In a major political development within Benue State, Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has formally disbanded the entire State Executive Council, effectively removing all appointed commissioners from their positions. The dissolution was announced following the conclusion of the 12th executive council meeting of 2025. Interestingly, the Office of the Chief of Staff was exempted from this sweeping decision. Instead, the role will now be filled by Barrister Moses Atagher, who formerly served as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice. Atagher, a veteran administrator with prior experience as the acting Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, has officially assumed the new post with immediate effect. The announcement of the reshuffle was made by Terso Kula, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Alia. According to Kula, the cabinet shake-up impacts only the commissioners, while the Chief of Staff position was simply reassigned rather than abolished. In addressing the outgoing commissioners, Governor Alia expressed deep gratitude for their dedication and service over the past two years. He commended their contributions to his administration and encouraged those who may not be reappointed to continue supporting his leadership and remain committed to the ideals of the party. Responding on behalf of his colleagues, Barrister Bemsen Mnyim conveyed appreciation to Governor Alia for the opportunity to serve. Mnyim described the cabinet experience as both enriching and educational, stating it had been a valuable journey of learning and public engagement. The dismissed commissioners have been formally instructed to transition responsibilities by handing over to the Permanent Secretaries of their respective ministries, ensuring continuity in governance and administrative flow.
The Nigerian Presidency has firmly expressed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should be granted the same opportunity to serve a second term in office—just as former President Muhammadu Buhari did. This assertion came from the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu, Bayo Onanuga, during a recent interview with Trust Radio on Wednesday. Onanuga emphasized that President Tinubu, being a Nigerian leader, should not be denied the constitutional right to run for a second term solely based on regional politics. He reminded Nigerians, particularly politicians from the Northern region, that the South had patiently waited through Buhari’s complete eight-year tenure, and should now be allowed to enjoy its full term without unnecessary political interference. He addressed the recent statements from the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) alleging marginalization of the North by the current administration. Onanuga dismissed these claims, categorizing them as an insidious attempt to tarnish the image of the Tinubu government. According to him, such sentiments are not only unfounded but are also targeted efforts to exploit Tinubu’s Southern roots in order to discredit his leadership. “President Tinubu is a Nigerian through and through. He is entitled to enjoy the same tenure as his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari. We should not let personal or regional ambitions override the broader national interest,” Onanuga stated. Regarding the accusations that Tinubu has unduly favored the Southwest region in federal appointments, Onanuga firmly challenged critics to produce concrete, data-backed evidence rather than make baseless and sweeping generalizations. He insisted that claims lacking verified statistics were merely tools of political mischief meant to stir up division and fuel discontent. Onanuga also responded to allegations that the North has been neglected in terms of infrastructural development. He clarified that the administration inherited numerous incomplete or abandoned projects from past governments, many of which are located across various regions—not just in the North. To counter claims of regional bias in security appointments, Onanuga highlighted that key security positions have been given to Northern leaders, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance. He listed appointments such as the National Security Adviser, Chief of Defence Staff, and both Ministers of Defence, all of whom are from the North, as proof of this balance. Moreover, Onanuga noted that the overall security landscape in Nigeria has seen significant improvement under the Tinubu administration. He cited areas like Birnin Gwari and Igabi in Kaduna State, which were once considered highly unsafe but are now relatively secure. Sharing his personal experience, he mentioned a peaceful journey from Kaduna to Abuja, a route that was previously deemed too dangerous to travel without fear. “These complaints are mostly politically motivated. If you look across Nigeria, bad roads are not limited to the North; they are a nationwide issue. Let’s look at the facts. Northern leaders hold key national security posts. Today, there is more safety in places like Birnin Gwari than there was a year ago. I personally drove from Kaduna to Abuja without any security threats,” Onanuga added.
