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‘Crime is not genius’: APC reacts to Obi’s Yahoo boys’ genius comments

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The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his comment describing internet fraudsters, popularly known as Yahoo boys, as “geniuses” who need redirection.

In a statement issued Sunday by its spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, the Lagos APC described Obi’s remark as “morally reprehensible”.

Oladejo said it was disappointing and dangerous for someone who once aspired to lead Nigeria to make statements that appear to trivialise criminal behaviour in a country struggling to restore its moral values.

“There’s nothing genius about crime. Yahoo Yahoo is a social tragedy, not a talent.
“We are genuinely worried about Mr. Obi’s state of mind – one that glorifies fraudulent practices while condemning corruption and dishonesty in the same breath. Such contradiction exposes a profound moral confusion that has no place in leadership.”

He accused the former Anambra State governor of desperation for political relevance, saying Obi’s so-called compassion for fraudsters was misplaced.

“His desperation for attention has replaced reasoned leadership with reckless speech. There should be a limit to unbridled desperation,” the APC spokesman added.
Oladejo said Obi owed Nigerian youths an apology for misleading them during the 2023 elections “through propaganda, misinformation, and emotional manipulation,” urging him to stop making statements that undermine moral discipline among young people.

“He exploited their hopes, fed their frustrations, and built a campaign on deceit and social media hysteria. The least he can do now is to retain some modicum of respect by refraining from further embarrassing statements that insult the intelligence of the same young people he deceived.
“True leadership demands responsibility, not recklessness; moral strength, not moral confusion,” he stated.

While insisting that the APC supports youth empowerment and innovation, the party rejected any attempt to romanticise or excuse cybercrime.

“Internet fraud is not genius; it is theft, deceit, and moral failure.
“Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigerian youths are being equipped with real opportunities through initiatives such as the 3MTT (Three Million Technical Talent Programme), NELFUND, and digital innovation programmes that provide legitimate avenues for success,” Oladejo said.

The APC emphasised that leadership must be grounded in values and integrity, not populism or social media appeal.
“Leadership is about values, not vibes; about integrity, not impulsiveness. Mr. Obi’s latest outburst is a tragic reminder that populism without principle is a danger to democracy,” the statement read.

Obi had, on Saturday, while addressing a youth conference in Onitsha themed “Money Beyond Wealth,” stated that some Yahoo boys possessed creativity and intelligence that could be redirected towards productive enterprise if properly guided.
He noted that reckless pursuit of money can destroy both character and community, stressing that money is just a fraction of true wealth.

“I reminded our young people that while money is important, it is only a fragment of true wealth, which rests on integrity, character, and purpose. Real wealth uplifts both the individual and society, promotes education, reduces poverty, and creates opportunities for others to live dignified lives.

“I told the youths that some of our so-called Yahoo boys are geniuses who need redirection, not condemnation. Their creativity and courage, if properly guided, can drive innovation and national development. Our challenge is to channel their energy from deception to productive enterprise.

“I also stressed that the reckless pursuit of money destroys both character and community. Leadership must lead by example, for a nation that rewards dishonesty cannot build integrity.
“I urged our youths to rediscover the dignity of labour and embrace hard work and innovation. Nations are built not by miracles but by men and women who think, work, and build,” Obi said in a statement.

Yahaya Bello under fire over use of Kogi State letterhead in letter to army chief

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Former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, has come under intense criticism after posting and later deleting a congratulatory letter to the newly appointed Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, written on the official Kogi State Government letterhead despite no longer being in office.

The letter, which bore the state coat of arms and Bello’s signature as “Executive Governor,” triggered widespread outrage after being shared on social media. Critics accused the former governor of clinging to power and blurring the boundary between personal identity and state authority.

In the letter, Bello congratulated the new Army Chief but included a contentious line that quickly drew attention, “It gives me renewed hope that my worthy successor, His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, will now have you in his corner as he continues to tackle insecurity in his domain.”
Observers said the remark was problematic, as it suggested that the Chief of Army Staff could “belong” in a governor’s “corner,” a distortion of the military’s federal command structure.

The civic accountability platform @Kogi_Xcommunity first drew attention to the issue. In a viral post, the group wrote: “Yahaya Adoza Bello, former Governor of Kogi State, has deleted his personally signed letter to the new Chief of Army Staff after facing backlash from netizens.

