The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Ex-Jigawa PDP chairmen urge Lamido to seek new political platform amid party crisis

    Ex-Jigawa PDP chairmen urge Lamido to seek new political platform amid party crisis

    The forum of former local government chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Jigawa State has criticised the party’s national leadership for allegedly sidelining former Governor Sule Lamido and blocking him from contesting for the position of national chairman.

    The forum stated its position in a communiqué issued after its meeting at the PDP state secretariat. 

    The statement, signed by its chairman, Hon. Ali Idris Diginsa, expressed concern over what it described as the party’s deepening internal crisis and the leadership’s failure to resolve long-standing disputes.

    According to the communiqué, the recent confrontation between Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, at the PDP national secretariat in Abuja was “shameful and embarrassing,” further exposing the party’s weakened state.

    “The PDP is no longer a formidable national platform due to persistent divisions, distrust and unending rancour among its members,” the forum stated.

    The former chairmen reaffirmed their loyalty to Lamido, describing him as a consistent party loyalist and a steadfast political figure whose pedigree spans decades—from his activism in the PRP youth wing, to his election to the House of Representatives in 1997, to his leadership roles in the SDP, where he served as national secretary during the 1992 Abiola presidential victory.

    They noted that Lamido remains the only surviving member of the historic G9 and G18 groups who has never abandoned the PDP, even at the height of the Buhari political wave in the North.

    The forum said it has mandated Lamido to “seek a viable political platform” that would allow his followers to pursue “the dream of a greater Jigawa and Nigeria,” insisting that they trust his judgement and leadership.

    They also urged the Jigawa State PDP leadership to facilitate an immediate meeting with Lamido so the group can formally present its position.

    The communiqué ended with a pledge of unwavering loyalty to the former governor: “Wherever he goes, we will follow.”

  • MOWAA declines to appear before Edo Assembly

    MOWAA declines to appear before Edo Assembly

    Management of the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) has declined to appear before the Edo State House of Assembly Ad hoc Committee which was set up to investigate its operations and funding.

    It said it earlier informed the Committee that it would be subjudice for it to attend the public hearing due to the pendency of the same matter before the Federal High Court, Benin City.

    In a letter by its Counsel, Olayiwola Afolabi, MOWAA informed the Committee that the Federal Government, as well as the House of Representatives, have constituted same committees to look into the same issues.

    The letter said documents it previously submitted to the Assembly showed that everything about MOWAA were genuine and transparent.

    In the documents presented by MOWAA, it said, “No funds from any international institution had been received for the building of MOWAA until after it was very clear what MOWAA was and was not. 

    “All funding was received subsequent to the time in the middle of 2021 that it was clear to potential donors that there would be two separate organisations one focused on Benin heritage art and another on modern and contemporary, broader West African art and research/education. 

    “Funding from German Government did not come until end of 2022 – a year and a half after the Palace disassociated itself from MOWAA. The fact that there would be two separate museums was communicated to the Benin Dialogue Group (the European museums) in the meetings of October, 2021 at the London meeting and again in Hamburg in the meetings of March 2023, and further confirmed in writing to all Benin Dialogue Group members approximately two years ago when MOWAA formally withdrew from the group meetings.”

    In his presentation, the Edo Accountant General, Julius Oseimen Anelu, said the N3.8bn funding for MOWAA by the Edo State Government was appropriated for in the budget.

    He said the $18m from donors did not enter the state’s coffers.

    The Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, whose presentation was made by Prince Aghatise Erediauwa, said former Governor Godwin Obaseki made efforts to hijack the process of returned artefacts.

    He accused former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and a former Director General of National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) Albert Tijani, of fighting the Palace to defend actions of the Legacy Restoration Trust (LRT). 

    Oba Ewuare II said the LRT was used to solicit fund abroad using his name.

    The Benin Monarch said the Federal Government gazette, which recognised him as the custodian of the returned artefacts, made the LRT promoters realised that they were fighting a lost battle.

    Chairman of the Ad hoc Committee, Hon Ade Isibor, said the suit cited by MOWAA would not stop investigation of the Committee.

    Hon Isibor said the Assembly and the Edo State Government were not involved in any litigation involving MOWAA.

    He expressed shock that MOWAA declined to be present.

    According to him, “The powers of parliament to look into funds disbursed by the Executive is sacrosanct and cannot be taken away by any court.

    “We are shocked that MOWAA did not attend sitting or come to give verbal presentation. The Committee adopt the documentary evidence forwarded to us without by MOWAA.”