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The interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has made a strong commitment to overhaul the party’s internal systems, promising an end to the imposition of candidates and the establishment of a transparent internal bureaucracy. During the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on Tuesday, Mark emphasized that his leadership would be rooted in true internal democracy, fairness, and full transparency. “I assure you that under my leadership, we will uphold full democratic ideals and practices that reject the culture of imposition and undue privilege. Our driving principles will be internal democracy, transparency, and accountability,” Mark stated. This declaration subtly addresses concerns raised earlier that same day by Salihu Lukman, a former key figure of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who had published a public statement warning against emerging tendencies of godfatherism and candidate favoritism within the ADC. In the statement titled “ADC and the Prospect of Internal Democracy,” Lukman expressed caution to the interim leadership, urging them not to repeat the pattern of loyalty-based impositions often seen in other major parties. In what appeared to be a direct but tactful response, Mark assured party members that his leadership would embrace a grassroots approach and uphold the principles of fairness. “We will operate on the basis of fairness and justice for every party member. Our leadership will be completely transparent. The ADC will adopt a zero-tolerance stance on anti-party behavior and any form of indiscipline,” Mark assured. Mark’s remarks aim to reassure both stakeholders and the Nigerian public of ADC’s renewed commitment to political reform, ahead of the highly anticipated 2027 general elections. With a pledge to instill integrity and restructure internal operations, his leadership vision marks a bold step toward rebuilding trust in Nigeria’s party systems.
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Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), has emphasized the urgent need for African governments to place affordable housing at the heart of their sustainable development strategies. Delivering his remarks through Professor Suleiman Bogoro, the former Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Gowon made the call during the inauguration of the 19th Africa International Housing Show (AIHS), held on Tuesday in Abuja. According to a report by LMSINT MEDIA, the 2025 AIHS conference is themed: “Re-imagining Housing Through Innovation, Collaboration, and Policy”. The event was convened by Festus Adebayo, the Chief Executive Officer of AIHS, and brought together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders in the housing and construction sectors. General Gowon, through his representative, pointed out that inadequate access to affordable housing remains one of Africa’s most pressing challenges. He emphasized that housing deficits have a ripple effect on public health systems, access to quality education, and national economic productivity. He highlighted the necessity of prioritizing sustainable urban development, alongside policies that promote social inclusion and address housing inequality. “It is critical for African leaders to work collaboratively, ensuring that housing frameworks are not only actionable but also just and inclusive,” he stated. Furthermore, Gowon underlined that innovation, investment, and practical implementation are pivotal to providing adequate shelter for Africa’s expanding population. He warned that without proper housing infrastructure, the continent could struggle to support its socioeconomic ambitions. Gowon’s message serves as a clarion call for governments, urban planners, and private investors across Africa to re-imagine the future of housing in a way that ensures equitable access to safe, affordable, and sustainable homes for all citizens.