Despite no longer being in office, he continues to use the official Kogi State Governor’s letterhead bearing the state coat of arms — sparking concerns.”
The post immediately gained traction, with users accusing Bello of overstepping his bounds and refusing to detach himself from the trappings of power.
The backlash on X (formerly Twitter) was swift and unrelenting. @EmmanuelO_K: “Even after leaving office, Yahaya Bello still writes like a sitting governor. It’s embarrassing how some people just can’t let go of power.”

@KogiWatchdog: “Using state letterhead as a private citizen is a breach of protocol. It shows how Bello still sees Kogi as his property.”
@AyoolaWrites: “Leadership is not just about power — it’s about knowing when to let it go.”
Some supporters, however, argued that the letter might have been issued by aides who failed to update Bello’s stationery, calling it a “media oversight.”

Public affairs analyst Yusuf M.A. described the incident as “a case study in power hangover,” arguing that Bello’s choice of language and use of official insignia reveal “a deep-seated attachment to authority.”
“The Chief of Army Staff reports only to the President, not to any state governor,” he said. “To imply that a governor could ‘have’ the COAS in his corner is institutionally wrong and politically dangerous.”

He added that Bello’s description of Governor Ododo as “my worthy successor” further reinforced perceptions of a godfather complex.
“Bello speaks as if he still runs the state by proxy,” Yusuf said. “It’s an unspoken assertion of control and political ownership.”
Another political analyst, Dr. Ladi Olatunde, said the incident highlights the importance of optics in democratic leadership.

“Public trust thrives on perception,” she explained. “When a former governor uses official letterhead, it sends a message that the office and the individual are inseparable — which undermines institutional credibility.”
Following the backlash, Bello quietly deleted the post from his verified accounts. But screenshots of the letter continued to circulate widely, fuelling debate over ethical conduct and political decorum.

Some commentators have called on authorities to clarify whether the use of state insignia by former officeholders constitutes an administrative infraction. Others urged the Kogi State Government to issue a statement reinforcing official communication protocols.
“Deleting the post doesn’t erase the optics,” Yusuf M.A. noted. “If anything, it confirms that Bello recognised his misstep — after the damage was done.”

Timeline of the Controversy
On Friday, 24 October, Bello posted a congratulatory letter to COAS Waidi Shaibu, written on official Kogi Government letterhead. By Saturday, 25 October, civic group @Kogi_Xcommunity flagged the letter, sparking a wave of criticism across X.
Saturday night, screenshots of the letter trended nationwide; hashtags—#YahayaBello and #PowerHangover—appeared among top topics.
By Sunday morning, Bello deleted the post without explanation. Analysts and commentators continued to dissect the implications.

Key social media reactions included: “Former Governor or Shadow Governor?”, asked @TundeWrites; “Using state letterhead after tenure is impersonation, plain and simple,” said @Ada_Justice; “This is why Nigerians don’t trust political exits; they never really leave,” noted @NaijaPolTrack
For many Nigerians, the episode underscored a familiar theme in the country’s politics: the inability of some leaders to separate personal identity from public office.

“Statesmanship begins when the title ends,” Dr. Olatunde remarked. “But for Bello, the trappings of power seem harder to shed than the office itself.”
Though Bello’s letter was deleted, the controversy lingered, a symbolic reminder that in the digital age, every misstep in tone, form, or protocol becomes part of a leader’s legacy.

 

 

 

TOWARDS A YAHAYA BELLO DYNASTY IN KOGI POLITICS

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By Khalid Jaafar

 

 

Africa’s famous novelist and renowned literary progenitor, Chinua Achebe, avails us of a very instructive proverb in his classic work, *Things Fall Apart.* Alluding to the proclivity of man for spontaneous arrogance and grandstanding at the onset of good fortune, the proverb under reference cautions that “those who had their palm nut cracked for them by a benevolent spirit, must learn to be humble.” Older generations of Nigerians and Africans who grew up in agrarian environments, where they accompanied their parents to farm, sure know the difference between the textures of the coverings of the groundnut and the palm nut. They know that whereas the former can be broken by the snap of the fingers, stones are usually summoned in the forest and administered to the rock-hard shell of the latter. That is how tough it can be and that is why Achebe reminds of the imperative for gratitude if cracking palm nuts suddenly become as effortless as crushing groundnuts.

