Human rights advocate Omoyele Sowore has openly criticized the Nigeria Police Force for their violent response during a peaceful protest calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). During an interview on Prime Time, a current affairs program aired on Arise Television and monitored by LMSINT MEDIA on Monday, Sowore strongly condemned the police assault on peaceful demonstrators who gathered to demand freedom for Nnamdi Kanu. According to Sowore, the demonstrators were exercising their constitutional right to peaceful protest when officers of the Nigeria Police Force used force to disperse them. He emphasized that the police’s reaction showed bias against citizens who peacefully express their grievances. “The only reason they attacked us was because we were peaceful,” Sowore said. “If we were armed bandits, they would never have come near us.” The human rights activist argued that the government’s continued hostility toward peaceful activists exposes a worrying double standard in Nigeria’s security system. Sowore noted that while criminals and bandits roam freely, those who peacefully demand justice are treated as enemies of the state. He further accused the authorities of using security agencies as tools of intimidation to silence dissenting voices. Sowore maintained that Nigerians have the constitutional right to protest, speak freely, and demand accountability from those in power. The protest, which took place in several parts of the country, called for the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in custody since 2021 following his arrest and extradition from Kenya. Many human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have repeatedly urged the Nigerian government to respect court orders regarding Kanu’s release. Observers believe that the peaceful demonstration reflects a growing frustration among Nigerians over the continued detention of the IPOB leader and the government’s disregard for rule of law. Sowore’s remarks have since sparked wide discussions on social media, with many Nigerians condemning the use of force against peaceful protesters while criminal elements are left unchecked. As of now, the government has yet to issue an official statement addressing the police actions or Sowore’s accusations.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has categorically denied circulating reports suggesting that the Ministerial Press Briefing Sessions have been moved from Abuja to London. Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, addressed these claims during the eighth edition of the Ministerial Press Briefing Series held at the National Press Centre in Abuja. In his opening remarks, Minister Idris emphasized that the briefings remain firmly rooted in Nigeria, serving as a platform for government officials to communicate directly with citizens. He stated, “This is your answer to the insinuation that the press briefing session is relocating abroad. We have our responsibility first to the Nigerian nation, and that’s why we invite these ministers to come here and address Nigerians and those outside this country directly from nowhere but the National Press Centre here in Abuja.” The session was attended by key government figures, including the Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev; and the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi. Senator Umahi also refuted the false reports, affirming the government’s commitment to transparency and direct communication with the Nigerian populace. Economic Indicators Show Positive Trends Minister Idris highlighted recent economic data indicating a gradual improvement in Nigeria’s economy. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the headline inflation rate decreased to 23.71% in April 2025 from 24.23% in March 2025. Month-on-month inflation also saw a significant drop from 3.90% in March to 1.86% in April. Food inflation, a major concern for many Nigerians, eased to 21.26% year-on-year in April, down from 21.79% in March. This decline is attributed to price reductions in staple items such as maize flour, wheat grain, yam flour, okra, soya beans, rice, and beans. Minister Idris credited these positive trends to President Tinubu’s focused interventions and reforms aimed at stabilizing the economy and improving the living conditions of Nigerians. He assured that the administration would continue to implement people-centered policies to sustain economic growth and shared prosperity. (National Bureau of Statistics)(allAfrica.com)
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The Nigerian government is set to unveil new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) distribution refueling stations in various regions, including Enugu, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lokoja in Kogi State, Port Harcourt in Rivers State, Ado Ekiti in Ekiti, and Abia State. The official commissioning of these stations is scheduled for April 25, 2025. In addition, the government will launch phase 1 of its tricycle deployment program on April 15, a significant initiative led by the Federal Ministry of Youths. This initiative aims to enhance mobility and create employment opportunities for young Nigerians. Expansion of CNG to the North As part of its commitment to expanding the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), the government will sign an investment agreement for the Arete Mini-LNG Project, valued at $6 million, on April 4, 2025. This project is designed to facilitate the growth of CNG distribution in the northern regions of the country. A Presidential press briefing will be held to update citizens on the progress of the CNG initiative and its impact on the national energy sector. Key Dates for Upcoming Events The Role of Auto CNG in Nigeria’s Future In May 2025, the Autogas framework will be implemented, promoting the seamless supply of Auto CNG at discounted prices. This initiative, in collaboration with the Gas Association of Nigeria (GACN) and the Nigerian Gas Marketing Limited (NGML), will enhance the viability of CNG as an affordable, sustainable alternative for the automotive sector. Related Content: For more insights on Nigeria’s sustainable energy initiatives, read our article on the role of renewable energy in Nigeria’s future here. You can learn more about Nigeria’s energy transition goals in this report by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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Prominent Nigerian content creator and human rights advocate, Mr. Macaroni, has expressed his outrage over the ongoing crisis in Enugu State, where herdsmen have attacked local communities. Reports indicate that over 44 farm settlements, known as ‘Ndiagu’, have been devastated, forcing residents to flee their homes in search of refuge in neighboring areas. The affected communities include Abor Ishala, Mgbuji, Agu-Amede, Eha-Agu, and Umuhu. In response to the alarming situation, Macaroni took to his X account to call for immediate government intervention to protect the citizens of the region. In his post, Macaroni condemned the silence of both the federal and state governments in addressing the violence in Southern Nigeria, highlighting the ongoing injustice. He emphasized that no tribe is superior to another and that all forms of injustice must be called out regardless of the location. He stated, “Such evil should be condemned by everyone! The government must take swift action and show that there is zero tolerance for this barbaric behavior! Silence from the government leads to the people feeling the need to take matters into their own hands to protect their lives and properties, which only escalates the situation and results in more innocent