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In a significant development aimed at boosting regional food production and improving safety, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has expressed a renewed commitment to strengthening both agricultural collaboration and security ties with Oyo State. This renewed synergy was revealed through a statement issued by the governor’s media aide, Kayode Akinmade, following a closed-door meeting between Governor Abiodun and his Oyo State counterpart, Governor Seyi Makinde, held in Ibadan on Tuesday. Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Governor Abiodun underscored the historical and cultural connection between the two southwestern states. He reminded the press that Ogun State was once part of the Old Western Region, with Ibadan serving as its capital, a legacy that continues to shape the two states’ strategic alignment. “I came to see my brother, Governor Makinde, to discuss matters of mutual benefit. Historically, Ogun was under the Old Western Region, which had Ibadan as its capital,” Governor Abiodun said. He emphasized that Ogun and Oyo States share deep cultural, social, and economic relationships, which are reflected in their current engagements with large-scale investors. According to him, the strategic alliance between both states provides a solid foundation to enhance economic growth, particularly through agriculture. Strengthening Agriculture for Food Security Governor Abiodun identified agriculture as a critical area for renewed cooperation. He reiterated the urgent need for both states to focus on food sustainability, by promoting local production and consumption. “This is the right time for us to intensify our agricultural cooperation. We must focus on growing what we eat and eating what we grow to transform our region into Nigeria’s food hub,” he explained. Abiodun praised the agricultural strides made by Oyo State, while also highlighting Ogun’s active agricultural zones in Odeda, Imeko, and Yewa North, which share borders with Oyo. These locations, he said, are already making substantial contributions to the region’s food production capacity. Security as a Foundation for Development Beyond agriculture, the conversation between the governors also addressed security as a pillar of socio-economic development. Governor Abiodun emphasized the need for robust security collaboration between the two states, citing that development cannot be achieved without peace and safety. He applauded the performance of the Amotekun Corps, the South-West Security Network, noting its growing relevance in regional intelligence gathering and law enforcement. “We commend the Amotekun initiative for its critical role in intelligence sharing and maintaining order across our states,” he added. This development reflects a broader effort within the South-West geopolitical zone to foster regional integration, improve food self-reliance, and strengthen internal security. As Nigeria continues to navigate complex challenges in food inflation and rising insecurity, Ogun and Oyo’s unified approach could become a template for sustainable governance and strategic subregional alliances.
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Nigeria Reiterates Commitment to Strengthen Economic Cooperation with the U.S. – Diplomatic Envoy The United States has strongly censured several Nigerian state governors over what it describes as excessive and irresponsible expenditure in the face of deepening economic woes across the nation. This development follows disturbing revelations that some governors are spending billions of naira on grandiose infrastructure—particularly government mansions and luxury office buildings—while widespread poverty, inflation, and failing public amenities plague many Nigerian communities. In a public statement issued via X (formerly Twitter) by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, the American government voiced concerns that these financial choices are worsening inequality and eroding public confidence. According to the U.S. Mission, governors are pursuing lavish construction projects when they should be directing funds toward essential services like health, education, and social welfare. “While Nigerian citizens are being asked to endure economic suffering likened to labor pains, some governors are allocating billions for extravagant new state residences,” the U.S. Mission declared, referencing a comprehensive investigative article published by The Africa Report. The cited report unveiled how some Nigerian state governments are prioritizing luxury structures over critical developmental projects. These initiatives often serve no immediate public value and detract from urgent socioeconomic needs. “This alleged fiscal recklessness not only accelerates inequality but deeply undermines trust in governance,” the U.S. Mission emphasized in their social media post. Civil Organizations Raise Accountability Alarms In addition to U.S. concerns, local civic groups are also expressing outrage over this pattern of misappropriation. BudgIT Nigeria, a civic technology organization that promotes fiscal transparency and good governance, lamented that governors are neglecting foundational sectors such as education, public healthcare, and agriculture. Instead, they are commissioning state-of-the-art buildings that offer minimal value to the masses and are often left underutilized. Similarly, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) condemned the ongoing misuse of public funds. The organization stressed that the real issue lies in a lack of accountability and misaligned priorities. According to CISLAC, many governors operate with a sense of impunity, bolstered by poor institutional oversight and a weak culture of citizen participation in the budgeting process. “There’s more money, less scrutiny, and no clearly defined priorities,” CISLAC stated bluntly, reinforcing calls for stronger public engagement and governance reform. Nigerians React to U.S. Mission’s Statement The U.S. Mission’s tweet sparked a wave of reactions from everyday Nigerians, many of whom welcomed the intervention. A user with the handle @incomingovernor, identified as Ikechukwu, applauded the message, tweeting: “@USinNigeria thanks for this. Please help Nigerians call out our corrupt leaders. They’re killing us with failed leadership.” Another user, @ibirogba2000 (Omo Ologo), commented: “We’ve been telling citizens to hold their state governors accountable, but everyone keeps targeting Abuja.” @Thomphil95 (Thomas Philip) added: “This is heartbreaking. Nigeria continues to suffer because we lack leaders who care.” @RealOlaudah (Olaudah Equiano®) remarked: “This exposes how deeply kleptocratic our government has become. This isn’t random; it aligns with Trump-era U.S. foreign policy toward Nigeria and has State Department clearance.” However, not all reactions were supportive. Some viewed the U.S. statement as intrusive and diplomatically inappropriate. @skaalbgroup (Mr. Sam…) argued: “Even though this write-up isn’t directly authored by the U.S. Mission, I expect Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, @YusufTuggar, to respond strongly. This is an overreach into Nigeria’s internal affairs.” Key Context to Note This controversy emerges shortly after Nigeria’s Federal Government challenged a U.S. travel advisory that discouraged American citizens from visiting parts of Nigeria due to safety concerns. Additionally, earlier this month, the U.S. government adjusted its visa policies for Nigerian nationals, tightening requirements for most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic categories. These measures form part of a broader strategic overhaul of U.S. immigration and national security protocols. Despite these tensions, Nigerian officials have reaffirmed the country’s desire to strengthen investment and trade relations with the United States, emphasizing shared goals in regional security, economic growth, and democratic governance.