 

It is within the context of this proverb that this piece intends to x-ray the unbridled greed and gluttony of Yahaya Bello, immediate past Governor of Kogi State, hitherto a nondescript quantity just about a decade ago, who was hoisted by fate to the dizzying heights of fame, fortune and power. Those who know the Yahaya Bello trajectory remember that he was a lowly civil servant on grade level 12 at the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Allocation Commission, (RMFAC), just about a decade ago. He was reportedly disposed to living way beyond his legitimate remuneration, especially because he had an insatiable appetite for women, a pastime which required to be fiscally fed. It has been proferred that Bello came up with an ingenious rogue concept as desk officer covering some states for RMFAC, to collude with pliable state governors and local government chairmen, for the inflation of allocations to them from the federal government.

 

Bello it was said, would ensure that so much was added to the monthly average accruing to these subnationals. The difference above what should be the actual allocation, and the inflated figure, would subsequently be shared between the beneficiary subnational, and Yahaya Bello. It was through such underhand criminality, that he established *Fairplus Travel,* a private commercial transport company. Bello thus created the impression of an affluent young person, within such a short spell in the federal civil service, especially among his peers in Kogi Central, who saw him as having escaped grovelling poverty, prevalent in his parts. It is said that at this point, marabouts and psychics began to “prophesy” about Bello becoming Governor and ultimately, President.

 

How Bello a GL 12 civil servant was able to fund a gubernatorial primary in 2015 and emerge second beyond a respected veteran like the late Prince Abubakar Audu a two-term chief executive Kogi State should yet be interrogated by political analysts. It is on record, however, that in reaction to his failure at the governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), Bello reached out to the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Captain Idris Wada, just before the gubernatorial election of November 2015, and aligned with his ambition. Bello reportedly received gratification to the tune of N100million at the time, to avail Wada of his political structure in Kogi Central, to thwart the prospects of his own party the APC, whose banner was being flown by Audu.

 

On the cusp of electoral triumph that November 2015, Audu tragically died. A combination of unprecedentedly novel permutations unimaginably threw up Yahaya Bello, a man who was not on the ballot, as “inheritor” of Audu’s votes! Audu’s running mate in that election, James Abiodun Faleke, the expected logical successor to the mandate of his principal, was jettisoned. Ten years after, that “precedencial” electoral intervention perpetrated under the watch of former President Muhammadu Buhari, its locus is yet to be located in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, pristine or as amended. It remains an unprecedented electoral theft. Factors have been adduced for dumping Faleke when it mattered most. These include the desire of the Buhari cabal to moderate the growing political influence of Bola Tinubu who was a major factor in the presidential emergence of Buhari, and the need to reduce to barest minimum the presence of Christians in Government Houses in Nigeria’s North.

 

It is common knowledge that Bello’s reelection in 2019 was a brazen debasement of democracy. Electoral officers in Bello’s Kogi Central were kidnapped by gunmen, herded to Bello’s Okene home and ordered to fill out result sheets at gunpoint. Elsewhere across the state, Bello’s foot soldiers led by his Chief of Staff who would later become his Deputy, Edward Onoja, led an armed onslaught against voters. Bello’s “feat” was loudly celebrated in a spontaneous musical track performed by a section of his supporters who hailed him for giving the *ta-ta-ta-ta-ta* treatment to those who attempted to stand in Bello’s way. That alliterative expression was in obvious reference to the open deployment of illicit arms and ammunition in securing Bello his second term.

 

Despite his arguably abysmally poor performance in his eight years at the helm, Bello deployed incumbency, state power and resources to reinvent himself via his successor, Ahmed Ododo. Bello it is said, had previously promised to support as his replacement, as many of his aides as sought his blessings. Ododo was reportedly favoured because Bello perceived him as unambitious and would be easy to boss around by a control freak like him, a scenario which has largely played out in nearly two years of Ododo’s regime. Ododo it is opined, is a different breed from the loud, largely infantile Bello. He’s unassuming, humble, humane. Some say he’s timid as Bello his benefactor runs Ododo’s government by proxy. It has been alleged that Bello indeed still resides in the Kogi State Government House, while the incumbent lives in a private residence within the precincts of the seat of government. He got him to reappoint and retain most of the key operatives from his eight year rule as commissioners, advisers and heads of agencies.

