Niger LG Chairman Accuses Governor Bago of Withholding Funds, Blocking Council Duties in Shiroro

Outgoing Shiroro Local Government chairman, Isyaku Akilu Kuta, has accused Niger State Governor Umar Bago of denying him access to funds, blocking his core responsibilities, and crippling service delivery throughout his tenure. Speaking at a farewell reception, Kuta said the governor’s control over council allocations prevented him from securing appointments, addressing insecurity, or executing development projects—leaving him unable to achieve even 30% of his goals. He alleged that Niger’s LGs received only N10 million monthly plus limited security votes, despite a 2024 Supreme Court ruling mandating full LG autonomy. Kuta condemned the hardships faced by unemployed graduates and retirees in Shiroro and criticized the state’s continued withholding of federal allocations as newly elected council chairmen prepare to assume office.

#NigerStatePolitics #LocalGovernmentAutonomy #GovernorBago

NAHCON Commissioner Defies VP Shettima’s Order, Retains Retired Staff Amid Nepotism Allegations


The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is facing fresh controversy as insiders accuse Commissioner of Operations, Anofi Elegushi, of ignoring Vice-President Kashim Shettima’s directive by retaining a retired officer, Mr. Gaffar, who left the commission in 2023. The retired officer reportedly attends official meetings, travels with the commissioner, and maintains offices in Abuja and Saudi Arabia — actions seen as violations of Public Service Rules. Elegushi is also accused of keeping a former NYSC corps member allegedly related to him, granting her full staff privileges despite her service ending months ago. These actions allegedly defy a written directive from VP Shettima rejecting NAHCON’s request to re-engage retired staff and ordering all such appointments reversed. Staff fear retaliation, with claims that Elegushi is consolidating power ahead of a possible bid for the NAHCON chairmanship. Efforts to reach him were unsuccessful.

Now that the man Nigerians admire and trust, General Musa, has been appointed Minister of Defence, one uncomfortable question refuses to leave my mind:

Will he truly be able to work with the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle?

Before anyone answers that, let us remind ourselves who Oga Bello really is.

In 2021, when he was still Governor of Zamfara State, he boldly declared in a now-viral interview:
“Not all bandits are criminals.”
According to him, bandits only became violent because vigilante groups had cheated them.

But that is not even the most troubling part.

In November 2025, one of his former senior aides granted an explosive interview, alleging that Matawalle supplied 36 brand-new Toyota Hilux vehicles to notorious bandit commanders. Not only that, the aide claimed he maintained communication with these commanders even after becoming Minister.

And then came the most shocking accusation of all.

His successor, Governor Dauda Lawal, publicly accused Matawalle of harboring bandit leaders inside the Government House and diverting the resources of the state to enable banditry. He even went further to call for Matawalle’s removal from the Defence Ministry if the Federal Government is truly serious about ending terrorism and banditry.

So I ask again

General Musa may be ready to fight for Nigeria
but is everyone around him ready to fight the same enemy?

And how exactly are these appointments made without any background checks whatsoever?

This leads to the question I keep asking: can we truly separate our government from the terrorists killing us?

-KAA
#kaa_truths

President Tinubu has approved the constitution and reconstitution of the governing boards of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), Bank of Agriculture (BOA), and Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

Below is the full list of appointed chairmen, executive directors, and members:

UNIVERSAL BASIC EDUCATION COMMISSION (UBEC) BOARD
- Chairman: Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura (retained)

- South East Representative: Uchendu Ikechi Mbaegbulem

- South South Representative: Gift Ngo

- South West Representative: Mrs Ibiwunmi Akinnola

- North East Representative: Dr Meiro Mandara

- North West Representative: Dr Abdu Imam Saulawa

- North Central Representative: Professor Paul Ibukun-Olu Bolorunduro

(Term: 4 years in the first instance)

BANK OF AGRICULTURE (BOA)

- Chairman: Muhammad Babangida

- Managing Director/CEO: Ayo Sotinrin

Executive Directors
- Fatima Garba (Sokoto) – Executive Director, Corporate Services

- Ka’amuna Ibrahim Khadi (Borno) – Executive Director, Risk Management & Strategy

- Hakeem Oluwatosin Salami (Kwara) – Executive Director, Operations

Non-Executive Directors
- Aminu Malami Mohammed – North East
- Charles Amuchienwa – South East
- Oladejo Odunuga – South West
- Rabiu Idris Funtua – North West
- Kochi Donald Iorgyer – North Central

NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT FUND (NADF) BOARD
- Executive Secretary/CEO (previously appointed): Muhammad Abu Ibrahim

- Chairman: Mallam Bello Maccido (North West)

Members
- Dr Nelson Henry Essien – South South (Akwa Ibom)
- Amina Ahmed Habib – North West (Jigawa)
- Engr. Akinyinka Olufela Akinnola – South West (Ondo)
- Hassan Tanimu Musa Usman – North East (Borno)
- Lufer Samson Orkar – North Central (Benue)
- Felix Achibiri – South East (Imo)

The appointments take immediate effect.