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Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has firmly stated that no serving Nigerian governor is likely to challenge or resist the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the forthcoming 2027 general elections. This assertion was made by the Kaduna helmsman during the opening session of a two-day interactive event focused on strengthening government-citizen engagement. The programme was organized by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation (SABMF) and held at the iconic Arewa House in Kaduna State. Speaking confidently to attendees, Governor Sani emphasized President Tinubu’s unique approach to leadership and federal-state collaboration, stating: “There is no record in Nigeria’s democratic history where any sitting president has shown this level of support and cooperation to state governors and sub-national governments as President Tinubu is doing today.” He highlighted how this active support from the presidency has created an enabling environment for state development, reinforcing unity and cooperation across the federation. “Given this unprecedented partnership,” Sani noted, “it is highly improbable that any state governor in the country will take a stance against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu when he seeks re-election in 2027.” Furthermore, Governor Sani pointed to a remarkable shift in the federal government’s approach to national security and regional peace, particularly in northern Nigeria. He disclosed that for the first time, the federal administration has taken concrete steps to directly engage non-state actors in the region. “This is a turning point in our history,” the governor remarked. “The federal government is now reaching out to non-state actors in the north, holding discussions to understand the situation on the ground and explore pathways to progress.” This engagement, he believes, signifies a renewed commitment to resolving long-standing issues and fostering peace in troubled regions through dialogue rather than confrontation. The session concluded with calls for deeper synergy between citizens and government stakeholders, reinforcing the importance of platforms like the SABMF interactive forum in promoting democratic governance and accountability.
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In a compassionate effort to bring relief to victims of a violent herders’ attack, the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has committed a ₦1 billion donation through her foundation, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI). The donation aims to support displaced families in Benue State, particularly those affected by the devastating assault on Yelewata community, which claimed the lives of more than 100 individuals in June. During her sympathy visit to the Benue State Government House on Tuesday, the First Lady expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy and assured the victims and their families of the federal government’s commitment to restoring their dignity and livelihoods. She met with bereaved families, community leaders, and state officials, using the platform to reaffirm the RHI’s vision of providing practical support to Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations. Her mission was clear: to foster recovery, restore livelihoods, and renew hope. “On behalf of the governing council of the Renewed Hope Initiative, we are making a donation of ₦1 billion to support displaced families to regain stability, return to their sources of livelihood, and build better lives,” she declared during the meeting. The donation is intended to facilitate temporary shelter, food aid, medical attention, and long-term economic reintegration for the affected individuals and families. This gesture comes at a time when the state is still reeling from one of the deadliest communal conflicts in recent months. Her visit was not only symbolic but strategic—reinforcing national attention on the plight of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, and the urgent need for humanitarian and security reforms in areas vulnerable to recurring attacks. The intervention from the Office of the First Lady under the Renewed Hope Initiative follows a series of similar humanitarian projects aimed at empowering underserved communities, conflict victims, and widows across the country.
