The visit was scheduled to console members who sustained injuries during a violent attack at a coalition meeting jointly held by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna the previous week. Eyewitnesses at the scene confirmed that several police patrol vans were deployed to cordon off the premises, thereby preventing party members and visitors from accessing the opposition party’s office. This development has raised further political tension in Kaduna State, especially as opposition party members view the police action as a deliberate move to suppress their activities.
Kindly Share:
A retired Group Captain, Sodeeq Shehu, has expressed disappointment over the security performance of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stressing that the current government has not shown significant progress compared to the previous one. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Shehu explained that while there have been slight improvements in coordination among security agencies, the overall security landscape in Nigeria remains largely unchanged. According to him, there has been visible progress in collaboration among the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and Civil Defence, but such synergy has not yet translated into real safety for citizens. Shehu emphasized that the real measure of a government’s success in security is not in internal synergy but in the number of lives saved and protected. He pointed out that incidents of killings, injuries, kidnappings, and armed attacks have not reduced significantly under Tinubu’s leadership. The retired officer revealed that, in his professional assessment, he would rate the Tinubu administration between 40 to 45 percent on security. He argued that addressing insecurity is not a short-term task but a long-term process requiring consistent policies, adequate funding, and effective intelligence. “When conducting an appraisal, you have to evaluate where we were, where we are now, and where we should be ideally. It is true that there are slight improvements, particularly in synergy within intelligence units and among the armed forces – the Army, Navy, and Air Force – as well as their collaboration with the Police, DSS, and Civil Defence. However, globally, when measuring how secure or peaceful a country is, the most reliable indicators are the number of people killed, injured, kidnapped, or directly affected by violent attacks. Sadly, when we compare the figures, there has been no major difference between now and the past government. That is my honest assessment. Based on this, I will score the Tinubu administration around 40 to 45 percent on security. As I have said before, tackling insecurity is a marathon and not a sprint. There are still critical areas requiring urgent improvement.” Shehu’s remarks highlight the deep-rooted security challenges in Nigeria, ranging from terrorism in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, communal clashes in the Middle Belt, and rising cases of kidnapping across various states. His statement further raises questions about the effectiveness of government security policies, public trust in institutions, and the urgent need for reforms to protect lives and property.
Kindly Share:
Local government chairmen in Ondo State have raised serious concerns, accusing Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of denying them access to funds required to effectively manage their respective councils. This allegation comes despite the Supreme Court’s ruling of July 2024, which granted financial autonomy to local governments across Nigeria. According to the council bosses, the state government has continued to withhold a substantial part of their monthly allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), leaving them financially handicapped. Alleged Diversion of Allocations Revealing the details of the situation in Akure, the state capital, some local government chairmen, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue, explained that only ₦4 million out of the ₦600 million allocation is released to them. The rest is reportedly channeled back into the Ministry of Local Government’s account on the directive of the state government. One of the chairmen said: “We are compelled to return most of the allocation to the Ministry of Local Government, leaving us with just ₦4 million to run our councils. For example, in the June FAAC disbursement, some local governments received ₦644 million, ₦590 million, and ₦405 million, but what got to us was only a token. This can be verified from credible public sources like the BudgIT platform.” Fear of Being Tagged Disloyal The chairmen expressed reluctance to confront Governor Aiyedatiwa directly, fearing that they may be branded as disloyal within the political structure. They further disclosed that the state government justifies its actions by citing financial responsibilities such as primary healthcare, basic education funding, and the operation of the Amotekun security outfit. Government’s Reaction In response, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Amidu Takuro, dismissed the allegations, describing the chairmen as insincere. He insisted that the arrangement was well known to all parties and was a collective agreement rather than an imposition. Takuro stated: “If anyone is not comfortable with the arrangement, they should come out openly. We are all members of the same political party, working under one leadership. What the government has been doing is based on a collective decision, not an enforcement.” Broader Implications This controversy sheds light on the persistent challenge of local government autonomy in Nigeria, where state interference in council finances remains a major obstacle. Despite the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling, the practical implementation of true financial independence for local governments continues to face resistance. The outcome of this standoff between the Ondo State Government and local council chairmen may set a precedent for other states grappling with similar disputes over FAAC allocations and fiscal autonomy.
