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  • Tinubu’s reform making Nigeria accessible for foreign investors – British envoy

    Tinubu’s reform making Nigeria accessible for foreign investors – British envoy

    The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, on Wednesday gave a positive mark to President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing reforms.

    Montgomery said the reforms are working and increasingly making Nigeria accessible for foreign investors.

    He also disclosed that Nigerians constitute 10% of visitors to the United Kingdom annually.

    This is coming on the heels of President Tinubu’s declaration on Tuesday that, despite strident criticisms, he would remain focused on his reform programmes, which are already yielding fruits.

    The envoy, who spoke openly in support of the administration’s ongoing various reforms while briefing the media on the United Kingdom’s new Economic Growth Agenda, said that there is a great prospect of inflation coming down in the coming months, given the level of work ongoing, including bank reforms.

    He spoke in the company of the Director General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, PEBEC, Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, and British Country Director, Department for Business, Mr Mark Smithson.

    Montgomery, who also agreed with the World Bank’s recent economic outlook, said that there is a real uptick in growth.

    He said, “Now, the UK sees growing opportunities in Nigeria for a combination of reasons, but the main ones are the exciting economic reforms underway, so let me turn to those. And I’ve been very public previously about commending the big and bold economic reforms being taken forward by His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu.

    “We all know about the abolition of the fuel subsidy, and we all know about the unification of the exchange rate system.

    “And my headline this morning is that these economic reforms are paying off, and these economic reforms are now making Nigeria more investable. And I realise that some of these reforms for ordinary people are painful.

    “Inflation is still high, it’s in the 20% region, the mid-twenties, and it’s going to take time to bring that rate down, but we can see very good prospects for that rate coming down in the coming months and years.”

    In the recent World Bank economic update on Nigeria, Montgomery said, “We agree with the report, the main messages of which are that the Naira is now more stable and predictability enables investment. Foreign exchange reserves are up, significantly up, so that makes Nigeria less risky.

    “There’s been a very big increase in government revenue collection, not by raising tax rates but by tax administration and management.

    “It’s almost a 90% increase in the amount of resources being collected, partly through administrative management and making sure that revenues from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) reach the treasury.

    “And that increase in revenue means reductions in the fiscal deficit. It means that the combination of increased revenue and the abolition of fuel subsidy has doubled federal allocations to the states, enabling more investment in infrastructure as well as public services.

    “And most importantly, we’re seeing the growth rate in Nigeria tick up. So between 2015 and 2019, the growth rate in Nigeria was an average of 2%. It’s now, in the last 12 months, at least about 3.5%, but most positively, in the last quarter for which we have data, it’s up to 4.5%, 4.6%.

    “So there’s a real uptick in growth, and there are other indicators that suggest that businesses are planning to expand, that business optimism is shifting.”

    He stressed the importance of the latest trajectory, which he described as a good indicator to woo foreign and local investors.

    “So there’s something called the Purchasing Managers’ Index, which has risen significantly, and that’s a proxy indicator for businesses that want to buy more and invest more and expand more. And all of that means more jobs in the pipeline. We’re also watching a second wave of reform,” he said.

    He was also of the opinion that the tax reform before the National Assembly will immediately impact on the economy once it becomes operational.

    He said: “But we’re watching the new tax legislation, which will simplify costs and predictability for business.

    Read Also: Tinubu hailed over appointment of Adodo at NCNC

    “There is, of course, the impact of the new Dangote oil refineries, which are going to reduce the strain on the foreign exchange reserves and add value to the Nigerian economy.

    “His Excellency the President is shaking up the oil and gas industry. The appointments in the NNPC seem to be very credible in the international oil and gas industry. That will attract more investment.

    “There are other issues like the recapitalisation of banks, which will, we believe, lead to more lending into the real economy or real businesses. And, of course, transport and fibre optic networks are being expanded in parts of the country to create more opportunities. So, a big headline.

    “These reforms are working. They’re making Nigeria more investable.”