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has once again reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering inclusive and balanced development across every region of Nigeria, stating that no part of the country will be sidelined in the execution of national development programs. This assurance was given during a two-day government-citizens engagement forum held in Kaduna State, hosted by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, aimed at facilitating direct dialogue between public office holders and Nigerian citizens. The president, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, conveyed that the session would highlight substantial statistical evidence and policy realities to dispel the perception that Northern Nigeria is being neglected under the current administration. Renewed Hope Agenda at Work According to President Tinubu, the federal government’s ongoing development efforts are firmly rooted in the Renewed Hope Agenda. He detailed key strategic interventions targeting economic stability, healthcare services, education reforms, national security, infrastructure growth, and most importantly, agricultural development and food security. Addressing the nation’s economic trajectory, the president noted that bold steps had been taken by his administration to restructure the economy, including the unification of Nigeria’s multiple exchange rates and the reorganization of national debt obligations, with the goal of achieving long-term economic resilience. Major National Infrastructure Projects Highlighted On the front of infrastructure and transportation, Tinubu revealed that substantial capital has been injected into modernizing Nigeria’s security architecture, upgrading both equipment and personnel capacity. He identified ongoing signature projects such as: These, he said, are strategic efforts to strengthen the country’s connectivity and logistics systems, as well as to support inclusive national development. Focus on Agriculture, Energy, and Transportation The president emphasized his administration’s core priorities, namely: On Fuel Subsidy Removal and Palliatives President Tinubu acknowledged the widespread impact of the fuel subsidy removal, calling it a difficult but essential reform that has saved the government trillions of naira. To cushion the short-term effects, the federal government, he said, has deployed various palliative measures through partnerships with state governments, financial support to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and the upgrading of public transport systems across the country.
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In a recent address, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, revealed that the country has seen a significant decline in Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, and communal clashes, particularly in the northern regions. According to Ribadu, these improvements have occurred within the past two years under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, marking a sharp contrast with the previous leadership’s record. Ribadu made this declaration on Tuesday during a two-day dialogue session hosted by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation in Kaduna State. He addressed a gathering of northern stakeholders and leaders, emphasizing that the administration’s strategic security overhaul has yielded measurable results. The NSA provided specific data to underline the improvements. He noted that during the previous administration, Kaduna State alone recorded 1,192 deaths and over 3,348 abductions. In Benue State, the casualty figure surpassed 5,000 lives lost, showcasing how intense the conflict had become at the time. A founding figure of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ribadu attributed the recent gains to a coordinated and unified security strategy implemented across Nigeria. This strategy was rolled out under direct orders from President Tinubu, aiming to unify the various intelligence and security agencies for greater operational synergy. He disclosed that, as of May 2025, over 11,259 hostages have been rescued from criminal elements in the North-West region, thanks to large-scale military and intelligence operations. Additionally, numerous leaders of bandit gangs, along with many of their followers, have been neutralized by security personnel operating in Zamfara, Kaduna, and Katsina States. In his speech, Ribadu also acknowledged the proactive governance of Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, who launched a non-kinetic, peace-building strategy in volatile areas such as Southern Kaduna and Birnin Gwari. This softer, community-focused approach is seen as a complement to the federal government’s military interventions, helping to address the root causes of violence and foster local trust. Ribadu’s remarks come at a time when national and international observers are closely watching Nigeria’s internal security reforms, especially in regions that have historically been hotbeds of terrorism and intercommunal strife.