 

What many find utterly distasteful and totally disagreeable is that Bello is already plotting the 12 years of gubernatorial politics in Kogi State, after 2027. Bello is in a manic frenzy about getting a second term for Ododo. This explains the impulsive “endorsement rally” held in Lokoja Saturday October 18, 2025, beneath the veneer of flagging off the 2027 presidential reelection campaign for President Tinubu. The rally therefore, was not about genuine love for the President. If Ododo does get a second term and stays in office until 2031, Kogi Central would have produced governors for the state for 16 consecutive years this Fourth Republic. The venerable Alhaji Adamu Atta from the same homestead as Yahaya Bello, was Governor of the Old Kwara State in Nigeria’s Second Republic, between 1979 and 1983.

 

But Bello is said to be looking even beyond 2031 when Ododo will be concluding his second term if he does get it. Bello announced at a recorded meeting with some of his loyalists recently, that he will also produce Ododo’s successor! Attention has since turned to Ali Bello, Chief of Staff to Ododo, who is officially assumed to be Bello’s nephew but is rumoured to be his biological son. As a philandering secondary school student, Yahaya Bello is said to have fathered Ali Bello. Ali is presently answering questions about how billions of naira from the vaults of Kogi State were ferried to Abuja *bureau de changes* and converted into foreign exchange when his uncle/father was governor. This is the succession masterplan which Yahaya Bello has drawn up to keep Kogi State enslaved, suppressed, retarded and oppressed in the foreseeable future. Yet this is not about Bello’s affection for the state. He is decidedly maniacal about the retention of control over the resources of Kogi State, a matter of life and survival for him and his cohorts.

 

Beyond the political class, all perceptive, well-meaning people of Kogi State, irrespective of local government of origin, federal constituency or senatorial zone, must be very worried about the grim prospects of the privatisation of the state by the vaulting ambitions of a single individual. People must speak out, they must engage with those who are not as far-sighted about the mortally injurious political landmines which lie ahead. All right-thinkers must come together to rescue the otherwise promising state from the vice grip of Kogi State’s modern day “absolute monarch.” The time is now.

–

 

*Khalid Jaafar, a public analyst writes from Kuroko, Kogi Central, Kogi State*

Reclaiming the Spirit of Public Service: The POHAN Example

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By: Rademene Asonye

In a nation where cynicism toward public office has hardened into habit, the emergence of the Public Office Holders Association of Nigeria (POHAN) offers a welcome ray of hope — a reminder that public service, when rightly understood, remains the highest form of patriotism.

Founded in February 2020 by Bashorun MD Eseyin, POHAN was conceived as the umbrella organization for all public office holders across Nigeria. In just five years, the Association has grown into a credible and reform-minded body, promoting integrity, patriotism, and efficiency in the Nigerian public sector. Its founding vision is bold: to rebuild a public service anchored on ethical values, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to the common good.

A Vision Rooted in Patriotism

The idea behind POHAN is not bureaucratic convenience but moral necessity. For decades, Nigeria’s public institutions have suffered from a deficit of trust. The civil service, once the pride of the nation, has in many respects become synonymous with inefficiency and neglect. Against this backdrop, Bashorun Eseyin’s initiative stands out as a deliberate effort to restore dignity and discipline to governance.

Eseyin, who serves as the founding President, envisioned POHAN as both a unifying and reformative platform — one that brings together office holders from all tiers of government under a shared ethos of service. His mission is clear: to rekindle the flame of patriotism in those who carry the burden of public responsibility and to remind them that leadership, at its core, is stewardship.

Partnerships that Empower and Reform

POHAN’s growing influence can be measured not only by its vision but by its partnerships. In collaboration with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), the Association has organized capacity-building and ethical reorientation programs designed to instill patriotism and efficiency in public servants.

Similarly, its partnership with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) reflects a recognition that reform must begin at the grassroots. By promoting ethical standards and accountability among local government leaders, POHAN is ensuring that good governance is not confined to the corridors of Abuja but reaches the communities where citizens live and work.

Through these alliances, POHAN has demonstrated that systemic change is achievable when institutions cooperate on shared values rather than political convenience.

A Platform of Credibility and Influence

POHAN’s activities have continued to attract an impressive array of national and international dignitaries. From Senator George Akume, Nigeria’s Secretary to the Government of the Federation, to global figures such as Sir Clyde Rivers and leadership advocate Dr. Sam Adeyemi, POHAN’s programs have drawn attention from leaders across sectors.

Federal Ministers, Governors, Senators, and Members of the House of Representatives have all participated in its events, lending both political and moral validation to its mission. This diversity of support speaks to a growing consensus that Nigeria’s governance challenges cannot be solved by legislation alone — they require a moral and institutional renewal within the public service itself.