Tinubu Appoints New Boards for NADF, UBEC and Bank of Agriculture

President Bola Tinubu has approved new boards for three major federal institutions — the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). According to a statement by presidential aide Bayo Onanuga, the July appointment of Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura as UBEC chairman remains unchanged, with additional zonal representatives appointed. For the Bank of Agriculture, Tinubu reaffirmed earlier appointments, including Muhammad Babangida as chairman and Ayo Sotinrin as managing director, alongside new executive and non-executive directors from all geopolitical zones. The NADF board was also fully constituted, with Bello Maccido named chairman and other members appointed to represent various zones, completing the agency’s leadership structure.

Tinubu Constitutes Boards of NADF, Bank of Agriculture, UBEC

…Appoints Chairmen, Executive Directors, Zonal Representatives

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the constitution of the governing boards of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), with appointments reflecting federal character and professional expertise.

Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC)
Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, earlier appointed in July, retains his position as Chairman of the UBEC Board.

New zonal representatives appointed to the board are:

South East: Uchendu Ikechi

Mbaegbulem
South South:

Gift Ngo
South West:

Mrs Ibiwunmi Akinnola
North East:

Dr Meiro Mandara
North West:

Dr Abdu Imam Saulawa
North Central:

Professor Paul Ibukun-Olu Bolorunduro

The Chairman and members shall serve an initial four-year term.

Bank of Agriculture (BOA)
President Tinubu confirmed the earlier appointments of Muhammad Babangida as Chairman and Ayo Sotinrin as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer.

Three Executive Directors and five Non-Executive Directors were also named:

Executive Directors
Fatima Garba (Sokoto) – Corporate Services

Ka’amuna Ibrahim Khadi (Borno) – Risk Management and Strategy
Hakeem

Oluwatosin Salami (Kwara) – Operations

Non-Executive Directors

Aminu Malami Mohammed – North East

Charles Amuchienwa – South East

Oladejo Odunuga – South West

Rabiu Idris Funtua – North West

Kochi Donald Iorgyer – North Central

National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF)
Mallam Bello Maccido, pioneer Chairman of FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited with over 30 years’ experience in financial services, was appointed Chairman of the NADF Board (representing North West).

Other board members include:

Dr Nelson Henry Essien (Akwa Ibom/South South) – Financial Consultant and Seasoned Banker

Amina Ahmed Habib (Jigawa/North West) – Fellow, Institute of Chartered Accountants

Engr. Akinyinka Olufela Akinnola (Ondo/South West) – Engineer and Businessman

Hassan Tanimu Musa Usman (Borno/North East) – Founder, New Frontier Developments Ltd; former Non-Executive Director, Access Bank

Lufer Samson Orkar (Benue/North Central)

Felix Achibiri (Imo/South East) – Group Director, Genesis Energy Holdings; Chairman/CEO, DFC Holdings Limited

The appointments follow the October 2023 naming of Muhammad Abu Ibrahim as Executive Secretary/CEO of NADF.

The new boards are expected to drive agricultural financing, rural development, and universal basic education delivery across the country.

Wike Loses Influence With Tinubu as Rivers Assembly Plans Defection to APC

Nyesom Wike is reportedly losing political influence with President Bola Tinubu despite efforts to prove loyalty, including orchestrating a vote of confidence from the Rivers State House of Assembly. As pressure mounts from international and religious leaders, Wike is said to be pushing lawmakers to defect to the APC. Meanwhile, Governor Siminalayi Fubara gains stronger support following the lifting of the state of emergency, leaving Wike increasingly isolated. The former governor also faces multiple controversies involving alleged corruption, land racketeering, abuse of office, and a deepening rift with Tinubu over INEC leadership appointments.