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Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has once again voiced deep concern regarding the alarming pace of borrowing by President Tinubu’s administration, citing a growing lack of transparency and accountability. According to Obi, the Nigerian Senate’s recent approval of an additional $21 billion, €2.2 billion, and ¥15 billion in foreign loans for the 2025–2026 fiscal term brings Nigeria’s total debt stock dangerously close to the ₦200 trillion mark. In a detailed post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, Obi broke down the country’s current fiscal standing, stating: “As of July 22, 2025, the Nigerian Senate approved external borrowings totaling $21 billion, €2.2 billion, and ¥15 billion. This is in addition to a ₦750.98 billion domestic bond issuance and a €65 million grant. With public debt already around ₦149.39 trillion by the first quarter of 2025, these new loans raise Nigeria’s debt burden by approximately ₦37.2 trillion—pushing the total to about ₦187 trillion. The concern now is that this figure could soar to ₦200 trillion before 2025 ends.” Obi further highlighted that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) before recent rebasing stood at ₦269.2 trillion (about $180 billion). Comparing this to the approved borrowing, the administration has borrowed the equivalent of nearly 70% of that GDP. Even after GDP rebasing increased the figure to ₦372.8 trillion (about $243.7 billion), the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio remains dangerously high—around 50.16%, the worst in Nigeria’s history. Debt Rises While Development Declines Obi expressed grave concern over the country’s growing indebtedness with negligible improvement in critical sectors such as: He pointed out that despite year-on-year increases of ₦27.72 trillion and quarter-on-quarter rises of ₦4.72 trillion, there is little tangible development to justify the debt. “We’re amassing unsustainable debt at an exponential rate, but without visible outcomes. Education remains underfunded, healthcare remains inaccessible, and over 10,217 Nigerians have lost their lives with 672 villages destroyed between May 29, 2023 and May 29, 2025.” Security spending has ballooned from ₦2.98 trillion in 2023 to ₦4.91 trillion in 2025, yet insecurity remains rampant. Obi emphasized that 135,000 km out of 195,000 km of Nigerian roads remain unpaved and mostly unusable. In the power sector, the country is still generating less than 5,000 MW of electricity for over 200 million Nigerians—a glaring symbol of dysfunction. Human Development at a Standstill He further lamented that Nigeria ranks poorly in major Human Development Index (HDI) indicators. A staggering 133 million Nigerians (63%) are now classified as multi-dimensionally poor, according to recent national data. Meanwhile, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, has raised an emergency alert over worsening child malnutrition in Northern Nigeria, specifically Katsina State, where hundreds of children have already died. “In a nation blessed with natural and human resources, it’s unacceptable that anyone should sleep hungry. Yet, leadership failure has entrenched widespread poverty.” Borrowing Without Impact: A National Crisis Obi maintained that borrowing can serve a productive purpose only when responsibly utilized for impactful and measurable development. He condemned the ongoing trend of taking loans without clarity or accountability: “This form of borrowing—detached from economic outcomes—is only mortgaging the future of Nigerian youths and generations unborn. Leaders must consider the long-term consequences of this reckless fiscal policy.” He called for a shift to disciplined and sustainable economic governance, urging the government to: Obi ended his statement with a call for visionary leadership: “We must end this economic recklessness. The time has come for a New Nigeria, one anchored on transparency, impact, and responsibility. Every naira borrowed should deliver measurable results that uplift our citizens. A New Nigeria is POssible.”
