In the light of debates over the quelling of the Benin Republic coup attempt, it occurred to me that Nigerians who are 40 years and below did not really experience military rule.
So, while we can accuse those in the 50’s and above of denial or mischief, it is clear that a majority of Nigerians do not know what it meant to be under the jackboot men.
Military rule ended in 1999, which means those who were born 26 years ago and now in their late 20’s were babies when the soldiers bullied us. If we add 14 years, it means those who were in their early teens then saw it. At that age, they looked but did not see.
Unless you were 18, when General Abdulsalami handed over power, you did not realise what country was crawling under the soldiers, IBB and Abacha. If you are 40 or in your early 40’s, you did not see the banning of newspapers, you did not see jailing of dissenters, the slaughter of innocents. You did not see the annulment of June 12 and how we fell into disarray, soldiers making laws and becoming laws themselves.
You did not witness Abacha’s “ five fingers of a leprous hand” as Bola Ige described the five political parties who fell head over heels to make Abacha their presidential candidate. He crafted a mock republic of sycophants and lickspittles dedicated to the cult of one man. Good people were in hiding or on the run and bad one were peacocks on the streets.
If he did not die, we might have had a life president.
Men like Soyinka, General Akinrinade, Enahoro and now President Tinubu were wanted men by the junta around the world. Men like Adedibu, Wada Nas and Ebenezer Babatope, who was Awo’s super ally, became footloose sycophants of power. Fear and trembling took over the hearts of usually brave men.
In fact, as Segun Adeniyi relates in his book, the last 100 Days of Abacha, on the very day Abacha died, Babatope was to be the lead speaker in a seminar on whether Abacha should succeed himself. Guess another man on the panel. Bashir Dalhatu, the chairman of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF). Retired army chief Buratai was one of Abacha’s honchos.
Go figure. As they say in Warri, who no go, no know.
…dismisses claims of EFCC weaponisation, insists agency is independent and accountable only to the law
…says defections to APC are voluntary, driven by Tinubu’s reforms, not coercion
The Presidency has cautioned opposition politicians to desist from actions capable of undermining Nigeria’s democratic and anti-corruption institutions, accusing them of engaging in subterfuge, scapegoating, and politicization of accountability in a bid to escape scrutiny.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency cautioned that attempts to discredit national institutions for “cheap political gains” would not distract the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from enforcing the rule of law.
The statement was a response to claims by a group of opposition figures who alleged that Nigeria’s multi-party democracy was under threat following the defection of prominent politicians to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Dismissing the allegation, the Presidency said such claims ignored constitutional guarantees, noting that “our constitution guarantees freedom of association and affords our people the right to change their political leanings at any time of their choosing.”
According to the statement, the defectors joined the APC without pressure, stressing that “none of the people who joined the governing APC were pressured to do so. They all did so of their own free will,” and were motivated by “the noticeable gains of President Bola Tinubu’s reform programme.”
The Presidency questioned the selective outrage of the opposition, asking, “When politicians were moving in droves to the now-dying Peoples Democratic Party between 2000 and 2015, was Nigeria’s democracy imperilled?”
On accusations that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was being used to target opposition politicians, the Presidency firmly rejected the claim, reiterating the independence of the anti-graft agency.
“While the Presidency does not speak for the EFCC and believes the agency can speak for itself, we must reiterate that the EFCC is an independent institution established by law and empowered to carry out its statutory responsibilities without interference or favour,” the statement said.
It added that the EFCC’s mandate was to investigate and prosecute financial crimes “irrespective of the personalities involved, their political affiliations, or their positions in society,” emphasising that President Tinubu “does not issue directives to any anti-corruption agency on whom to investigate, arrest, or prosecute.”
Describing allegations of “weaponisation” as a diversionary tactic, the Presidency said such narratives were being pushed by politicians “running short of campaign issues to challenge President Tinubu and the APC’s success in less than three years in office.”
