The former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Lagos State, Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has defected to the All Progressives Congress.
Jandor made the announcement on Monday during a press conference at his office in Ikeja, Lagos, weeks after resigning from the PDP.
Jandor cited internal crises and lack of party discipline within the PDP as the primary reasons for his departure, expressing disappointment in the party’s inability to address anti-party activities during the 2023 general elections.
He said, “Our story in the PDP was a case of working with perennial political saboteurs but we have resolved to love our future much more than we hate our past.
“After extensive consultations with family, political associates, elder statesmen, supporters, and well-meaning Lagosians who share our vision for a greater and more prosperous Lagos, and in identifying that the primary reason a political party exists is to win elections and ultimately form the government to contribute to the welfare, security and total development of the people, we wish to formally announce that we have decided to join a political party that considers winning for its members as top priority, not minding who is on the ballot.
“We have decided to return to the All Progressives Congress.”
Jandor revealed that he consulted widely with political associates, supporters, and leaders across various parties, including the Social Democratic Party, African Democratic Congress, and Young Progressive Party, before deciding to return to the APC.
Addressing concerns about his earlier exit from the ruling party, he likened his experience to a Yoruba adage about learning from different situations.
“Before you are quick to remind me of the reasons upon which we left APC in the first place, let me respond with a popular Yoruba adage that says if a woman has not tried two husbands, she probably would not know which is better.
“In APC, we have a leader, even if you fault his selection choices, you can’t fault his desire to always win for his party to the benefit of all members, followers and the state.
“While in Lagos PDP, you have a leader that will, at every election cycle work against his own party, and willfully dash the hopes of many party members and followers. We have chosen the better alternative,” he stated.
He added, “Our return to the APC is not a decision made lightly. It is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to the progress of Lagos State and our belief that unity among progressives is essential to achieving the collective aspirations of our people.”
He acknowledged the efforts of President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, in persuading him to rejoin the APC.
Jandor stated, “Let me once again extend our sincere gratitude to the President and the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who recognized our modest contributions to democracy and nation building.
“I must also recognize the relentless efforts of the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila, who has been on our case for over one year to return ‘home’, and join hands with Mr. President.
“Upon hearing the news of my resignation from the PDP, the President’s son, Mr. Seyi Tinubu immediately put a call across to say “Egbon, this is the time to come back home.” Prior to that time, Seyi had exhibited the learnings he has had from the best and reached out, asking for support for the administration of his father, the President. What more can a father ask for.”
Jandor assured his supporters that the move was in Lagos’ best interest and urged them to join him in the new political chapter.
“We remain committed to the values of service, integrity, and progress. Together, we will continue to champion the cause of a better Lagos for present and future generations,” he said.
I stumbled on a social media report that faithful Monday afternoon of March 10, 2025 and before me was the shocking news break that my boss (will forever remain my boss), the debonair, industrious and effervescent Chief Hon. (Sir) Dubem Onyia, former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, two time Member of the Federal House of Representatives and former Member of the Constituent Assembly, has passed on. The news was not only sobering but was devastating. He bowed at the age of 73, too early for a man who still has a lot to offer his country.He was a man of destiny, succeeded where many failed and also left indelible imprints in the sands of time. He touched many lives, including mine.
He was generous, committed to nation building and built friendships across the globe. He was my boss of inestimable value. I am still in shock on the sudden turn of events.Our parts crossed when I was a practising journalist in Enugu. He wanted to address the Media to announce his intention to run for the Governorship of our state and needed someone to organise the briefing. It was Ozo Agu Gab Agu, a Professor of Law at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology that introduced me to him and I went ahead to package the Press Conference. And it was a huge success. He later didn’t make it to the Enugu State Government House but was later appointed the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.He assumed office, looked back and invited me to come and manage his media relations in Abuja. That was how I came close to the man who was later to shape my future. I became his Press Secretary and served him for the four years he was in office.Within the four years, I came to know him as a strong-willed person, compassionate and driven by excellence. He has the capacity for work and was overtly result oriented. He was dynamic, multi talented and radiated love and affection, tools that saw him as one of the flying ministers in President Olusegun Obasanjo’s first tenure in office.
He was always having his way in most of the things he wanted done. When he invited me to join him as Press Secretary, the bureaucracy in the system became an obstacle, but he quickly dismantled it, he wanted results and would not take any half measure in the line of duty. I joined him and initially struggled to keep pace with his work schedule. It was obviously a trying period, but I did not hesitate in falling in line. He does not leave any file unattended to before close of work everyday. He attends to them with the required urgency. Atimes, we stayed in the office till 10pm, something not common in government offices.Chief Dubem Onyia exposed me for the first time to government media management and with him I visited almost all the continents of the world. He loved journalists, and with that, made my job a lot easier. As Minister of State, he was virtually in charge of all the parastatals in the Ministry. And during pilgrimages, he would direct that I shortlist journalists who will participate as part of the Federal Government Delegation. This is both for the Hajj and Christian pilgrimages. For joint Commission Meetings outside Nigeria, he accommodated some journalists. He was also always ready to speak to the media, grant them interviews, and attend to their welfare. I was really lucky in that direction. He enjoyed warm and cordial relationship with his colleague, Alhaji Sule Lamido, the senior Minister in the Ministry. They operated more like brothers and together had, in my estimation, the best tenure in the Foreign Ministry so far.