lives being lost.” Macaroni further stressed, “Injustice is injustice, no matter where it occurs. Whether in the North, East, South, or West, we must stand against it and ensure that the rights of every individual are respected.” Read more about the ongoing crisis in Enugu at Vanguard News Learn more about the importance of government intervention in Nigerian crises READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede criticizes Nigerians for condemning corruption but defending corrupt leaders. He emphasizes the need for collective action to fight financial crimes in Nigeria. Nigerians Criticize Corruption but Shield Corrupt Leaders – EFCC Boss Olukoyede The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has raised concerns about Nigerians’ conflicting stance on corruption. While many condemn the issue, they also defend corrupt individuals when they face legal action. During a meeting in Abuja on Friday with officials from the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), led by Chris Olukolade, Olukoyede emphasized that corruption remains Nigeria’s greatest challenge to development. Corruption: The Major Barrier to Nigeria’s Progress Olukoyede stated that addressing corruption and financial crimes is key to eradicating underdevelopment in Nigeria. “One of Nigeria’s biggest problems is corruption. If we can successfully tackle it, underdevelopment will become a thing of the past,” he said. He further stressed that the fight against corruption is a shared responsibility, not just the duty of the government. Citizens must actively commit to upholding integrity and accountability to ensure national progress. Contradictions in Public Reactions to Corruption Cases The EFCC chairman highlighted a major contradiction in how Nigerians respond to corruption. While many decry corruption, they often support and defend leaders accused of financial crimes when prosecuted. “People cry out about corruption, blaming it for destroying our system. Yet, when high-profile cases are investigated and suspects arraigned, the same people take to the streets with placards, defending the accused.” According to Olukoyede, such actions undermine the fight against corruption. He stressed that anti-corruption efforts should be a collective mission rather than a selective pursuit. EFCC’s Commitment to Combating Corruption Reaffirming the EFCC’s dedication to tackling financial crimes, Olukoyede assured that the agency would continue working within the limits of the law to hold corrupt individuals accountable. He also called for public collaboration in combating corruption and announced that the EFCC would partner with the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC) to improve strategic communication and public awareness on issues of integrity and accountability. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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Discover why Nigeria’s national grid continues to collapse. Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, cites insecurity and delayed repairs of the Shiroro-Kaduna-Mando transmission line as key reasons. The Nigerian Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has explained why the country’s national electricity grid remains vulnerable to frequent collapses. During the 2025 budget defense session with the Senate Joint Committee on Power, held on Monday, the Minister revealed that insecurity in the northern region has hindered the repair of a vital transmission line. Insecurity Hampers Grid Stability According to Adelabu, the Shiroro-Kaduna-Mando transmission line, a critical component of Nigeria’s power infrastructure, has been out of service since October 2024 due to vandalism. This incident, he stated, has dealt a severe blow to the country’s power sector and is a significant contributor to the grid’s instability. “The Shiroro-Kaduna-Mando line is one of two major transmission lines delivering electricity to northern Nigeria,” the Minister explained. “While the second line, the Ugwuaji-Makurdi transmission line, has been successfully repaired, the Shiroro line remains out of operation due to persistent security challenges in the region.” The Grid’s Fragility Explained Adelabu highlighted that the reliance on a single functioning transmission line in the north places undue strain on the national grid, making it highly fragile and prone to failure. “This dependency creates a significant risk. Whenever a collapse occurs, we can only focus on swift restoration efforts to minimize the impact,” he added. The Way Forward The Minister’s remarks underline the urgent need for improved security measures and investments in power infrastructure to stabilize Nigeria’s electricity grid. Without addressing these issues, frequent grid collapses will likely persist, hampering economic growth and daily life for millions of Nigerians. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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Tinubu Acknowledges National Assembly’s Role in Nation-Building President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the unwavering support of the National Assembly over the past 19 months, describing it as a driving force behind his administration’s determination to lead Nigeria toward greater development and prosperity. Speaking on Wednesday in Lagos during a meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima, the leadership of the National Assembly, and its former principal officers, Tinubu expressed his gratitude for their collaboration and commitment. “Nigerians are the core of our mission. We have embarked on this transformative journey to serve, to secure a better tomorrow, and to build a brighter future for the generations to come. Your dedication to progress and value creation will bear fruit for the unborn,” Tinubu stated. The President also reaffirmed his resolve to make bold and innovative decisions that drive national growth, emphasizing that courageous actions are essential for achieving substantial change. Drawing from a Yoruba proverb, he remarked, “It is only a courageous dog that will capture the animal in the bush.” National Assembly Leaders Express Support Senate President Godswill Akpabio lauded Tinubu’s courage and commitment to reforms, pledging the legislature’s unwavering backing. “On this journey of restoration, transformation, and nation-building, you are not alone. The National Assembly stands with you every step of the way,” Akpabio said. Highlighting the administration’s economic strides, Akpabio noted achievements such as the oversubscription of Nigeria’s Eurobond, improved ease of doing business, and growing investor confidence. “Your bold reforms and leadership have drawn investors to Nigeria, and we are optimistic about the benefits that will continue to unfold,” he added. Similarly, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, commended the President for his respect and collaboration with the legislature. Abbas pointed out that several key figures in Tinubu’s administration, including the President, Vice President, and other top officials, were former members of the National Assembly. “The National Assembly is more united and fulfilled than ever before. We appreciate your responsiveness to our needs and your dedication to alleviating poverty. This historic collaboration brings hope to Nigerians,” Abbas noted. A Unified Vision for National Growth The meeting underscored a shared commitment to advancing Nigeria’s development agenda. Tinubu’s administration and the National Assembly continue to work hand-in-hand, fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation for the nation’s progress. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
