• Nigerians blush uncontrollably as VP Shettima reveals EFCC recovered over ₦500 billion in assets in just two years.

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has revealed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recovered assets worth over ₦500 billion within the first two years of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    Shettima made this known on Monday while declaring open a three-day capacity-building workshop for judges and justices, organised by the EFCC and the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja.

    Representing President Tinubu, the VP said the administration’s policy of non-interference in anti-graft agencies has strengthened their independence and boosted Nigeria’s anti-corr¥ption drive.

    “As an administration, we have prioritised public accountability by empowering anti-corr¥ption agencies to operate without political interference. The EFCC, for instance, has secured over 7,000 convictions and recovered assets valued at over ₦500 billion,” Shettima stated.

    He noted that proceeds from the recovered assets are being reinvested into national development schemes such as the students’ loan and consumer credit programmes to enhance economic growth and welfare.

    Reaffirming Tinubu’s commitment to the rule of law, Shettima said no political ally enjoys protection from investigation, urging judges to uphold integrity and resist corruption.

    “Corruption is no respecter of persons. Judges are not immune from its consequences,” he warned, stressing the need for stronger collaboration across government arms to sustain the anti-corruption fight.
    Nigerians blush uncontrollably as VP Shettima reveals EFCC recovered over ₦500 billion in assets in just two years. Vice President Kashim Shettima has revealed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recovered assets worth over ₦500 billion within the first two years of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Shettima made this known on Monday while declaring open a three-day capacity-building workshop for judges and justices, organised by the EFCC and the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja. Representing President Tinubu, the VP said the administration’s policy of non-interference in anti-graft agencies has strengthened their independence and boosted Nigeria’s anti-corr¥ption drive. “As an administration, we have prioritised public accountability by empowering anti-corr¥ption agencies to operate without political interference. The EFCC, for instance, has secured over 7,000 convictions and recovered assets valued at over ₦500 billion,” Shettima stated. He noted that proceeds from the recovered assets are being reinvested into national development schemes such as the students’ loan and consumer credit programmes to enhance economic growth and welfare. Reaffirming Tinubu’s commitment to the rule of law, Shettima said no political ally enjoys protection from investigation, urging judges to uphold integrity and resist corruption. “Corruption is no respecter of persons. Judges are not immune from its consequences,” he warned, stressing the need for stronger collaboration across government arms to sustain the anti-corruption fight.
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  • Clemency: You’ve brought shame, scrap NDLEA, EFCC, ICPC – APC chieftain to Tinubu.

    A Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has called for the scrapping of some federal government agencies.

    The agencies include the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC.

    According Eze, these agencies have Iost their flavours to political Interferences, stressing that President Bola Tinubu’s presidential pardon of drug barons have further erodes public confidence in statutory Institutions.

    The APC chieftain said as long as he remains a member of the ruling party it must be said categorically that Tinubu, by his action, has brought shame and reproach to the party.

    Eze believes that no reasonable person would vote for the APC again as the President has made it unelectable in any election in this country.

    Eze said that APC’s return to power in 2027 would mean that Nigerians approve of a regime that legitimizes illegality as a political strategy to sustain its odious reign beyond 2027.

    Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Information and Strategy last week, said in a statement that out of the 175 beneficiaries of the Presidential pardon, 41 illegal miners, 28 drug traffickers and 22 murderers topped the list.

    Notable among the 175 beneficiaries are Herbert Macaulay, one of Nigeria’s foremost nationalists; Farouk Lawan, a former member of the house of representatives; Mamman Vatsa, a major general and poet executed in 1986 over alleged treason; and Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death for killing her husband in 2017.

    Clemency: You’ve brought shame, scrap NDLEA, EFCC, ICPC – APC chieftain to Tinubu. A Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has called for the scrapping of some federal government agencies. The agencies include the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC. According Eze, these agencies have Iost their flavours to political Interferences, stressing that President Bola Tinubu’s presidential pardon of drug barons have further erodes public confidence in statutory Institutions. The APC chieftain said as long as he remains a member of the ruling party it must be said categorically that Tinubu, by his action, has brought shame and reproach to the party. Eze believes that no reasonable person would vote for the APC again as the President has made it unelectable in any election in this country. Eze said that APC’s return to power in 2027 would mean that Nigerians approve of a regime that legitimizes illegality as a political strategy to sustain its odious reign beyond 2027. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Information and Strategy last week, said in a statement that out of the 175 beneficiaries of the Presidential pardon, 41 illegal miners, 28 drug traffickers and 22 murderers topped the list. Notable among the 175 beneficiaries are Herbert Macaulay, one of Nigeria’s foremost nationalists; Farouk Lawan, a former member of the house of representatives; Mamman Vatsa, a major general and poet executed in 1986 over alleged treason; and Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death for killing her husband in 2017.
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  • Dr. Usman Bugaje Calls for End to Presidential Control Over INEC Appointments, Says It Breeds Conflict of Interest