  • Segun Awolowo’s death, a devastating loss – Ibori

    Segun Awolowo’s death, a devastating loss – Ibori

    Former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Segun Awolowo, describing his death as a painful loss to the nation and to all who knew him personally.

    Segun, who was one of the grandsons of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, died at the age of 62.

     In a heartfelt statement he personally signed on Thursday, Ibori said Awolowo’s death is a personal loss to him.

    “I am utterly devastated by the news of Segun’s death,” Ibori said.

    “He carried the Awolowo name with dignity, humility, and purpose. Nigeria has lost one of its finest gentlemen.”

    Ibori paid tribute to Awolowo’s outstanding leadership at NEPC, noting his instrumental role in championing the nation’s export growth and his vision for a diversified economy.

    Under Awolowo’s stewardship, NEPC expanded its support for non-oil exports, nurtured local producers, and opened new global markets—efforts that, according to Ibori, will continue to benefit Nigeria for years to come.

    Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ibori highlighted Awolowo’s character: “He was gentle, soft-spoken, principled—but never weak in conviction. He believed in service, not spectacle.”

    He added that Segun Awolowo’s integrity and calm demeanour earned him respect across political divides.

    Ibori extended his deepest condolences to the Awolowo family, friends, and colleagues, praying for solace and strength in this difficult time. “May his legacy of excellence, dignity, and national service inspire all of us moving forward,” he said.

  • Alleged cyberbullying of Senator: Court grants lawyer N5m bail

    Alleged cyberbullying of Senator: Court grants lawyer N5m bail

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to a lawyer, Ahmed Abdulrahman, accused of cyberbullying a serving member of the Senate, Senator Shehu Buba, to N5million bail and two sureties in like sum.

    Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia granted the bail in a ruling on Monday, in which she said Abdulraman must produce two sureties.

    Justice Ajumogobia said the two sureties must have landed property with a Certificate of Occupancy in the Federal Capital Territory.

    She added that the sureties must submit the certificate of occupancy of the property and their international passport to the court, and that the defendant should remain in custody till the bail conditions are perfected

    Ahmed Abdulrahman, a lawyer, and four others are being prosecuted by the Inspector-General (IGP) on allegations bordering on cyberbullying Senator Shehu Umar Buba, Chairman, Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence.

    The IGP, in charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/526/2025 and filed by Anthony Egwu on October 6,

    named Abdulrahman, 41 years; Daure David, 35; Ishaq Muhammed, 25; Abdulrashid Musa, 30; and Nasir Abubakar, 21, as 1st to 5th defendants respectively.

    The defendants were, on October 30, arraigned on an 11-count charge which also bordered on cybercrime, defamation, and advance fee fraud, among others.

    They, however, pleaded not guilty to the counts, and Justice Ajumogobia ordered their remand at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID).

    In count one, the defendants were alleged to have, sometime in 2025, conspired among themselves “to commit an offence, to wit: cyberstalking against Senator Shehu Buba Umar.”

    The offence is said to be contrary to Section 27(1)(b) and punishable under Section 21(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc.) Act 2015 (as amended) 2024.

    In count three, Abdulrahman, the 1st defendant, was alleged to have, sometime in 2025, intentionally sent a video via his TikTok handle with the user name “Kibanna Channel” and his YouTube channel to defame the lawmaker by linking him to sponsorship of banditry with a view to tarnishing his image as a serving Senator.

    The suspect was alleged to have stated that “Senator Umar, a serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a sponsor of banditry and called for his investigation, a statement you made by means of computer systems and network knowing same to be false, for the purpose of causing breakdown of law and order and causing the Senator fear of death”.

    The offence is also said to be contrary to Section 24(1)(5) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act 2015 (as amended) 2024, among other counts.

    In one of the counts, Daure David was accused of attempting to collect N5 million from Senator Umar Umar under false pretence that the money would be used to settle those planning to protest against him.

  • Financial market analyst predicts interest rate cut by CBN

    Financial market analyst predicts interest rate cut by CBN

    Lukman Otunuga, Senior Manager and Market Analyst at FXTM, has forecast the possibility of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) cutting interest rates by as much as 100 basis points on Tuesday, citing easing inflationary pressures and a busy week of high-impact global economic events.

    Otunuga noted that Nigeria’s annual inflation dropped to 16.05 percent in October 2025 — the lowest since March 2022 — providing the CBN with fresh room to stimulate economic growth through a rate cut.

    He added that indicators from Nigeria’s Q3 GDP report, expected this week, suggest further signs of recovery that could boost confidence in an expansionary monetary stance.

