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IEDPU Zonal Election: Dr. Owonikoko Imoloba Emerges New Chairman, Western Zone Unopposed As Opponent Voluntarily Withdraw At The Venue.

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By Raheem Ibrahim

 

Dr. Solih Owonikoko Imoloba has emerged as the new Chairman, Ilorin Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), Western Zone at the just concluded election held in Owo, Ondo State at weekend.

 

Election of Dr Owonikoko to become New Chairman was made easier on Saturday, 8th November, 2025 when his opponent, Alhaji Saliu Aileru voluntarily withdrew from the race and left the venue with some of his supporters at the last minute.

 

It was reliably gathered that there had been crisis among the supporters of the two candidates, where accusation and counter accusation trailed the campaign before the election day, over alleged misappropriation of Union fund by the then Investment committee led by Alhaji Aileru as Chairman.

 

During the election process, the congress turned down the nomination of Electoral Committee but later resolved that three members of the Union National delegation should conduct election in open ballot process.

 

Source revealed that when it was glaring that the number of branches that are in support of Dr Owonikoko are in majority, Alhaji Aileru addressed the Congress and declared his voluntary withdrawal from the race and immediately left the venue with some of his supporters.

 

 

Reacting to the claim by Alhaji Aileru that the election was fraudulent exercise, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Abubakar Baba, the Vice Chairman, IEDPU Western Zone said, “All motions relating to the conduct of the election, eligibility of voters, accreditation, and adoption of voting procedures were openly presented before the congress and ratified. No single delegate raised an objection after these motions were duly moved and seconded.

 

“It is therefore misleading to claim that the constitution was disregarded. The IEDPU Western Zone 2025 Election was a model of transparency, inclusiveness, and democratic participation.

 

Alhaji Baba explained, “On the Question of Accredited Branches and Eligible Voters. For the avoidance of doubt, the IEDPU Western Zone currently has 52 constitutionally recognized branches. However, in the buildup to the convention, 12 additional branches formally registered with the Union and were issued registration acknowledgments, thereby qualifying them to participate as bona fide members in accordance with IEDPU’s tradition of inclusivity and progress”.

 

“The matter was openly tabled before the congress during the convention, and after deliberations, a motion was moved, seconded, and unanimously approved that the 12 newly registered branches be allowed to vote and be voted for.

 

“The decision was reached democratically and transparently, not by manipulation as falsely alleged. This brought the total number of voting branches to 64, and their accreditation was conducted in the full glare of all delegates”, he added

 

On Aileru Claim of Electoral Fraud and Walkout, the Vice Chairman insisted, “It is on record that Alhaji Saliu Oluwadare Aileru voluntarily withdrew from the election, not because of any fraud, but because he sensed imminent defeat following the overwhelming support enjoyed by his opponent (Dr. Solih Musa Kolawole Owonikoko Imoloba) among the delegates.

 

“His withdrawal was a desperate face-saving attempt to justify his poor standing within the Union. The congress continued peacefully after his exit, and the election proceeded in accordance with the approved open ballot system.

 

“To now turn around and describe the process he abandoned midway as “fraudulent” is dishonest, malicious, and unbecoming of a person who once sought leadership within our noble Union.

 

“On the Adoption of the Open Ballot System, the open ballot system was openly proposed by the electoral officers and approved by voice vote of the delegates before voting commenced. No objection was raised by any accredited delegate, and the process was carried out with transparency and fairness.

 

“All contestants were duly nominated and seconded in line with the IEDPU Constitution. The results were counted openly and announced immediately in the presence of observers, delegates, and the National Executive members.

 

“On the Integrity of the Electoral Committee and National Executives

The National Executive members who conducted the election are men of proven integrity and long-standing service to the Ilorin Emirate and to IEDPU. Their involvement ensured impartiality, orderliness, and transparency.

 

“It is therefore mischievous and defamatory for Alhaji Aileru to describe the process as a “gang-up.” The only “gang-up” was the congress’s collective rejection of imposition and indiscipline.

 

However, the election still went on as delegates voted for their choice candidates respectively and the results are declared on the spot, while the newly elected officers are sworn-in on the presence of the Union National delegation, led by the President of IEDPU, Alhaji Abdulmumini Ayo Abdulmalik.

 

“We call on all members to rally behind the new leadership and reject the divisive antics of those who place personal interest above collective development. The Union stands firm, unshaken, and resolute in the face of baseless blackmail” Alhaji Baba remarked

2027 : Utomi, Falana, Bugaje, others form new coalition

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A wide-ranging alliance of political figures, civil society leaders, labour representatives and pro-democracy activists has unveiled a new national platform dedicated to overhauling Nigeria’s troubled electoral system.

 

The initiative, called the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE), emerged from the 2025 National Political Summit on Credible Elections and Political Stability of Nigeria, which took place on Tuesday in Abuja.