    Political activist and civil society leader, Dr. Usman Bugaje, has called for a total overhaul of the process used to appoint the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman, arguing that allowing a sitting president to make such appointments creates a serious conflict of interest.

    Speaking in an interview with the Nigerian Tribune on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, Bugaje described the current arrangement as “unjust and undemocratic,” stressing that it undermines the credibility and independence of Nigeria’s electoral system.

    According to him, it is unreasonable for any president who is also a political candidate or key stakeholder in an election to handpick the person responsible for conducting that same election.

    “Why should the president, who is a party with vested interest in the election, be the one to appoint the INEC chairman? This is a clear conflict of interest,” Bugaje questioned.


    He warned that unless this issue is addressed, Nigeria’s elections will continue to suffer from legitimacy and trust deficits.

    Bugaje further recalled that the Uwais Electoral Reform Committee had previously recommended a better model, suggesting that INEC appointments be handled by a broad-based, independent body representing all arms of government and sections of society — not the presidency.

    He lamented that the recommendation was never implemented due to resistance from political elites who wished to maintain influence over electoral outcomes.

    Bugaje emphasized that freeing INEC from political interference is essential to restoring public confidence in the nation’s democracy.

    “We need to strengthen INEC by ensuring its leadership is not chosen by any sitting president who has a stake in the election. Only then can we achieve truly credible polls,” he stated.

    Dr. Usman Bugaje Calls for End to Presidential Control Over INEC Appointments, Says It Breeds Conflict of Interest Political activist and civil society leader, Dr. Usman Bugaje, has called for a total overhaul of the process used to appoint the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman, arguing that allowing a sitting president to make such appointments creates a serious conflict of interest. Speaking in an interview with the Nigerian Tribune on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, Bugaje described the current arrangement as “unjust and undemocratic,” stressing that it undermines the credibility and independence of Nigeria’s electoral system. According to him, it is unreasonable for any president who is also a political candidate or key stakeholder in an election to handpick the person responsible for conducting that same election. “Why should the president, who is a party with vested interest in the election, be the one to appoint the INEC chairman? This is a clear conflict of interest,” Bugaje questioned. He warned that unless this issue is addressed, Nigeria’s elections will continue to suffer from legitimacy and trust deficits. Bugaje further recalled that the Uwais Electoral Reform Committee had previously recommended a better model, suggesting that INEC appointments be handled by a broad-based, independent body representing all arms of government and sections of society — not the presidency. He lamented that the recommendation was never implemented due to resistance from political elites who wished to maintain influence over electoral outcomes. Bugaje emphasized that freeing INEC from political interference is essential to restoring public confidence in the nation’s democracy. “We need to strengthen INEC by ensuring its leadership is not chosen by any sitting president who has a stake in the election. Only then can we achieve truly credible polls,” he stated.
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  • The Borno APC Youth Leader, Suleiman Babagana (aka Ali Kwara), has been detained by the state’s special police unit after posting a video lamenting neglect by the Governor Babagana Zulum administration.

    Kwara, a grassroots APC figure and once a strong supporter of Zulum, was arrested on August 16, 2025, arraigned before a magistrate’s court, and later remanded in Maiduguri Maximum Prison. His video, urging youths to remain patient despite being sidelined by the government, was interpreted by authorities as intimidation and a threat.

    Family and legal sources allege political interference, saying the Attorney General suddenly took over the case after pressure from senior officials, delaying a ruling on Kwara’s bail. The magistrate reportedly admitted being under pressure and transferred the case, leaving Kwara in prison for over a week.

    Critics accuse the Zulum government of misusing the state’s crack police unit—originally meant to fight insurgency and violent crime—to silence dissent. This follows earlier arrests and the jailing of two APC members and tricycle operators for creating a WhatsApp group to mobilize protests against the administration.