Institutionalizing Integrity through Public Service Day

In furtherance of its reform agenda, POHAN has resolved to commemorate the United Nations Public Service Day annually — a symbolic but significant commitment. This global observance, which celebrates the value and virtue of public service, aligns perfectly with POHAN’s goal of recognizing and rewarding excellence in governance.

By observing this day, POHAN is institutionalizing a culture of reflection and accountability — reminding office holders that their ultimate measure is not tenure or title, but impact and integrity.

The Case for National Support

POHAN’s progress so far is commendable, but its success should not be left to the vision of a few. Reforming the Nigerian public service requires collective will — from policymakers, institutions, and the citizenry alike. Ministries, departments, and agencies must align with POHAN’s training and ethical programs, while civil society organizations and citizens must engage constructively in holding public officials accountable.

Public trust is not rebuilt overnight; it is earned through consistent, transparent, and selfless service. POHAN is laying the foundation for that transformation, but its work must be sustained through national support and institutional collaboration.

A Model for Ethical Leadership

In a country often accused of lacking role models in governance, POHAN is quietly producing them. Its emphasis on continuous learning, ethical reform, and patriotic leadership provides a replicable model for other professional associations. Bashorun Eseyin’s brand of leadership — disciplined, visionary, and inclusive — reminds Nigeria that transformation does not begin with policy pronouncements but with personal conviction and institutional courage.

Restoring Dignity to Public Office

The true test of governance is not in grand rhetoric but in service that transforms lives. By promoting accountability, ethical conduct, and professionalism, POHAN is helping to redefine what it means to hold public office in Nigeria.

Its message is as clear as it is urgent: public service must once again become a noble calling — one rooted in sacrifice, patriotism, and genuine concern for the people.

Nigeria’s journey toward reform may be long, but with institutions like POHAN leading the charge, there is hope that the public sector can regain its lost integrity and purpose. Bashorun MD Eseyin and his team deserve commendation for daring to believe that a public service that works for all Nigerians is not a dream — it is a duty.

Dr. Rademene Asonye, MNIPR
President, Female Journalist Network, Nigeria

2027 : We are ready to work with Peter Obi, others if….

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Former Kano State governor and 2023 presidential flag bearer of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabi’u Kwankwaso, says the 2027 general elections will be highly competitive, adding that his party is open to collaborations with key political figures, including President Bola Tinubu and Labour Party’s Peter Obi.

Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, Kwankwaso, who recently turned 69, said the NNPP is willing to align with any political group or leader that shares its commitment to improving the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.

“If you are asking us to join APC, you must tell us what NNPP will gain. We have gubernatorial candidates in all the states and full structures nationwide. What will you offer them if we join?” Kwankwaso said while hosting Buhari Bakwana, a former political adviser to ex-Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, along with APC members from all 44 local government areas of Kano State, at his residence on Miller Road.

Kwankwaso had earlier, in September, hinted that the NNPP could consider an alliance with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), provided such a move would offer clear advantages to his party.

President Tinubu, who is said to have held a series of discussions with the opposition leader in recent years, has previously referred to Kwankwaso as a “friend within the progressive fold.”

Reaffirming his openness to political partnerships, Kwankwaso told the BBC that any cooperation would depend on shared values and integrity.

He said, “We’re ready for anyone, whether it is the APC, PDP, ADC, Jonathan, or Peter Obi. If we are satisfied with their competence, we will join forces to achieve success. What we are looking for are competent leaders with integrity. The key thing is that whoever we ally with, be it the APC or another party, must be committed to the needs of Nigerians. If they fail to meet our expectations, we would not continue with them.

“What we are asking for is that the common people should benefit, that the masses should be free, the youth educated and security improved. Our people are being killed in Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, parts of Kaduna, and other states. The victims are ordinary citizens, because the elites have fled to Abuja, where they are living in luxury. Some of them, like members of the House of Representatives, senators and ministers, have no concern other than enriching themselves, buying big houses, and flaunting expensive cars. They are appointed to positions and act as if they are untouchable, but I am confident that Allah will judge them accordingly.”

The NNPP leader predicted that voter awareness and participation will make the 2027 elections tougher than previous ones.

“I believe the 2027 elections will be much tougher. Unlike before, people are now more involved and more concerned. Everyone is looking for a way out because of the country’s situation. Thanks to radio and social media, the masses are now informed. Everyone is trying to secure a better future for themselves, their families and their loved ones.

