In a historic moment highlighting international relations between Africa and the Caribbean, Saint Lucia’s Governor-General has bestowed its most prestigious national honour on Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The award, formally known as the Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (KCOSL), was conferred in recognition of President Tinubu’s dedication to strengthening diplomatic ties and promoting shared prosperity. The government of Saint Lucia made this significant announcement on Monday through an official statement published on its X (formerly Twitter) account. The statement declared: “The Government of Saint Lucia is pleased to announce that, the Governor General has conferred the title of Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (KCOSL) upon H. E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” This recognition followed President Tinubu’s address to a joint session of the Senate and House of Assembly in Saint Lucia. During his speech, President Tinubu pledged to reinforce and broaden the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Saint Lucia. He emphasized, “My visit to Saint Lucia is in keeping with the ideal of building the bridge between Africa and the Caribbean and creating a pathway to deepen economic ties and foster mutual cooperation. It also reflects our desire as a people to advance prosperity, sustainable development, and strengthen familial bonds.” President Tinubu highlighted the deep historical and cultural connections between Nigeria and Saint Lucia, noting that both nations share common values, aspirations, and dreams of development. He further outlined his administration’s commitment to nurturing and expanding collaborations in key sectors such as trade, investment, tourism, education, and cultural exchanges. Additionally, he pledged to enhance consular services to benefit citizens of both countries. In a formal statement, Saint Lucia’s government also expressed its intention to officially establish diplomatic ties with Nigeria. Part of this diplomatic effort includes a visa waiver agreement, allowing holders of diplomatic and official passports from Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) member countries to enter Nigeria more easily. “Saint Lucia and the Federal Republic of Nigeria will establish a visa waiver arrangement for holders of diplomatic and official passports from OECS member states,” the statement explained. Furthermore, Nigeria committed to offering educational scholarships for students from OECS member nations and expanding the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (TAC) to include OECS countries, thereby strengthening people-to-people relationships and technical collaboration. This momentous recognition of President Tinubu as a Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia underscores the growing importance of reconnecting Africa and the Caribbean for shared growth and stronger diplomatic bonds.
President Bola Tinubu has once again assured Nigerians that his administration’s purposeful and determined leadership will positively touch their lives. Speaking on Tuesday during the official commissioning of the newly constructed Arterial Road N5, which stretches from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road 3 (RR3) in Abuja, Tinubu expressed his confidence in how infrastructural projects can change citizens’ experiences. The event marked the second year of Tinubu’s administration in office, with the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, standing in to represent him at the occasion. President Tinubu emphasized that the successful completion of the project goes beyond the simple laying of roads and construction materials. He stated: “When a city functions properly, when roads are well-constructed and lights are operational, it signals to the world that governance is not merely present but purposeful.” He continued by highlighting that infrastructure represents far more than just cement and steel, describing it as the most persuasive advertisement of leadership. A modern urban area, he said, sends a powerful message, encouraging confidence, attracting investors, and, most importantly, restoring dignity to its residents. According to him, this commissioning was not only about inaugurating a new road but also about reaffirming a vision — that the city of Abuja must be made to work for its inhabitants, serving as the bedrock for a truly functional nation. The President further explained that this newly completed Arterial Road N5 is a clear expression of the “Renewed Hope” agenda. He added that areas on the outskirts of Abuja would be prioritized when planning and implementing new developmental initiatives. “Commuting times will become shorter, congestion will be greatly reduced, and economic activities will thrive. Children will get to school more quickly, emergency responders will reach people faster. This is what we mean by Renewed Hope — not policy for politics’ sake, but policy that translates directly into visible, measurable progress,” Tinubu noted. “This is Renewed Hope transformed into concrete, paved over kilometers of road.” The President stressed that his government’s vision for the Federal Capital Territory would not be limited to the city center alone, but would equally include neglected margins and remote corners that have struggled for attention and resources. “Every road we construct, every bridge we complete, every community we connect represents another step towards making Nigeria progress. We are determined that development will know no postcode, and governance will not discriminate, so that every Nigerian’s dignity is protected regardless of their location,” he stated. President Tinubu also expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, praising Wike’s efficiency and commitment to prompt project execution. Tinubu promised to stand behind the FCT minister in ensuring continued progress through supportive policies and institutional frameworks. “At this moment, I wish to recognize the honorable Minister of the FCT, Wike, whose reputation for urgency and determination in delivering these projects is well known to Nigerians. We sincerely thank you for this outstanding