    #BornoPolitics #FreeSpeech #NigeriaDemocracy
    The Borno APC Youth Leader, Suleiman Babagana (aka Ali Kwara), has been detained by the state’s special police unit after posting a video lamenting neglect by the Governor Babagana Zulum administration. Kwara, a grassroots APC figure and once a strong supporter of Zulum, was arrested on August 16, 2025, arraigned before a magistrate’s court, and later remanded in Maiduguri Maximum Prison. His video, urging youths to remain patient despite being sidelined by the government, was interpreted by authorities as intimidation and a threat. Family and legal sources allege political interference, saying the Attorney General suddenly took over the case after pressure from senior officials, delaying a ruling on Kwara’s bail. The magistrate reportedly admitted being under pressure and transferred the case, leaving Kwara in prison for over a week. Critics accuse the Zulum government of misusing the state’s crack police unit—originally meant to fight insurgency and violent crime—to silence dissent. This follows earlier arrests and the jailing of two APC members and tricycle operators for creating a WhatsApp group to mobilize protests against the administration. #BornoPolitics #FreeSpeech #NigeriaDemocracy
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  • Pension funds: Strike countdown begins as PenCom, Labour disagree.

    PenCom reacts, NSITF silent as Labour issues seven-day strike notice over alleged 40% pension fund diversion

    The Nigeria Labour Congress has threatened a nationwide strike if the Federal Government fails to return what it claims to be billions of naira taken from workers’ insurance contributions. It also demanded that the government fill the leadership gap in the country’s pension regulatory commission within a week.

    The NLC accused the Federal Government of syphoning 40 per cent of contributions from the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund into the national treasury. The fund, which is financed by payroll deductions from millions of workers, is meant to protect them in the event of injury or job loss.

    However, the National Pension Commission argued that the Contributory Pension Scheme remains secure and continues to grow, as it kicked against claims of missing funds.

    “The (NLC) Central Working Committee expressed outrage at the ongoing assault on workers’ social protection rights through the Federal Government’s diversion of 40 per cent of workers’ contributions to the national coffers as revenue, in flagrant violation of the statutes establishing the NSITF,” NLC President Joe Ajero said in a communique shared on Thursday.

    The union noted the move violated the laws establishing the NSITF and stripped it of its role as a safety net. “Pension funds are deferred wages, not government revenue,” Labour stated, warning that any further interference would trigger industrial action.

    The group also criticised the government’s failure to appoint a governing board for the National Pension Commission, leaving the administration in sole control of billions in retirement savings. The union said the vacuum created heightened risks of mismanagement and political interference in the pension sector.

    The standoff comes amid broader disputes over pension management across the country. In July, a coalition of labour unions in Ogun State gave state officials 72 hours to halt the planned rollout of a contributory pension scheme, citing a 17-year backlog of unpaid contributions worth over N82bn. They called for a return to the old pension system or a delay until the arrears are cleared.

    Pension funds: Strike countdown begins as PenCom, Labour disagree. PenCom reacts, NSITF silent as Labour issues seven-day strike notice over alleged 40% pension fund diversion The Nigeria Labour Congress has threatened a nationwide strike if the Federal Government fails to return what it claims to be billions of naira taken from workers’ insurance contributions. It also demanded that the government fill the leadership gap in the country’s pension regulatory commission within a week. The NLC accused the Federal Government of syphoning 40 per cent of contributions from the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund into the national treasury. The fund, which is financed by payroll deductions from millions of workers, is meant to protect them in the event of injury or job loss. However, the National Pension Commission argued that the Contributory Pension Scheme remains secure and continues to grow, as it kicked against claims of missing funds. “The (NLC) Central Working Committee expressed outrage at the ongoing assault on workers’ social protection rights through the Federal Government’s diversion of 40 per cent of workers’ contributions to the national coffers as revenue, in flagrant violation of the statutes establishing the NSITF,” NLC President Joe Ajero said in a communique shared on Thursday. The union noted the move violated the laws establishing the NSITF and stripped it of its role as a safety net. “Pension funds are deferred wages, not government revenue,” Labour stated, warning that any further interference would trigger industrial action. The group also criticised the government’s failure to appoint a governing board for the National Pension Commission, leaving the administration in sole control of billions in retirement savings. The union said the vacuum created heightened risks of mismanagement and political interference in the pension sector. The standoff comes amid broader disputes over pension management across the country. In July, a coalition of labour unions in Ogun State gave state officials 72 hours to halt the planned rollout of a contributory pension scheme, citing a 17-year backlog of unpaid contributions worth over N82bn. They called for a return to the old pension system or a delay until the arrears are cleared.
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  • FG Knocks US Embassy for Overstepping Bounds, Intruding in Internal Affairs.