Kindly Share:
A member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Abdulmumin Jibrin, has stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is likely unconcerned about individuals announcing their intentions to challenge him in the upcoming 2027 general election. During his appearance on Politics Today, a political program aired on Channels Television on Wednesday, Jibrin explained that Tinubu is probably “sitting somewhere and smiling” while watching the visible disunity among northern politicians. According to Jibrin, “What usually happens in the North is that whenever a person rises, we unite against such a person to bring him down. This pattern has always existed. I am quite convinced that those declaring to contest, or even more specifically, those saying they will run against Bola Tinubu, must realize that he is smiling because he can clearly see the lack of unity in the region.” He emphasized that such internal divisions have long weakened northern leadership aspirations, citing past political history as evidence. Jibrin recalled that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had a major fallout with then-President Olusegun Obasanjo, largely due to stiff opposition from northern elites who resisted Atiku’s ambition for stronger regional influence. He further mentioned that former Vice President Namadi Sambo and the current Vice President, Kashim Shettima, also experienced similar struggles in the North, where disunity and internal rivalries undermined their political strength. From Jibrin’s perspective, the deep cracks among northern politicians might inadvertently make Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 easier, as divisions continue to hinder collective political advancement in the region.
Kindly Share:
A prominent member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Abdulmumin Jibrin, has declared with confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stands a strong chance of securing victory in the upcoming 2027 presidential election. Jibrin voiced his assurance on Wednesday during an interview on Politics Today, a flagship political programme aired on Channels Television, where he expressed that nothing significant appears capable of obstructing Tinubu’s re-election bid. According to him: “I am a Tinubu loyalist and I genuinely believe there is nothing that will stop him from emerging victorious in the 2027 election. I admire him deeply, and importantly, he also appreciates me. In any working environment, it matters greatly to have a leader that likes you while you equally like him, regardless of political party affiliations.” When pressed to choose between political heavyweights in the presidential race, the Kano-born lawmaker representing the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) emphasized that his preference would be for both President Tinubu and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso to collaborate in the interest of national development. Jibrin’s remarks highlight the ongoing realignments in Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of 2027, with alliances and partnerships likely to play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of the elections. Related Political Developments These issues demonstrate how political debates, governance challenges, and institutional reforms are shaping Nigeria’s democratic journey under Tinubu’s leadership.
Kindly Share:
The Ogun State Government has once again reinforced its unwavering commitment to offering free, quality, and standardized education to pupils attending public primary schools across the state. This reassurance came from the Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, during a sensitisation campaign on Wednesday. The awareness exercise, which took place in the Ogun East Senatorial District, focused on encouraging parents and guardians to enrol their children in public primary schools. According to Professor Arigbabu, the initiative is part of the state government’s effort to reduce the rate of out-of-school children. By educating parents about the free education programme, the government hopes to ensure that every school-age child in Ogun State has equal access to learning opportunities. The commissioner was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Oluwatosin Oloko, alongside other key officials. During the exercise, Professor Arigbabu commended the Governor for his consistent dedication not only to the advancement of education but also to other crucial sectors, including healthcare, transportation, agriculture, and infrastructure development. Highlighting the smooth enrolment process, the commissioner stressed that all necessary measures had been put in place to make registration seamless. He further appealed to parents to make use of the free registration window and enrol their children into the nearest public primary school of their choice, starting daily at 9:00 a.m. throughout the registration period. “We are sensitising parents to enrol their school-age children into public primary schools completely free of charge. Our schools also run nursery sessions for children from the age of three, with highly qualified teachers and a conducive learning environment,” Professor Arigbabu explained. In response, several prominent market leaders, including the Iyaloja of Oba Sikiru Adetona Market, Oke-Aje, Mrs. Wuraola Kuforiji; the Iyaloja of Olabisi Onabanjo Market, Ita-Osu, Mrs. Oloruntedo Ogunba; the Iyaloja of Sabo Market, Sagamu, Mrs. Idowu Haruna; and the Iyaloja of Awolowo Market, Sagamu, Mrs. Esther Osilesi, praised the commissioner and his team. They commended the Ministry’s effort and passion for ensuring that all children of school age have access to quality primary education. The initiative further strengthens Ogun State’s long-standing reputation as a government that prioritises human capital development through affordable and accessible education. By providing free public primary education, the state not only reduces the financial burden on parents but also lays a solid foundation for the growth and progress of its future leaders.