work. This administration remains firm in its support for the FCT Administration, and we will keep providing the policy backing and institutional cooperation needed so projects of this standard are completed on time,” Tinubu assured. He stressed that the ultimate goal of the administration was to build a capital city that works for every citizen. “As we commission this road today, let it symbolize our shared commitment — not merely to movement, but to momentum. This is the Nigeria we are constructing together, a Nigeria where every citizen, no matter how far removed from the centers of power, can feel the embrace of leadership that truly serves their daily lives,” Tinubu concluded. Meanwhile, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike thanked the President and took the opportunity to request additional support to enable him to carry out his responsibilities effectively. “Your Excellency, the road is good now. When we tried to find land for the construction of the Abuja division of the Court of Appeal, and I was informed by the Director of Land about a possible location, Your Excellency, you would not believe how terrible and horrible the road in that area was,” Wike recounted. He further explained: “Through the support of the federal council, and with your backing, this contract was awarded last year September, and we flagged it off in October. Today, we are here commissioning it. Your Excellency, there is not much left to say except to thank you sincerely for your support, and to continue to seek even more support going forward,” the Minister stated.
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Bonaventure Phillips Melah, a respected journalist and author based in Abuja, has argued that President Bola Tinubu has turned into a prime target of persistent, intense attacks as the 2027 presidential election edges closer. According to Melah, these attacks have spared no institution or individual connected to the Tinubu administration, with political actors orchestrating an all-out attempt to undermine and discredit the President and those around him. In particular, Melah drew attention to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Bayo Ojulari, who, he claims, have come under unfair and orchestrated fire from politicians pursuing a broad scheme to destabilize President Bola Tinubu’s government in the run-up to the next general elections. In a written statement titled “2027, NNPCL and the Gathering of Termites,” Melah elaborated that as Nigeria draws nearer to the 2027 elections, some political players have shifted from offering legitimate criticism of government policy to pursuing targeted campaigns that frustrate and sabotage key figures appointed by President Tinubu. Melah stated clearly, “The most attractive vocation in Nigeria today is to attack Tinubu and smear his administration, and this trend will only escalate as 2027 approaches.” He further explained that the grand design is to focus aggressive attacks on the President directly, or to aim those attacks at Tinubu’s most trusted appointees and loyal aides, especially individuals holding critical positions within strategic ministries, departments, and agencies essential to advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda. As Melah described it, “The overall mission is simple — to silence and weaken the President’s positive achievements, and thereby influence public perception of the administration, with the ultimate aim of pushing through a regime change in 2027.” He also pointed out that the so-called “anti-Tinubu war” seems to revolve around a relentless offensive against the President’s “First Eleven,” meaning his most trusted officials. Melah argued that these key officials are being targeted in hopes of forcing President Tinubu to dismiss them, or at the very least distracting them so severely that they cannot deliver on their mandates for the Nigerian people. “It is therefore no surprise,” Melah stressed, “that Dr. Bayo Ojulari, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, who only assumed his role a few months ago, has become a major victim and a choice prey of the hawks, termites, vultures of destruction, and enemies of progress.” Melah strongly rejected recent news reports which claimed that NNPCL violated due process by holding a corporate retreat in Kigali, Rwanda, calling such stories intentionally twisted and designed to cast the management in a negative light. He further clarified that while it is true that NNPCL is being investigated over prior contracts tied to refinery rehabilitation projects, Dr. Ojulari was never responsible for those contracts since he was not yet in office when they were awarded or implemented. In Melah’s own words, “It is neither Ojulari nor his current management team that is under investigation,” thereby defending the current leadership. He made an appeal to Nigerians, urging them to support reform-minded public servants like Dr. Ojulari and allow them the breathing room necessary to fulfill their duties, rather than constantly bogging them down with politically driven attacks. While acknowledging that public office holders should certainly be scrutinized and held accountable by citizens, Melah cautioned that Nigerians should remain vigilant before blindly accepting the opinions of critics who might be motivated by hidden agendas. As he put it, “We all agree that elected and appointed leaders must face public scrutiny and be accountable to the people, but well-meaning Nigerians should be extremely careful before drinking from the double-bellied coffee mug of certain critics.” He stressed that many of these critics have long-standing political, ethnic, or religious prejudices and, in some cases, simply act out of spite, mischief, or outright hatred for Nigeria. Others, he argued, may be willing to say or do anything purely for financial gain. Melah concluded with a warning that many of the loudest voices condemning the current administration today are precisely those who played a part in leading Nigeria into its present challenges. He therefore urged citizens not to be carried away by such people, whose motives might be more about self-serving ambition than genuine concern for the country’s progress.