 

The summit was convened by the National Consultative Front (NCFront) in collaboration with the Labour & Civil Society Front (LCSF), drawing more than 600 participants from political parties, public institutions, the private sector, diaspora networks, academia and civic organisations. With the private sector, diaspora networks, academia and civic organisations. With the theme “Critical & Mandatory Constitutional Amendments for Credible Elections in 2027,” the gathering sought to outline a unified national blueprint for electoral reforms ahead of the next general election.

 

Messages were delivered by former President Goodluck Jonathan; former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf; former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi; and former presidential candidate Peter Obi. Also participating were NLC President Joe Ajaero; Pat Utomi, who chaired the organising committee; former Minister and keynote speaker Oby Ezekwesili; Shehu Sani; IPAC Chairman Mamman Dantalle; Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim; and legal practitioner Adewole Adebayo.

Much of the conversation centred on Nigeria’s worsening insecurity and the potential implications for the 2027 polls. Participants cited external warnings — including those attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump — as evidence that the country’s political stability is under serious strain.

 

Contributors argued that the unchecked rise in banditry, terrorism and violent crime has weakened state authority and created an environment where non-state actors flourish. They warned that the government’s inability to guarantee basic security has left the nation vulnerable to foreign interference.

 

Delegates also said the deteriorating security climate poses a direct threat to the next general elections, cautioning that many communities could be unreachable unless swift reforms are enacted. Several speakers maintained that credible elections cannot occur when citizens are displaced, intimidated

or denied access to polling centres.

 

Participants further faulted Nigeria’s political parties, accusing them of weak internal democracy and abuse of candidate-selection processes. According to speakers, these failings have transformed parties into vehicles for transactional politics rather than institutions that produce capable leaders, contributing to a broader governance breakdown.

 

Stakeholders at the summit jointly denounced the entrenched practices of rigging, vote buying, ballot snatching, suppression of voters, manipulation of results and the extensive litigation that follows nearly every election. They argued that unless these behaviours are eliminated, the integrity of the 2027 elections will remain questionable.

 

Speakers also noted that public trust in the electoral process has eroded, with outcomes often failing to reflect actual votes cast. Many referenced past instances where judicial rulings — rather than citizen ballots — determined winners, which they said has discouraged voter participation and weakened democracy.

 

Following extensive deliberations, the summit endorsed a series of reform proposals aimed at reengineering Nigeria’s electoral infrastructure.

 

A major focus was the need for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to receive funding directly from the Federation Account to limit undue influence. Stakeholders also called for INEC to adopt an open budgeting system that allows civil society oversight of its expenditures.

 

Participants insisted that INEC must be constitutionally empowered to prosecute electoral offenders without depending on the Police or the Attorney-General’s office. They urged lawmakers to legalise early voting, diaspora voting, electronic voting and real-time electronic transmission of results, saying these measures would significantly curb manipulation.“Early voting, diaspora voting, electronic voting, and real-time electronic transmission of results should be made legally mandatory to reduce or eradicate manipulation and circumvention of election results,” they said.

 

Delegates also pressed for reforms to the appointment process of INEC commissioners, arguing that the task should be removed from the Executive and handed to a diverse set of respected national actors. They condemned the current trend where courts decide final outcomes, calling it a distortion that undermines trust.

 

The summit further sought constitutional provisions for special seats for women and vulnerable groups, stating that: “The National Assembly should be compelled to provide for special seats for women and other vulnerable groups in the constitution to be elected and participate in governance.”

 

Another proposal was to shift the burden of proof in election petitions from candidates to INEC, which would be required to defend the results it announces.

 

A highlight of the event was the official rollout of the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE), designed as a broad citizen-driven platform mobilising Nigerians to demand clean elections and counter attempts at manipulation ahead of 2027.

 

The movement aims to build alliances across regions, professions and political interests, making electoral fraud both socially unacceptable and politically costly.

 

A 23-member Interim Steering Council was inaugurated to guide the new movement. Pat Utomi will chair the council, with former NLC  President Ayuba Wabba serving as co-chair.

 

Other prominent members include Usman Bugaje (Deputy Chair, North), Nkoyo Toyo (Deputy Chair, South), human rights lawyer Femi Falana, Shehu Sani, Ankio Briggs, Bilikisu Magoro, Ene Obi and Peter Ameh.

 

The communiqué was signed by James Ezema, who was named Media Coordinator, while Olawale Okunniyi will lead the secretariat.

 

Additional members — including youth leaders, finance directors, mobilisation coordinators and communication specialists — were also announced. They are Alex Adum; Promise Adewusi, Director of Administration; Chris Uyot, Director of Mobilisation; Hamisu Turaki, Director of Mobilisation; Chris Iyovwaye, Director of Finance; Chris Azor, Director of Mobilisation; Mark Adebayo, Director of Mobilisation; Mustapha Nwaokobia, Director of Communications; Peter Akah, Director of Publicity; Kamal Ahmed, Youth Coordinator; and Hauwa Mustapha, Deputy Head of Secretariat.

