The Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT) has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to authorize thorough investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) into disturbing allegations of land misappropriation in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). According to NACAT, there are strong claims that parcels of land within the FCT are being unlawfully distributed to both immediate and extended relatives of individuals currently occupying public offices. The group emphasized that such unethical practices are unacceptable and urged the president to take immediate action. In a press release jointly signed by Fejiro Oliver and Tega Samson, co-founders of the organization, NACAT called for decisive action against those implicated in the illegal allocation of Abuja lands. The group further demanded the prompt dismissal of any public official found culpable in this ongoing abuse of power. NACAT Condemns Presidential Silence Amid FCT Land Diversion Allegations The organization expressed concern over what it described as President Tinubu’s silence regarding the alleged misconduct. It noted that the presidency’s failure to address the matter has only emboldened those engaging in unethical land distribution. NACAT insisted that the practice of allocating FCT lands to relatives of government officials without due process must stop, warning that the group would not remain passive while the capital territory is allegedly being stripped of its public resources through nepotism and corruption. “It is highly troubling that President Bola Tinubu has yet to reprimand or caution those accused of involvement in these illegal allocations,” the statement read. Call for Urgent Probes and Public Accountability In its formal address, NACAT demanded swift intervention by anti-graft agencies, stressing that those involved in the scandal must be arrested and investigated without delay. They cited past examples, such as Stella Oduah’s removal by former President Goodluck Jonathan over the controversial purchase of luxury BMW vehicles for under N300 million, emphasizing the need for consistent accountability regardless of who is involved. “Stella Oduah was removed from office for buying a BMW worth less than N300 million,” NACAT stated, calling on Tinubu to apply equal standards to those currently facing allegations. The anti-corruption advocacy group went further to issue a warning: if the government fails to act, they will organize sustained protests at both the National Assembly and the FCT Ministry. NACAT made it clear that Nigerian citizens are reaching a breaking point and would no longer tolerate corruption, abuse of office, or the continued exploitation of public assets. “We are overwhelmed as Nigerian citizens and cannot permit further degradation of Abuja and our national integrity. Enough is enough.”
Popular Streamer Faces Backlash Over Comments on Criticism Against Tinubu Nigerian content creator and controversial streamer, Peller, has alleged that he has been receiving death threats following his public call for Nigerians to halt the ongoing #30DayRants challenge on TikTok. The challenge, which has gained traction, involves citizens expressing their dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the state of governance in Nigeria. Peller Warns of TikTok Ban if Criticism Continues Peller argued that if Nigerians persist with the #30DayRants challenge, it could lead to a ban on TikTok in Nigeria, similar to previous restrictions on social media platforms. He emphasized that such a ban would negatively impact his livelihood and that of other content creators who rely on the platform for income. Threats Against Peller: A Repeat of Oloba Salo’s Case? During a recent livestream, Peller revealed that unknown individuals have threatened his life. He claimed that these threats are reminiscent of the attack on his fellow content creator, Oloba Salo, who was shot in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos State, last year. Peller stated: “I have been receiving death threats. Some people said they would shoot me like they shot Salo in Lekki Phase 1. They warned me to watch my back when going out.” Following the threats, Peller abruptly ended his livestream, expressing his frustration and fear. He concluded with a brief remark: “What is all this? I’m not talking again. Goodbye.” The Rising Concerns Over Freedom of Speech in Nigeria The situation surrounding Peller’s threats raises broader concerns about freedom of speech in Nigeria. Many citizens have turned to social media to voice their grievances, but government crackdowns and growing hostility toward dissenting voices continue to spark debate. Read More: The Role of Social Media in Political Criticism Report on Social Media Restrictions in Africa READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
Kindly Share:
Utomi to Tinubu: Why Declare State of Emergency in Rivers But Not Lagos? Renowned political economist, Prof Pat Utomi, has expressed strong reservations over President Bola Tinubu’s recent decision to impose a state of emergency in Rivers State. Utomi questioned why the president did not take similar action during political crises in Lagos, particularly the turmoil surrounding Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. Tinubu Declares State of Emergency in Rivers In a national address on Tuesday, March 18, 2024, President Tinubu justified the emergency rule in Rivers State, citing increasing militant activities, particularly pipeline vandalization, and political instability in the state. Following this decision, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) was appointed as the state’s administrator, while Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Prof Ngozi Odu, and all elected House of Assembly members were suspended. Utomi Faults Tinubu’s Justification Speaking on Channels Television, Prof Utomi criticized the move, arguing that previous administrations had faced similar security threats without resorting to emergency rule. He recalled a period when militants in Rivers State were actively attacking oil pipelines, yet no emergency declaration was made. Why Not Lagos? Utomi also pointed out that despite the political instability involving Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and lawmakers in Lagos, Tinubu did not impose emergency rule there. “What exactly in Rivers State necessitated a state of emergency? During past crises when pipelines were destroyed like popcorn, was there an emergency rule? Why was there no emergency rule in Lagos when the Assembly faced instability? Where is the fairness and equity in this decision?” Utomi questioned. National Assembly’s Endorsement Criticized Beyond questioning Tinubu’s decision, Utomi condemned the National Assembly for approving the emergency rule, describing their endorsement as an affront to democracy and an insult to Nigerians. Conclusion Utomi’s remarks have intensified debates on the fairness of Tinubu’s approach to governance. Many Nigerians are now scrutinizing the rationale behind selective emergency rule enforcement. For a deeper analysis on the impact of state of emergency declarations, read more on BBC News. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