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Abdullahi Ganduje’s resignation from his role as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has reportedly been linked to strategic political developments, most notably the speculated defection of Rabiu Kwankwaso, the former Kano State Governor, into the ruling party. According to LMSINT MEDIA, Ganduje formally submitted his resignation letter on Friday to the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola, during a visit to the party headquarters in Abuja. While the public narrative suggested Ganduje stepped down due to reported health challenges, fresh insider accounts have started surfacing, painting a more complex picture behind the move. An individual familiar with the inner workings of the party disclosed to LMSINT MEDIA late Friday night that Ganduje’s departure may be a consequence of Kwankwaso’s imminent plan to leave the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and defect to the APC. The insider explained that arrangements had already been concluded for Kwankwaso to formally align with the ruling party “any moment from now, except if he changes his decision at the last minute, but as of today, the groundwork is complete for his defection.” The source elaborated further that despite their longstanding rivalry, the APC views Kwankwaso’s return as politically strategic, particularly as it prepares for the 2027 presidential elections. Ganduje, however, had reportedly maintained a firm stance against welcoming Kwankwaso into the APC, leading to what appears to be his forced resignation to clear the path for the former Kano governor’s reentry. There have also been strong speculations, reported by LMSINT MEDIA, that President Bola Tinubu is considering dropping Vice President Kashim Shettima and instead picking Kwankwaso as his running mate for the 2027 presidential race. According to some influential APC stakeholders who favor Tinubu’s rumored move, Kwankwaso commands a much stronger electoral appeal than the current vice president, potentially enhancing the party’s chances of success in the next presidential contest
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Prominent activist and human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has voiced his deep skepticism regarding the recently brokered peace deal between Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. Adeyanju suggested that, despite the truce, Fubara might still face severe challenges at the hands of Wike going forward. Earlier, LMSINT MEDIA reported that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Thursday night, convened a crucial meeting aimed at resolving the ongoing crisis in Rivers State. The President held discussions with the feuding parties — Governor Siminalayi Fubara, former Governor and current Minister Nyesom Wike, as well as the leadership of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Reports indicated that President Tinubu successfully intervened to end the political impasse and restore some form of stability between the parties. However, responding to these developments, Deji Adeyanju took to his verified Facebook page to share a strongly worded post warning Governor Fubara to remain cautious. According to Adeyanju, Wike’s nature is unpredictable, and the governor should not put his guard down or assume that peace will truly last. He wrote that no matter what agreement might have been reached during the reconciliation, Wike would ultimately find a way to make Fubara’s tenure extremely difficult. Describing Wike in harsh terms, Adeyanju asserted that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory is not a reasonable person and cannot be trusted to keep promises. In his blunt message, Adeyanju warned, “No matter the agreement you have with Wike, he will make your life miserable. Wike is an unreasonable man.” He further emphasized that Fubara’s future political stability could be in jeopardy, stating that the governor might not be able to sleep peacefully or govern effectively with Wike still holding influence. He predicted that the political climate by 2027 would be even more challenging, highlighting that even if Wike were to make solemn promises, they would be as worthless as, in his words, “the T in buffet.” Adeyanju’s caution comes amid widespread public debate over whether President Tinubu’s mediation would achieve any long-lasting peace in the volatile Rivers State political landscape. Many political observers have expressed similar doubts, arguing that power struggles in the state are deeply rooted and may not simply disappear overnight. As Rivers residents wait to see how this truce unfolds, Adeyanju’s warning reminds everyone that political alliances in Nigeria can be fragile, and yesterday’s friends might become tomorrow’s foes. Fubara, in particular, may need to navigate his relationship with Wike carefully to avoid further confrontations in the future.