    On the global stage, the analyst said equity markets have opened the week strongly, led by gains in the tech sector amid rising expectations of a U.S. interest rate cut in December.

    Dovish signals from U.S. Federal Reserve officials last Friday have pushed the odds of such a cut to 70 percent, though upcoming economic data could alter those projections.

    Otunuga also highlighted ongoing geopolitical tensions, noting that weekend talks involving top U.S., Ukrainian, and European diplomats on a Russia–Ukraine peace plan have stalled, with European leaders rejecting the proposals. A deadlock, he warned, could trigger broad risk aversion in global markets.

    He further projected volatility for both the British pound and the U.S. dollar ahead of the UK Autumn Budget scheduled for Wednesday, November 26, 2026. With the UK facing a fiscal gap of up to £30 billion, expected tax hikes may pressure consumers, weaken growth, and intensify speculation around lower UK interest rates.

    For the U.S., he said retail sales and Producer Price Index (PPI) data due this week will provide clearer signals on economic health, adding that weaker-than-expected figures could strengthen expectations of a December Fed rate cut.

    Turning to cryptocurrencies, Otunuga said Bitcoin is still reeling from last week’s sharp selloff. Despite a slight rebound, the digital asset is on track for its worst month since 2022 and is down nearly 10 percent year-to-date.

    Trading at around $86,000, he warned that persistent weakness below $90,000 could trigger a further slide toward $80,500 and beyond.

    “Looking at commodities, oil flashed red amid hopes about a Ukraine-Russia peace deal, while gold has been stuck within a wide range since mid-November.

    “A potent fundamental catalyst may be needed to trigger a break above $4130 or below $4000. This may come in the form of geopolitical developments or key US data”, he concluded.

  • JUST IN: ASUU suspends four-months strike in in Ondo varsity

    JUST IN: ASUU suspends four-months strike in in Ondo varsity

    Members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State have suspended their four-month-old strike.

    The lecturers had, in August, embarked on an indefinite industrial action over the non-payment of salaries and arrears by the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    Chairman of the AAUA ASUU chapter, Comrade Bolawaji Oshodi, confirmed the suspension in an interview with The Nation on Monday. 

    He said the union decided to resume academic activities after reaching an understanding with the university management.

    “For now, we have suspended the strike. Everything is based on the agreement we had with the university management. Management has been very supportive, too, and we understand.

    “We are still being owed one month salary, but based on our love for the system and our students, we have resolved to suspend the strike,” Oshodi said.

    ASUU AAUA had earlier issued a letter signed by Oshodi and the union’s secretary, Olusegun Taiwo, notifying the university of the withdrawal of their services over unpaid salaries and arrears.

    “This is in line with the resolution taken at the Congress of Thursday, August 21, 2025, over the non-payment of our salaries and arrears.

    “By this memo, our members have been directed to withdraw their services from all academic activities in the University until all our outstanding salaries and arrears are paid,” the letter read.

    The union said it’s had written multiple letters to both the university management and the state government over the lingering non-payment of wages.

    According to Oshodi, the lecturers resorted to a “total strike” to press home their demands.

    “But to be sincere, the major problem we are facing is funding. The state government is not funding the university. As I speak now, we are being owed two months’ salaries (July and August).

    “This is aside several arrears, promotion arrears, essence workload and others running into billions. The state government is not forthcoming. So, we made up our minds that until everything is addressed, we’re not going back,” he said.

  • SEC warns against complacency after FATF grey list exit

    SEC warns against complacency after FATF grey list exit

    The Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, has called on financial sector stakeholders to sustain a compliance culture to protect Nigeria’s standing in the global financial system following the country’s exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List.

    Speaking at the Nigerian Capital Market Institute (NCMI) Compliance Summit on Monday, Agama described Nigeria’s removal from the Grey List as a major national victory and a clear message to the international community about the country’s determination to strengthen its Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regime.

    “This was not a mere administrative update; it was a resounding global affirmation of our collective and unwavering commitment,” he said.

    Agama credited the achievement to the collaboration between public and private sector institutions, praising operators, regulators, and compliance professionals for their contributions. He warned, however, that the achievement must not create a false sense of finality.

    “Exiting the grey list is not the finish line; it is the starting block for a new race. The world is watching,” he stated.

    According to him, global financial institutions and international investors will continue to scrutinize Nigeria’s progress to determine whether the reforms are durable and whether the country’s compliance culture is firmly rooted. He noted that the theme of the summit reinforced the need to shift from compliance driven by external pressure to one guided by long-term institutional commitment.