Tinubu Sends New Ambassadorial List to Senate, Adds Ibas, Chioma Ohakim, Ita Enang, Dambazau

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has forwarded a fresh list of non-career ambassadorial nominees to the Senate, featuring several new additions not included in the earlier batch. The nominees include former Chief of Naval Staff Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, ex-Imo First Lady Chioma Ohakim, former presidential aide Ita Enang, and ex-Chief of Army Staff Abdulrahman Dambazau. Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the letter during plenary and referred the list to the Foreign Affairs Committee for screening within a week. The new nominations follow recent appointments of Reno Omokri, Femi Fani-Kayode, and Mahmood Yakubu, which sparked nationwide debate.

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU NOMINATES GENERAL CHRISTOPHER MUSA AS THE NEW MINISTER OF DEFENCE

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated General Christopher Gwabin Musa as the new Minister of Defence.

In a letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu conveyed General Musa’s nomination as the successor to Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who resigned on Monday.

General Musa, 58, on December 25, is a distinguished soldier who served as Chief of Defence Staff from 2023 until October 2025. He won the Colin Powell Award for Soldiering in 2012.

Born in Sokoto in 1967, General Musa received his primary and secondary education there before attending the College of Advanced Studies in Zaria. He graduated in 1986 and enrolled at the Nigerian Defence Academy the same year, earning a Bachelor of Science degree upon graduation in 1991.

General Musa was commissioned into the Nigerian Army as a Second Lieutenant in 1991 and has since had a distinguished career. His appointments include General Staff Officer 1, Training/Operations at HQ 81 Division; Commanding Officer, 73 Battalion; Assistant Director, Operational Requirements, Department of Army Policy and Plans; and Infantry Representative/Member, Training Team, HQ Nigerian Army Armour Corps.

In 2019, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff, Training/Operations, Headquarters Infantry Centre and Corps; Commander, Sector 3, Operation Lafiya Dole; and Commander, Sector 3 Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad Region.

In 2021, General Musa was appointed Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai. He later became Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps before being appointed Chief of Defence Staff by President Tinubu in 2023.

In the letter to the Senate, President Tinubu expressed confidence in General Musa’s ability to lead the Ministry of Defence and further strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President,
(Information and Strategy)
December 2, 2025

Adoyi Omale warns political patronage in ambassadorial appointments risks undermining Nigeria’s diplomatic credibility.

Tinubu Nominates Omokri, Fani-Kayode, Ugwuanyi, Yakubu and 28 Others as Ambassadors

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated 32 individuals for ambassadorial appointments and forwarded their names to the Senate for confirmation.

Those on the list include:
• Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, former Enugu State Governor
• Mahmood Yakubu, immediate past INEC Chairman
• Femi Fani-Kayode, former Minister
• Reno Omokri, former presidential aide
• Okezie Ikpeazu, former Abia State Governor
• Femi Pedro, former Lagos Deputy Governor
• Jimoh Ibrahim, Ondo Senator and businessman
• Erelu Angela Adebayo, former Ekiti First Lady
• Grace Bent, former Adamawa Senator

Tinubu has sent the full list to the Senate for screening and confirmation.

#Tinubu #Ambassadors #NigeriaNews #SenateConfirmation

FG says Trump’s Remarks Embolden Violent Groups in Nigeria.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has warned that recent comments by former U.S. President Donald Trump have unintentionally encouraged violent groups in Nigeria. Speaking in a press release on Wednesday, Akume said some extremists are now exploiting international narratives to justify attacks on soft targets.

He noted that prior to these statements, insurgency networks in the country had been largely weakened and reduced to isolated banditry. Akume stressed that the remarks have given opportunistic groups a platform to gain visibility, underscoring the need for collaboration rather than public labeling between Nigeria and the United States.

Akume reaffirmed that Nigeria does not require foreign troops, highlighting the Nigerian Armed Forces’ successes in reclaiming territories and degrading Boko Haram and ISWAP leadership. He emphasized that targeted support particularly in intelligence, technology, and equipment would be more effective than direct foreign intervention.

The SGF also rejected claims that the conflict represents a “Christian genocide,” noting that both Muslims and Christians have been victims of attacks on churches and mosques. He reiterated that Nigeria is a secular state and that government appointments reflect the country’s diversity, with Christians and Muslims equally represented in key positions, including the Federal Executive Council and the Nigerian Security Council.

Akume concluded that while Nigeria remains open to international cooperation, the focus should be on dismantling extremist networks with appropriate support rather than imposing external labels or interventions.

Tanzanian President Appoints Daughter and Son-in-law as Ministers.

Tanzania’s President Samia Hassan has appointed her daughter and son-in-law as ministers in her newly formed government. In a nationwide broadcast on Monday, Mrs. Hassan, who was declared the winner of the October 29 presidential election, named 27 ministers and 29 deputy ministers, including her family members.