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has successfully reconciled the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, with the previously suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, alongside the members of the State House of Assembly. According to a report by LMSINT MEDIA, this remarkable resolution followed a crucial meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja late into the night. The President convened this high-level dialogue with the feuding stakeholders to address the prolonged political rift threatening the stability of Rivers State. This presidential intervention was preceded by an earlier gathering involving Governor Fubara, Minister Wike, and the legislators themselves, demonstrating efforts on multiple fronts to de-escalate tensions. The breakthrough in these peace talks was publicly confirmed by Bayo Onanuga, who serves as the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. In a post made on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday, Onanuga praised the President for his unwavering commitment to restoring calm and political stability in Rivers State. Onanuga shared: “Rivers’ peace talks in pictures: President Tinubu has demonstrated once again that he wants peace for Rivers State. Just as he brought together the political gladiators to sign a peace deal in December 2023, he repeated the same on Thursday night, three months after he imposed the March 18 state of emergency. FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and House Speaker Martins Chike Amaewhule all took part in the peace talks at the Villa.” Insiders who spoke with LMSINT MEDIA before the official statement hinted that the meeting with the President was essentially to brief him that their political disagreements had been resolved and a working arrangement restored. According to a reliable source present at the Villa, “from the body language after the meeting with the President, I can tell you that they (Wike, Fubara, and the Lawmakers) have resolved their differences.” It is worth recalling that the face-off between Wike and Fubara had earlier plunged Rivers State into a deep crisis over questions of political power and the control of the state’s governance machinery. In reaction to the worsening instability, President Tinubu on March 18 had declared a state of emergency across Rivers State, citing threats to the safety of lives and property. That emergency move included suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and the entire elected membership of the State House of Assembly. To maintain governance in the interim, President Tinubu had further appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as an Administrator to oversee the affairs of the state until normalcy could be restored. With this latest peace deal brokered directly by the President himself, observers are hopeful that a new chapter of stability and cooperation will unfold for Rivers State in the coming weeks.
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Ezenwa Nwagu, who serves as Executive Director at the Peering Advocacy and Advisory Centre in Africa, has voiced serious concerns about the credibility of many of the 110 associations currently applying for political party registration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He described most of these groups as “jokers,” highlighting that a significant number among them even listed addresses located in cemeteries. Professor Mahmoud Yakubu, the Chairman of INEC, had revealed during the Commission’s second quarterly meeting with the media on Wednesday that as of Monday, June 23, 2025, the Commission had officially received letters of intent from 110 different associations interested in attaining recognition as political parties. In a discussion with Arise News, Nwagu explained that there are firm conditions that must be fulfilled before such registrations can proceed, stressing that many of these associations completely lack even the basic organizational structures required. According to him, a disturbing number of these groups do not have acronyms, lack any substantive chairman, and are operating from fictitious or non-existent addresses. He emphasized: “While it is indeed within the democratic rights of people to associate, assemble, and aspire to become political parties, it cannot be treated as an all-comers’ game.” He continued by outlining that there are established hurdles enshrined in INEC’s party registration guidelines. These requirements, he noted, are crucial filters for ensuring that only serious and organized political bodies make it onto the ballot. Nwagu stated: “As the registrar of political parties, INEC has provided explicit guidelines that must be met before any association can transform into a recognized political party. When you examine these 110 applications, it becomes quite evident that the majority are not serious contenders at all.” He elaborated that the conditions are crystal clear, stating: “Firstly, an association must have a valid constitution. Secondly, it needs to have a functioning chairman and a working secretary. Thirdly, it must possess a physical address, which must also be properly declared in the application.” Yet upon reviewing the list released by INEC, he discovered that most of these organizations lacked acronyms, had no legitimate chairman, no valid addresses, and in several cases, the addresses they did provide turned out to be nonexistent. “I took my time to scrutinize those 110 applications, and I can tell you confidently that many of them are purely jokers,” he stressed. Nwagu further revealed that in some situations, lawyers applied on behalf of the associations, ignoring the requirement that a protem chairman and protem secretary should personally sign and submit the application. He went on to explain the next stages of the registration process: once the application is submitted, INEC will review and vet the details, similar to what happens at the Corporate Affairs Commission with company names. If the name checks out, the applicant is then asked to pay an administrative fee to INEC. Upon payment of this administrative fee, Nwagu explained that the INEC Chairman will issue a unique code to the applicant. This code allows access to an online platform where further details must be completed, including the party’s constitution, manifesto, as well as a list of members with their contact details such as phone numbers and email addresses. If the administrative fee is not paid, the application is immediately terminated. Nwagu recalled that in previous exercises, around 70 associations had even listed addresses situated inside cemeteries, describing it as utterly ridiculous and laughable.