 

(PREMIUM TIMES)

Quit illicit drug trade now or get ready for more hard time, Marwa warns barons, cartels

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

 

Thanks President Tinubu for his reappointment to continue ongoing efforts against drug menace

 

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) has warned drug barons, traffickers and their cartels to quit the criminal trade or face more hard time during his second tenure.

Marwa who was reappointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second tenure of five years on Friday 14th November 2025 told jubilating management staff, officers, men and women of the Agency who gathered to welcome him at its National Headquarters in Abuja following the presidential announcement that his second tenure will be hell and bleak for those who fail to quit the illicit drug trade. He expressed appreciation to the president for the recognition of ongoing efforts against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country.

 

 

“First of all, what a surprise, I did not expect to come back from jumat service to meet these great felicitations, dancing and singing by our personnel. Thank you very much. We would like to thank the almighty God, because always the glory has to go to Him for everything. We thank the President and Commander-in-Chief for the special recognition of our collective efforts and the new mandate for us to continue with the war against drug abuse and trafficking. I thank the management, officers, men and women of the agency, who continue to provide service to the nation 24/7, in spite of the risks that you all face”, he stated.

He also acknowledged the unflinching support by the Hon. Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN and the Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun while also expressing thanks to “all our local and international partners, with whom we have continued to collaborate towards ridding Nigeria of illicit substances.”

For the drug cartels, Marwa has a message: “First, this word must go to the cartels. The cartels have not seen anything yet. I promise them this second tenure is going to be hell and bleak for them. Drugs shall not pass, in or out or within Nigeria.” He reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment towards President Tinubu’s mandate, assuring that “in line with our Act, we will continue to do our level best. I remember in my inaugural speech, the day I took over, and I said very clearly that NDLEA will be feared by the drug cartels. And that’s just the beginning.”

“At the same time, I must appeal to those who are engaged in illicit drug trafficking that this is the right time for them to drop that criminal business and face something legitimate. It is in line with that that we established the Alternative Development Unit, which seeks to persuade those who are perpetrating the illicit drug activities, particularly cannabis growers, who are our greatest challenge in Nigeria, to desist from the habit, collaborate with us. We are going to support towards licit cultivation of crops that are legitimate, legal, and you can sleep with your two eyes closed.

 

 

“But those who refuse to do that can be sure that the NDLEA is up and able on its task of law enforcement. You will be arrested, the drugs will be seized, and your assets will be confiscated. So, you come out from jail, there will be nothing left.”

He also assured that the Agency will remain committed to its drug demand reduction efforts. “I’ll take the opportunity again to announce the rededication of our efforts towards prevention, sensitization, counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation of our children in our 30 rehabilitation centres. And with the support of the President and the Renewed Hope Agenda, seven more rehab centres are coming up under the 2025 budget that will now make every state to have its own rehab centre.

“And as well, there will be zonal rehab, more rehab centres and we are getting full collaboration from the Honorable Minister of Health. We appreciate his efforts also, and the Honorable Minister of Education, who has accepted our recommendation for drug tests for our children on admission to tertiary institutions, so that with this we can catch them young before it gets into addiction stage. May the Almighty God bless our President, bless all those that are supporting us, bless the officers, men and women of NDLEA.”

Wike speaks on clash with naval officer, says Obasanjo, T.Y. Danjuma contacted him over land issue

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has broken his silence on the recent confrontation with a naval officer, Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, concerning a disputed plot of land reportedly owned by former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (retd).

Speaking to journalists on Thursday ahead of the FCT Executive Council meeting, Wike criticised what he described as the retired naval chief’s “impunity” for deploying serving officers to protect the contested property.

Responding to those who questioned his decision to personally visit the site, the minister said he could not ignore reports of government officials being assaulted while carrying out their duties.

“How can I sit as a minister when government officials are being attacked and beaten up, officials at the level of directors? And I’ll just sit in my office doing what?” he asked.

Earlier reports indicated that Wike and Lieutenant Yerima had engaged in a heated exchange on Tuesday at Plot 1946, Gaduwa District, Abuja — a piece of land said to belong to the retired naval chief. The minister accused Gambo of illegally developing the property and condemned the alleged assault on Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) staff who attempted to stop the ongoing construction.

Addressing the issue further, the former Rivers State governor decried the use of military personnel to obstruct lawful enforcement by FCT officials.

“Many influential Nigerians have had similar land issues. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, a former head of state and president, will simply call me. He’ll say, ‘Minister, I have a problem on this land, can you help?’ and I’ll solve it.

“That is a former head of state — a former president — who has the courtesy to call the minister. General T.Y. Danjuma will do the same. They never sent soldiers to attack anybody. They just call,” Wike said.

He also faulted the naval officer for allegedly referring to police officers on the scene as “bloody police.”