    “So I accept that reforms are challenging, but stay the course. You’re getting a lot of interest. If you take all these small reforms together, Nigeria is becoming much more investable, and the perception of Nigeria as an investment, as a future market, is growing.”

  • JUST IN: Tinubu’s reforms working, says British envoy 

    JUST IN: Tinubu’s reforms working, says British envoy 

    The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery has given President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ongoing reforms a pass mark. 

    Montgomery said the reforms are working and increasingly making Nigeria accessible for foreign investors. 

    Read Also: Tinubu hailed over appointment of Adodo at NCNC

    The Envoy, who briefed reporters on the United Kingdom’s new Economic Growth Agenda, also said that there is a great prospect of inflation coming down in the coming months given the level of work ongoing, including bank reforms. 

    He also agreed with the World Bank recent economic outlook, saying that there is a real uptick in growth. 

    Details later…

  • Insecurity: Group demands minister’s resignation, urges Tinubu to rejig defence ministry 

    Insecurity: Group demands minister’s resignation, urges Tinubu to rejig defence ministry 

    Following a wave of coordinated attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP on military bases in Borno State, the Northern Patriots for Security and Development (NPSD) has called for the resignation of Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar.

    In a statement issued in Kano, NPSD President, Alhaji Mansur Ibrahim Dantani, expressed alarm over the escalating insecurity in the region. 

    He blamed the situation on leadership failure at the ministry.

    “The recent attacks on military formations in Marte, Dikwa, Rann, and Gajiram within a 24-hour window, which led to the deaths of brave soldiers and the loss of military assets, reflect a grave failure in leadership at the top of our defence structure,” Dantani said.

    He alleged that the minister is more preoccupied with positioning himself for the 2027 presidential race than with tackling the persistent security threats.

    Read Also: Ribadu: FG committed to protecting Nigeria’s critical assets from emerging threats

    The group also raised concerns about poor funding and inadequate resource allocation to the armed forces, stating that despite budgetary provisions, troops remain under-equipped and under-supported.

    “Our findings show that our soldiers exposed and poorly equipped to combat insurgents,” Dantani noted.

    He urged President Bola Tinubu to act decisively by relieving the minister of his duties and appointing a more capable and focused individual to lead the defence ministry.

    “The security of our nation must not be sacrificed for personal political gains. We appeal to President Tinubu to appoint a new defence minister wholly committed to securing the country,” he added.

    The NPSD’s call came amid growing public outcry over the resurgence of insurgent activities in the northeast, with many Nigerians expressing frustration over poor handling of the security situation.

  • Tinubu hailed over appointment of Adodo at NCNC

    Tinubu hailed over appointment of Adodo at NCNC

    The Empowerment for Unemployed Youth Initiative (EUYI) has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for steadfast commitment to youth empowerment following his appointment of Amb. Solomon Adodo as Board Member, North Central Development Commission (NCNC).

    The group also expressed satisfaction with the President’s cordial working relationship with civil society organisations especially by appointing civil right activists into strategic positions.

    The duo of Comrade Danesi Momoh and Comrade Igwe Ude-umanta; National Coordinator and

    National Secretary of EUYI respectively in a statement jointly signed expressed appreciation over the appointment.

    According to statement: “it is a great moment for us because on Thursday, May 8, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR approved the appointment of Comrade Solomon Adodo into the board of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC). 

    “In doing so, Mr. President did not only appoint a brilliant head and capable hand, he also once again demonstrated his love and faith in the youth. 

    Read Also: Nigeria needs $10b yearly to fix power sector

    “As you know, Comrade Adodo, before becoming the President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), was a veteran in grassroots youth advocacy and mobilisation. He was the pioneer National Coordinator of Empowerment for Unemployed Youth Initiative (EUYI) where he made advocacy and made youth unemployment and underemployment a matter of frontline national discourse. 

    “With this appointment therefore, young people and the rural communities will surely feel the impact of the NCDC because the core values which Adodo represents is youth inclusion and the defence of the poor. This appointment gives him the opportunity to take his years-long work for humanity to a greater height through the NCDC.