“No one is above the law. Everyone must be accountable for their actions, both in and out of the office. Political affiliation should not be a shield against EFCC statutory work,” the statement declared, noting that the agency’s recent efforts contributed to Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list.
The Presidency also noted that some signatories to the opposition statement had been investigated and prosecuted by the EFCC before President Tinubu assumed office in 2023, while others had been indicted in international money-laundering probes, with accomplices jailed abroad.
“We advise those politicians not to undermine the integrity of our nation’s institutions and the collective resolve to fight corruption by weaponising politics to escape accountability and encourage impunity,” the statement warned.
The Presidency concluded that the fight against corruption remained a collective national responsibility that must not be “trivialised by baseless allegations, jaundiced or politicised narratives.”
Oceanvision Energy Limited has appointed Charles Ayedero as its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer in a strategic move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s position in the evolving global energy landscape.
Ayedero brings extensive industry experience to the role, with a mandate to steer the indigenous Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) Company toward innovation and sustainable practices within the oil and gas sector.
Headquartered in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, with operational links to the United Arab Emirates, Oceanvision Energy Limited delivers sustainable energy and infrastructure solutions across the oil and gas value chain.
Its services include project management, manpower supply, procurement, marine support, maintenance, construction and installation, dredging, equipment leasing, logistics, and fabric maintenance.
Under Ayedero’s leadership, the company is reinforcing its commitment to world-class standards, operating in line with ISO 9001:2015 quality management requirements and prioritising health, safety, and environmental (HSE) responsibilities.
The company said top management, including the MD and CEO, remains actively involved in HSE initiatives to ensure safe workplaces and continuous improvement.
Focus on sustainability and innovation
As global energy demand shifts toward cleaner alternatives while traditional energy sources remain relevant, Oceanvision Energy Limited is positioning itself as a provider of sustainable and innovative solutions. Leveraging its EPC expertise, the company executes complex onshore and offshore projects with emphasis on durability and environmental responsibility.
A company spokesperson said Ayedero’s vision aligns with the industry’s transition agenda, adding that the firm is committed to delivering projects that balance efficiency with ecological sustainability.
Expanding footprint
With operations in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta and international engagements, Oceanvision Energy Limited is well-positioned to support exploration, production, and infrastructure development across the sector.
Its broad service portfolio places it as a key partner in facility management and marine logistics, particularly in challenging environments.
Industry observers say Ayedero’s appointment signals a new phase of growth for the company, with prospects for integrating renewable solutions into traditional oil and gas operations to enhance energy security in Africa and beyond.
About Oceanvision Energy Limited
Oceanvision Energy Limited is a fully registered indigenous EPC company with a strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the STEM and energy sectors. The firm prioritises workforce engagement, management visibility at project sites, and a people-first approach alongside operational excellence.
Three crew members and eight passengers survived a private plane crash landing at the Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, on Sunday.
The incident involved a Hawker 800XP aircraft marked 5N-ISB.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) is investigating the incident.
The aircraft, operated by Flybird Aircraft Management Services Limited, departed Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, for Kano on Sunday, approximately 09:20 am, The Nation learnt.
Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, NSIB, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji, in a statement, said that the nose gear collapsed during landing.
“All three crew members and eight persons on board disembarked safely,” he said.
Oladeji stated, “During the approach phase into Kano, the flight crew reported a landing gear indication anomaly and requested multiple low passes over the runway to allow air traffic controllers to visually confirm the landing gear position. Kano Tower confirmed on each low pass that all three landing gears appeared fully extended.
“The aircraft was subsequently positioned for landing on Runway 06 and touched down at about 10:34 hours local time. During the landing roll, the nose landing gear collapsed. All eight persons on board disembarked safely, with no injuries reported.
“Upon notification, the NSIB activated its Go-Team. NSIB investigators will examine the aircraft systems, operational procedures, maintenance records, and crew actions to determine the circumstances that led to the occurrence.”
An eyewitness at the airport said the jet experienced difficulties while landing and eventually crash-landed on the runway.