“This time, nobody would come on election day asking for money to cast their votes. You may probably see new things unfold; things that have never happened before in Nigeria’s electoral history.”

Davido holds talks with French President, Emmanuel Macron

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Nigerian singer, David Adeleke , popularly known as Davido, has met with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss cultural exchange and ways to foster a more connected global community.

The Nigerian superstar shared news of the meeting on Thursday through his X (formerly Twitter) handle, where he expressed gratitude for the experience.

“It was an honor meeting @EmmanuelMacron and sharing our visions for a better world,” he wrote.

Photos posted online captured Davido with President Macron, accompanied by entertainment entrepreneur Cubana Chief Priest and his manager.

The meeting marks another major international engagement for Davido, underlining his expanding impact on global culture beyond the music industry.

How Public Policy Can Fix Nigeria — Insights from DIG Oyebade’s Leadership Course 56 Lecture at NIPSS

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Retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police and National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Directing Staff, DIG Adeleye Olusola Oyebade mni, has called for a renaissance in Nigeria’s governance architecture through policy-driven leadership anchored on evidence, accountability, and inclusiveness.

Delivering a paper titled “Concepts, Theories and Features of Public Policy” to participants of the Policy, Strategy and Leadership Course 56, Oyebade asserted that effective public policy is the antidote to Nigeria’s governance failures, providing the framework for national stability, growth, and social justice.

DIG Leye Oyebade delivering the Leadership Course 56 Lecture at NIPSS, Kuru, Plateau State.

 

Oyebade described public policy as the “foundation of good governance and public administration,” stressing that it translates political vision into tangible programmes that impact citizens’ lives.

“Public policy is not just about government decisions,” he said, “it is a reflection of how power, values, and resources are managed to achieve collective goals.”

According to him, the complexity of modern governance, from poverty and inequality to technological disruptions and climate change, demands strategic policymaking rooted in research, consultation, and adaptability.

The former police chief, who now mentors senior leaders in strategy and policy development, emphasized that Nigeria’s progress hinges on its leaders’ ability to understand and apply the principles of public policy.
He dissected key theories shaping public policy, including Institutional, Group, Elite, Rational Choice, and Incremental Theories, explaining how each influences decision-making and governance outcomes.

Retired DIG Leye Oyebade with the participants after the Leadership Course 56 lecture delivered at NIPSS, Kuru, Plateau State on October 21, 2025.

 

“Leaders must see policy as a living system – dynamic, interconnected, and value-laden,” Oyebade said. “Without sound policy, even good intentions fail. But with coherent, goal-driven policies, nations thrive.”

Highlighting the features of effective public policy, Oyebade noted that legitimacy, goal orientation, accountability, and adaptability remain crucial for success. He urged participants to ensure every policy they design or implement serves the public interest and reflects inclusivity, transparency, and ethical governance.

He outlined four policy categories – distributive, regulatory, redistributive, and constituent, stressing that each must align with Nigeria’s broader developmental goals.

 

Oyebade further warned against policy inconsistency, bureaucratic inertia, and political manipulation, which he described as chronic weaknesses undermining Nigeria’s institutional progress.

In his closing remarks, Oyebade encouraged participants to use their NIPSS experience to champion reform and innovation in governance.

“Leadership without policy is like navigating without a compass,” he said. “Nigeria needs leaders who can think strategically, act ethically, and make evidence-based decisions for the common good.”He added that a clear understanding of the policy process, from formulation to evaluation, will empower leaders to translate vision into action and build public trust.The lecture concluded with a call for policy coherence across Nigeria’s public institutions, urging that reforms should not be reactionary but deliberate, data-driven, and adaptive to changing realities. Oyebade maintained that public policy is the bridge between leadership vision and societal transformation, and mastering it is the hallmark of strategic leadership.

Anambra Gubernatorial Election: CP Orutugu Visits Nnewi Area Command To Evaluate Personnel Readiness, Interacts With Stakeholders For Peaceful Polls

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

In furtherance of strategic preparations ahead of the forthcoming Anambra Gubernatorial Election scheduled for 8th November 2025, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, minps PhD visited Nnewi Area Command on 22nd October 2025. The visit, according to the Command’s spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, was a part of his ongoing tour to assess the readiness of personnel and formations for effective election security operations across the State.