    Officials of the Federal Government has accused the United States Embassy in Nigeria of overstepping its diplomatic bounds and interfering in the country’s internal affairs, following the circulation of a critical media report targeting Nigerian leaders.

    Government officials expressed outrage over the U.S. Mission’s alleged role in promoting an article published by The Africa Report, which criticised state governors for lavish spending on new government buildings in Oyo and Gombe States.

    The report, it is understood, drew backlash in Abuja, with senior sources accusing the U.S. Embassy of encouraging a “smear campaign” under the guise of press freedom.

    “The embassy’s actions are not only inappropriate but violate diplomatic norms,” a senior government official told reporters. “They have crossed the line into political interference.”

    The Federal Government defended the governors mentioned in the article, describing Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo and Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe as models of fiscal discipline. Officials said both governors have maintained responsible budgeting, improved public services, and met workers’ salaries regularly.

    Sources also alleged that the article was influenced by personal motives. According to them, the publisher of The Africa Report had earlier approached the Nigerian Governors’ Forum for sponsorship of an “Africa Roundtable” event but was turned down. The rejection, officials claim, led to strained relations and eventual negative coverage — now reportedly circulated by the U.S. Embassy.

    “This isn’t journalism. It’s retaliation disguised as reporting, and the U.S. Mission’s role in spreading it is unacceptable,” a government source said.

    The government pointed to Article 41(1) of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which bars foreign missions from interfering in the domestic affairs of host countries. Officials say the U.S. Embassy’s recent actions clearly violate this principle.

    FG Knocks US Embassy for Overstepping Bounds, Intruding in Internal Affairs. Officials of the Federal Government has accused the United States Embassy in Nigeria of overstepping its diplomatic bounds and interfering in the country’s internal affairs, following the circulation of a critical media report targeting Nigerian leaders. Government officials expressed outrage over the U.S. Mission’s alleged role in promoting an article published by The Africa Report, which criticised state governors for lavish spending on new government buildings in Oyo and Gombe States. The report, it is understood, drew backlash in Abuja, with senior sources accusing the U.S. Embassy of encouraging a “smear campaign” under the guise of press freedom. “The embassy’s actions are not only inappropriate but violate diplomatic norms,” a senior government official told reporters. “They have crossed the line into political interference.” The Federal Government defended the governors mentioned in the article, describing Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo and Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe as models of fiscal discipline. Officials said both governors have maintained responsible budgeting, improved public services, and met workers’ salaries regularly. Sources also alleged that the article was influenced by personal motives. According to them, the publisher of The Africa Report had earlier approached the Nigerian Governors’ Forum for sponsorship of an “Africa Roundtable” event but was turned down. The rejection, officials claim, led to strained relations and eventual negative coverage — now reportedly circulated by the U.S. Embassy. “This isn’t journalism. It’s retaliation disguised as reporting, and the U.S. Mission’s role in spreading it is unacceptable,” a government source said. The government pointed to Article 41(1) of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which bars foreign missions from interfering in the domestic affairs of host countries. Officials say the U.S. Embassy’s recent actions clearly violate this principle.
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  • Nigerian Communications Commission Staff Ask Tinubu To Constitute Board Amid Promotion Scandal, Alleged Corruption
    Amid a scandal over a controversial promotion exercise and allegations of fund mismanagement, staff of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) are calling on President Bola Tinubu to dissolve the current board and appoint a new leadership team.

    The March 2025 promotion exercise reportedly lacked transparency and fairness, with accusations of favoritism, ethnic bias, and political interference. Staff allege that promotions were conducted without proper board, ministerial, or presidential approval, and that merit was ignored.

    Some employees believe that only a complete overhaul of the board and management can restore integrity to the commission. They point to increasing nepotism, divisiveness, and contract-chasing by the current leadership, warning that the NCC is drifting away from its original mission.