Confirming the incident, the Flybird Aircraft Management Services Limited, said that the operational incident occurred during arrival at the airport.
The Management said the passengers and crew involved in the incident disembarked safely, and no injuries were recorded.
According to Flybird Aircraft Management Services Limited, “The flight crew followed all established operational and safety procedures, and the aircraft was brought to a safe stop.
“The aircraft has been secured, and the incident has been formally reported to the relevant aviation authorities. A detailed technical inspection and investigation are ongoing in line with regulatory requirements,” the company said in a statement.
The company, however, reiterated its commitment to safety and operational excellence and said it will continue to cooperate fully with authorities as the investigation progresses.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has declared that his jurisdiction does not extend beyond the 11 local government councils of Oyo State and the about four million people residing there, as clearly stipulated in the Oyo State Chiefs Law and the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration.
Oba Ladoja stated this on Sunday while speaking at a coronation luncheon organised by the Ibadan Foundation to celebrate his ascension to the throne at Kakanfo Hotel, Ibadan.
The first-class monarch said he had enormous responsibilities within his domain and would not be distracted by issues outside his jurisdiction.
Addressing an audience of Ibadan leaders and dignitaries, including Asiwaju Bode Amao, Chief Bayo Oyero, Otun Balogun, Oba Kola Adegbola, and members of the Iyalode group, the Olubadan said he had a clear vision for managing the challenges facing Ibadan.
He recalled that during protests over the Circular Road project, aggrieved residents approached him first, adding that he promptly briefed Governor Seyi Makinde on the issue.
“We are confronted with land-grabbing challenges, which is why we set up an anti-land-grabbing committee. We are awaiting their report. However, I want to hint that land reform is already underway,” he said.
Oba Ladoja noted that the palace had effective channels for addressing security breaches within Ibadanland and had constituted the Olubadan Economic and Investment Committee to recommend ways of reviving moribund industries in the city.
“We want these industries to reopen for business so they can generate employment opportunities for our able-bodied youths,” he said.
He added that Ibadan inherited legacies of bravery, nobility, and hard work from its forefathers, stressing that such heritage should inspire progress rather than resignation to fate.
The monarch also recalled that when the Ooni of Ife conferred the chieftaincy title of Okanlomo Oodua on Engr Dotun Sanusi, many traditional rulers from Ibadan and across Oyo State attended in solidarity.
According to him, it was also an occasion during which one of Ibadan’s illustrious daughters, Chief Mrs Latinwo, was installed as Yeye Bobagunwa Oodua.
The Bauchi State Executive Council (SEC) has approved a 100 percent salary increase for medical and healthcare workers across the state, with special focus on personnel serving in rural and hard-to-reach communities.
The Commissioner for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Sani Dambam, disclosed this while briefing journalists after an extraordinary meeting of the State Executive Council held over the weekend.
Dr. Dambam said the new salary structure would be supported by the introduction of special allowances for health workers posted outside local government headquarters, aimed at improving service delivery in underserved areas.
He also revealed that the council approved the implementation of outstanding promotions for more than 2,000 healthcare workers in the state.
According to the commissioner, the decisions followed the recommendations of a special committee constituted to assess the financial implications of a revised scheme of service for healthcare workers.
“The outcome of the committee’s work is a 100 per cent review of the existing scheme, which represents one of the most significant welfare packages ever approved for the health sector in Bauchi State,” he said.
Dr. Dambam explained that the measures were designed to retain skilled medical personnel, boost morale, and strengthen healthcare delivery, particularly in rural communities.
He added that peculiar allowances, including outside-posting allowances, were approved to encourage doctors and other health workers to accept and remain in postings outside metropolitan areas.
Health workers under the State Primary Healthcare Development Board, he noted, will also benefit from the allowances, thereby ending long-standing disparities in welfare benefits within the sector.