His job as the Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was obviously demanding but he was on top of it. There was a day we flew to several Hajj camps in the country to address Muslim pilgrims travelling for the Hajj. We had stop overs in Kaduna, Kano, Sokoto and Maiduguri, and still returned to Abuja the same day with the attendant bad weather. It was obvious he loved his country and was ready to give his all to the service of his fatherland. He also loved his job and virtually had no time for any other past time. Sometimes, I will be in the office then at Wuse Zone 3 Abuja and he will call from the Presidential Villa and direct that I join him at the airport for an urgent Presidential assignment to one country or the other. In those trips, he would go as Nigeria’s Presidential envoy to invite or mediate in disputes in some African Countries. He had attended to these assignments with dedication and commitment. Chief Dubem Onyia loved his people of Ngwo and Enugu State, although he was a detrabilized Nigerian who believed in one united and progressive Nigeria.
He had a large heart, was accommodating and built bridges across the divide.I was at his Abuja residence on Wednesday and could not believe that my boss who insisted that I accompanied him to the United Nations General Assembly in New York in one of his several trips was no more. I have obviously lost a mentor, a benefactor and leader of men. May the gentle soul of this rare Nigerian find peace in the sight of his maker and may the Almighty give his immediate family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. May God bless his loving soul!Ikechukwu Ani, Head, Press and Public Relations/Spokesman Police Service Commission was Press Secretary to Hon. Dubem Onyia (1999 -2003) as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs
Since Nigeria’s last military ruler, Abdulsalami Abubakar handed over the reins of power to a democratically elected government on May 29, 1999, his visage has undergone very remarkable transmutation. Abubakar, a four-star General, handed over to a more senior colleague, Olusegun Obasanjo, who previously led Nigeria as military Head of State, between February 1976 and October 1979. Abubakar, hitherto known for his clean-shaved chin characteristic of the martial vocation, has since worn a luxuriant grey beard. He had a long and successful career in the military which spanned 36 years. The first three years of his military stewardship were spent in the Nigerian Airforce. This was before he switched over to the Nigerian Army in 1966. Every morning in the course of his remarkable career, he stood before the mirror in his bathroom to give himself that smooth, clean face. Rare exemptions from this norm in the armed forces were small numbers, more specifically from the Nigerian Navy. Perhaps because they regularly have to be on the waters and seas, they had something of an exemption from the age old tradition of clean chins in the military trade.
Onetime military governor of the old Niger State who would subsequently become Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Murtala Nyako, was the first military officer I noticed spotting a beard. Subsequently, Emmanuel Olu Omotehinwa, a Rear Admiral, (of blessed memory); Jubril Ayinla, a Vice Admiral, and Amadi Ikwechegh, a Commodore, were other officers whose profiles were defined by their well-kept beards. It would seem Abdulsalami Abubakar was in a great hurry to transmute into a new brand, in retirement. He really coveted a change of looks. Barely had he quit the political stage therefore, than he emerged with his now characteristic brand new grey look. In nearly 26 years now, Abubakar has settled into farming, which seems to be the pastime of many former military leaders. Obasanjo blazed the trail with his famous Otta Farms, back in the early 1980s. Nyako earned the alias Baba Mai Mangoro, (father and farmer of mango on an industrial scale), on account of his humongous investment in agriculture back home in Adamawa State.
Africa is one continent where the allure of political power has culminated in the transmutation of many leaders into sit-tight despots. Abdulsalami Abubakar won global plaudits for pursuing and delivering transition to democracy within a relatively short period of 11 months. He had promised the world at the United Nations General Assembly, (UNGA) in September 1998, that he was a man of his words. He decidedly therefore, differed from the rhetoric of one of his predecessors who popularised the duplicitous refrain: This administration will not stay a day longer in office than necessary. Abubakar delivered to global adulation, with hopes that Nigeria with its enormous human and natural capital, could provide the desired leadership to unlock the potentials of Africa. Nigeria previously exhibited aspects of its capacity and capability when it almost singlehandedly funded and led a 10-nation multinational military force between 1990 and 1999, to restore peace and democracy in Liberia and Sierra Leone. It was the first ever such Africa-initiated and driven military coalition, which was largely successful.
Abdulsalami Abubakar thereafter, became the toast of the world. He has chaired the Commonwealth Observer Group for Zimbabwe’s parliamentary election; served as Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General to the Republic of Congo, and led the Carter Centre delegation for the monitoring of the Zambian national elections. Abubakar has functioned as President of the African Strategic and Peace Research Group; as Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS); Facilitator/Mediator for the Liberian Peace Talks, and Special Envoy of the Chairman of the African Union, (AU) to Chad and Sudan. He has been the Commonwealth Secretary-General’s Special Envoy to Gambia; Member of the AU High-Level Implementation Panel on Sudan, (AUHIP), and is presently working for the AU on negotiations in Sudan.
In August 2023, Abubakar, now a renowned statesman, led the ECOWAS delegation put in place by Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, to intervene in the political crisis in neighbouring Niger Republic. Within weeks of his inauguration as Nigerian President, Tinubu was entrusted with the leadership of the regional body and the Nigerien crisis was the first test of his problem-solving capability. The Abdulsalami Abubakar team engaged with Nigerien putschists, who toppled the democratic government hitherto led by President Mohammed Bazoum, in Niger Republic, in consonance with its mandate at the time. Accompanied by the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, himself a retired Brigadier-General, Abubakar’s group held bouts and bouts of meetings in Niamey, with the coup leader and former head of the presidential guards, Abdourahamane Tchiani, to no avail. Such has been the ever growing international stature of Abdulsalami Abubakar.
Back home, Abdulsalami Abubakar continues to avail Nigeria his time and aggregate experience in various ways. He chairs the National Peace Committee, (NPC), which is principally committed to the peaceful conduct of elections. The NPC routinely brings together political gladiators to a common table, admonishing them to commit to eschewing rancour and violence, during the electoral process. He is the Chancellor and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of PAMO University of Medical Sciences, located in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He has continued to receive honours and accolades from various agencies and institutions. On October 15, 2016 for instance, the Abeokuta-based Crescent University, honoured him with a doctorate in Public Administration. Such is the manner of ascendancy Abdulsalami Abubakar’s stock has continued to elicit.
Back in October 2021, I had written about the tragic inferno which consumed the Ebeano Mall, a one-stop shop for residents of the districts abutting its location in Abuja. It was widely adopted as the indigenous variant of Shoprite, in districts contiguous with its location. The wholesale destruction was ascribed to the mischief of a little girl shopper who reportedly lit a match stick and threw it in a section of the huge store, where explosive products were kept. This culminated in a huge fire and bomb-like blasts. This subsequently brought Ebeano Supermarket down and has remained bothersome to me, given the magnitude of this private investment. I was listening to the radio in my car one of those days as I drove around trying to clear a mental block. I heard that that same edifice which was razed to rubble during that unfortunate incident, had indeed reinvented itself like the Sphinx! Out of curiosity, I decided to course through the Apo/Gudu/Gaduwa/Lokogoma conjoined districts in Abuja, so I could see with my own eyes the magical resurrection of the supermarket.
As I drove, my eyes caught this huge billboard on the road linking Gudu market with the Ebeano end of the road. It is a single lane which I was told was built by the proprietor of Ebeano Supermarket, in exercise of corporate social responsibility. Uncovered concrete drainages, run on both sides of the road. Sand silts in the drains were being evacuated as I moved and patchwork on failed sections of the road by direct labour was in progress. The billboard I saw announced that the shop was indeed back. The gridlock at the Lokogoma end of the road meant commuters could only snail along. I looked at the same signboard again and observed that the road we were plying, is named Abdulsalami Abubakar Road after all! I read the board a second time and was reminded that it is indeed the geographical memorabilia assigned to the name of the former Head of State.
As you drive around Nigeria’s capital Abuja, names of prominent Nigerians, Africans and global figures reverberate from signages across the city. They rejig your sense of history and geography as they beam from street and road markers. The Ahmadu Bellos, Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsis, Yakubu Gowons, Obafemi Awolowos, Murtala Mohammeds, Olusegun Obasanjos, TY Danjumas, Shehu Shagaris, Alex Ekwuemes, Muhammadu Buharis, Ibrahim Babangidas, Ebitu Ukiwes, Sani Abachas, Atiku Abubakars, Umaru Yar’Aduas, Goodluck Jonathans, Bola Tinubus, Oladipo Diyas, Mike Akhigbes, breathe from major roads and monuments. The Nelson Mandelas, Sam Nujomas, Robert Mugabes, Jimmy Carters, Bill Clintons, Margaret Thatchers, Andrew Youngs, Jesse Jacksons and similar global figures are immortalised by the affixing of their names to reputable landmarks.
Abdulsalami Abubakar was one of the dignitaries who attended the public launch of Babangida’s memoir, A Journey in Service last February. Babangida used the opportunity to clarify his role in the contentious annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election won by Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, under his regime. This has continued to generate robust conversations, especially against the backdrop that Babangida put the blame squarely at the doorstep of Sani Abacha, his Chief of Defence Staff and Minister of Defence who is not with us to state his side of the saga. Abacha torpedoed the Interim National Government, (ING), which Babangida hurriedly put together as he scurried off in retirement to his home state, Niger. General Abdulsalami Abubakar turns 83 on Friday June 13, 2025. For his uncommon integrity in fulfilling his promise to berth democracy timeously in Nigeria, for his continuing service and commitment to Nigeria and the world at large, a road named after him in Abuja, the capital city of his country deserves a planned face-lift.
With the approach of Abdulsalami Abubakar’s 83rd birthday on Friday June 13, 2025, Nyesom Wike the Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), needs to “bake” a very befitting “cake” to commemorate the event. Abubakar midwifed the uninterrupted democracy we have savoured in nearly 26 years now, much as the citizenry have been successively shortchanged by various regimes. Wike will do well to visit, assess and energise the professional and proper development of the subsisting backwater road, which is presently festooned with the name of Abdulsalami Abubakar. Let’s give honour to whom honour is due. Let’s acknowledge this unobtrusive patriot now that he is very much with us. This is the most appropriate time he he will appreciate such an honour. We need to act expeditiously. We needn’t dither until the grey- bearded, soft-spoken old soldier goes the way of our forebears.
Tunde Olusunle, PhD, Fellow of the Association of Nigerian Authors, (FANA), is an Adjunct Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Abuja.
The French government has commended the operational successes of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, especially in areas of illicit drug control and high rate of prosecution and conviction of offenders. The commendation was given by the French Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Marc Fonbaustier while handing over some operational equipment donated by the French government to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) at the Agency’s National Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday 13th March 2025.
He noted that the Agency had done very well in the fight against illicit drugs and narcotics with over 57, 792 arrests; 9.9 million kilograms of seizures and 10,572 convictions within a space of four years. He added that Nigeria’s records of achievements in the fight against illicit drugs places the country in a good position for great partnership and collaboration with France. “You’re one of the best in the world in terms of fight against illicit drugs and narcotics because of your operational successes, which give NDLEA an edge in terms of arrests, seizures, high rate of convictions and as such we can learn some lessons from you while you learn from us as well”, Ambassador Fonbaustier stated.
In his remark, Marwa expressed appreciation for the donation of the equipment to NDLEA, noting that “Nigeria and France have been good partners especially following the recent state visit by President Bola Tinubu to France.” He stated that “the equipment are very important operational tools that will go a long way to enhance our work.” He emphasized earlier requests for special training on investigation and cyber transactions as well as support for the Alternative Development Project initiative of the Agency aimed at encouraging cannabis growers to embrace alternative crops.
Just as the last car in the Governor convey turned right onto the East/West road, and the siren roared to clear traffic from Road ahead, so also the air of expectation, doubts, and wishes came to an end. Days ago, news had covered every household in Ogoni land, that Mr. President had accented to the take off of what will be known as Federal University of Environment Technology, Ogoni land. What was not certain is when and how that will materialise, as the information came with an early morning sickness of double location, Sakpenwa and Koroma. How come a new University came with two campuses, when older University with only one campus can barely breath in Nigeria. Predictably, Ogoni’s went to town with permutations, and suspicion that maybe Government had come again, with what late Music Maestro Fela called “instruments of Magic”Some openly accused the Senator who sponsored the Bill of bias, as Ogoni leaders in the past, like late Chief Albert Badey, who brought the Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, selflessly located in Bori, not in Bado his home town. The Bill earlier sent by a former Senator, Magnus Abe, did not also propose his home town Bera as location for the university.
But with one visit, one inspection, one decision, Governor Sim Fubara showed wisdom, by handing over the facility, built by the Amaechi administration, at Kira-Tai, known as the “New Model Secondary School. For administration convenience, Government documents had labeled it as Sakpenwa, like the Refinery, and the Airport, whose place of location was swallowed by the Port Harcourt convenient town name. Kira is a confluence town in Ogoni, and serves as an important historical junction leading to Bori on one flank, to Gokana via another artery, to Okirika, to Akwa Ibom, to Port Harcourt, and to Tai communities. Even the entrance into the new University is designed to veer conveniently form the old Kira road side. In the colonial era, the first Court house in Ogoni was at a location called Maawoo, before it was rebuilt at the place mapped out an a land given by Kira and Boten communities and called Sakpenwa, by the colonial masters. On April 20th 1968, late Ken Saro-Wiwa wrote in the book. The Ogoni Nationality, Today and Tomorrow, that on the ruins of the old. A greater story be told “adding” we can no longer be excluded from the Blessings which modern education showers on most of our contry man……….. to this end the secondary schools at present in the Divisions must be converted to comprehensive schools”.
As if by divine promptings and in agreement with the Ogoni Dialogue Committee, led by Prof Dan Baridum, the Rivers State Governor accompanied by members of the Committee drove to Kira-Tai, and handed-over all that facilitor, as the Take off Campus for the new University of Environment Technology, Ogoni land. This gesture would mean that the Matriculation Day for the new University would be Faster, quicker and sooner than Ogonis imagine. In the words of a former Governor of Rivers State, Dr, Peter Odili, “those who make history, never realize that they are making history. An Educational facility, via the University of Environment, may had added to softening the ground for the successes recorded in the oil resumption consultations by the Dialogue Committee. As usual, the stake holders meeting in the communities and Local Government Areas, though largely successful, had some minor hiccups, as some Ogoni leader still displayed entitlement mentality. Some felt left out in the composition of the committee, and decided to sponsor contrary narratives about the dialogue. For instance, at the main congress in Bori, after event picture, and video clips were cropped, copied and posted an their walls, purporting that the event was marred by violence.
Also, some notable politicians from Ogoni loyal to a particular bloc tried to subvert the process by shunning the stake holder meetings in their Local Government Areas, Noticeably, in Gokona, these politicians stayed away from the Local Government Council headquarter venue of the meeting, an the idea that “it would amount to supporting the Chairman”. Some of this persons, had also shunned the first meeting between Governor Sim Fubara and the committee barely 24 hours after their inauguration I Abuja by President Tinubu. But Arch-Bishop Ignatius Kattey, the alternate Chairman of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee, repeats at every venue, that the committee work is strictly for an all inclusive dialogue and consultation with every Ogoni citizen. “This is not a political exercise” Bishop Kattey said. Barrister Tom Orage, the secretary of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee would re-echo that persons who are not present physically to publicly submit via the email: ogonidialoguecommittee@gmail.com. THE LEDUM MITEE EXAMPLEIn a demonstration of the committee’s openness and Trust, former, Mosop President, Ledum Mittee pointed the way forward at the Bori Congress Meeting. While he was addressing the crowd, some sponsored persons emerged with placards bearing “Mitee and Ribadu leave Ogoni Oil alone” etc. But rather than stop his speech, or get angry, Ledum continued his speech without stopping, a pointer that the committee will not allow any distraction to affect the process.
This approach may had guided the Committee to adopt their all inclusive stance at all meeting venues, as everyone was given access to the Microphone, every document received, and every group contented. As the Committee rounds up their consultations, one prayer in the heart of Ogonis will be that Mr. President shows further sincerity by honoring the demands and concerns of Ogoni people as collated and presented by the Ogoni Dialogue Committee for a smooth resumption of oil activities.*Blessing Wikina a journalist and public communicator, retired as Director from the Rivers State Civil Service*
“There are several court rulings, including that of the Court of Appeal, each of which deems it illegal to suspend an elected member of the legislature. The recent suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti – Uduaghan is therefore, the height of legislative recklessness”
Femi Falana ( SAN) (reacting to the recent incident)
When and where might – is – right, as amply demonstrated by the recent outrageous and illegal suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District at the Red Chamber – without salary or allowances – it does not only question the authority on which the lawmakers stand to carry out their statutory functions but ridicules the manner of democracy we practise here in Nigeria. And if the wrong done is not righted within the shortest possible time, it goes further to de-brand our so called democratic structure that places overt power of the jungle mantra of might – is – right on the elected representatives of the people above the wishes of the led majority. That indeed, is both an aberration and a legislative anomaly, triggered by the senator’s suspension, hence the outrage it has so far evolved. But let us first take an objective analysis of the drama that led to the development.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan ‘s suspension took place after she submitted a petition alleging being sexually harassed by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. After dismissing her petition on procedural ground the Ethics Committee, as led by Neda Imasuen ( Labour Party, Edo South) recommended her suspension for six months claiming that she brought ” public opprobrium”to the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly. Though some members wanted the suspension reduced to three months, 14 members of the Committee stood by their decision, insisting that Natasha did not attend the investigative hearing to defend herself. In fact, they went further to ask her to tender an apology to the same Senate President Akpabio she has accused of sexual harassment, for her outburst during the plenary session!
Expectedly, the steamy situation has sparked off some flaming questions with regards to the rule of law under such circumstances. For instance, is it not her inalienable right to reject the sitting arrangement, which was surreptitiously meant to relegate her to the legislative shadows? Good enough, the answer is not far -fetched. According to Natasha’s legal counsel, Victor Giwa the Nigerian constitution of 1999, (as amended) supersedes the Senate’s Standing Orders. Specifically, Section 6, Sub-Section (6) of that constitution grants every citizen the right to seek redress in court when their civil rights are violated. Incidentally, she has done so, with her knowledge of the law.
The next question has to do with the best of ways to handle a delicate matter such as this. Should the matter not have been made open by placing it before an independent panel, to investigate and make recommendations in the interest of justice? That is, instead of slamming Natasha for having the gut, the temerity and audacity to express her complaints at the Senate chamber? According to Giwa the suspension of his client is definitely a brazen attempt to silence her. But unfortunately, for those behind it all it has only emboldened her to seek for justice going through the right process. In Giwa’s words: “The Committee disobeyed a valid court order that was served on them, making a mockery of the chamber that is supposed to uphold the law”. That should serve as food-for-thought for the masterminds behind the illegal suspension of the senator.
That perhaps, aptly explains why the Nigeria Bar Association ( NBA) has slammed the Senate by not giving her, the complainant to present her sexual harassment claim against Akpabio. That reminds us of the odious ” off the mic ” scenario that has played out each time an issue of public interest is being denied an objective investigation. The lawmakers, especially those who are bent on attempting to paper over cracks, or give a person a bad name to hang him or her must be reminded that there is a court order restraining the Senate from taking an action on the matter, pending the determination of of s motion on notice. The mishandling of the matter at hand by the senators is what has emboldened Natasha’s lawyer, Giwa to declare her suspension as ” null and void”. Yet, he is not the only person to outrightly condemn the illegality that has evolved so far.
The world acclaimed Women Rights activist, Hadiza Ado described Natasha’s suspension as amounting to a “,sad day for Nigerian women”. On its part the Socio–Economic Rights and Accountability Project ( SERAP ) has described it as “patently unlawful”and a clear violation of her right to freedom of speech. The organization has therefore, called on the Senate President Akpabio to reinstate her without further delay or face their legal action against such oddity. Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to which Natasha belongs has described as her suspension as am attempt by the Senate ” to cover up an issue”. That is according to the National Publicity Secretary, Debbo Ologunagba.So, what really could it be?
It would be recalled that on February 28, 2025 right on ARISE television, Natasha made a bold allegation of sexual harassment against the Senate President Akpabio.While some concerned Nigerians wondered why she went as far as that point of publicity, others knowing fully well about her background as an Ihima- born lady brought up with high moral standards would not kowtow to, be cowed by anyone, or acquiesce to the weird and wild emotional inclinations of a man for whatever reasons.
So, as the AKPoti -AKPabio saga rolls out, the lesson to learn is for people to always strike the delicate balance between the Motive and the Method of our utterances and actions. And of course, the brand we want to be recognized and stand for in our chequered journeys on Planet Earth. Of great significance also is the piece of admonition by Natasha’s legal counsel, Giwa, that: ” The Senate must abide by international best practices” all because the world is watching us.
The National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), sitting in Abuja on Tuesday, adjourned ruling on the suit filed by Courses 18, 19, and 20 (Force Entrants) of the Police Academy challenging their forceful retirement from the Nigeria Police Force by the Police Service Commission (PSC), Inspector General of Police (IGP), and the Force Secretary.
The court had earlier slated Tuesday to deliver the ruling, but when the matter was called, the trial judge, Justice R. B. Haastrup
announced that the ruling was not ready.
The judge consequently adjourned the ruling till March 17 and ordered that hearing notices be served on the 2nd and 3rd defendants in the matter.
However, Chief Goddy Uche, SAN, who represented the claimants in the matter, informed the court that the 2nd and 3rd defendants, who were not in court, allegedly reduced the rank of some of the claimants and retired them from service while the case was still pending in court.
Although the 2nd and 3rd defendants were not in court, nor were they represented in court, the judge noted that, at the last proceedings in the matter, the defendants told the court that they would not be in court on Tuesday for the ruling as they have other matters outside jurisdiction, which the court permitted.
The officers, ACP Chinedu Emengaha, ACP Victor Chilaka, ACP Egwu Otu, CSP Sylvester Ebosele, CSP Sunday Okuguni, CSP Asuquo Inyang, CSP Kalu Chikozie, and CSP Adetu Omoteso, had sued the PSC, IGP, and the Force Secretary, Nigeria Police, as 1st to 3rd defendants, challenging their unlawful retirement from the Nigeria Police Force without attaining the mandatory years required before retirement and non-implementation of court judgment.
The plaintiffs, who sued for themselves and as representing all members of Course 18, 19, and 20 (Force Entrants) of the Police Academy, in their motion on notice marked, NICN/ABJ/28/2025, seek an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the defendants from retiring or suspending any of the officers of the Course who are yet to serve 35 years of pensionable service or reach the mandatory retirement age of 60 years from service of the Nigeria Police Force pending the hearing and determination of their substantive suit.
They also want an order restraining the defendants from suspending the salary or posting of any of the officers of Courses 18, 19, and 20 (Force Entrants) of the Police Academy.
The aggrieved officers had, in their suit, filed on their behalf by their counsel, Edwin Okoro Esq, prayed the court to quash the injustice done against them and to determine, “Whether taking into consideration, the judgments of the National Industrial Court, Abuja, delivered by Justice O. Oyewunmi in suit Nos. NICN/ABJ./345/2019-ACP Chinedu Emengaha & Ors Vs PSC & 2 Ors, and NICN/ABJ./353/2019 – CSP Sunday Okuguni & Ors Vs PSC & 2 Ors, resolving the issue of date of appointment of Cadet Officers (Force entrants) as the dates of their first appointment, and the said judgments having been implemented by the defendants since July 29, 2021, the defendants are not estopped from reopening the issue of date of first appointment?
Upon the determination of the above-stated question, the claimants are praying to the court for “a declaration that the date of first appointment into service of the claimants as contained in their respective appointment letters are not subject to a review by the defendants.
One very well reasoned appointment into a very critical government department in recent years, is bound to be the “conscription” of Sonny Togo Echono to the leadership of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, (TETFUND). The last five years of his most eventful public service career were spent as Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education. On a daily basis, he engaged with Vice Chancellors, Rectors and Provosts of Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education, owned by the federal government. Added together, we are speaking here of well over 100 such institutions, with the federal government hosting this tripod of institutions, universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, in most of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT).
Echono’s office distilled the needs of these citadels of knowledge and activated the bureaucracy of the ministry to tend to their operational requirements.Following his retirement from service early 2022, Echono momentarily reclined into his couch to savour desired rest and rejuvenation after a racy and most eventful career. Before his last port of call in the Federal Ministry of Education, Echono’s career which began as an architect with the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing in 1987, had taken him through several key Ministries, Departments and Agencies, (MDAs), availing him multisectoral experiential rootedness across the public service. He had served variously in the Budget Monitoring and Price Intelligence Unit, (BMPIU), and the ministries of Defence; Water Resources; Environment; Agriculture and Power. He had therefore planned to shuttle between his address in Nigeria’s capital city and his countryside abode in the Idoma heartland in Benue State, which he cherishes dearly.Duty, however, beckoned within weeks of his retirement. Echono, seasoned architect, experienced public servant, consummate patriot, was appointed Executive Secretary of TETFUND. He formally assumed office on March 18, 2022.
The scheme was established by the federal government in 2011, with the primary responsibility of disbursing, managing and monitoring the deployment of education tax remitted to government-owned tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Public tertiary institutions were hitherto poorly funded. This situation, expectedly, had very negative impact on knowledge dissemination, periodically engendering unrest in the institutions. TETFUND is supervised by the Federal Ministry of Education, Echono’s last official post. This naturally has ensured smooth and seamless collaboration between the parent ministry and its parastatal, since the onset of the Echono dispensation.Three years into his five-year stewardship, Echono continues to chalk up milestones for the organisation.
It was not going to be “business as usual” under his watch so he began with desirable “housekeeping” by addressing the work ethic in TETFUND. Previously perceived as a “cash cow,” entrenched interests had constituted themselves into a cabal which determined the award of contracts to predetermined interests. There were also murmurs and talks about stealing and underhand dealings which cast the organisation in bad light in the public sphere. Steeped and stewed in the ethos of due process and public procurement, Echono moved speedily to bring his imprimatur to bear on the workings of the organisation. He has since striven, gradually and unobtrusively, to straighten the administration of TETFUND and realign its operations with its core mandate.Such revolutionary novelties in an organisation previously steeped and stuck in its ways were not going to make new friends for Echono. Fifth columnists in the system and their external collaborators, periodically engineered phoney petitions to anti-graft agencies, notably the Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission, (ICPC). They equally generated submissions to the nation’s parliament contending in one particular instance, that an accumulated allocation of over N2 Trillion to TETFUND over the years, could not be accounted for! The ever calm Echono has always responded to such claims and invitations to clarify the issues with impeccable documents and records.
These have serially deflated the schemes and mischief of faceless rabble rousers. Sonny Echono’s regime has brought a fresh air of activism into the endeavours of TETFUND. The federal government has also continued to reaffirm its faith in the establishment via regular upward reviews of its budgetary allocations. TETFUND continues to renew, or open fresh, possibilities for collaboration between it and a plethora of organisations. Callers at the Abuja headquarters of the organisation over time, have included the Senate and House Committees on Tertiary Institutions. Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State and his Cross River State counterpart, Bassey Otu, have also visited TETFUND seeking partnership. Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa has also been a guest of Echono’s TETFUND. Musa exercises oversight over the Nigerian army, navy and airforce. Over the years, the military has continued to reinvent its training institutions many of which are degree awarding citadels today. Musa believes there are areas of potential cooperation between the military and TETFUND, and has begun a conversation around this. The Federal Road Safety Corps, (FRSC), recently followed the precedence of the military, when its Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, led a team to TETFUND. The FRSC canvassed support for its training institutions to enhance the capacity and professionalism of road safety personnel across the country. Simultaneously, Echono is regularly on the road with his own officials, knocking on doors of MDAs whose partnership can strengthen the enterprise of TETFUND.
Ademola Adeleke, Governor of Osun State being received by Sonny Echono during his visit to TETFUND.
Among several others, he has in recent months, led delegations to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), and the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, (NEITI). Echono is equally a much sought-after speaker these days at university convocation lectures and similar public engagements. These have availed him the platform to address burning issues in Nigeria’s all-important educational sector. Echono’s Convocation Lecture at the Federal University of Technology, (FUTO), Owerri, Imo State, last December, was titled *Impact of Leadership Selection on Governance in Public Universities in Nigeria.* At a similar event at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State last January, Echono spoke on *TETFUND and Educational Development in Nigeria: The History, the Treasures and the Future.* Echono addressed the subject *University Autonomy and the Challenge of Quality Tertiary Education in Nigeria,* at the Convocation ceremony of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, in February. He has deployed these speaking opportunities to address issues of inadequate funding in tertiary institutions, and to restate the imperative of the payment of tuition fees in public universities. This, he has regularly maintained is crucial to support that critical level of the educational hierarchy. Echono has canvassed synergy between institutions in the areas of research, innovation, alumni obligations and student exchange to broaden the worldview of young scholars. He has equally admonished on the inescapability of full autonomy in public universities, if educational standards must improve and be sustained. The acquisition of quality literacy never comes cheap, he has consistently maintained.
Elsewhere, Echono has decried the penchant of many Nigerians who were sponsored abroad on public resources, but refusing to return home to contribute to national development. Many such nationals opt to stay back in foreign lands, against the spirit of their scholarships. Echono regards this as a dimension of the pervading *japa* syndrome, the abscondment abroad of Nigerians fleeing excruciating socioeconomic conditions at home. Last November, TETFUND under Echono stopped government funding for intending foreign students. This should mitigate the double-sided loss of the country’s fiscal and human resources, respectively. At an August 2024 *Conference on Digital Pedagogy and Fundable Research Writing,* Echono criticised the arbitrary upgrading of Colleges of Education into Universities of Education, by governments at various levels. His contention is that the country remains in short supply of teachers and instructors at the foundational level of education. Sonny Echono has also criticised the continuing politicisation and corruption inherent in the appointment of Vice Chancellors in Nigerian universities. In one of his public presentations, he abhorred political interference and financial inducement in leadership selection processes in our universities.
These factors he observed are combining to erode the sanctity of the hallowed university system. Echono expressed worry about the fact that competition for appointment into principal offices in universities has become a lucrative venture which has made members of governing councils prone to fiscal inducement. Echono has received several awards through the years including that of the national honour of *Officer of the Order of the Niger, (OON).* He has demonstrably distinguished himself beyond the the half line of his present assignment. He can be trusted and should be continually supported to consolidate on his legacies in the years to come.
Tunde Olusunle, PhD, Fellow of the Association of Nigerian Authors, (FANA), is an Adjunct Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Abuja*
The Abia state government has issued a stern warning to building developers, stating that it will no longer approve the construction of three-storey buildings without elevators. This move aims to ensure that buildings in the state are safe, habitable, and meet standard practices.According to Architect Uche Ukeje, General Manager of the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA), the strict implementation of building control measures will eliminate building collapse, protect lives and properties, and promote environmental friendly buildings.
The government has emphasized that all storey buildings with three floors must be fitted with elevators. Developers must also obtain necessary approvals before commencing construction and ensure stage-by-stage monitoring and supervision of building projects.New Building Regulations:- _Elevator Requirement_: All three-storey buildings must have elevators.- _Drainage and Waste Disposal_: Developers must submit plans for drainage and waste disposal, which must be approved before construction begins.- _Environmental Protection_: GADA is working with environmental health officials to arrest and prosecute individuals who destroy the environment.
The Abia government has digitalized its operations, allowing developers to track the status of their projects online. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in arrest, prosecution, and project shutdown.¹
In a world where security threats are constantly evolving and societal complexities continue to rise, the demand for innovative and inclusive policing strategies has never been more urgent. National security challenges, social disruptions, and other multi-facetted hindrances in Nigeria require solutions that are both proactive and transformative.
In the field of political science, peace and security studies, and humanitarian studies, scholars have alluded to the nexus between these key concepts and national development in all areas, particularly economic growth. In the words of Ban Ki-Moon, former Secretary General of the UN, “Security and Development are two sides of the same coin. Economic stability fosters peace, and National Security creates the environment for economic prosperity.” John F. kennedy also posited that “Economic strength and National security are inextricably linked; one cannot thrive without the other.”
Recognizing this need, the Nigeria Police Force, the lead security agency constitutionally saddled with the responsibility of maintaining the internal security of the country, is championing an all-inclusive policing approach that prioritizes full community engagement, inter-agency collaboration, and advanced technology utilization, to promote sectoral equilibrium in effective policing. This aligns seamlessly with the leadership vision of the Inspector-General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, who is committed to building a professional, service-driven, rule-of-law-compliant, and people-friendly police force in Nigeria. IGP Egbetokun doesn’t not limit his vision for all-inclusive policing to Nigeria alone. He has also extended same vision to the west African sub-region and African continent in his capacity as the Chairman of the West African Police Chiefs Committee (WAPCCO). His aim is to ensure that policing not only reinforces internal security but also contributes to national economic recovery, social cohesion, and political stability in line with the renewed hope agenda of the present administration in Nigeria.
Under IGP Egbetokun’s strategic leadership, the Nigeria Police Force has embarked on several bold policy initiatives aimed at strengthening internal security and accelerating national development. It is crystal clear that Nigeria Police efforts in managing herders/famers crises, communal disputes, settling labour disputes across all strata, and promoting social norms and values in Nigeria are far reaching and paying off, in the security architecture and economic growth in Nigeria.
In addition, the individual and institutional capability building strategies of the police force have occasioned a paradigm shift towards enhanced policing via training and retraining of officers in areas of professional conduct and science-driven policing.
One wonders how the IGP has continually snowballed his ideas in this regard to hosting conference and retreat for strategic managers and leadership of the Force, and refresher courses for other senior officers and rank and files, respectively to improve their effectiveness and efficiency in all areas of Policing. These efforts built upon the mindset of the IGP to host the 4th Annual Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers which held in Imo State in October 2023 with the theme; Fostering economic prosperity, social integration, and political development through enhanced internal security mechanisms. Continuing this trajectory, the IGP recently hosted the 5th Annual Conference and Retreat for senior Police Officer, held from February 24th to 26th, 2025, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, with the theme; Improving Nigeria’s Internal Security and Economic Prosperity through Inclusive Policing
This landmark event, CARSPO 2025, brought together over 170 high-ranking security professionals, including senior Police Officers from the rank of Commissioner of Police and above, representatives from sister security agencies and distinguished international guests, such as CG Felix Namuhoranye of the Rwanda National Police and IGP Douglas Kanja Kirocho of the Kenyan Police. Over the course of three days, participants engaged in intensive deliberations on pressing issues in modern policing, intelligence sharing, and capacity building for law enforcement agencies. The conference culminated in a series of actionable resolutions designed to enhance the effectiveness and professionalism of the Nigeria Police Force. Some of the key takeaways include strengthening international collaboration with our counterparts from other African countries to combat cross-border crimes; implementing a comprehensive mental health policy backed by research to support officers facing psychological challenges; revamping the Counseling Unit with qualified professionals to address mental health concerns within the force; expanding inclusive recruitment and training programs to ensure a more diverse and well-equipped police force; introducing flexible policy reforms that adapt to emerging security challenges; establishing anti-crime clubs in schools to foster early crime prevention and youth engagement; encouraging officers to embrace risk management strategies that promote safety and resilience in policing; and enhancing specialization and professional development through continuous training tailored to modern security demands.
At the conclusion of the conference, IGP Egbetokun presented certificates of attendance to all participants, including guest speaker CG Felix Namuhoranye of the Rwanda National Police, in recognition of their contributions to the success of the event. IGP Adeolu Egbetokun Ph.D.,NPM reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s firm commitment to leveraging inclusive policing, cutting-edge technology, and international partnerships to improve Nigeria’s internal security and economic well-being. The resolutions adopted at the conference will serve as a roadmap for strengthening law enforcement, fostering public trust, and creating a safer Nigeria.
As the Nigeria Police Force continues to refine and implement forward-thinking policing strategies, Nigeria can look ahead to a future where security is not just a government responsibility but a collective effort that bridges the gap between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Through innovative policies, strategic collaborations, and a commitment to professionalism, the Nigeria Police Force is poised to reshape the country’s security landscape and drive sustainable national development.
The regime of IGP Egbetokun marks the first to have foreign IGPs and security diplomats across the world attend and participate fully in the conference and retreat and engagements of the Nigeria Police Force.His determination in bringing global collaboration, integration, and togetherness in fostering improved security in Nigeria and the African continent as a whole can never be overemphasized. The saying, “putting the right peg in the right hole” is ascertained by the appointment of IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, a scholar, philosopher, perfectionist and holder of a Ph.D in Peace and Security Studies, a great blessing to policing structure and national values in Nigeria.
Prince Muyiwa Adejobi, a Public Relations and law enforcement experts, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria Princemoye@gmail.com 5th March, 2025.