Kindly Share:
Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia has officially assigned portfolios to the recently inaugurated commissioners in Benue State, a significant development that strengthens the functionality of his executive cabinet and sets the pace for improved governance in the state. In a major cabinet reshuffle aimed at streamlining governance, the governor distributed responsibilities across critical ministries, ensuring that each commissioner is strategically positioned to deliver on policy mandates. Dr. Paul Ejeh Ogwuche has been given the portfolio of the Ministry of Health and Human Services, a vital office responsible for the state’s healthcare policies and human welfare. Similarly, Dr. Ortese Yanmar has been placed in charge of the Ministry of Co-operatives and Rural Development, which will focus on boosting rural economies and cooperative societies. Dr. Benjamin Ashaver now serves as the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Management, a ministry central to Benue State’s reputation as the “Food Basket of the Nation.” Dr. Fredrick Ikyaan has been appointed to head the Ministry of Lands, with the mandate of managing land resources and ensuring proper allocation. Hon. Michael Oglegba will oversee the Ministry of Finance, steering the financial direction of the state, while Tiza Isaac Imojime will lead the Ministry of Youth Creativity and Development, focusing on empowering young people with innovative opportunities. Hon. Alumo Orpin is now in charge of Industry, Trade and Investment, a ministry tasked with driving industrial growth and business development in Benue State. Hon. Ugwu Odoh has been handed the Ministry of Water Resources, which will address water supply challenges and sanitation. The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs will be directed by Hon. Kunde Aondowase, focusing on disaster management and humanitarian relief programs. Meanwhile, Hon. Kwaghgba Amande has been assigned to the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy, a critical position that aligns with Nigeria’s growing shift toward digital transformation. In the transportation and energy sector, Hon. Joseph Ter Jir has been appointed Commissioner for Transportation, Power and Energy, while Hon. James Dwem has taken charge of the Ministry of Science and Technology. Dr. Ornguga Yangien has been sworn in as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, a role that will oversee the legal framework of the state. The Ministry of Women’s Affairs will now be led by Hon. Theresa Odachi Ikwue, who is expected to push policies that support women empowerment and social inclusion. Dr. Adamu Margaret Ijaguwa has been given the responsibility of the Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management, focusing on strengthening educational institutions and improving literacy levels in the state. Dr. Peter Oboh Egbodo has been officially appointed as the Commissioner for Information, ensuring proper communication between the government and citizens. Finally, Hon. Dennis Iyaighgba will lead the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, which is expected to promote inland waterways and sustainable water-based economic activities in Benue State. This move by Governor Alia is widely viewed as a crucial step toward effective governance and economic transformation, as each commissioner’s appointment aligns with Benue’s long-term development agenda.
Kindly Share:
Farouk Adamu Aliyu, a prominent leader within Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), has declared with confidence that nothing can hinder President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. Aliyu made this bold assertion on Tuesday during an interview session on Politics Today, a current affairs programme aired on Channels Television. While addressing political matters ahead of the next general election, he emphasized that the opposition’s strategies will not pose any real threat to President Tinubu’s ambition for a second term. According to Aliyu, there are boundaries that leaders in power must observe. He acknowledged that certain responsibilities of governance are often misunderstood by the public. The APC chieftain further admitted that past administrations, such as that of former President Goodluck Jonathan, were wrongly accused of some issues which were beyond their immediate control. In his words: “When you occupy the seat of the president, there are specific things you cannot afford to do. Every challenge in this country tends to be blamed on the president. Let me accept that during Jonathan’s era, there were some accusations that were not entirely justified. Being in such a sensitive office requires patience and careful decision-making. But I want to make it very clear that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will return to power in 2027, and nothing will stop him.” This strong statement from Aliyu reflects the confidence within the APC regarding Tinubu’s ability to consolidate power despite criticisms and challenges. The declaration also underscores the belief that Tinubu’s political machinery remains robust enough to withstand opposition parties as Nigeria approaches another critical electoral season.