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In a heartfelt humanitarian gesture, Barrister Helen Mutfwang, the wife of Plateau State Governor, on Monday embarked on condolence visits to multiple communities that recently suffered violent attacks. The tour extended to parts of Mangu, Bokkos, Riyom, and Bassa Local Government Areas, where she not only offered emotional support but also distributed vital relief materials to displaced families and grieving residents. The First Lady of Plateau State, joined by the spouses of several local government chairmen, emphasized during her visit that her presence symbolized deep compassion and solidarity with the victims. She assured them that they were not alone in their grief, and the state leadership stood by them during this sorrowful period. Communities Devastated by Violence While addressing residents in Mangu LGA, one of the hardest-hit areas, Mrs. Helen Mutfwang expressed profound sadness over the brutal series of attacks that have tragically claimed more than 300 lives in just three months. She described the incidents as catastrophic and a grievous loss for the state as a whole. “The pain you are experiencing is unimaginable, and our hearts break with yours,” she said. “We are here not just to sympathize but to reinforce our commitment to ensuring such tragedies do not happen again. The government, along with the appropriate security agencies, is working diligently to strengthen surveillance and community protection mechanisms.” Support From Nigeria’s First Lady In an effort to provide tangible aid, relief materials were handed out to affected households. These included essential food supplies like bags of rice, maize, guinea corn, cartons of noodles, and groundnut oil. Mrs. Mutfwang explained that these items were donated through the generous efforts of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who has remained proactive in reaching out to crisis-ridden areas across Nigeria. The gesture is part of a broader national initiative focused on alleviating the suffering of displaced citizens and restoring hope to those impacted by violence. A Call for Sustainable Peace Mrs. Mutfwang highlighted that her visit was not merely symbolic but part of a consistent statewide humanitarian mission. She reiterated the urgency for lasting peace and the necessity of intensifying protective measures for communities frequently exposed to violent attacks. She urged community leaders, youth groups, religious bodies, and security outfits to collaborate more closely in identifying threats and fostering unity. The call resonates strongly in light of the persistent insecurity challenges that have plagued Plateau State in recent years. “We must all play our part to rebuild trust, heal from the trauma, and prevent these cycles of violence from defining our future,” she emphasized.
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Even in death, the perks of political power in Nigeria linger on. The passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari has rekindled a fiery debate over the lavish entitlements extended to the families of deceased Nigerian presidents and vice presidents. These posthumous packages—backed by legislation—have raised serious questions among Nigerians, many of whom are grappling with economic hardship, poor healthcare, and lack of educational support. What the Law Says About Benefits to Former Leaders’ Families The Remuneration of Former Presidents and Heads of State (and Other Ancillary Matters) Act permits continued financial support to families of deceased Nigerian leaders. This includes: These payments cover basic upkeep and the children’s education up to university level, but are terminated if the spouse remarries. Learn more about this law from the Nigerian Legal Framework. Ongoing Perks for Late Leaders’ Families Despite Buhari’s passing, reports confirm his family still receives a robust benefits package. Here’s a breakdown of entitlements: Read how the Nigerian government allocates budgets here. Inside Sources Confirm Payments Continue According to LMSINT MEDIA, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) has affirmed that both living and deceased heads of state still receive these entitlements. Segun Simmons Imohioson, spokesperson from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), stated: “There is a dedicated department within the SGF’s office overseeing former leaders and their families. Whether alive or deceased, the benefits continue.” Public Reaction: A Nation in Disbelief Many Nigerians have taken to social media to express their frustration: This discontent reflects growing frustration over elite privileges, particularly when millions of citizens lack access to basic services. Is This Justified in a Country With Collapsing Healthcare? Speaking with LMSINT MEDIA, Comrade Ene Obi, former Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, voiced concern: “It’s shocking that our hospitals remain unequipped, yet leaders fly abroad for treatment. What happened to investing in local healthcare and education?” She added that Buhari, known for his austere lifestyle, would not have approved of the extravagant costs reportedly incurred to repatriate his remains from London. “This is a reflection of failed governance and a misdirected cost structure,” she said. The Real Cost of Governance in Nigeria The backlash over posthumous benefits opens up wider discussions about: Nigeria’s rising debt profile and inflation make these allowances even more controversial. The World Bank estimates that Nigeria spends over 75% of its revenue on debt servicing. (source) Conclusion: What Needs to Change? As Nigerians continue to question these policies, the need for reform becomes urgent. A government that spends millions on deceased leaders’ families while hospitals collapse is one that many believe needs to reassess its priorities. Reforming the Remuneration Act and reducing elite benefits could redirect funds towards:
