NEMA DG hails Gov Idris’ proactive response to emergencies, transformative development

 

By Okey Muogbo

The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Hajiya Zubaida Umar Abubakar, has described the Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, as a highly proactive leader, commending his swift response to emergencies and commitment to transformative development across the state.

 

This was contained in a statement Signed by Yahaya Sarki,

Special Adviser (SA) Media and Publicity to the Kebbi State Governor.

The NEMA Director-General made the remarks when a team of media aides to the Kebbi State Governor paid her an advocacy and courtesy visit. She said the remarkable developments recorded in Kebbi State under Governor Idris were evident and not based on hearsay, stressing that she had personally witnessed some of the achievements.

 

“Under the leadership of Governor Idris Kauran Gwandu, a lot has happened in terms of infrastructure, and this is not hearsay; I have also witnessed it,” she said.

 

She recalled an incident during one of her visits to Kebbi State when a security challenge occurred and Governor Idris immediately took action, describing him as “extremely proactive” in responding to emerging challenges.

 

Hajiya Umar also commended the governor’s efforts in the education sector, particularly the employment of 2,000 teachers, provision of buses to tertiary institutions, and the achievements of Kebbi students who developed a local flood early-warning system and subsequently won several awards.

 

According to her, the state government’s commitment to infrastructure and public safety was also evident in the provision of solar street lighting, which she said had significantly improved the environment and enhanced movement at night.

 

She added that the governor’s responsiveness had strengthened collaboration between the state government and NEMA. Recalling her suggestion for the establishment of a NEMA presence in Kebbi State, she said Governor Idris acted promptly.

 

“Before I left Kebbi, the governor had taken action. This is the type of response that we get,” she stated.

 

The NEMA Director-General further commended Kebbi State for its disaster preparedness and response, particularly in relation to flooding caused by the Rima and Niger rivers.

 

She said the state government had consistently responded promptly to seasonal climate predictions and annual flood outlooks, while the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) had remained proactive in coordinating early-warning systems and establishing local emergency management committees.

 

She also praised the governor’s agricultural initiatives and support for farmers, noting that Kebbi State had a comparative advantage in rice production. She said she had personally witnessed the large turnout of farmers and the equipment provided by the state government to support agricultural activities.

 

The NEMA DG stressed that good governance must involve the people, describing Governor Idris as a listening leader who is always available to respond to issues concerning insecurity, education, disaster management and other challenges.

 

“We have a good leadership that is promoting togetherness, and we can achieve the sky; the sky is not even our limit,” she said, while calling for greater inclusion of women in development activities.

 

Earlier, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed, said the visit was part of an advocacy engagement by the Kebbi State Government’s media team with individuals and institutions that had demonstrated friendship and partnership with the administration.

 

He said the team visited the NEMA Director-General because of her prominent role and strong relationship with Kebbi State, as well as her continued collaboration with the state government in areas related to her official responsibilities.

 

The Commissioner said Governor Idris had recorded significant achievements in infrastructure, health, education and security, noting that the administration had addressed longstanding deficits in road networks, healthcare facilities and schools.

 

According to him, the governor had also improved the welfare of medical personnel, employed 2,000 teachers, constructed and rehabilitated schools, provided instructional materials, and invested substantially in security through the provision of vehicles and motorcycles to security agencies.

 

He urged the NEMA Director-General to continue supporting and projecting the development efforts of the Kebbi State Government.

 

The Commissioner was accompanied by the Governor’s media aides: Alhaji Yahaya Sarki, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity; Alhaji Aliyu Bandado Argungu, Special Adviser on New Media; Alhaji Ibrahim Abubakar Jombali, Special Adviser on Public Enlightenment and Orientation; Alhaji Abubakar Idris Zuru, Special Adviser on Strategic Communication; and Alhaji Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.

Information Minister commends Kebbi for media stakeholders engagement

 

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Muhammad Idris, has commended the Kebbi State Government for initiating direct engagement with stakeholders in the media industry and in governance to effectively publicize the achievements of Governor Nasir Idris.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Kebbi State Governor’s Media Team led by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed BK, the Minister described the approach as the first of its kind by a subnational government to be presented to his ministry.

 

As the nation’s designated image maker, Alhaji Idris said regular engagement with media organizations and critical stakeholders will build a harmonious relationship and bridge the communication gap between government and the governed.

He recommended the strategy to other state governments, noting that similar engagement with federal government establishments, patriotic political stakeholders, and consultations with respected leaders and elders will enhance results-oriented governance and accelerate socio-economic development.

 

The Minister cited the 1,068km Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway project, which includes the construction of 63 dams to boost agricultural production along the corridor, as an example of federal commitment to infrastructure and agriculture.

 

He rated Governor Nasir Idris as one of the best performing governors, highlighting remarkable progress in infrastructure, education, agriculture, health, and economic empowerment programs.

On the security challenges, the Minister said although the menace has become almost a nationwide tragedy, the federal government was aware of the remarkable efforts Governor Nasir Idris has been doing in collaboration with the security agencies in tackling the unfortunate situation in the state.

 

“Governor Comrade Nasir Idris has been faithful to the federal government and undoubtedly loyal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the Minister said.

Earlier, the Commissioner, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed BK, said the visit was aimed at showcasing the administration’s achievements and strengthening cordial relations between the Kebbi State Government and key stakeholders in national development.

Atiku to Tinubu: Stop the grammar and show Nigerians the money

Former Vice President of Nigeria and Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has described the Tinubu Presidency’s response to the United States Government’s assessment of Nigeria’s fiscal transparency as an embarrassing attempt to bury a serious indictment beneath bureaucratic grammar.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the Presidency has failed to address the substance of the assessment, choosing instead to dismiss it as an “external benchmark” that does not capture the administration’s reforms.
The United States found that Nigeria failed to meet minimum fiscal transparency requirements and made “no significant progress” in addressing deficiencies concerning budget information, revenue and expenditure reporting, audit independence and public access to procurement information.
Atiku said:
“What exactly is the Tinubu Presidency saying? Nigeria failed the minimum fiscal transparency test, and its response is essentially: yes, we failed, but the test does not tell the whole story.
“That is not a defence. It is an admission wrapped in grammar.
“If, after all the reforms this administration advertises, Nigeria still cannot satisfy minimum fiscal transparency requirements, the problem is not the assessment. The problem is the government.
“The contradiction is even more disturbing when the government’s appetite for taxation is considered. The CBN’s July 2026 Business Expectations Survey showed that 70.8 per cent of respondents identified high and multiple taxation as their biggest business constraint.
“Yet, the same administration understands the importance of tax relief when dealing with major oil operators, offering performance-based incentives to attract investment.
“So Tinubu understands that excessive taxation can discourage investment when large corporations are involved, but somehow forgets the same economic principle when Nigerian manufacturers, SMEs, traders and entrepreneurs are being suffocated by multiple taxes and levies.
“You cannot demand first-class compliance from taxpayers while offering third-class accountability in return.”
Atiku also challenged Tinubu over his promise to “soon publish” how resources arising from fuel subsidy removal are being utilised.
“Soon? More than three years after Nigerians were asked to endure extraordinary hardship in the name of subsidy removal?
“Open the books now. Publish a full account of the subsidy savings and show Nigerians, project by project, where the money went.
“Publish the financial details of the rehabilitation of government-owned refineries: how much was spent, who received the contracts, what was delivered and why Nigerians are again being promised that the refineries will ‘come back to work.’
“The answer to an accusation of opacity is transparency, not another press statement.
“If the U.S. assessment is wrong, disprove it with the records. If it is incomplete, complete the picture with the accounts.
“Nigerians have paid enough. They have sacrificed enough. President Tinubu should stop explaining and start accounting.
“Open the books. Show Nigerians the money.
“The Tinubu government has failed a fundamental test of accountability, and Nigerians are living with the consequences of that failure every day in worsening hardship.
“The country is bleeding, and the evidence is no longer hidden. It is reflected in local economic data, in the daily struggles of Nigerian families and businesses, and in the assessments of international economic observers.
“Nigeria cannot afford another four years of failure disguised as reform. Tinubu’s failure must not be repeated.
“Enough is enough.”

Tinubu’s certificate: Atiku drags President to Court, personally deposes to affidavit

 

Former Vice President of Nigeria and Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, on Friday personally appeared at the Registry of the Federal High Court, Abuja, where he deposed to an affidavit in support of a suit challenging the qualification of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to contest the 2027 presidential election.
The action, instituted by Atiku and the ADC against Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), invokes, among other provisions, Sections 137(1)(j), 139(1)(a)(i) and 285(14)(c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.
At the heart of the action is Section 137(1)(j) of the Constitution, which provides that a person shall not be qualified for election to the office of President if he has presented a forged certificate to INEC.
The suit specifically asks the court to determine whether Tinubu and the APC should be disqualified from the 2027 presidential election over the plaintiffs’ allegation that Tinubu presented a forged NYSC certificate to INEC in connection with the 2023 and 2027 presidential elections.
Speaking after personally taking the oath, Atiku said his presence at the court registry was deliberate.
“I came here personally because the issues before the court go to the heart of our Constitution and the integrity of the office of President. I cannot ask Nigerians to respect the Constitution while treating a matter of this magnitude casually. I have therefore put my name, my signature and my oath behind the facts we are presenting to the court.
“Now it is President Tinubu’s turn to answer them.”
In his affidavit, Atiku alleges that Tinubu submitted to INEC an NYSC discharge certificate bearing the name “Tinubu Bola Adekunle”, which, according to the plaintiffs, is different from the President’s name, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The affidavit further alleges that the same NYSC certificate was submitted in connection with the 2027 presidential election and contends that the document is not a certificate obtained by Tinubu. These are allegations that the plaintiffs have now placed formally before the Federal High Court for judicial determination.
Significantly, Atiku has also placed INEC on notice to produce Tinubu’s Form CF001 submitted in connection with the 2023 and 2027 presidential elections. The affidavit states that Atiku had applied for certified true copies of the relevant form before filing the suit but had received no response at the time the processes were prepared.
Atiku said:
“This is precisely why we have gone to court. We are not asking Nigerians to decide this matter on social media, and we are not asking INEC to become a court. We are asking the institution holding the records to produce them and the judiciary to examine the evidence and pronounce on it.
“If the certificate belongs to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, let that be established before the court. If ‘Tinubu Bola Adekunle’ and ‘Bola Ahmed Tinubu’ are one and the same person for the purpose of that certificate, let the evidence establish it. These are questions that deserve answers, not political insults or presidential silence.”
The case goes beyond the certificate itself.
Atiku and the ADC are also challenging provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026 which, according to their written address, effectively restrict who may challenge the qualification of a candidate at pre-election stage and the removal of  qualification as a ground  for questioning an election as envisaged by section 139(a)(i) of the Constitution which empowers the National Assembly to make laws that allows the questioning of whether a person elected into the office of President is qualified.
Their argument is that legislation cannot be used to shut the door against enforcement of an express constitutional provision. They contend that where an Act of the National Assembly conflicts with the Constitution, the Constitution must prevail.
“This case therefore raises a fundamental question for our democracy,” Atiku said.
“Can an Act of the National Assembly be used as a shield against an express provision of the Constitution? Can we write into ordinary legislation an escape route from a constitutional standard applicable to everyone seeking the Presidency? Our position is that the Constitution remains supreme.”
The originating summons asks the Federal High Court to determine whether the statutory restrictions complained of can prevent the plaintiffs from invoking Section 137(1)(j), and ultimately whether Tinubu and the APC should be disqualified from participating in the 2027 presidential election if the plaintiffs’ case is established.
Among the substantive reliefs sought is an order disqualifying Tinubu and the APC from participating in the 2027 presidential election on the grounds pleaded by the plaintiffs.
Atiku added:
“Nobody should misunderstand what is at stake. Nigerian graduates cannot complete NYSC documentation with one identity and simply ask employers to ignore discrepancies. Young Nigerians seeking ordinary jobs are subjected to rigorous scrutiny of their certificates. The standard cannot suddenly disappear because the applicant is seeking the highest office in the land.
“The Presidency is not an immunity certificate against constitutional scrutiny.”
Atiku said the judicial action also places a responsibility on INEC to demonstrate its neutrality by making the relevant records available to the court.
His affidavit expressly states that INEC, as a neutral public institution, is duty-bound to uphold the Constitution regardless of whose political interest may be affected.
“INEC is holding the documents. The court has the jurisdiction to examine the issues. President Tinubu has the opportunity to defend himself. That is the constitutional process, and nobody should be afraid of it.
“The 2027 election must begin with clarity about the qualification of those seeking the Presidency. Nigerians should not be asked to vote first and investigate later.”
Atiku stressed that his personal appearance to depose to the affidavit underscored his willingness to submit himself to the same constitutional standards he demands of others.
“I have sworn to my case before the law. I am prepared to be held accountable for what I have placed before the court. President Tinubu should equally be prepared to answer the case against him before the law.
Counsel to the Plaintiffs, Edwin Inegedu, SAN, and Joseph Onu Silas, Esq., expressed confidence in the case. Speaking for the legal team, Silas Onu said they had carefully reviewed the law and placed their arguments before the Court, adding that they were prepared to confront the Defendants’ case once served. “We are confident that justice will prevail. This case presents an important opportunity to further develop Nigeria’s electoral jurisprudence,” he said.
“This is not about privilege, personalities or presidential power. It is about one Constitution and one standard for every Nigerian.
“Nobody is above the Constitution — not Atiku Abubakar, not Bola Tinubu, and certainly not the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

NSCDC boss in Osun, vows decisive action against election disruptors

The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, has paid an operational visit to Osun State to assess security preparedness ahead of the upcoming election.
During the visit, the CG met with the Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, and personnel of the NSCDC Osun State Command.
Addressing stakeholders, the CG reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to ensuring a peaceful, free, fair, and credible election. He said the NSCDC will also intensify efforts to protect critical national assets and infrastructure.
“We do not want any bloodshed,” the CG stated. “We will decisively deal with anyone who attempts to disrupt the electoral process.”
Governor Adeleke commended the CG for the visit and praised the NSCDC for safeguarding critical assets in the state. He expressed concern over recent threats by political factions to intimidate voters and urged the Corps to deploy adequate personnel to prevent violence.
At the INEC State Headquarters, the CG met with the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola. He reiterated that the protection of electoral materials and facilities falls within the NSCDC’s mandate and pledged full operational support to the Commission.
“The NSCDC is an integral part of election security. We are partners in this process, and anyone who attempts to vandalize assets or interfere with the election will be seriously dealt with,” he warned.
Concluding his tour at the NSCDC Osun Command, the CG directed officers to be professional, avoid being trigger-happy, obey rules of engagement, and collaborate closely with the Nigeria Police Force and other sister agencies to ensure a secure election. Authority

Vandalism: Five transmission towers collapse along Ikot Abasi – Eket 132kV Line

 

By Okey Muogbo

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced the collapse of five transmission towers along the Ikot Abasi – Eket 132kV Double Circuit Transmission Line as a result of severe acts of vandalism.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Management of TCN on Friday.

According to the statement, extensive damage was discovered during a routine joint line patrol conducted on August 9, 2026, by TCN linesmen.

Preliminary assessment, it said, “indicates that critical structural bracing members were removed from Towers N9, N10, N11, N12, N13, and N15, resulting in the collapse of five towers.

“Further inspection revealed that structural members from seven additional towers along the same transmission corridor had also been removed and stolen. These towers are now structurally compromised and pose a risk of further collapse.

“To mitigate the impact on electricity supply, the network has been reconfigured to prioritize supply from Ibom Power.”

On efforts to remedy the situation, TCN Management said it is mobilizing an urgent intervention to complete the reconstruction of the affected sections of the line. Security agencies have also been notified to aid investigations and prevent further acts of vandalism along the line route.

“We condemn this act of sabotage and reiterate our commitment to working hard to maintain a robust and reliable national grid,”, the statement concluded.

 

Finance Ministry, NNPCL clash over NEITI audit queries on $3bn loan, $722m LNG dividends

The Federal Ministry of Finance on Thursday accused the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) of withholding financial records needed to respond to queries raised in the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative 2021 to 2023 Oil and Gas Sector Audit report.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Raymond Omachi, made the allegation while appearing before the Senate Committee on Public Accounts. The committee is probing several financial infractions flagged in the NEITI report.
One of the major issues highlighted was a $3 billion pre-export financing loan taken in 2012 to settle subsidy payments. NEITI said recovery of the loan from monthly Federation revenue under the pre-export financing and Project Eagle agreement remains unclear.
Another query concerns $722.6 million paid in 2021 by Nigeria LNG to NNPC as dividends and interest earned by the Federation. According to NEITI, the money was neither remitted to the Federation Account nor properly accounted for.
The audit also observed that none of the nation’s refineries was operational in 2021 despite N200 billion spent on them. NEITI further flagged $221.283 million in overhead costs incurred by NAPIMS in 2021. The Ministry could not provide explanations for both.
Responding, Omachi said the Ministry was not directly involved in the transactions. He stated that agencies involved, particularly NNPCL, have refused to cooperate by providing accurate records required for reconciliation.
“We don’t have direct involvement in all the issues raised and the required provision of financial records from the affected agencies, particularly NNPCL, NUPRC etc, is not there,” he told the committee.
To resolve the discrepancies, Omachi said the Ministry has engaged Arthur Andersen LLP to carry out a forensic audit of all the transactions. He said the firm is expected to provide clarity for proper reconciliation.
The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, questioned when the forensic audit report would be ready, noting that the timeline had already been extended twice from six months to one year.
Dankwambo directed the Permanent Secretary to convene a joint meeting with NNPCL, NUPRC and the Ministry of Finance. He stressed that the issues are in the public domain and being monitored internationally, adding that all records must be clarified in the interest of Nigeria.

NEITI Audit: Senate threatens sanctions against Seplat, Aradel, others

The Senate Public Accounts Committee has given Seplat Energy and three other oil firms 48 hours to appear before it over allegations contained in NEITI audit reports for 2021 to 2023.
Apart from Seplat, the companies listed are Network E & P Nigeria Limited, All Grace Energy Limited and Aradel Energy Limited. The committee said they risk legislative action if they fail to honour the summons.
Chairman of the committee, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, issued the ultimatum on Tuesday after members expressed displeasure over the companies’ repeated non-appearance.
The issue generated heated debate after Senator Abdul Ningi revealed that Network E & P wrote to the committee stating that NUPRC was its only regulatory body.
Ningi condemned the position, calling it an affront to the Senate. He insisted that the legislature can invite any individual or institution under Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution.
“The Senate and by extension, the National Assembly, is the custodian of Nigeria law that has power to invite anybody or agency for explanations on issues raised against them,” he argued.
Senator Shehu Kaka Lawan, Borno Central, backed Ningi and urged the committee to invoke its powers. He specifically called out Network E & P for ignoring two invitations.
Following this, the committee ordered the MD of Network E & P to appear on Thursday or face sanctions. The same directive was extended to Seplat, All Grace Energy and Aradel Energy.
In a separate case, Dubri Oil Company Limited appeared before the committee and disputed a $3.025 million debt for royalty and gas flare contained in the NEITI report.
Dubri’s representative, Soyode Olusoji Clement, said the figure came up during a reconciliation issue with NUPRC that has now been resolved. He submitted documents to that effect, and the committee said it would review them before issuing a clean bill of health.

Time to reverse Nigeria’s dwindling football fortunes 

By Chiedu Uche Okoye
In today’s world, football is the most popular sporting activity. From Brazil to Ghana, and from Italy to Australia, people who are from different races play the game of football. And, globally, millions of football fans follow football events and competitions, religiously. Back in Nigeria, football has been our only unifying factor as we do bury our ethnic and religious differences to cheer our national teams whenever they are playing against other countries during international football competitions.
In the past, when sporting competitions were integrated into secondary schools’ curricula, football competitions were organized for secondary schools in different states in the country, periodically. And many football stars who played for our national teams were discovered during such secondary schools’ football competitions.
For example, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, who won the Nation’s Cup for Nigeria as both a player and a coach, excelled in the round leather game while attending St. Finbarr’s College, Lagos. Another footballer, Henry Nwosu, who was a member of the Green Eagles team that won the 1980 Nation’s Cup, played secondary school football, too. And Arthur Ebunam, who once played for Enugu Rangers International, was a member of the Christ the King College (CKC), Onitsha football team that won the world secondary school football championship in Dublin, Ireland.
A great number of our secondary schools’ football prodigies matured to play for our national football teams and for renowned club sides in Nigeria and beyond. At that time, football clubs that reigned in Nigeria were Stationery Stores of Lagos, IICC Shooting Stars of Ibadan, Enugu Rangers International FC, Flash Flamingoes of Benin, Sharks of Portharcourt, Calabar Rovers, Spartans of Owerri, Mighty Jets of Jos, Racca Rovers of Kano, and others. And such talented footballers as Patrick Okala, Yisa Sofoluwe, Adokiye Amasiemeka, Jude Agada, Mike Emenalo, Friday Ekpo, and others dominated our football scene, then.
Again, our national football teams imprinted our country’s name in the collective psyche of millions of people by winning international football competitions. In 1985, against all expectations, the Nduka Ugbade led Golden Eaglets of Nigeria won the maiden edition of the Kodak under-17 male football world cup. And at the Saudi ’89 under-21 football world cup, the Flying Eagles of Nigeria recorded a historical and memorable comeback in one of their matches and went ahead to win the silver cup in the competition.
More so, at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, our under-23 football team, the Dream Team, not only dazzled football fans, globally, with their breathtaking football displays, but they, also, won the Olympic soccer gold. Before then, Emmanuel Amuneke, a great winger, helped the Super Eagles to win the 1994 Nation’s Cup with his powerful strikes.
But today, our national football teams are struggling to win matches at continental and global football fiestas. The teams have not realized their full potentialities. The star-studded Super Eagles of Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2022 and 2026 senior football world cups. Yet, the Super Eagles parade an array of football stars, who play topflight football in Europe, Asia, and America. Are Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Maduka Okoye, Victor Osimhen, and Chukwueze not great footballers?
Again, recently, our female national football team, the Super Falcons, which was tipped to win the 2026 WAFCON, fumbled and wobbled at the competition when the ovation was loudest. The less-fancied Cameroonian national team eliminated the Super Falcons from the WAFCON competition. Millions of Nigerians have not come to terms with the Super Falcons ouster from the 2026 WAFCON competition.
Now that the Lionesses of Cameroun have eliminated our senior female national team from the 2026 WAFCON, the Super Falcons will walk a tight rope to qualify for the forthcoming female football world cup. The team will take on South Africa in a play-off. But the Super Falcons, who are struggling to qualify for the forthcoming senior female football world cup, have a surfeit of quality players who play professional football in Europe and America. Are Michelle Alozie, Assisat Oshoala, Esther Okonkwo, and Chiamaka Nnadozie not great female footballers, who can hold their own during football matches?
But the fact is that Nigeria’s dwindling football fortunes are caused by lacklustre, corrupt, and myopic football leadership, and not by the players that don our national teams’ jerseys. So those who supervised our national teams that performed abysmally at international football fiestas should be barred from seeking re-election into football offices.
What should be done is to elect new football administrators, who know their onions about football administration. Our football bodies need a crop of new leaders who will bring fresh ideas into our country’s football administration. It is they that will revamp football administration in Nigeria, and return our national teams to their winning ways.
Our placing of square pegs in round holes, which is caused by the existence of the culture of corruption and political patronage in Nigeria, is at the root of our national teams’ poor performances in international competitions. We should do away it if we want to regain our lost football glories.
It is high time seasoned and patriotic football administrators took over our football bodies and ignite our football renaissance.

Osun: Obi decries Senator Fadahunsi’s threat on voters, demands retraction

 

 

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Candidate in the 2027 poll, Peter Obi, has described as deeply concerning the tactless and provocative statement of Senator Francis Fadahunsi on Saturday’s gubernatorial election in Osun State.

Fadahunsi who belongs to the All Progressive Congress (APC) had threatened to kill supporters of Accord Party on the election day.

Obi also demands his immediate retraction of the statement and that Osun voters be allowed to determine who peacefully governs them.

Writing on his X handle, the former Anambra State Governor said, “I wish to express my deep regret and profound concern regarding the recent inflammatory comments and threat-laden rhetoric attributed to Senator Francis Fadahunsi in the lead-up to the Osun State election on Saturday.

 

“As a high-ranking lawmaker representing the people in the National Assembly, Senator Fadahunsi carries a solemn constitutional and moral responsibility to promote peace, uphold democratic norms, and foster unity. It is therefore alarming and unacceptable that a distinguished senator would deploy intimidation, incendiary remarks, or political threats capable of heightening tensions, instilling fear in voters, and potentially inciting electoral violence in Osun State.

 

“Elections are meant to be a celebration of democratic franchise – a peaceful exercise through which citizens freely choose their leaders without intimidation, harassment, or coercion. Resorting to threats of force or disruption undermines the integrity of our electoral process, disrespects the electorate, and threatens the fragile peace of the state.

 

“I therefore respectfully demand that Senator Fadahunsi retract these harmful statements and tender an apology to the peaceful people of Osun State.

 

“All political leaders, stakeholders, and party loyalists across party lines must exercise the utmost restraint, moderate their language, and recommit themselves to peace and democratic decorum.

 

“The relevant security agencies must closely monitor inflammatory statements and ensure equal protection for all citizens, election officials, and voters before, during, and after the polls.

 

“The democratic mandate belongs to the people, and no individual, regardless of status or political office, should attempt to subvert the will of the people through fear or coercion.

 

I urge the good people of Osun State to remain calm, peaceful, and resolute as they exercise their constitutional civic duty at the polls.

 

“Getting elections right is a necessary step towards a New Nigeria that is Possible.”