Wanu Hafidh Amei, the president’s daughter, was named deputy minister for education, science, and technology, while her husband, Mohamed Mchengerwa, took over as health minister. In other appointments, Tanzania’s ambassador to China, Khamis Mussa Omar, became finance minister, while Adolf Mkenda retained his role as education, science, and technology minister.

Seven former ministers were removed, but Anthony Mavunde and Mahmoud Thabit Kombo were retained as mining and foreign affairs ministers, respectively.

Mrs. Hassan’s re-election has attracted criticism due to violent protests, an internet shutdown, and a crackdown on demonstrators.

The United Nations has called for thorough investigations into reported deaths, warning that authorities may be concealing evidence. Opposition party CHADEMA, whose candidate Tundu Lissu was barred from the election, claims about 700 people were killed and refuses to recognize Mrs. Hassan as president.

International observers have also expressed concerns. The African Union deemed the election not credible, while the European Union, Southern African Development Community, and missions from the UK, Canada, and Norway condemned the fatalities, suppression of opposition, and internet restrictions during the polls.

Tinubu Set to Appoint New Ambassadors Amid Rising Diplomatic Tension with the U.S.

President Bola Tinubu is putting finishing touches to the appointment of new ambassadors to Nigeria’s foreign missions after months of vacancies and growing diplomatic concerns, especially following recent tensions with the United States.

Presidency sources confirmed that the President has ordered a “final cleanup” of the ambassadorial list to replace nominees who have died, retired, or withdrawn from consideration. The updated list is expected to be released soon after final verification.

This comes two years after Tinubu recalled all ambassadors from Nigeria’s 109 foreign missions in what was described as a comprehensive diplomatic review. Since then, most embassies have been headed by chargés d’affaires or senior consular officers with limited powers to represent Nigeria in high-level engagements.

Officials believe the new appointments will help restore Nigeria’s diplomatic visibility and strengthen communication with international partners, particularly amid the recent friction with the U.S. triggered by former President Donald Trump’s remarks. Trump had threatened possible U.S. military action in Nigeria over alleged killings of Christians, comments that stirred widespread concern in Abuja.

According to sources, the absence of ambassadors has slowed Nigeria’s ability to respond promptly to sensitive international matters. “Having ambassadors in place will help Nigeria engage more effectively, especially in times of tension,” one official said.

Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar is expected to meet President Tinubu at the State House to finalise the list. An official announcement of the new ambassadorial appointments is anticipated in the coming days.

MURIC blames CAN as Trump designates nigeria country of particular concern.

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has criticized the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) following President Donald Trump’s redesignation of Nigeria as a country of particular concern over alleged Christian genocide—claims the Nigerian government denies.

MURIC Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, called the redesignation “blurred, misplaced, and distorted,” saying it misrepresents the true situation in Nigeria. He urged Nigerians to focus on internal “fifth columnists” rather than debate the U.S. decision.

Akintola noted that some Christian leaders had sent petitions to the U.S. Congress portraying Christians as the sole victims of terrorism in Nigeria. Instead of correcting this narrative, CAN allegedly amplified it.

He condemned CAN’s actions as a betrayal, highlighting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has favored Christians in appointments, with 62% of positions going to them, and that the First Lady has been particularly generous. “Despite all that was done for Nigerian Christians, they still deemed it fit to take Nigeria to the enabler of Gaza genocide,” Akintola said.

He described the act as the “Mother of all Betrayals” and strongly denounced those behind the report.

No Asiwaju Cap, No Exco’ – Edo APC Move To Suspend Commissioners Over Loyalty To Tinubu.

The Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarrett Tenebe, has issued a stern warning that any commissioner who flouts Governor Monday Okpebholo’s directive to wear the ‘Asiwaju cap’ to State Executive Council meetings will face suspension from the party.

Governor Okpebholo had, on October 14, while swearing in newly cleared commissioners and inaugurating boards and commissions, directed all cabinet members to demonstrate loyalty to President Bola Tinubu by appearing in branded party outfits, including the symbolic ‘Asiwaju cap’.

Addressing reporters on the matter, Tenebe described disobedience to the governor’s order as a serious act of defiance against party authority and discipline.

“If you refuse to wear the cap as the governor has directed, we will suspend you. That is indiscipline and insubordination,” he said firmly.

The APC chairman maintained that the governor’s instruction was not optional but a clear demonstration of loyalty to both the party and its leader, President Tinubu.

Edo APC’s 3.5 Million Votes Pledge
Tenebe linked the cap directive to a broader political strategy by the state chapter of the APC to guarantee massive electoral support for President Tinubu.