“Nobody talks like that. A security man saying, ‘Bloody police! Who are these bloody police that will talk to you?’ You say you’re a commissioned officer, to God be the glory, but it is these same government officials you’re beating — the ones who made you what you are,” he stated.

Wike, however, clarified that his actions were not targeted at the Nigerian military as an institution, stressing that he holds deep respect for the armed forces.

“I have respect for the military, and I’ll continue to respect them. I know what the institution stands for. I’m not a fool; I went to school. So anyone trying to suggest I have problems with them is wrong. I have no problem with the military, and I never will. Why would I have issues with the government? But this is a private matter,” he said.

Libya deports 80 Nigerians

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Libyan authorities have repatriated 80 Nigerian nationals who were detained in different holding centres across the country as part of an ongoing operation aimed at tackling irregular migration and easing congestion in detention facilities.

The exercise was coordinated by Libya’s Department for Combating Illegal Migration (DCIM) in partnership with the Nigerian Consulate in Tripoli. The deported migrants were flown out of the country via Mitiga International Airport on Wednesday.

Migrant Rescue Watch, an organisation that monitors migrant welfare and human rights issues in Libya, confirmed the development, noting that the deportation was carried out following directives from the Libyan Judicial Police.

In a post shared on X on Wednesday, the group stated, “Judicial Police Dept. on orders of Public Prosecutor’s Office transferred a group of undocumented migrant females of Nigerian nationality to DCIM custody in Tripoli. All females were served with judicial deportation order and are awaiting deportation.”

The organisation added that the latest group of returnees included some migrants previously transferred under judicial orders.

“#Libya 11.11.25 – DCIM with Nigerian consular support, repatriated 80 migrants of Nigerian nationality via Mitiga Int. Airport in Tripoli. The group includes migrants transferred by the Judicial Police who were served with judicial deportation order,” the statement read.

The deportation is part of renewed collaborative efforts between Libyan authorities and diplomatic missions to address the presence of undocumented migrants and improve conditions in the country’s overcrowded detention facilities.

Lagos Police Gender Unit shielding Lebanese accused of defiling children

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By Juliana Francis

A major confrontation unfolded at the Gender Unit of the Lagos State Police Command in Ikeja on Thursday, November 8, 2025, as a high-profile child defilement case involving a Lebanese took a disturbing turn.

Ms Lolade Ajayi, Executive Director of DOHS Cares Foundation, intervened to prevent the police from allegedly releasing a Lebanese national accused of sexually abusing multiple minors, a suspect known to the children as “Uncle Cobus.”

DOHS Cares Foundation, an organisation championing the rights of women, children, and vulnerable groups, has been closely following the case, which it fears may be connected to a larger child sex trafficking ring.

The child was also taken to a psychologist because of the trauma she suffered, where she consistently maintained her story until the most recent visit to the Ikeja Gender Unit.

Medical experts at Mirabel Centre, LASUTH, said that the child was repeatedly violated.

Security News Alert learned that the Lebanese individual, under the guise of philanthropy and sponsoring children’s education, had sexually abused more than eight children.

 

Disturbing Development at the Police Station

 

The Thursday incident, occurred when the young victim was brought to the station with her father, as well as her mother, who is estranged from the father and allegedly introduced the child to the suspect.

According to Ajayi, the child, who had previously maintained a consistent account of sexual violation and even led investigators to the suspect’s home, suddenly changed her story.

This shift happened after she was taken into a police office and questioned without the presence of her father, legal counsel, or any human rights advocate.

She came out from the police office, crying and recanted a story she had maintained since April when the defilement was uncovered.

“This child had previously led investigators to the suspect’s house, described other victims, and undergone medical tests confirming sexual abuse,” Ajayi stated. “Suddenly, she denies it all. Something is wrong.”

Ajayi expressed concern that the child may have been coerced or intimidated into recanting her statement by the police or the mother.

This action of taking the child into an office and facing police personnel alone, directly violates the Child Rights Act (CRA) and international standards, which mandate that a parent, guardian, or child protection officer must be present during the questioning of a minor.

According to Ajayi, instead of detaining the alleged perpetrator, the police reportedly treated the suspect likr a royalty and were preparing to release him, citing the absence of the Commissioner of Police.

“I shouted, ‘No! This man must not go. He is a sexual abuser! Ajayi recounted, insisting that under Lagos State law, a suspect in a child defilement case must be detained immediately pending investigation and prosecution.

During the heated confrontation, the child’s mother allegedly assaulted Ajayi, causing a swollen mouth and a bleeding wrist.

Despite her injuries, Ajayi maintained her protest, forcing officers to take the suspect back into custody.

However, the situation escalated when a police officer was seen escorting the suspect out in a jeep bearing a Federal Government number plate.

Ajayi claims the police told her the suspect was being taken to the Commissioner of Police, but the Officer-in-Charge left abruptly.