    “We must equally acknowledge and thank His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio GCON, President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, not just for his role in making this appointment to materialise, but his mentorship to Adodo and numerous young leaders in Nigeria. Like Mr. President, Senator Akpabio is a firm believer in the abilities of young people. We appreciate him. 

    “We, therefore, congratulate our pioneer National Coordinator, the President of NYCN, our friend, colleague and comrade-in-arms, Comrade Solomon Adodo. His appointment is very well deserved”.

  • I remain focused on reforms despite criticisms, says Tinubu

    I remain focused on reforms despite criticisms, says Tinubu

    • Lamido asks Federal Govt to pay N45 billion owed Abiola

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday said despite strident criticisms, he would remain focused on his reform programmes, which are already yielding fruits.

    He spoke in Abuja during the public presentation of the autobiography of Mallam Sule Lamido.

    The 500-page book is entitled: “Being true to myself.”

    Dignitaries such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo, among others, graced the occasion.

    It was chaired by former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar.

    Lamido was the Foreign Affairs Minister during Obasanjo’s first term.

    He later served as Governor of Jigawa State for two terms.

    In the aborted Third Republic, he was the National Secretary of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the platform on which the late Chief MKO Abiola contested and won the 1993 presidential election, which was annulled by former military president Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.

    The author called on President Tinubu to pay the Abiola family N45 billion owed to the late business mogul, to bring closure to the June 12 matter.

    Minister for Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who represented Tinubu, said: “The President welcomes constructive criticism at all times in the spirit of freedom of speech and democratic engagement, but he will also never allow himself to be distracted from doing what is right for Nigeria.

    “Are we saying that we are where we need to be and that there isn’t room for more work to be done? Certainly not.

    “What we are saying is simple: that President Tinubu has demonstrated uncommon audacity and vision to set Nigeria on the path of true growth and development.

    “After a somewhat rocky start, owing to the toughness of the inevitable reforms, we are now entering an era of intended beneficial outcomes, underlined by macroeconomic stability.”

    On national security, Idris assured that President Tinubu is leaving no stone unturned in his efforts to protect Nigerians and the nation’s territorial integrity from terrorist elements.

    He also applauded the military and other security agencies involved in the anti-terror war for not disappointing the country.

    Idris said the Tax Bills, initiated by the President, are aimed at growing revenues for governments at all levels to foster national development, while also not imposing additional burdens on taxpayers.

    The President congratulated Lamido, saying that the book is an important contribution to Nigeria’s political literature and democratic discourse.

    Read Also: Tinubu hails Adeleke at 65, praises his pan-Nigerian outlook

    He said the book presented Lamido’s reputation as a principled and blunt politician and a statesman.

    “This is not merely the unveiling of a book. It is the celebration of a life defined by courage, consistency, and commitment to democratic ideals.

    “Sule Lamido, though a staunch member of the political opposition and often a critic of the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), remains one of the strong pillars of Nigeria’s political evolution,” he stressed.

    The President recommended the book to students, scholars, journalists, and politicians, saying that they would “find it instructive for many years”.

    ‘Pay Abiola family N45b’

    Lamido urged the Federal Government to pay the N45 billion debt owed to Abiola, saying it would close the June 12 chapter in national history.

    He said: “I want to appeal to President Tinubu to finally close the chapter of June 12.

    “When (General) Murtala (Muhammed) died, Abiola came in with a claim that he was owed, I think, about N45billion for contracts executed by International Telephone and Telecommunication (ITT) – a company owned by Abiola, for the Ministry of Communications.

    “The military high command at that time said no.

    “He went round the Emirs in the North to lobby, and the Emirs asked that they (military) should please pay the money.

    “They (military) said they cancelled the June 12 elections because if they made him President, he would take his money and the country would become bankrupt.

    “Those who were close to Abacha should know this, because Abacha was then one of the big shots; they were all aware.

    “In his book, General Ibrahim Babangida acknowledged that Abiola won the election. When I visited him, he also confirmed that Abiola is owed N45 billion.