The commissioner further disclosed that the council approved access to car and housing loans for doctors and healthcare workers as part of efforts to ease their financial burden and improve their quality of life.
To enhance accountability and efficiency, he said biometric and verification systems would be introduced across health facilities in the state.
Meanwhile, the State Executive Council has approved N900 million for the recapitalisation of Yankari Savings and Loans.
The Chief Economic Adviser to Governor Bala Mohammed, Alhaji Yahuza Adamu Ningi, made this known while briefing journalists on the outcome of the council meeting.
According to him, the recapitalisation became necessary due to the strategic importance of the financial institution to the state’s economy.
“The sum of N900 million approved by the state government will not only stabilise the bank but also enable it to expand its operations and contribute more effectively to the economic well-being of Bauchi State through regular banking services,” Ningi said.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has commenced an investigation into an incident involving an aircraft operated by Flybird Aircraft Management Services Limited at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano State.
The aircraft reportedly overshot the runway due to a malfunction of the landing gear.
The Hawker 800XP aircraft with nationality and registration marks 5N-ISB departed Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Sunday, 14 December 2025, at approximately 09:20 hours local time, as a non-scheduled domestic passenger flight bound for Kano.
According to a statement by the Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance at NSIB, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji, there were eight persons on board, comprising two cockpit crew members, one cabin crew member, and five passengers.
On what may have caused the incident, the statement reads: “During the approach phase into Kano, the flight crew reported a landing gear indication anomaly and requested multiple low passes over the runway to allow air traffic controllers to visually confirm the landing gear position.
“Kano Tower confirmed on each low pass that all three landing gears appeared fully extended. The aircraft was subsequently positioned for landing on Runway 06 and touched down at about 10:34 hours local time.
“During the landing roll, the nose landing gear collapsed. All eight persons on board disembarked safely, with no injuries reported.”
The Bureau noted that upon notification of the incident, it activated its Go-Team.
According to the statement, NSIB investigators will examine the aircraft systems, operational procedures, maintenance records, and crew actions to determine the circumstances that led to the occurrence.
The Bureau, while assuring the public that the probe is not conducted to apportion blame or liability, but to identify safety issues and prevent future occurrences, added that additional updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
…as NDLEA intercepts US, Canada, Sweden-bound opioids in black soup containers, designer wears
…uncovers clandestine codeine syrup factory in Abia
…arrests woman, son over 1,187kg skunk seizure in Ondo
Three weeks after escaping arrest at his home in Anguwan Makera, Kuta, Shiroro local government area of Niger state, a notorious supplier of illicit drugs to bandits operating in the area, 33-year-old Mohammed Sani (alias Gamboli), has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at his hideout.
Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.
Babafemi said that following credible intelligence about the illicit drug activities of Gamboli, NDLEA operatives had on 20th November 2025 raided his house at Anguwan Makera, Kuta, where they recovered 471.8 kilograms of skunk, a strain of cannabis.
Babafemi said that though he escaped arrest during the raid and has since been in hiding, the manhunt for him eventually paid off on Thursday, 11th December, when NDLEA officers acting on processed intelligence traced and arrested him at one of his drug joints in Anguwan Fadama, Kuta.
Babafemi said intelligence reports had indicated that Gamboli is a major supplier of illicit drugs to bandits operating in Shiroro local government area.
He added that, meanwhile, NDLEA officers in Abia on Thursday, 11th December, raided a clandestine codeine syrup-manufacturing factory at Amapu Igbengwo village, Umuakpara, in Osisioma local government area of the state.
During the operation, he said operatives recovered a total of 9,015 bottles of codeine syrup weighing 1,152.2kg.
The statement reads, “In Enugu state, operatives on Thursday, 11th December arrested Ossai Emeka, 45, along Onitsha – Enugu Ezike road with 7.2kg skunk, while Enoje Agada, 40, was nabbed along Enugu-Ezike -Ette road with 94.6kg of the same psychoactive substance.