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In a significant political development, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, appear to have resolved their prolonged political differences following a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday. According to reliable information obtained by LMSINT MEDIA on Thursday, President Tinubu hosted Wike, Governor Fubara, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, along with other key lawmakers from the Assembly, at the Presidential Villa late on Thursday night. However, as at the time of preparing this report, comprehensive details of what transpired during the high-level peace meeting remained unclear. Earlier reports from LMSINT MEDIA revealed that Governor Fubara had separately engaged in a discussion with Speaker Amaewhule in Abuja earlier on Thursday, which hinted at ongoing reconciliation efforts. This recent meeting with the President is seen as a strong indication that the political feud between Nyesom Wike and Siminalayi Fubara may finally be drawing to a close. It should be recalled that some months ago, President Tinubu had imposed a state of emergency in Rivers State due to escalating political instability, and had consequently suspended Governor Fubara together with other elected public officials in the state. Political observers view this latest round of talks as a critical intervention aimed at restoring stability and harmony within the Rivers State political structure, which has been deeply fractured over recent months.
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The foremost Igbo socio-cultural body, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has sounded an alarm over the growing socio-economic crisis in Nigeria, warning that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may face rejection at the polls in 2027 if urgent measures are not taken to tackle worsening poverty, hunger, and national insecurity. In a strongly-worded declaration, the organization stressed that the administration’s continued neglect of Nigeria’s pressing challenges could provoke a widespread loss of public trust, potentially culminating in a mass voter backlash in the next general elections. The warning was issued by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the Deputy President-General of a faction of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, through an official statement released on Thursday. He urged both the Federal Government and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to recognize and urgently respond to the grim realities that have become unbearable for many Nigerians. According to Isiguzoro, the unchecked surge in hardship is not only inflicting misery on ordinary citizens but is also likely to impede the ability of state governors to secure political support for Tinubu’s reelection campaign. “Many of these governors are misleading the President by giving false assurances,” the statement noted. “They exist in a bubble of deception, assuming they can deliver their states for APC in the 2027 elections, but this is a dangerous illusion.” Ohanaeze highlighted the strategic maneuvering of Northern Governors, whom it described as “subtle and cunning,” warning that this bloc poses a greater threat to Tinubu’s political future than he may currently recognize. The group emphasized the importance of engaging directly with this influential group to prevent future political betrayal. The organization further urged Tinubu to act decisively and with integrity to rebuild confidence among Nigerians. It stated that bold and people-focused reforms are the only path to reversing the public’s growing disillusionment. “The alliance with governors who are complicit in worsening economic and security problems must be reevaluated. Nigerians are disheartened by the lack of positive impact from fuel subsidy removal and the increased revenue that followed,” Ohanaeze declared. The group also decried the deliberate undermining of local government autonomy, despite a Supreme Court ruling in favor of decentralization, accusing state governors of hoarding resources and denying citizens access to vital services. They warned that unless new tax reform policies are backed by genuine administrative will and leadership change, they too will be sabotaged. Ohanaeze did not mince words, stating that unless Tinubu prioritizes resolving hunger, rising costs of living, insecurity, and poverty, any hope of seeking reelection in 2027 may prove futile. “The misleading narratives from the 36 governors are shielding Tinubu from the truth. Citizens are enduring unbearable inflation, skyrocketing food prices, and deteriorating living standards,” the group emphasized. According to Ohanaeze, this economic reality will heavily weigh on Tinubu’s campaign. The electorate, especially in the North, may choose to reject the President in favor of local interests, driven by disappointment and unmet