    “He (Abiola) was doubly punished: first, denied the presidency; second, denied what is owed to him.”

    Lamido urged Idris to deliver the message.

    He said: “Please, tell the President to pay the Abiola family the N45 billion. Once this is done, the June 12 chapter will be closed. It is very important.”

    Gen. Abubakar described the book as “another valuable addition” to the growing list of books written by key players and actors in politics and governance.

    Abubakar, who was represented by Attaihru Jega, former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), said Lamido tried to record his life account “forthrightly and passionately”.

    “As good autobiographies are expected to do, he has given us, the readers, a rich personal account of his life, offering us a unique perspective on his background, experiences, challenges, triumphs, and post-factual reflections and analysis,” he said.

    Noting that the book was full of insights and wisdom, Abubakar said the author navigated his childhood memories, career path, life trajectory, and personal lessons from his private and public relations.

    “Alhaji Sule Lamido deserves commendation for this contribution.

    “He made a courageous effort to put pen to paper in the tedious process of producing a book worthy of the name.”

    Obasanjo, who wrote the foreword to the book, recalled how he picked Lamido as minister during his first tenure as president.

    He said he appointed him as a minister despite not knowing him personally, adding that the former governor has an “admirable character”.

    Obasanjo said Lamido did a magnificent job when he was minister.

    He stressed: “Such a magnificent job, that within the three years of our coming to government, the Queen of Britain and the Queen of the Commonwealth actually came to Nigeria to participate in the CHOGM.

    “And that was actually the greatest indication that we had been accepted—no matter what the past was.

    “We had been accepted by the international community, in Africa, in the Commonwealth, in the United Nations, and everywhere.”

    Hashim hails Lamido, calls for value-based politics

    Former presidential candidate and long-time political associate of Lamido, Gbenga Olawepo Hashim, described the author as “a man of deep convictions, integrity, and a true patriot whose life reflects the ideals Nigeria desperately needs today.”

    Hashim emphasised that while wealth and status may fade, character remains the lasting hallmark of leadership.

    “Money will fade away, but character and integrity will remain. Sule Lamido embodies these enduring values. He has remained true to his principles and to the nation,” he said.

    Recalling their decade-long relationship, Hashim offered rare insight into their shared political history.

    He said:  “President Obasanjo said he met Lamido in 1999, but I have known him for over 30 years. We stood side by side during the struggle against military rule.

    “On the day the PDP was founded, we drove together to Minna in his car, driven not by ambition, but by a shared vision for Nigeria.

    “Nigeria needs this kind of example—leaders who are consistent, tested, and rooted in service. This is how we can chart a new and credible path forward.”

    Other dignitaries at the ceremony were former National Security Adviser, Gen. Aliyu Gusau; Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi; former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi; former Senate Presidents Ken Nnamani and  Anyim Pius Anyim; former Vice President Namadi Sambo, Chairman of Northern Governors Forum, Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, and Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State, Prof. Umar Pate.

  • Two years of Tinubu’s impactful economic policies

    Two years of Tinubu’s impactful economic policies

    Sir: The administration of President Bola Tinubu will be two years old on May 29, 2025.  He didn’t leave anyone in doubt as to the clear focus of his economic agenda from day one.  At the inauguration ground in Eagle Square, Abuja, he made the now famous and impactful statement that  “fuel subsidy is gone.” Fuel subsidy had been a monster that successive governments were afraid to tackle, perhaps for fear of its political ramifications, especially the reaction of the organised labour.

    President Tinubu made it abundantly clear that tough decisions had to be made to prevent the collapse of the nation’s economy.  The removal of fuel subsidy brought inflationary consequences, resulting in the increase in the prices of virtually all goods and services. To mitigate the negative impact, the president engineered the distribution of palliatives to the most vulnerable in society to cushion the negative effects of the end of the subsidy regime which lasted many decades.

    President Tinubu also made another major economic decision to float the naira or merge the exchange rates (official and parallel markets) in order for the national currency to find its real value.  On every occasion, he explained that what Nigerians were experiencing was temporary, and that, with time, they will enjoy the positive impact of his economic reforms.  In less than two years, Nigerians have begun experiencing the positive impact of the reforms.