“A raid carried out by NDLEA operatives at a notorious drug joint known as “Beere the California” at Ido in Oyo state on Thursday, 11th December, led to the seizure of 3.4kg skunk, 1.6kg Colorado, a synthetic cannabis and 400grams of methamphetamine.
“The owner of the drug joint, identified as ‘Idowu the killer, ‘ is currently at large, while a suspect, Ajibade Faruk, was nabbed at the joint. Another operation at Idi Oro, Elekuro, Ibadan on Friday 12th December, led to the arrest of Olusanya Abosede, 35, and the seizure of 238.4kg skunk.”
Babafemi said that while the duo of Bashiru Babalola, 43, and Ugunwale Ranti, 50, were arrested on Wednesday, 10th December at Gbaji checkpoint, Seme road, Badagry, Lagos, with 50,000 pills of tramadol 250mg, NDLEA operatives in Ogun state arrested two suspects: Akinwale Makanjuola and Joseph Owolabi with 73kg skunk at Iperu.
He added that another suspect, Wasiu Lateef, was nabbed with 25kg of the same substance at Oke Agbede, Imeko area of the state on Tuesday, 9th December.
He said, “In Ondo state, NDLEA officers acting on credible intelligence on Monday, 10th December, raided a compound in Ogbese, Akure North local government area, where they arrested a 55-year-old woman, Veronica Obi and her 29-year-old son, Bright Obi, and recovered 1,187 kilograms of skunk and its seeds from them.
“A suspect, Ohiomah Igbafe, 44, was arrested during a raid operation at Uroe community, Owan East local government area of Edo state, where 461kg skunk and its seeds were recovered on Tuesday, 9th December.
“In Gombe state, a suspect, Muhammed Sani (alias Sha-Mu-Sha), 50, was arrested with 40,000 capsules of tramadol at Tunfure area, Gombe, while two other suspects: Muhammad Abdullahi (a.k.a Sakalala), 52, and Muhammed Hamza (a.k.a Mamman), 32, were nabbed at Ashaka Jalingo, with 56kg skunk on Monday, 8th December.
“No fewer than 907 pills of tramadol, tapentadol, cocodamol, amitriptyline and bromazepam concealed in containers of local black soap, and designer wears, in six different consignments going to the US, Canada and Sweden were intercepted and seized by NDLEA operatives at two major courier companies in Lagos between Tuesday, 9th and Wednesday, 10th December 2025.”
Babafemi said at the Apapa seaport in Lagos, NDLEA officers on Saturday, 13th December, intercepted a consignment of 170,000 bottles of codeine syrup weighing 23,579kg during a joint examination of a container with men of the Customs Service and other security agencies.
“In like manner, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitisation activities to schools, worship centres, work places, and communities, among others, in the past week. These include: WADA enlightenment lecture to students and staff of Community Senior Secondary School, Sheme, Katsina; Government College, Tudun Wada Dankade, Kano; and Methodist High School, Makurdi, Benue, while the Enugu state command of the Agency paid a WADA advocacy visit to HRM Igwe Ikechukwu Samuel Asadu, Chairman, Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers.
“While commending the officers and men of DOGI, Niger, Abia, Oyo, Enugu, Seme, Ogun, Ondo, Gombe, Apapa, and Edo Commands for the arrests, seizures, and their dexterity, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) enjoined them and their colleagues across the country to continue with the ongoing balanced approach to the drug control efforts of the Agency,” the statement reads.
The world of online casino gaming in Australia is rapidly becoming more and more popular every day. The ability to access all the glitz, glam, and entertainment of the traditional casino world from the comfort of our home is a complete game-changer for countless Australian gamblers across the country. That being said, with so many casino platforms to choose from, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses, it can be hard knowing where to start. That’s why in this article, we break down what exactly Australians should look for in online casino gaming platforms before jumping into the games.