expectations. The group also predicted fractures among Southern Governors, who will likely be caught in a tug-of-war between old political alliances and their dependence on Tinubu’s support for their own ambitions. “It is becoming increasingly difficult for these governors to secure support for Tinubu. Now is the time for real action: reduce electricity tariffs, reform the economic team, eliminate corruption, and invest seriously in agriculture and public infrastructure,” the statement concluded. Ohanaeze urged the President to look toward progressive models of leadership, such as Captain Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso, who has empowered young people through agricultural reforms and food security initiatives. They ended with a final stern message: “The current path is unsustainable. Without immediate and genuine reform, all political aspirations risk becoming irrelevant.”
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In a decisive move to set the record straight, the Executive Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Umaru Radda, has denied having any intentions or political ambitions to contest for the position of Vice President in the upcoming 2027 general elections in Nigeria. Governor Radda made this known through an official statement released on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula-Mohammed. The clarification came amidst growing speculation and the circulation of promotional materials that hinted at his possible candidacy for the vice presidency. The statement was prompted by public concern and inquiries during a well-attended civic event hosted by the Dutsin-Ma Development Forum, held in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State. Governor Radda took the opportunity to firmly disassociate himself from the rumours. “I have come across posters and online messages insinuating that I am nursing an ambition to contest for another political office. Let me be very clear—my commitment remains solely to the people of Katsina State who elected me to serve as governor,” he emphasized. The governor reiterated that he is not affiliated with any campaign or political group advocating for a 2027 vice presidential bid on his behalf. He stressed that his focus is fully on governance, policy delivery, and honoring the mandate entrusted to him by the citizens of Katsina. “There is no personal or political motive beyond the office I currently occupy. I will not be distracted by unfounded allegations or speculative ambitions. I remain devoted to serving the good people of this state with integrity and purpose,” Radda added. This statement comes at a time when political discussions ahead of the 2027 general elections are beginning to intensify, with several prominent figures being linked to higher offices. However, Governor Radda has taken a clear stance, emphasizing transparency and responsibility in governance. His response has been lauded by supporters who view his reaffirmation of loyalty to Katsina State as a demonstration of political maturity and leadership discipline.
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In a significant development from the legislative arm of Nigeria’s government, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially withheld his assent from the recently proposed NDLEA Amendment Bill 2025, which was passed by the National Assembly earlier this year. The proposed legislation sought to grant the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) the authority to retain a percentage of financial proceeds derived from drug-related crimes. This provision, however, appears to conflict with Nigeria’s current legal framework governing the management of confiscated assets. This decision was formally conveyed to members of the House of Representatives during Thursday’s plenary session, as read aloud by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas. Tinubu’s Constitutional Reference President Tinubu, referencing Section 58, Subsection 4 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, explained that approving such a bill would amount to violating existing constitutional provisions. The President emphasized that all proceeds derived from illicit activities or crimes, including drug trafficking, must be fully deposited into the Confiscated and Forfeited Properties Account as stipulated by existing laws. Executive Oversight on Disbursements According to Tinubu’s explanation, no agency—including the NDLEA—can independently retain funds from crime-related proceeds. Instead, disbursement of such funds must be conducted through the direct approval of the President, and only with the express consent of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and the National Assembly. This move underscores the administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and adherence to legal due process, particularly in matters involving financial forfeitures and asset recovery.