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently confirmed that Nigeria has fully repaid the $3.4billion financial support it received under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI) to cushion the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The IMF’s Resident Representative for Nigeria, Mr Christian Ebeke said the repayment was completed on April 30, 2025. He clarified that Nigeria would however continue to make annual payments of approximately $30million in SDR-related charges over the next few years. This is good news for Nigeria because the repayment would boost the country’s international credit rating and strengthen the naira.

    Nigeria’s overall Debt Stock, both external and domestic, of the Federal Government, the 36 states and the FCT, went down from $108.2billion dollars to $94billion dollars as of December 31, 2024.

    The administration of President Tinubu has also cleared all the verified foreign exchange backlog of about $7billion, which made some foreign airlines to threaten to exit the country.

    Read Also: GIZ/DTC Nigeria partners NDPC to host landmark 8th NADPA-RAPDP conference in Abuja

    Despite dutifully paying off the backlog and reducing Nigeria’s total debt stock through consistent payments to creditors, the country’s gross external reserves still grew to approximately $41billion. This is significantly higher than the $33billion recorded in 2023.

    Nigeria achieved a Balance of Payments surplus of $6.83billion in 2024. This represents a significant turnaround from deficits of $3.34billion in 2023 and $3.32billion in 2022, reflecting stronger trade performance and increased investors’ confidence in Nigeria’s economy.

    In the last two years, the nation’s non-oil exports increased by 24.6 percent to $7.46billion dollars, while gas exports surged by 48.3 percent to $8.66billion dollars, boosting Nigeria’s overall trade surplus.

    Portfolio investment inflows, which measure   investors’ confidence in a country, rose by 105 percent to $13.35billion in 2024.  The renewed investors’ confidence in Nigeria is largely driven by President Tinubu’s bold macroeconomic reforms.

    The economic reforms so far carried out by the president have significantly improved the revenues of the states. The states and the FCT, now receive more money monthly from the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC). The states are now in a financial position to execute projects that have direct impact on the lives of the people, and also pay the new minimum wage of N70,000.

    The Federal Government share from FAAC is being used to fund  gigantic road projects such as the Lagos- Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto- Badagry superhighway.

    In fact, 74 road projects are going on simultaneously across 24 states of the federation.

    President Tinubu deserves praise for staying the course of his economic reforms despite the negative criticisms from naysayers. He deserves our collective support as he strives to build our present and future.

    •Owaikhena Osikhekha Lagos

  • Tinubu’s aide awards scholarship to UTME candidate

    Tinubu’s aide awards scholarship to UTME candidate

    By Oreoluwa Oluga

    President Bola Tinubu’s Personal Assistant on Special Duties, Kamorudeen Yusuf, has awarded a scholarship to Master Sodiq Shoyode, a 16-year-old who scored 360 in the recent Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

    Despite his poor socioeconomic status, Sodiq has always aimed to be at the top of his class and he proved his mettle in the just concluded UTME exams.

    Besides studying for Mechanical Engineering, Sodiq wants to learn Back -End Software Development before proceeding with his university admission.

    Yusuf, who received the news of Sodiq’s high performance, was so impressed that he reached out to the family to support the aspiration of the high performer.

    He pledged to provide a laptop for Sodiq to learn in a top digital academy in Lagos and also support his university education.

    In a chat with our correspondent, Sodiq, who hails from Ado-Odo LGA, in Ogun State, said: “I have always had the goal of scoring 360 and above in JAMB since I was in SS1 and I’m glad I was able to achieve my goal.”

    Sodiq credited his success to consistent study habits and practice tests.

    “I did a lot of practice tests and recorded my progress weekly to know the areas I need to improve on,” he said.

    Read Also: Shettima to IsDB: Nigeria is ripe for investment 

    The young scholar, overwhelmed with joy over news of his good fortune, expressed gratitude to his parents and benefactor.