    “Robust compliance is no longer a regulatory burden; it is our single most powerful competitive advantage. A compliant market is a transparent market, and a trustworthy market is the destination for capital,” he said.

    Agama explained that Nigeria’s improved compliance regime sends a strong message that the country is “open for business, safe, secure, and sophisticated.” He urged institutions to embrace continuous improvement through the adoption of RegTech and SupTech tools, regular training of compliance personnel, and the promotion of ethical standards across the financial system.

    He assured that the SEC would continue to provide regulatory clarity, constructive supervision, and sustained engagement to ensure Nigeria remains consistent with global expectations. Agama encouraged participants at the summit to exchange knowledge and develop practical measures that will “future-proof” the Nigerian capital market.

    “Let us work together to ensure that Nigeria never again finds itself on that list,” he said, expressing hope that the country would instead stand among the world’s most resilient, compliant emerging markets.

    In her remarks, the SEC’s Executive Commissioner for Legal and Enforcement, Ms. Frana Chukwuogor, drew attention to the new Investment and Securities Act (ISA) 2025, signed into law by the President earlier in the year. She said that one of the biggest challenges facing compliance officers and market operators is the lack of sufficient information whenever new regulations are introduced.

    “How can you be compliant if you don’t know what has changed?” she asked. “So our focus here today is to bring attention to some of the new issues, some of the new areas that may pose risks to them and the market.”

    Chukwuogor noted that the changes in the new law touch on critical areas such as digital assets and the growing threat of Ponzi schemes, issues she said operators must fully understand. She reminded participants that Nigeria’s exit from the Grey List in October came with renewed responsibilities for all market participants, and CEOs must ensure that their compliance officers understand the new obligations under the ISA 2025.

    The Executive Commissioner disclosed that the SEC intends to measure compliance through strict monitoring of statutory returns, warning that operators who fail to file required reports should expect sanctions.

    The summit brought together regulators, operators, compliance experts, and other stakeholders as Nigeria works to consolidate its reforms and strengthen confidence in the capital market.

  • Southeast Reps caucus seeks presidential pardon for Nnamdi Kanu

    Southeast Reps caucus seeks presidential pardon for Nnamdi Kanu

    The South East caucus of the House of Representatives has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to invoke his constitutional powers to grant the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu presidential pardon.

    The caucus said in a statement that granting Kanu, who was sentenced to life in prison, a presidential pardon would douse tension in the southeast.

    The statement read by the leader of the caucus, Igariwey Iduma Enwo reads, “The Southeast Caucus of the House of Representatives met today, the 24th of November 2025, in Abuja, to review the recent judgment in the case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and to assess its implications for peace, security, and stability in the Southeast region, and the nation at large.

    “As elected representatives, we reaffirm our total respect for the judiciary and the processes that led to the conviction. However, our responsibility also requires us to speak with clarity when a legal matter evolves into a broader national concern with serious humanitarian, economic, and security consequences.

    “After extensive deliberation, the Caucus resolved to humbly appeal to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to consider a political and humanitarian intervention using the constitutional powers granted under Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution, to grant pardon to Mazi Kanu.

    “Our appeal is grounded on the considerations that the continued detention of Mazi Kanu has contributed significantly to tension and agitation in the Southeast. Despite numerous calls for calm, the atmosphere remains strained. A presidential act of mercy at this time has the potential to de-escalate tensions, restore normalcy, and reduce the cycle of security operations and civil resistance.

    “Beyond its political nature, this matter has taken a deep emotional toll on families, communities, and the general population. The Southeast has experienced profound social disruptions — closed markets, interrupted schooling, reduced commercial activity, and fear. A political resolution would ease these human burdens and allow communities to return to a dignified life.

    “Nigeria has, in critical moments, relied on presidential magnanimity to heal divisions and consolidate peace. Indeed, the authors of our constitution conceived of Section 175, in anticipation that the bare dictates of the law may sometimes prove insufficient in tackling complex legal issues that are better handled politically via Presidential discretion.

    “It is our belief that an act of clemency by the President would resonate deeply across the country as a symbol of inclusiveness, fairness, and leadership that prioritises healing over division. It would send a clear message that dialogue is still possible, even in difficult circumstances.

    “The Caucus believes that the release of Mazi Kanu, through pardon, would open space for broader engagement between the Federal Government, elected leaders, and community stakeholders to chart a sustainable and peaceful path forward.

    “Therefore, in the spirit of national healing, unity, and responsible leadership, we respectfully urge the President to consider this request as an investment in Nigeria’s long-term peace and cohesion.