She fears this is another attempt to secure his release, noting that the suspect has a history of allegedly leveraging connections, including the Department of State Services (DSS), to intimidate the victim’s family and derail the case.

Background: How the Story Started

The allegations against the foreign national first came to light in April, when the victim’s father became a whistle-blower after discovering his daughter had been repeatedly defiled.

According to the child’s account, her relative took her twice to “Uncle Cobus’s” residence.

She saw approximately nine other girls her age on the first visit. She alleges the suspect forced her to play with his genitals and later penetrated her.

When she confided in her mother, Bunmi, estranged from her father, Stephen, the mother allegedly urged her not to tell the father, defending the suspect as a philanthropist running an NGO who pays school fees for children.

The abuse was uncovered when the girl began exhibiting inappropriate behaviour at home. When questioned, she described the abuse and mentioned how other children were also taken to the suspect’s home to “play in the swimming room.”

Before the father could confront the suspect, he was summoned to the DSS office in the Shangisha area of over a petition alleging defamation, despite the DSS invitation stating the meeting was to investigate the alleged molestation.

Ajayi strongly condemned the DSS’s involvement, accusing the agency of straying from its national security mandate to meddle in a serious criminal case.

“Why is DSS handling a defilement case? The defamation claim is spurious. This is a rape case, not a matter for mediation,” Ajayi said.

“We fear this may be part of a larger child sex trafficking ring. Justice must not be derailed.”

Ajayi is calling on the media and the public to monitor the case closely, sharing photos and the suspect’s license plate number to ensure the case is not buried.

“This perpetrator must not go scot-free,” she declared. “Even if my blood is spilt, justice must be served!”

Ajayi said the most disturbing revelation is that both the DSS and the Police Gender Unit appear to be shielding the identity of the foreign suspect, refusing to disclose his full name to either the human rights activist or the victim’s father.

Ms. Ajayi voiced two primary concerns regarding the ongoing case. Firstly, she worries about the trauma endured by the child victim.

Secondly, she fears that the case may be truncated by law enforcement agents.

Ajayi alleges that the agents are not interested in securing justice for the child but are instead focused on protecting the alleged perpetrator and concealing his identity.

Ajayi also expressed concern that the Lebanese suspect’s philanthropic organisation has not been shut down.

She believes that because this organisation is still operational, more children are likely being sexually violated while the suspect continues to operate freely, in clear violation of Lagos State laws concerning child protection.

The matter has been ongoing since April, and according to Ajayi, law enforcement agents are continually slowing the process of justice.

She notes that the Lebanese suspect has evaded arrest and detention since April. His modus operandi, according to Ajayi, is to use his lawyer to inform law enforcement that he is out of the country, all while he allegedly remains free in Nigeria.

Accusations of unprofessionalism against the Gender Unit of the Lagos State Police Command are recurrent, but the police leadership has always maintained a pattern of silence.

 

The Officer in Charge of the Gender Unit at the Lagos State Police Command, Assistant Commissioner of Police Ms Toyin Kazeem, has refuted claims regarding the release of the suspect.

Speaking to Security News Alert, Kazeem stated that the allegation was false.

She also denied reports suggesting that the child involved was coerced by the Police into retracting her statement about the alleged actions of the Lebanese suspect.

“These allegations are extremely far from the truth, please.

“You are welcome to bring all parties to the Commissioner of Police’s interview to get a clearer picture.”

She, however, did not give a date or time for the parties to meet with the CP.

When Kazeem was asked the name of the alleged perpetrator, she said, “You know I cannot divulge information about cases under investigation.”

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Kazeem declined to provide further details on the case, directing the reporter to obtain the official facts from the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Superintendent of Police (SP) Abimbola Adebisi.

 

When the reporter contacted SP Adebisi on November 9th, she confirmed that the Lebanese national had been arrested.

However, she stated she did not have the complete story regarding the defilement allegations.

Adebisi explained that she would not have the full facts until the following Monday, when she would be in the office, and asked the reporter to meet her at her office on Tuesday at 1pm.

On Monday, the reporter reached out to confirm the Tuesday appointment. SP Adebisi replied that she was unwell and would not be coming to the office.

Following this delay, the reporter informed Adebisi that she would proceed with publishing the first part of the story immediately and would incorporate Adebisi’s official facts regarding the defilement incident, representing the police side, in a subsequent Part Two publication.

Appeal To Governor Bababeji Sanwoolu On Eti-Osa Roads

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By EBUN-OLU ADEGBORUWA, SAN

 

 

I join the good people of Lagos State to commend the Lagos State Government on infrastructure development, especially in the area of road construction.

It is gratifying that the Lagos-Epe Expressway has progressed without stoppage.

However, the announcement of commencement of comprehensive repairs of the main sections of the road require drastic measures that will ease the expected traffic congestion and the pains that people will go through. The sections to be affected by the repairs are the busiest portions of the road.