    “I appreciate my parents for their support and encouragement, most especially Mr Kamorudeen Yusuf, the Personal Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who has promised to lighten the financial burden on my parents. I’m eternally grateful Sir,” said an elated Sodiq.

    Sodiq’s parents, Mr. Nojimu and Mrs. Oluwatoyin Shoyede, are very thrilled about their child’s achievement and grateful for Mr. Yusuf’s kindness.

    Yusuf has also awarded N10million scholarships to some kids in Lagos.

  • I’ll support Tinubu any day, any time, any how — Gov Sule

    I’ll support Tinubu any day, any time, any how — Gov Sule

    Nasarawa Governor Abdullahi Sule has pledged support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reelection bid in 2027, dismissing rumours of political double-dealing and reaffirming loyalty to the President and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    In a televised interview with TVC News on Tuesday evening, Governor Sule addressed mounting speculation about his political allegiance, particularly in the context of his previous remarks linking the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) to former President Muhammadu Buhari. 

    The comments sparked criticism from the North Central APC Forum, who accused him of playing between Buhari and Tinubu.

    Governor Sule was unequivocal in his response. 

    “President [Tinubu] shouldn’t be worried about my support. Abdullahi A. Sule, the engineer, the Governor of Nasarawa State, will support President Tinubu 100%. No ambiguity, no challenge. Some of us are not known for Abuja politics. We are not looking for any favours. I am a governor; I don’t need special favours. When I talk, I talk straight,”he said. 

    Sule emphasized his loyalty lies firmly with the APC and Tinubu, urging party members to unite behind the President’s leadership as the 2027 election cycle approaches.

    “We the governors of the APC from the northern region were the same people that told President Buhari at the time: ‘President, you have been there for eight years, you are from the North, it is time for the South. I still hold that position. 

    “President Tinubu must be allowed to complete his eight years. As far as APC is concerned, nobody from the North should even think of anything else other than supporting President Tinubu,” he added. 

    Responding to concerns raised about former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s comments that President Tinubu enjoys less support in the North than he did in 2023, Sule dismissed the suggestion his commitment was in doubt.

    “People who live in Abuja and think they can gain favours by creating confusion are the ones spreading such ideas. There are some people who don’t have the power to speak on behalf of CPC, and they are trying to cause division. But in reality, President Buhari is in total support of President Tinubu,” he said. 

    Read Also: Nigeria recorded 75,000 maternal deaths in 2023, says MRHC

    Sule clarified his controversial reference to the former CPC’s voter base and leadership, saying it was not intended to question Tinubu’s authority or support. 

    Rather, he argued, it was to acknowledge the historical roles of both leaders in the formation of the APC.

    “In the same way nobody can speak about ACN better than President Tinubu, nobody can speak about CPC better than President Buhari. They are the true architects of the APC. These two men must remain united for the party to remain strong,” he said. 

    He added that his political roots lie in the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), not the CPC, countering the notion that he was aligned with CPC loyalists working against Tinubu.

    “I was the AC governorship candidate in 2007, so I know what I’m talking about. I have never been CPC. So when people try to label me as such, they’re misrepresenting the facts,” Sule said. 

    He also pointed out that historical election results in Nasarawa disprove the notion of a rigid CPC political bloc, saying “in 2011, when Governor Al Makura won under CPC, President Buhari lost Nasarawa. Even in 2015, under APC, Buhari still lost in Nasarawa. So it’s not about CPC or APC, it’s about the people and the leaders they trust”.

    On the issue of President Buhari’s enduring influence, Sule acknowledged the former president’s status within the party but stressed that it should not be misconstrued as a threat to Tinubu’s leadership.

    “Yes, I respect President Buhari, but my President is President Tinubu, whom I will support any day, anytime, anyhow,” he said.

    He further dismissed insinuations of division within the party, arguing that Buhari and Tinubu remain committed to the success of the APC. 