    Despite denials by the Acting Head of Public Affairs, who insisted the process was fair and aligned with regulations, internal discontent remains high. Staff are using personal channels to raise concerns with the government, fearing that the once-respected agency is on a path to ruin if no urgent reforms are made.
    Nigerian Communications Commission Staff Ask Tinubu To Constitute Board Amid Promotion Scandal, Alleged Corruption Amid a scandal over a controversial promotion exercise and allegations of fund mismanagement, staff of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) are calling on President Bola Tinubu to dissolve the current board and appoint a new leadership team. The March 2025 promotion exercise reportedly lacked transparency and fairness, with accusations of favoritism, ethnic bias, and political interference. Staff allege that promotions were conducted without proper board, ministerial, or presidential approval, and that merit was ignored. Some employees believe that only a complete overhaul of the board and management can restore integrity to the commission. They point to increasing nepotism, divisiveness, and contract-chasing by the current leadership, warning that the NCC is drifting away from its original mission. Despite denials by the Acting Head of Public Affairs, who insisted the process was fair and aligned with regulations, internal discontent remains high. Staff are using personal channels to raise concerns with the government, fearing that the once-respected agency is on a path to ruin if no urgent reforms are made.
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  • Ondo Govt to Probe Circumstances Surrounding Fmr. Gov. Akeredolu’s D+ath.

    The Ondo State Government has announced plans to investigate the circumstances leading to the d+ath of former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who passed away on December 27, 2023, after a long b+ttle with prostate cancer.

    Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo (SAN), revealed on Tuesday that a coroner’s inquest would be initiated following petitions from concerned citizens and professional groups, particularly from Akeredolu’s hometown, Owo.

    Ajulo stated that the petitions, which raised questions and highlighted alleged inconsistencies around the late governor’s d+ath, had made it necessary to invoke the Coroner’s Law of Ondo State. “It is not out of place for citizens to demand its invocation when there are legitimate concerns,” he said. “The Attorney-General is duty-bound to act once such concerns are raised.”

    Ajulo assured the public that the investigation would follow due process, free from bias or political interference. He noted that any necessary invitations or arrests would be made strictly according to legal procedure.

    He also clarified that decisions such as inspecting Akeredolu’s remains or summoning individuals would be determined by the Coroner Judge. “This process must be handled with civility and a sense of responsibility to both the late governor’s legacy and the peace of the state,” Ajulo added.

    He emphasized that under the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the law would be upheld without fear or favour: “No one is above the law, and no one is beneath its protection.”
    Ondo Govt to Probe Circumstances Surrounding Fmr. Gov. Akeredolu’s D+ath. The Ondo State Government has announced plans to investigate the circumstances leading to the d+ath of former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who passed away on December 27, 2023, after a long b+ttle with prostate cancer. Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo (SAN), revealed on Tuesday that a coroner’s inquest would be initiated following petitions from concerned citizens and professional groups, particularly from Akeredolu’s hometown, Owo. Ajulo stated that the petitions, which raised questions and highlighted alleged inconsistencies around the late governor’s d+ath, had made it necessary to invoke the Coroner’s Law of Ondo State. “It is not out of place for citizens to demand its invocation when there are legitimate concerns,” he said. “The Attorney-General is duty-bound to act once such concerns are raised.” Ajulo assured the public that the investigation would follow due process, free from bias or political interference. He noted that any necessary invitations or arrests would be made strictly according to legal procedure. He also clarified that decisions such as inspecting Akeredolu’s remains or summoning individuals would be determined by the Coroner Judge. “This process must be handled with civility and a sense of responsibility to both the late governor’s legacy and the peace of the state,” Ajulo added. He emphasized that under the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the law would be upheld without fear or favour: “No one is above the law, and no one is beneath its protection.”
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  • SDP laments insecurity in Katsina, demands probe into ex-Army officer’s death.
    The current atmosphere in Katsina marked by insecurity, political interference, and the silencing of dissent betrays the spirit of June 12 and the hopes of those who fought for Nigeria’s democratic rebirth.
    SDP laments insecurity in Katsina, demands probe into ex-Army officer’s death. The current atmosphere in Katsina marked by insecurity, political interference, and the silencing of dissent betrays the spirit of June 12 and the hopes of those who fought for Nigeria’s democratic rebirth.
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