I therefore humbly suggest the following measures:

1. Permanent traffic officers should be stationed at major sections of the road during the period of the repairs, to manage traffic.

2. Emergency medical services along the road corridor should be maintained, to cater for cases that may require urgent medical attention.

3. Effective collaboration between federal and Lagos State authorities to open the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as alternative route for motorists.

4. Accelerate the construction of the Lekki Regional Road to ease traffic congestion on the main expressway.

5. Consider late night hours for serious repairs works and movement of heavy machinery and equipment.

Given the peculiar terrain of the Eti-Osa area, government should consider more lasting road maintenance mechanisms that may involve either concrete or interlocking paving stones to achieve maximum efficiency and durability.

With the humongous amount of money comikg into the coffers of Lagos State from the federetion account and IGR, a permanent solution to road construction and maintenance should not be difficult to attain.

God bless Lagos State.

God bless Nigeria.

Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN

Lekki, Lagos.

Arms proliferation and the dangers ahead

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By Ayo Oyoze Baje

 

 

Quote

 

“I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only Vaulting ambition, which overleaps itself and falls on the other.”

 

-William Shakespeare ( Macbeth )

 

 

Let us begin with the pertinent questions: How do you feel getting to know that

Nigeria currently accounts for 70% of 11 million illegal arms and light weapons in West Africa, as made available by the National Center for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW)?

And what is your response to the fact that illegal arms dealings are largely responsible for Nigeria’s 2.2 million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and 26,000 refugees in neighboring countries, as revealed by Mr Alex Ebimiebo, the South- South Zonal Director of the NCCSALW,? He added that arms proliferation has also led to economic distortions, an increase in violence, crime, and impediment to peacebuilding. He was the man who raised alarm over Nigeria accounting for 70 per cent of illegal arms in the Subregion. Shocked and sad, one must admit.

 

 

From whatever perspective you periscope the scary and sordid situation, the proliferation of illegal arms and ammunition has acted as catalyst to all manner of terrorism. These include those whose heinous crimes against humanity have made it possible for the United States President Donald Trump to accuse Nigeria of “Christian Genocide” and tag it a Country of Particular Concern ( CPC).Amongst them are the Boko Haram, ISWAP, bandits, armed Fulani herders, kidnappers, Lakurawa and the new Mahmuda insurgents who keep unleashing horror and havoc on their defenceless victims. That is so in the mineral-rich states of as Zamfara and Plateau in addition to the fertile fields of Benue and Ondo. In addition,

Illegal weapons are also made available to the IPOB members in the South – East geo-political zone, and the oil thieves in the oil-rich Niger-Delta,South-South zone. But what really are the factors that have fuelled their proliferation and use?

 

 

So far, experts on security have identified both corruption and poor governance as the bane to small arms proliferation in Nigeria. Others include unemployment and poverty in the country. These elements have contributed significantly to arms proliferation in Nigeria. But there are other root causes of the menace.

 

 

Let us name and shame them: The insatiable Greed to hang on to the perquisites of plundering political power at all costs-to serve the self instead of the state – akin to what William Shakespeare described as the vaulting ambition that rises but falls on the other side. There are also the pervasive crass culture of impunity identified as the causative factors. One is talking about the monster of impunity roaring in a dysfunctional political structure,. That is precisely one that is skewed and

abysmally so in favour of the rotten-rich ruling elite that keeps recycling themselves from one cloudy election season to another. That perhaps, explains why the sins of some politicians are miraculously wiped off once they defect from one craftily destroyed party to seek protection under the widening wings of another.

 

 

Worse still, is the gross disregard for the sanctity of priceless, and irreplaceable human life, Imagine thr killing spree going on in some states up north while their governors are busy openly negotiating with the bandits! Is the life of the victims not important?

That means that the identification and mass mopping of such weapons has become a must.

 

 

That was highlighted by Ebimiebo who reportedly made the remark at the Naval Warfare Course 9 Inter-Agency seminar, organised by the Naval War College in Calabar not long ago. He presented a paper titled: “Strengthening Security Agencies Collaboration to Counter Illicit Arms Proliferation for Enhanced National Security in Nigeria.”

He, however, called for a holistic approach from all Nigerians to tackle the insecurity challenge, saying that NCCSALW would take the fight to society, as security is the responsibility of everyone of us.

 

 

Similarly, Rear Adm. Akinola Oludude, Commandant of the Naval War College, has expressed concern about the influx of illicit arms into Nigeria since 2020. These he attributed to the extensive borderline of about 4,470 kilometers between Nigeria, the Republic of Benin, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon. He also noted that the nation’s maritime domain, which extended over 853 kilometers of coastline and the Gulf of Guinea, had not helped either.

 

 

In the light of this, it is good to note that President Bola Tinubu has signed a bill establishing the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons. The bill provides legislative support for the centre, which has been operational since 2021, enhancing its mandate to address the illegal flow of arms and improve security across the country. As the National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu highlighted, the importance of this new legislation is in tackling violence and instability, particularly by enforcing international agreements such as the ECOWAS Convention. Achievements to date include recovering illegal firearms and prosecuting suspects.