    “We call on all citizens of the Southeast to remain calm, law-abiding, and supportive of ongoing efforts to secure a peaceful resolution.

    “The Southeast Caucus remains committed to working with the Federal Government to advance national unity, inclusive governance, and lasting stability across all regions”.

  • NANS urges Fed govt to ensure safe return of abducted students

    NANS urges Fed govt to ensure safe return of abducted students

    The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged the Federal Government to ensure the safe rescue and return of all abducted students in Kebbi, Niger, and elsewhere.

    National President of NANS, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, who made the call on Monday at a news conference in Abuja, also urged the government to present a clear and verifiable plan for securing schools nationwide.

    The students’ body urged the government to implement immediate restructuring of the Safe School Initiative.

    The NANS president, who read the demands of the body, threatened to shut down major highways and airports in 14 days if these demands are not implemented.

    The students’ body also threatened to embark on peaceful mass demonstrations across the country.

    It called on the National Security Adviser, Minister of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, and Chiefs of Army Staff to probe the alleged withdrawal of military before the kidnapping of students in Kebbi state.

    “In view of the Kebbi incident where terrorists struck minutes after military withdrawal, NANS is deeply concerned about the possibility of internal sabotage,” the text of the press conference read.

    The NANS president said, “We can no longer stand by while terrorists destroy what remains of our education system. The era of silence and tolerance is over.

    “Conclusively, Nigeria is at a crossroads. The safety of our students is non-negotiable, and the future of our nation is at stake. NANS stands united, resolute, and ready to defend the Nigerian student identity—by dialogue if possible, and by mass civil action if necessary.

    “We mourn with the affected families, communities, and states. We demand justice. And we declare, unequivocally, that students’ lives matter, and this nation must act accordingly.”

    NANS also called for the removal of the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) “for the broad internal security collapse that has emboldened terrorists to repeatedly target schools and abduct students without deterrence.”

    It added: “The failure of these offices to effectively coordinate intelligence, enforce preventive security, and protect defenseless students is unacceptable. Nigeria must stop rewarding incompetence in matters of life and national stability.”

  • Elumelu Foundation partners Federal Fire Service to train 7,400 Nigerians on fire safety

    Elumelu Foundation partners Federal Fire Service to train 7,400 Nigerians on fire safety

    The Federal Fire Service announced on Monday a national capacity-building initiative, following a collaboration with the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), to train 7,400 Nigerians on fire safety and awareness.

    According to the Public Relations Officer of the FFS, Peter O Abraham, the training would cover the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja.

    This partnership was part of an agreement reached at a meeting with Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation and Chairman of Heirs Holdings and the United Bank for Africa (UBA), at the Hilton, Abuja.

    The Controller General, Federal Fire Service, Samuel Adeyemi Olumode, led a delegation of senior management officers to the high-level engagement.

    During the engagement, the Service also formally inaugurated Mr. Peter Ashade, Group CEO, United Capital Plc, as a National Fire Safety Ambassador, in recognition of the Heirs Group’s significant contributions to enhancing safety consciousness and advancing community-focused fire safety initiatives nationwide.

    Abraham said the honour underscored the expanding partnership between the Federal Fire Service (FFS) and the Tony Elumelu ecosystem.

    “As part of the collaboration, FFS personnel would be deployed across all infrastructures under Mr. Tony Elumelu’s business portfolio nationwide, serving as safety officers to support compliance, strengthen safety monitoring, and enhance fire prevention awareness across all facilities”, Abraham said.

    According to him, Elumelu emphasized the urgent need to deepen community-level fire safety awareness, noting that thousands of households, local markets, and indigenous settlements remain vulnerable due to limited access to structured fire prevention education.

     He underscored that empowering citizens with practical, life-saving knowledge will significantly improve national resilience and reduce both the frequency and severity of fire outbreaks.

    Under the collaboration, the Federal Fire Service would train 200 persons in each state of the federation and the FCT, totaling 7,400 beneficiaries.

    The programme would focus on essential fire-prevention skills, early warning practices, and basic emergency response procedures. Participants will also be groomed to serve as fire safety advocates within their communities, creating a multiplier effect that promotes vigilance and responsible safety behaviour nationwide.

    The Controller General of the FFS, Adeyemi Olumode, described the partnership as a milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward a more preventive approach to fire management.

     He expressed profound appreciation to Mr. Elumelu and the Foundation for championing a community-centric model that aligns with global best practices. He further assured that the Service will deliver the training with professionalism, transparency, and measurable impact across all zones.