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The Youth Wing of the Mumuye Cultural Development Association (MCDAYW) has firmly rejected rumors about a possible plan to remove Alhaji Aminu Alkali, the current Deputy Governor of Taraba State. In a sharply worded response, the youth group warned that any attempt to effect such a replacement without fairness, due consultation, and political inclusion would lead to serious political backlash and deepen existing tensions. Their official stance was contained in a joint statement signed by the National President, Ezekiel H. Augustine, and National Secretary, Wilfred William Vilaana. The group condemned the alleged proposal as a “calculated insult” targeted at the Mumuye ethnic group, emphasizing their readiness to resist any unjust or politically biased removal of the deputy governor. “The plan is not just insensitive; it’s a deliberate attempt to marginalize the Mumuye people,” the statement emphasized. The Mumuye Youth reiterated their complete backing of a previous statement by their parent body, the Mumuye Cultural Development Association (MCDA), which criticized the ongoing political marginalization of the Mumuye, the largest ethnic group in Taraba State. According to the youth leaders: “The Mumuye remain the largest ethnic group in the state, yet we are persistently excluded from critical political processes. Our peaceful and accommodating disposition is wrongly interpreted as weakness.” They went on to cite recent political events, including a by-election incident in which Dr. David Ishaya, a respected Mumuye indigene, was allegedly coerced into stepping aside for Sadiq Abbas Njidda. They also mentioned pressure placed on their community to support another candidate instead of Innocent Umaru Jabanya. These actions, they claimed, were neither acknowledged nor reciprocated by the ruling political establishment. “The wound from that injustice is still fresh and deeply troubling,” they lamented. Despite these grievances, the group noted that if there are genuine reasons such as health concerns or incapacitation necessitating the deputy governor’s replacement, then the Mumuye should retain the position, regardless of which local government the appointee comes from. “Anything less will be viewed as a deliberate act of marginalization against our people,” they warned. They further asserted that failing to address these issues fairly could force them to withdraw their support from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and instead align with a political platform that appreciates their role and seeks genuine inclusion in governance. The youth wing appealed to Governor Agbu Kefas and PDP leadership to tread carefully and respect the contributions and rights of the Mumuye community, affirming that: “We are not second-class citizens in Taraba State.”
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Prominent Islamic scholar and National Chairman of the Ulama Council of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a Wa’ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Sheik Sani Yahaya Jingir, has issued a clear warning regarding the 2027 presidential elections. He declared that his continued support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would be conditional on the president maintaining Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate. The revered Islamic leader made this strong declaration during a public address at Yantaya Mosque in Jos, Plateau State, where he emphasized his unwavering support for the Tinubu-Shettima ticket during the 2023 elections, despite his long-standing association with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. “Myself and others around me supported Tinubu and Shettima, and we’re backing your joint ticket. Any attempt to drop Shettima, I wouldn’t support that move because they had earlier agreed to contest and work together. I supported them without taking a penny from them. Although I am close to Atiku Abubakar, I chose to vote for Tinubu and Shettima. There are rumors circulating that things aren’t going well between them but I don’t believe it. In my opinion, it’s the work of their enemies,” Sheik Jingir asserted. The statement by Sheik Jingir is seen as a direct message to the presidency amidst growing speculations within the All Progressives Congress (APC) that President Tinubu may consider substituting Vice President Shettima with another candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections. The influential cleric insisted that such rumors are nothing more than the manipulations of “unpatriotic elements“ who are trying to create disunity at the highest level of government. He warned that these divisive forces should not be allowed to interfere in the trusted relationship between Tinubu and Shettima, especially as the 2027 race begins to gather momentum. Sheik Jingir also encouraged President Tinubu to resist the influence of detractors, whom he described as enemies seeking to undermine the credibility and harmony within the current administration. The growing debate over the 2027 ticket has triggered responses from party stakeholders and political observers, as loyalty and power-sharing arrangements within the ruling APC continue to face internal tests. By publicly declaring his stance, Sheik Jingir not only reaffirms his loyalty to the existing Tinubu-Shettima mandate but also sends a powerful signal that any disruption of that partnership could cost the president key religious and grassroots support, especially from the Northern Islamic community.