  • Insecurity: Diaspora group urges Tinubu to sack underperforming security heads

    Insecurity: Diaspora group urges Tinubu to sack underperforming security heads

    The Congress for the Defence of Citizens (CDC), a London-based civil society group, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to overhaul Nigeria’s security architecture by removing underperforming security chiefs.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its Global Convener, Prince Ugo, the group decried the worsening security situation across the country, citing a surge in kidnappings and killings.

    The CDC expressed outrage over recent developments in the northeast, where soldiers were reportedly abducted by terrorists in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State.

    “What we are seeing is beyond failure—it is a total collapse. The military is no longer able to defend even itself. Just recently, terrorists seized billions of naira worth of weapons, and now they’ve taken our soldiers into hiding,” the statement read.

    The group described the situation as unacceptable and urged those holding key security positions to resign voluntarily if they can no longer deliver, rather than wait to be dismissed.

    “The Congress for the Defence of Citizens is shaken by the sheer audacity of these attacks. We are horrified that Nigerian soldiers—those meant to protect us—are now being captured by terrorists in Borno,” the statement added.

    “The implications are terrifying: If the military cannot defend its own, what hope is there for ordinary Nigerians? What more evidence does President Tinubu need to see that the current service chiefs are not fit for purpose?”

    The organisation called on the President to act swiftly and decisively, insisting that “the honeymoon is over” for the current leadership of Nigeria’s armed forces.

    Read Also: Northern CAN leaders meet security chiefs, raise alarm over insecurity

    “This is not a time for diplomacy or delay. We call on President Tinubu to immediately relieve the service chiefs of their duties,” CDC said.

    The group also condemned what it described as “reactionary and scattered” responses by the armed forces to attacks on civilian communities and military infrastructure.

    “The military’s conduct reveals a complete breakdown of strategy and leadership. The terrorists are emboldened because they know they can strike and get away with it—sometimes even from within earshot of a barracks.”

    CDC warned that unless President Tinubu undertakes a sweeping overhaul of the military’s top leadership, Nigeria risks descending further into chaos.

    “Our soldiers are no longer seen as symbols of safety. Instead, they are now victims—overwhelmed, outgunned, and outmanoeuvred. This should never be the case,” the statement read.

    Prince Ugo said the CDC is now in consultation with Nigerian diaspora communities and international rights organisations to escalate global awareness of the deteriorating security situation.

    “As Nigerians abroad, we will not stand by while our homeland becomes a wasteland of fear and failure. We are preparing a full dossier of security lapses, equipment losses, and civilian casualties. Nigeria must be held accountable, and so must those who lead its defence forces,” he said.

    He stressed that the CDC’s campaign would continue until “a genuine and sweeping reform” of the security leadership is achieved.

    The CDC’s call came amid growing outrage in Nigeria following reports of deadly attacks across several states by insurgents.

  • Tinubu’s promises

    Tinubu’s promises

    This writer has always been worried about the unfair distribution of national developmental assets across the regions, in our country, Nigeria. He has argued that if Nigeria is vertically sliced into two, the north-west, western side of the north-central and the south-west have more developmental assets than the other half, made up of the north-east, the eastern part of the north-central and south-east. Until the 1999 constitution provided for 13% derivation, which made Cross River and Akwa Ibom states economically prosperous, the eastern part of south-south was in the same boat as other easterners.

    This became glaringly so after the fall of the First Republic and the consequential civil war. There are variegated causative factors, but what is important is for the Federal Government, which has the bulk of resources and the power to determine where to allocate the national resources, to understand the need for balanced development of all parts of the country. As I have argued, what eventuated into the Boko Haram insurgency is substantially economics. With minimal infrastructure and industrialisation, the north-east quickly degenerated into insurgency as Lake Chad, which provided resources for food, agricultural activities and sustenance, receded.

    With poverty steering the youthful population in the face, they became more aware and more agitated over the failure of governance, and so more receptive of the doctrinaire solutions to the economic challenges. As the initially localised insurgency metamorphosed, the economic challenges exacerbated and got out of control. The little resources available are presently being used to fight an unwinnable war. Of course, as the consequences of poor governance spread farther, the infrastructure and industrial advantages in the north-west could no longer sustain their burgeoning youth population.