During the visit, the Commissioner of Police charged officers under the Area Command to remain professional, vigilant, and impartial in the discharge of their duties before, during, and after the election. He reminded them of the Inspector-General of Police’s directive on maintaining the highest standards of conduct and ensuring that the Nigeria Police Force remains a neutral arbiter in the electoral process.

 

 

CP Orutugu also held an interactive session with critical stakeholders in the Nnewi area, where he reiterated the IGP’s directive on land-related matters, emphasizing that individuals should always seek justice through competent courts of law. He further appealed to Ndi Nnewi to show greater interest in joining the Nigeria Police Force, noting that such participation enhances representation at the Federal level and strengthens patriotism within the community.

In their separate remarks, the stakeholders appreciated the visit and commended the proactive measures being taken by the Anambra State Police Command to ensure a safe and peaceful election across the State.

 

 

The Area Commander, Nnewi, ACP Augustine Oyamiele, also thanked the Commissioner of Police for the visit, assuring him of the Area Command’s full commitment to upholding professionalism and ensuring a hitch-free election.

 

 

In attendance were representatives of the Local Government Chairman, representatives of traditional rulers, Presidents-General of various communities, members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), and other security stakeholders in the area.

Alleged forgery: Presidency under pressure to probe Interior Minister’s NYSC certificate saga

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The Presidency has confirmed receipt of a formal petition calling for the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to step aside pending a thorough investigation into allegations concerning his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate, reportedly issued in 2023.

According to reports, the petition was submitted on Tuesday by a coalition of civil society organizations and addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through the Chief of Staff. A copy of the petition was also forwarded to the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

The coalition described the case as “a constitutional and ethical matter that strikes at the very heart of integrity, justice, and public accountability,” insisting that no government official should be shielded from scrutiny.

According to the petition, Tunji-Ojo was first mobilised for the NYSC scheme in 2006 at the age of 24 but allegedly absconded from service.

The NYSC, the petitioners claimed, officially confirmed that the minister did not complete his one-year mandatory service.

Thirteen years later, in 2019, Tunji-Ojo was said to have been re-mobilised to complete his service year.

However, during that same period, he was serving as a member of the House of Representatives, representing Akoko North-East/North-West Federal Constituency of Ondo State — a dual role that, according to the coalition, violated constitutional provisions prohibiting public officers from holding two remunerated positions simultaneously.

Despite reportedly completing the service in 2020, no discharge certificate was issued at the time.

The groups alleged that a new certificate mysteriously surfaced in 2023, signed by an NYSC Director-General who was not in office during the purported service year.

The NYSC’s explanation — that Tunji-Ojo’s name was “omitted during printing” — was dismissed by the petitioners as “suspicious, irregular, and inconsistent with established NYSC administrative procedures.”

The coalition cited several laws that may have been breached, including: Sections 2 and 13 of the NYSC Act, which criminalize absconding from service or using forged NYSC certificates; Paragraph 2, Part I of the Fifth Schedule to the 1999 Constitution, which prohibits public officers from receiving salaries from more than one public office; and Sections 19 and 25 of the ICPC Act, which prescribe up to seven years’ imprisonment for any public officer who receives double remuneration or acts corruptly.

They argued that if Tunji-Ojo indeed participated in the NYSC programme while serving as a federal lawmaker, it would constitute “an abuse of office, conflict of interest, and violation of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers.”

The petitioners also accused the Tinubu administration of selective justice, referencing the resignation of a minister from the South-East over certificate irregularities.

“Just as a minister from the eastern part of Nigeria was asked to resign pending investigation over certificate irregularities, the same standard of accountability must apply to Minister Bunmi Tunji-Ojo,” the coalition wrote. “Justice must not wear ethnic or political colours.”

The coalition outlined four major demands: That Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo step down immediately to allow for an independent investigation; That the Presidency direct the NYSC, ICPC, and Code of Conduct Bureau to investigate the authenticity of the 2023 certificate; That the National Assembly open an inquiry into possible double remuneration between 2019 and 2020; That the issue be treated as a matter of national integrity, not political affiliation.

The coalition urged President Tinubu to act “decisively for history, for justice, and for Nigeria.”

“This is not merely about Bunmi Tunji-Ojo — it is about whether the rule of law still governs our democracy,” the petition stated.

“If selective justice is allowed to stand, it will erode public confidence in government institutions and deepen cynicism.”