“We are doing this because we have made a promise that 3.5 million votes are guaranteed for President Bola Tinubu. Everybody has keyed into achieving that target,” he declared.

According to him, party loyalty cannot be compromised, particularly for those who benefited from appointments through the APC.

Presidency Explains Sack of Defence Chief, Others, Says Move Is Routine.

The Presidency has clarified that the removal of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, and other service chiefs is a routine exercise aimed at strengthening national security.

Presidential spokesperson Sunday Dare stated this in an interview with DAILY POST on Friday, following President Bola Tinubu’s announcement of the new security appointments earlier in the day.

General Musa has been replaced by Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff. Other appointments include Major General W. Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff. Major General E.A.P. Undiendeye retains his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence.

Dare explained that such changes are within the President’s constitutional powers as Commander-in-Chief.

“This is routine, meant to boost security across the nation. The Commander-in-Chief can at any time make these changes to both ministerial and service chiefs. In the same way, commanding officers of mechanized divisions can be moved or removed,” he said.

The reshuffle in the military hierarchy comes amid unverified rumours of a possible coup, which both the Presidency and the Nigerian Army have dismissed as false.

Over 50 Generals To Go As Tinubu Sacks Service Chiefs.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday sacked the service chiefs and appointed their replacements.

The statement announcing their removal, signed by the special adviser to the president on media and public communication, Sunday Dare, said the action was taken in furtherance of the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen the national security architecture.

The President appointed former Army Chief, General Olufemi Oluyede, as the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa.

The new Chief of Army Staff is Major-General W. Shaibu. Air Vice Marshal S. K. Aneke becomes Chief of Air Staff, while Rear Admiral I. Abbas is the new Chief of Naval Staff.
The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E. A. P. Undiendeye, retains his position.

President Tinubu expressed appreciation to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, General Musa, and the other service chiefs for their patriotic service and dedicated leadership.
The President urged the newly appointed service chiefs to justify the confidence reposed in them and to further enhance the professionalism, vigilance, and comradeship that define the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“All appointments take immediate effect,” the statement said.
Those sacked with General Musa are the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar.

LEADERSHIP Weekend reports that yesterday’s changes mark the second major reshuffle of the military high command since President Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.
Yesterday’s change comes amid growing public outcry as the country continues to battle terrorism, banditry, and other forms of violent crime across several regions.

General Musa and those asked to leave with him had been in office since June 2023 and oversaw several major operations against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and armed bandits in the North-East and North-West.
Security analysts are unanimous that their tenure recorded significant gains.

Despite that, continued attacks and killings in different parts of the country had fuelled calls for a change in strategy and leadership.

The changes also came a few days after widespread rumours of an attempted coup to unseat President Tinubu surfaced in the media.

Though the Defence Headquarters denied it, saying there was no such attempt, yesterday’s sacking of the

service chiefs may lend credence to the alleged coup plot.

“Their sacking is as a result of losing the loyalty of those working with them. When a commander loses the loyalty of his men, then there is no need for him to remain the commander,” a security officer told one of our correspondents.

PROFILE OF NEW CDS, SERVICE CHIEFS AND CDI

In a decisive move to tackle Nigeria’s persistent security challenges, President Bola Tinubu has carried out a major shake-up in the nation’s military leadership, replacing all the Service Chiefs and the Chief of Defence Staff.

The sweeping changes, which also include new appointments for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Chief of Defence Intelligence, signal the President’s resolve to inject fresh strategy and renewed vigour into the fight against terrorism, banditry, and other security threats confronting the country.
https://x.com/i/status/1981827991299575867

Just in: President Tinubu fires service chiefs, retains Chief of Defence Intelligence in new shake-up.

President Bola Tinubu has approved a major shake-up in Nigeria’s military leadership, making key appointments across the armed forces while retaining the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, despite widespread calls for his removal.

The restructuring, described as part of efforts to reinforce the nation’s security framework, saw General Olufemi Oluyede appointed as the new Chief of Defence Staff, succeeding General Christopher Musa. Major-General W. Shaibu now serves as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke becomes the Chief of Air Staff, while Rear Admiral I. Abbas assumes office as Chief of Naval Staff.

According to a statement issued on Friday by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye, will continue in his current role, and the police leadership remains unchanged.

President Tinubu expressed appreciation to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff and other departing Service Chiefs for their contributions to national security. He urged the new appointees to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, vigilance, and unity within the Armed Forces.

“All appointments take immediate effect,” the statement concluded.