Implications of illegal arms proliferation in Nigeria.

 

 

In terms of solutions, we need to involve the whole society in this fight against the challenge of arms proliferation. Since the NCCSALW center has a lot of programmes for collaboration with sister agencies, with advocacy and sensitisation programmes members of the general public should be frequently enlightened As Oludude highlighted,there should be inter-agency collaboration to tackle the proliferation of arms because

no single agency, regardless of its resources or dedication, could effectively tackle the complex challenge alone.

 

 

Of significance, is the need for the government to continue to invest in training, technology, and intelligence gathering. All of these will boost the capability of the security agencies to do away with illegal arms and ammunition. That is as rightly suggested by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the Eastern Naval Command, Rear Adm. Kennedy Ezete

 

 

As the 2027 general election inches closer by the day and so much attention focused on it, concerted effors should be on to forestall violence, by walking the talk on identifying and seizing illegal arms and ammunition.With the revelation made in the 2021 survey by the NCCSALW that over six million illegaly weapons were in circulation in the country and United States’ attention on killingd in the country now is the time for President Tinubu to muster the political will to bring all the sponsors of terrorism to prompt prosecution and speedy justice.

US couldn’t operate in Africa without Nigeria’s approval under me – Obasanjo

Posted on by admin50

 

 

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo on Monday recalled that during his tenure as Head of State, late US President Jimmy Carter would not undertake any actions in Africa without his knowledge.

His remarks appeared to subtly reference the recent controversy surrounding President Donald Trump’s military threat against Nigeria.

The comments come in the wake of Trump’s statements on X (formerly Twitter) between October 31 and November 1, in which he condemned the ongoing killings in Nigeria and declared that the United States was ready to deploy its military if the Federal Government failed to curb attacks by jihadist groups.

The federal government particularly rejected Trump’s allegations, insisting that the country’s insecurity affects all religious groups.

Speaking on Monday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during the Presidential Youth Mentorship Retreat (6.0) organised by the Youth Development Centre, an arm of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Obasanjo did not make a direct remark to the ongoing controversy, but he tactfully recalled how the US under Carter held Nigeria in high esteem.

Obasanjo and Cater, who died recently in December 2024, were regarded as best of friends.

In January this year, Obasanjo held a memorial service in Abeokuta in honour of Carter, where he paid glowing tributes to the late US President who died at age 100.

According to Obasanjo, right from independence, the world and indeed America saw Nigeria as Africa’s leader, saying the country lost the confidence at some point before the Muritala-Obasanjo military regime “brought it back. “

Going down memory lane, Obasanjo said Cater as the US President would not do anything on African soil without informing the Nigerian government when he was Head of State.

“They were not taking permission from us but they will tell us that ‘they are doing this,’” Obasanjo recalled.

He said “When I was president and Head of State, three American presidents came to Nigeria. They have not lost anything that they were looking for in Nigeria. What did they see? At Independence, the world saw Nigeria as a giant coming up. Soon after independence, we lost that. When Muritala and I came into government, we brought it back.

“The Americas saw that there was a possibility of Nigeria being Africa’s leader and we were on the way. When I was military head of state, President Jimmy Carter was the president of America, he would not do anything in Africa without informing us. They are not taking permission from us but they will tell us that ‘they are doing this.’

He also recalled that a couple of the then under 40 military leaders including himself were always driven by the belief that Africa and Nigeria must be liberated.

“We were young. We were idealistic and we knew what we wanted for Nigeria. It was not about money. We were young, we were all under 40, all of us. We were probably a bit naïve too. But our ambition is not money,” Obasanjo said.

The retreat with the theme “Africa and the Conflicts in Europe and the Middle East”, attracted participating youths from across Nigeria and parts of other African nations.

During the mentorship session, Obasanjo challenged African youths to be positively disruptive in order to take their rightful positions in leadership across the continent.

Citing examples of sit-tight syndrome in Africa, Obasanjo told the youths to see themselves as leaders of today and not leaders of tomorrow.

He said “You are leaders of today because if you leave tomorrow in the hands of leaders who are there today, they will destroy it, you won’t have your tomorrow. You can see that happening almost everywhere.

“Cameroon just had an election. My brother, Paul Biya is 92. So, what are you going to do with the youths, or are there no youths in Cameroon?

“Here (referring to Nigeria), we have NotTooYoungToRun and they even made it into law. Those who made it into law are 80 years old and they are still running. When will you have the opportunity to run? Like I said to you yesterday, you have to be positively disruptive and I mean that.

“Look, if three people are sitting and two of them start to press the one in the middle, when it becomes uncomfortable for him, it is either he yields the space or allows them to share. You have to be positively disruptive; otherwise, you will have no role to play.”