The Best Payouts
There’s one key thing that sets online gambling apart from every other kind of online gaming, and that is the opportunity to win real cash for your gaming time. As such, one thing that almost every Australian gambler should look for is high payout casinos, as these are much more likely to provide players with decent returns for their wagers.
Gamblers can gain an understanding of what makes a high payout casino by coming to terms with key concepts such as return to player scores, house edge, and volatility, all of which will have a significant effect on how much they can expect to win after a prolonged period of play.
Multiple Payment Options
In 2025, many players aren’t looking for online options that only allow them to utilise one form of payment, and online casino gaming certainly isn’t an exception. Many Australians look for online gambling platforms that not only accept traditional payment methods like credit and debit cards but also have gone above and beyond to allow more contemporary modes of payment such as cryptocurrency, e-wallets, or pre-paid cards.
Heightened Security
Digital threats are on the rise, and Australians shouldn’t settle for any online casino that doesn’t offer the best security services. We mentioned cryptocurrency in the previous point, and many gamblers look for platforms that allow for the integration of these digital assets for the additional security services they provide. They might also only be interested in gambling platforms that don’t require Know Your Customer checks, as this enables them to keep their anonymity while playing. Plus, many Australians will only use online casinos that are VPN compatible, enabling them to obscure their IP address and hide their internet activity from malicious actors online.
Bonuses and Rewards
There are so many online casinos out there that every platform needs to shine in order to stand out among its competitors. One way these sites can do this and attract more Australian players is by offering the best bonuses and rewards on the market. There are a variety of bonuses these platforms can give, including free spins, match bonuses and deposit bonuses, and the more generous they are, the more likely they are to attract new customers.
Credibility
Although the majority of online gambling platforms are safe and legit, there are a few malicious actors out there who create these kinds of platforms to scam anyone who uses them. As such, many Australian gamblers put a lot of value on credibility when it comes to choosing a platform. Online casinos can prove their credibility by having all their licensing on display and easy to access for players. Plus, having multiple positive reviews from several different sources is also a good sign of credibility for these gambling platforms.
Mobile App Compatibility
The great thing about online gambling is that we can access it from anywhere. Rather than needing to go to a traditional casino, which can be inaccessible to many people, the casino world is brought to us. However, it is much easier to enjoy casino games on your phone than on a laptop, especially when on the move. This is why many Australians will only use online casino platforms that can be accessed from a mobile device, as this gives them near instant access to the casino world, no matter where they are located.
Bigger Games libraries
There’s nothing more frustrating than needing to look in more than one place when we know it would be so much easier to have everything together, and this sentiment certainly exists when it comes to online gambling platforms. Australians seek casino sites that offer them all manner of gaming options, from much-loved classics like blackjack and poker to more contemporary options such as themed spins and crash games. The more options a site has, the more popular it is likely to be amongst Australian players, but only if the games are of good quality with sound graphics and the casino site meets all of the above criteria as well.
A former member of the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, alongside Professor Siji Olamiju and former Deputy Chief of Staff, Dr. Abdullah Binuyo, have called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) to remain united following the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2026 Osun State election.
Oyintiloye, in a statement on Sunday, said some critics had predicted an implosion within the party due to the large number of aspirants who initially sought the APC ticket.
He, however, noted that Oyebamiji’s emergence underscored the growth, maturity and excellence of character for which the APC is known.
Also speaking, Professor Siji Olamiju, a former cabinet member under the administration of ex-Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, said the APC had once again proven itself as a political party worthy of emulation through the successful conduct of its primary election in Osun State.
He described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the true father of the party and the nation, adding that the President’s timely intervention helped to quickly douse tensions that might have arisen after the primary election.
Similarly, Dr. Abdullah Binuyo described Oyebamiji’s emergence as a reflection of the collective will of the party and a clear demonstration of the unity and maturity within the Osun APC.
He also commended the conduct of the primary election, praising the leadership of the Edo State Governor, who chaired the Primary Election Committee, as well as the Imo State Governor for providing effective oversight that ensured a transparent, peaceful and credible process.