    And today, the banditry and criminal activity in that region seems to compete with the consequences of insurgency in the north-east. Similar or worse fate as happened in the north-east could have befallen the south-east, but for the sheer luck that her people are sojourners. Being an itinerant race, the full impact of the low level of infrastructure and industrialisation in the region has not been felt as much as it ought to. The agitation in the region is, of course, traceable partly to those challenges.

    So, the promises of gas, road and railway infrastructure, made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) during his recent visit to Anambra State, where he was honoured with the title of ‘Dike si mba,’ if fulfilled, will help to address the yawning gaps that have fueled the separatist agitation in the south-east region.

    In a message signed by PBAT’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, titled: “In Anambra, President Tinubu pledges to tackle erosion, reactivate gas plant and integrate state into the national rail system,” the message of hope resounded.

    PBAT had promised to review the railway master plan to incorporate Anambra State. He said: “I am standing before you to say that the Ministry of Transportation is aware and will include the connection in the Master Plan and give it attention.” He also promised on completing roads linking Anambra to Kogi State, to facilitate easier access to Abuja, thus: “abandoned federal road projects that link Anambra to Kogi can then become the fastest gateway between Abuja and Anambra south and south-south. I agree.”

    PBAT made other promising promises. He said: “with our progressive ideological alliance, we will continue to partner with your state and to deliver shared prosperity in Anambra and to all Nigerians.” He went on: “as your President, I have always said and am saying the same now: In our national anthem, we sing, ‘Though tribes and tongues may differ in brotherhood, we stand.” Philosophically, he enthused: “We will continue to be brothers. We are one family, a single family, diverse, living in the same house called Nigeria. We are only staying in different rooms. Our diversity must lead to prosperity. We must work together to be a united Nigeria.”

    This writer cannot agree with the president any less. And the significance of the president’s visit to Anambra State, where the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in 2023, Peter Obi, hails from, cannot be lost. The president persistently referred to Governor Chukwuma Soludo as his friend, and the governor in turn reminded his people and, by extension, the south-east that the people are progressive, and his party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), is a progressive party, just like the party of the President, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

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    Governor Soludo, promised PBAT the support of his party, the APGA, and the people, in 2027, as is customary with the tradition of his party to support a ruling president seeking reelection. The governor intoned: “APGA is ideologically and strategically aligned with the centre.” He went on: “In Anambra, we are firmly and comfortably progressive. We are implementing bold, people-centric programmes, free education, healthcare for women, youth empowerment, and massive agricultural initiatives that align closely with the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

    He sang sweet tunes to the ears of PBAT: “For the sake of Nigeria and future generations, President Bola Tinubu must succeed. We are prepared to support him in every possible way, not just to succeed, but to excel.” This writer supports the strategic partnership of the government of Anambra State with the Federal Government, for the state to achieve the greatest good for the greatest number. He has called for strategic partnership between political actors in the south-east and Tinubu’s progressive political family.

    The ideology of now or never is anathema in politics. There was yesterday, there is today, and there will be tomorrow. While the majority of those who voted during the presidential election in the south-east states rebuffed PBAT in 2023, the reality is that today, he is the president, with enormous constitutional powers to share and/or influence the distribution of national resources. It, therefore, makes strategic sense for the leaders of the region to engage with him to attract his favours to their people.

    Looking at the current political landscape, and then imagining what the future portends, especially the 2027 presidential election, there is the likelihood that PBAT would be returned as president. Governor Soludo has sensibly keyed into that by declaring that his party has adopted him as its candidate. If his strategy pays off, as this writer projects it will, then the people of the state and the south- east will be better for it. A strategic alliance in 2027 can bear fruit when the presidency returns to the south.

    This writer urges PBAT to right the historical injustices by keeping the promises he made in Anambra State, last week. As I have argued, no part of the country will enjoy its prosperity if the other parts are disproportionately disadvantaged. The rich will not sleep, when the majority are poor, hungry and wailing.