He further asked youths to leverage their population to take over leadership positions.

“You have the number, but the number will only matter when you use the number to your advantage,” Obasanjo said.

The elder statesman, however, expressed concern that some youths in the government have “not proven that youths can be absolutely trusted.”

Since Obasanjo left power, no US President has stepped his feet on Nigerian soil.

 

(DailyTrust)

Kogi: Revisiting the Yahaya Bello years of the locusts

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By Jethro Akowe

 

 

There is no shred of doubt that Kogi State’s political orbit and power loop today revolve around the persona of former Governor Yahaya Bello, who is the Numero uno in the current political structure and hierarchy.

Not many people are as lucky as the gap-toothed erstwhile first citizen of the Confluence State. Against the run of the mill, Bello, who was not on the ballot for the position of Governor of Kogi State in the 2015 off-cycle election, being the biggest beneficiary of an unforeseen natural occurrence paving the way for him to inherit the votes of the APC’s candidate, Prince Abubakar Audu, who died hours before the announcement of the poll’s result. Bello’s pathway to the exalted office was his participation in the All Progressives Congress’s, APC Guber Primary election, where he came second place.

After the Buhari government’s massive deployment of hitherto untested legal instruments and arguments to railroad Bello to power at the expense of the running mate to Audu, James Abiodun Faleke, the new man of power quickly consolidated his influence, using a combination of crude force and starvation tactics through a most haphazard salary regime to silence the people.

The first signals that Bello would not be subservient to or take orders from anybody became manifest early in the life of his administration. He had hardly settled in his new office when he dismantled the coalition of forces that rallied around him to gain power. Dino Melaye, then Kogiwest Senator, was shovelled aside as the young landlord of Lugard House built a youthful cult of loyal supporters, dispensing political patronage and economic empowerment to them to become formidable power player.

In his bid to consolidate power, Bello showed unbridled desperation and built an armed wing that served as the machinery of intimidation and coercion. He became lethal while those who wanted to live in peace moved out of the state for him. Indeed, many opposition stakeholders had to stay away from their constituencies and gave up their electoral rights to avoid being caught up in the viral violence that his goons unleashed during elections across the state.

It was with mortal fear that political conversations about the bad governance and insecurity under his watch were brought up as it was generally believed that he had intelligence gatherers among the populace who executed judgement and served justice to rumour mongers and gossips. That was when some people devised the nickname ‘Ojo’ to veil him in their daily conversations.

Yet not many would believe back then that a young and lucky man who literally had power, fortune and fame placed on his laps would become so despotic, lacking in empathy, callous, and apathetic to the needs and desires of his people. For eight years, Bello ran a government detached and disconnected from the people he was supposed to serve. His self-styled new direction government totally lacked focus.

His first term in office was in pursuit of vainglorious, tangential, and non legacy promoting activities. A state-wide staff audit went on for almost four years, during which most workers were not on the payroll and had to resort to begging to feed. Some died in the process. Little did the people know that he was perfecting the groundwork for the grandest larceny of the public treasury.

As revelations from the investigations conducted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, show, Bello was alleged to have converted N90 billion of the state resources to personal use, acquiring massive real estate portfolio and living a life of ostentation. The case and several others are still in court as the anti-graft agency is pursuing a legal case to strip him of these proceeds of unlawful self enrichment.

While one man didn’t have moral restraints in amassing N90 billion for self aggrandisement, paying the civil servants their well-deserved salaries that could barely sustain them became an issue. Where salaries were not delayed, they were not paid in full, especially at the local government level. Yet full appropriations were made for such funds to be released for salary payment.

Bello was just a grade level 12 officer at the Fiscal Mobilisation and Revenue Allocation Commission, Abuja before joining politics as a 41-year-old. He became wealthy as a civil servant, owning a transport company, FairPlus Transport

After his primary and secondary education in his hometown, Agassa, in Okene Local Government Area, he proceeded to the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration degree from the same institution.

Bello has grown politically, installing fellow Ebira man, Ahmed Usman Ododo as his successor to the consternation of the deprived Okun people of Kogiwest and the Igala people of Kogi East who had hoped they would regain power in 2023. In fact, Ododo is said to be his cousin. There is no doubt that Bello is still calling the shots in Lugard House as Ododo, who acknowledges him as his mentor, has severally deployed state power to shield him from prosecution.

However, indications that Bello may not enjoy the confidence of the APC national head office emerged recently when he organised an endorsement rally for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Usman Ododo in Lokoja as part of the build up to the 2027 general elections. Not a single national official was at the rally, suggesting a sour relationship between Bello and the national headquarters of the ruling party.

For keen observers of the Yahaya Bello evolution, the October 18 rally is proof that the embattled former governor is like a fish with a fast receeding aquatic splendour. How long will this fish survive without water?

Akowe, an indigene of Kogi State, lives in Abaji, FCT