Kindly Share:
The 2023 Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has insisted that former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, must be thoroughly questioned regarding his controversial statement that the Federal Government has been paying bandits. Baba-Ahmed expressed his concerns on Tuesday during an interview on Politics Today, a political programme aired on Channels Television. He strongly criticized the dismissal of El-Rufai’s claims by the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), led by Nuhu Ribadu, describing the rebuttal as weak and unconvincing. According to him, if the NSA’s office could treat such a serious statement with levity, then it raises doubt about Ribadu’s credibility. “If the so-called office of the National Security Adviser would take this allegation lightly, then Nuhu Ribadu was never a policeman; he is not a qualified lawyer; and he should not even be occupying that office,” Baba-Ahmed stated firmly. He further stressed that El-Rufai ought to be questioned by law enforcement agencies, saying that the former governor should already be submitting written statements to both the police and the courts. LMSINT MEDIA recalls that El-Rufai had previously alleged that the Federal Government in collaboration with Kaduna State authorities was paying monthly allowances to bandits. He further claimed that food supplies were also being delivered to these criminal groups under the guise of non-kinetic approaches to insecurity. El-Rufai described this move as nothing but a “kiss-the-bandits” policy, sparking outrage among Nigerians who have continued to demand accountability and transparency on the issue. The controversy has reignited debates on the Nigerian government’s counter-terrorism strategies, with many questioning whether non-kinetic measures are being mismanaged or misrepresented.
Kindly Share:
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the reinstatement of Mr. Salihu Abdullahi Dembos as the Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), reversing the recent management shake-up at the state-owned broadcaster. The directive was made public on Tuesday in a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. According to Onanuga, Mr. Dembos, who had briefly stepped aside due to leadership changes at the agency, was originally appointed by President Tinubu in October 2023. With this new directive, he will now resume office and complete his full three-year tenure as NTA’s Director-General. In addition, Mr. Ayo Adewuyi, who was appointed as Executive Director of News in 2024, has also been recalled. He is expected to continue in his role until the conclusion of his tenure in 2027. Onanuga further clarified that the President’s directive automatically cancels earlier appointments, including those of the new Director-General, Executive Director of News, Executive Director of Marketing, and Managing Director of NTA Enterprises. This decision is seen as part of President Tinubu’s effort to stabilize leadership within major government-owned media institutions, ensuring continuity in line with previous appointments.
Kindly Share:
On behalf of the government and people of Benue State, I extend heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as he marks his 59th birthday with joy and gratitude. On this memorable occasion, I pray for divine blessings of renewed strength, sound health, and greater wisdom upon you as you continue to serve our beloved nation with unwavering dedication. May the years ahead of your life be filled with outstanding accomplishments, fulfillment, and the grace to impact more lives positively. Your remarkable journey in public service stands as a testament to courage, resilience, and devotion to Nigeria. From your distinguished leadership as Governor of Borno State to your influential role in the National Assembly, and now as Vice President, you have consistently shown that true leadership is defined by responsibility, vision, and sacrifice. As the Deputy to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, your wealth of experience, foresight, and wisdom have added vitality to governance, further strengthening the Renewed Hope Agenda. You have continued to inspire trust and confidence among Nigerians from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that the ideals of unity and progress remain at the forefront of national development. Your efforts towards national peace, economic reform, inclusive growth, and good governance are evident and praiseworthy. Indeed, your contributions stand as clear proof of your commitment to building a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria. Benue State joins the rest of the country in celebrating not only a leader but also a patriot whose loyalty, service, and dedication to the Nigerian project remain firm and commendable. Happy 59th birthday, Your Excellency. Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem AliaGovernor of Benue State
