Nigerians Celebrate Looters with Government Positions – Emir Sanusi Laments

Muhammadu Sanusi II, the former Emir of Kano, has expressed strong disapproval over what he describes as a moral collapse in Nigerian governance and societal values. During an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Sanusi voiced concern about the normalization of corruption and the culture of rewarding known looters with high-ranking government roles. According to Sanusi, Nigeria must end the practice of promoting individuals known for embezzling public funds by offering them prestigious government appointments. He stressed that when a society glorifies wealth regardless of its origin, it sends a dangerous message—one that reinforces corruption as acceptable or even admirable. “When a society begins to respect material success without questioning its origin,” Sanusi remarked, “and elevates those who have looted the public treasury to ministerial or governmental roles, such a system is bound to regenerate corruption continuously.” The ex-Central Bank Governor did not hold back in criticizing the celebratory treatment often given to individuals who have misused public trust for personal enrichment. Instead of facing consequences, these individuals are celebrated, decorated, and given further chances to exploit the system. “There is no collective shame anymore for public officials who enrich themselves illegitimately,” he said. “Instead of being held accountable, they are gifted with further positions in government—more opportunities to steal. This has become Nigeria’s sad reality.” Sanusi further argued that many of today’s political elites lack the foundational upbringing or ethical grounding required for true public service. Their goal, he claims, is not to serve the people but to profit personally. “Public office is now seen as a gateway to wealth,” he stated. “But the truth is, public service should never be a money-making venture.” He continued his critique by highlighting how many in leadership are more interested in their material possessions and social status than building a credible legacy. “Our leaders have no intrinsic values. They neither inherited a good name nor are they interested in leaving one behind,” Sanusi said. “Their identity is tied to how many mansions they own, how many jets they fly, or how many billions sit in their bank accounts. That is their self-worth.” Sanusi concluded with a sharp rebuke of such mindsets, arguing that these individuals are unconcerned with public perception—even if the people see them as corrupt or criminal. “It doesn’t bother them that the public sees thieves when they look at them. They don’t care that their legacy is theft and greed. To them, moral values are irrelevant,” he lamented.

Oyo State Prioritizes Competence Over Politics and Origin in Appointments – Governor Makinde Reaffirms

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has once again underscored his administration’s unwavering focus on merit-based appointments, stressing that only individuals with proven capacity and integrity will be selected for public service, irrespective of political affiliations, ethnicity, or place of origin. The governor made this clear on Tuesday during the official inauguration of the Oyo State Judicial Service Commission, held at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office located at the State Secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan. Makinde highlighted that his administration is firmly committed to identifying and appointing individuals who possess the professional qualifications and competence to drive growth and transformation in Oyo State. According to him, considerations such as political favoritism or ethnic background do not influence selection into key positions within his government. “Whenever we identify a talent that has the potential to add genuine value to the development of Oyo State, regardless of where they come from or what political party they belong to, we will not hesitate to bring such a person on board,” Governor Makinde stated. He called on the newly appointed members of the Judicial Service Commission to remain steadfast in applying their skills and experience toward enhancing the delivery of justice and upholding the rule of law in the state. The governor noted that the efficiency and credibility of the judicial arm of government play a vital role in ensuring good governance, peace, and equity in society. Therefore, the newly inaugurated commission must work diligently to maintain the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary. Leading the newly sworn-in commission is the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima, who will serve as the Chairperson. Supporting her as the Secretary is Mrs. M.O. Abdulganiyu. Other distinguished members of the Oyo State Judicial Service Commission include: The governor’s approach to appointments, which centers on skill, value, and state-building commitment, aligns with modern governance best practices and sends a strong message about transparency, accountability, and equity in public service. This commitment comes at a time when many Nigerians are advocating for depoliticized public appointments and credible leadership across all levels of government. Governor Makinde’s stance is widely seen as a forward-thinking model that other state leaders could emulate.

Bala Mohammed Expresses Willingness to Collaborate with Peter Obi to Strengthen Opposition Ahead of 2027

Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed Declares Readiness to Work with Peter Obi for Stronger Opposition Politics Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has affirmed his readiness to collaborate with Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, to bolster Nigeria’s opposition politics ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Speaking after a private meeting with Obi at the Bauchi Government House, Mohammed expressed admiration for Obi’s political ideology, describing him as a visionary leader with a profound understanding of governance and economic matters. Bala Mohammed Commends Peter Obi’s Political Vision “We deeply respect and admire Peter Obi for his statesmanship, political philosophy, and economic insights. His vision for governance and national unity is commendable. Listening to him is always enlightening due to his mastery of statistics and policy analysis,” Mohammed stated. The Bauchi governor further acknowledged Obi’s pivotal role in opposition politics, emphasizing their discussion on critical national issues, including political opposition strategies and the current crisis in Rivers State. Strengthening Opposition for Good Governance Governor Mohammed reiterated his commitment to strengthening opposition politics by aligning forces with Obi. He stressed the need for strategic political alliances to challenge governance inefficiencies and present a viable alternative to the ruling party. “I want to state clearly that I am ready to work with Peter Obi. It is time for opposition parties to close ranks, offer strong leadership, and present a clear vision to rescue Nigeria from incompetence. Our collaboration is crucial for a better political future,” Mohammed declared. He further noted that several governors support the idea of a robust opposition, signaling a potential coalition for the next electoral cycle. Peter Obi Advocates Tackling Poverty to Curb Crime On his part, Peter Obi emphasized the importance of economic reforms to address insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in the northern region. He argued that poverty is the root cause of criminal activities and that economic empowerment through education and agriculture is essential to reducing crime rates. “When discussing insecurity in Nigeria, especially in the North, the real issue is poverty. Addressing poverty is fundamental to solving criminality,” Obi asserted. He further stressed the need for substantial investment in education and agriculture to uplift millions of Nigerians from poverty and foster national development. Conclusion The meeting between Bala Mohammed and Peter Obi signals a growing movement toward a united opposition ahead of the 2027 elections. Their discussions centered on good governance, economic transformation, and strengthening democratic institutions in Nigeria. Read more about Nigeria’s opposition politics READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel

Peter Obi Warns: Nigeria’s Democracy Losing Its True Meaning Amidst Rising Poverty

Introduction Renowned politician and former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has raised concerns over the deteriorating state of democracy in Nigeria, attributing it to the alarming rate of poverty in the country. In a recent post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Obi emphasized the urgent need for leaders to prioritize economic progress and strengthen independent institutions to restore democracy’s true essence. Poverty Threatens the Core of Nigerian Democracy Peter Obi highlighted the stark reality of Nigeria’s economic crisis, stating that over 100 million Nigerians live in absolute poverty, while approximately 150 million experience multidimensional poverty. He argued that democracy, at its core, should serve as a tool for addressing the fundamental needs of the people, particularly in critical sectors such as: Call for Institutional Strengthening and Economic Growth To salvage democracy in Nigeria, Obi urged leaders to focus on:✔️ Strengthening independent institutions that promote accountability, justice, and fairness.✔️ Encouraging good governance that fosters economic and social progress.✔️ Promoting active citizenship to ensure leaders are held accountable.✔️ Empowering the youth to play a crucial role in nation-building. Lessons from Mandela: A Call for Action Citing Nelson Mandela, Obi reiterated that “as long as poverty, injustice, and inequality exist, none of us can truly rest.” He warned that Africa’s fragile democracies could continue to weaken unless there is a collective commitment to good governance and nation-building. The Future of Democracy in Africa Obi emphasized that democracy must go beyond mere elections to truly reflect the will of the people. He called for:? Trust-building in governance? Reinforcement of democratic institutions? Upholding the rule of law and respect for citizens’ rights Without these, he warned, governance would fail to deliver tangible benefits to the people, and democracy would remain a mere façade rather than a vehicle for progress. Conclusion Peter Obi’s message serves as a wake-up call for Nigerian leaders to address rising poverty and restore the essence of democracy. As Africa faces increasing instability and democratic setbacks, he insists that the time to act is now—before democracy loses its relevance completely. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.

EndSARS: Sanwo-Olu Suspends Aide Over False Claims on Social Media

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has suspended his Senior Special Assistant on Print Media, Mr. Wale Ajetunmobi, over the dissemination of misleading information on social media. Suspension for Misrepresentation of Facts In a statement released on Tuesday by Gboyega Akosile, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, the suspension was attributed to a controversial post made by Ajetunmobi on his personal “X” account (formerly Twitter). The statement emphasized that the Lagos State government strongly opposes any form of extrajudicial actions and distances itself from such claims. “The Governor wishes to state categorically that his administration frowns at any form of extrajudicial punishment and will not be part of any such action. That is not who we are. That is not our way,” Akosile stated. Controversial Claims on #EndSARS Protests The suspension followed a tweet posted by Ajetunmobi on November 24, 2024, using the handle #Riddwane. In the tweet, he alleged that individuals involved in the 2020 arson attack on the Television Continental (TVC) station during the #EndSARS protests had been tracked down and executed. The post further claimed that one of the alleged arsonists was a young boy from the Ketu area of Lagos who traded in cooking gas. Ajetunmobi alleged that the boy was found at the crime scene with an AK-47 rifle, shocking his neighbors. The tweet read: “The full story of people who burnt down TVC in 2020 will be told one day, with gory clips and images. One thing to note: the majority of them have been hunted down and executed. One of them, a young boy trading in cooking gas around Ketu, was found with an AK-47 at the site. Even his neighbors were shocked. But the full gist is better saved for later.” Lagos Government’s Stance The governor’s office quickly moved to clarify that the administration does not condone such claims or actions. The suspension of Ajetunmobi underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining accountability and upholding justice without resorting to unlawful practices. Keywords: Conclusion This incident highlights the importance of responsible communication, particularly on sensitive topics like the #EndSARS protests. The Lagos State government has taken a firm stand to distance itself from false narratives and ensure that justice and transparency remain at the core of its operations. READ ALSO: