NIGERIA NEWS
Buhari Taught Nigerians Public Office is a Trust, Not Windfall – THISDAYLIVE
.Eulogises late predecessor, recalls his integrity, humility, service
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.There can’t be a better successor to Buhari than Tinubu, says Katsina gov
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has disclosed that his predecessor, late Muhammadu Buhari taught Nigerians, particularly the politicians, that public office is a sacred trust and not a personal windfall.
This is just as he also paid glowing tribute to the life and legacy of his late predecessor.
Tinubu, who spoke at the official launch of the 606-page biography, “From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari,” held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, described Buhari as a leader whose reputation for integrity, discipline and modest living endured long after leaving office
He stressed that the true measure of Buhari’s leadership was not the offices he occupied or the privileges that came with power, but “what persists when the sirens fall silent,” noting that the late former President left behind a legacy defined by honesty, restraint and a firm belief that leadership is anchored in service.
Tinubu, who described himself as Buhari’s brother, friend and political partner, recalled the political journey they shared together and the coalition-building efforts that culminated in the historic 2015 election victory which unseated an incumbent government and reshaped Nigeria’s political landscape.
According to him, the alliance forged during that period had since evolved into the fastest-growing political party in Africa.
His words: “I stand here not just as President, but as a brother, friend, and political partner who shared a journey with President Buhari through challenging times. Together, we built a broad coalition, campaigned across the country, and proved that Nigeria could chart a new course. Our movement united diverse interests and achieved a historic victory in 2015 by unseating an incumbent president, thus reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape.
The coalition we built in 2014 is now the fastest-growing political party in Africa today. Its growth continues.”
The President said the biography serves as an honest account of Buhari’s life and leadership, outlining both achievements and shortcomings, and urged future leaders to draw lessons from history rather than rely on empty slogans.
He identified humility, security, vision and social justice as the enduring pillars of Buhari’s legacy, noting that the late leader preferred simplicity over extravagance, believed in self-discipline as the foundation of governance, and prioritised national security as the bedrock of prosperity.
Tinubu also highlighted Buhari’s long-term vision for infrastructure development, including roads, railways, bridges and airports, as well as his commitment to targeted social investments aimed at protecting the poor and vulnerable.
He said Buhari’s consistent love for Nigeria and faithfulness to his oath of office earned him respect, even among critics, adding that their political experience together reinforced the importance of cooperation across differences in the task of nation-building.
Tinubu enumerated lasting legacies of his predecessor in areas of security, building social infrastructures and entrenching social justice and restated his commitment to building on it.
“This book reinforces the public’s memory. It outlines achievements and flaws, as all honest histories should. It should motivate future leaders to learn lessons rather than repeat slogans.
“In that spirit, let us reflect on the enduring pillars of President Buhari’s legacy:
“First, humility. President Buhari preferred simplicity over ornamentation. He believed that a leader must first discipline himself before he can discipline a system. He lived modestly, and he carried the dignity of that modesty into power.
“Second, security. President Buhari recognised that security is the foundation of citizenship and prosperity. He invested in platforms and personnel, improved capacities across our armed services, and pushed for reforms that endured beyond the headlines. He understood that safety requires protecting both the state and its citizens.
“Third, vision. He understood the importance of long-term thinking — constructing bridges, restoring railways, building roads, modernising our airports, and renewing critical infrastructure —while prioritising maintenance and sustainability.
“Fourth, social justice. He believed in targeted social investments to ensure that the state did not ignore the poor and vulnerable.
“These are the pillars of his legacy. But a legacy is given greater meaning when those who follow choose to continue what has been started. That is my duty. “
“President Buhari loved this country consistently, morning after morning, decision after decision, staying true to the oath he took. That is why even those who disagreed with him often acknowledged his honesty.
“Our political journey together taught me that cooperation across differences is not weakness; it is wisdom. Nation-building demands that we compete passionately and govern responsibly. President Buhari understood that the contest ends when the oath begins. In his memory, let us keep our politics honourable and our governance focused on results.”
Tinubu vowed that his administration would honour and build upon Buhari’s legacy, stressing that remembrance must go beyond rhetoric to the delivery of tangible results with discipline, compassion and resolve.
“To my dear brother, President Muhammadu Buhari: though you are no longer with us, your impact endures. We will honour and build upon your legacy, not just by invoking your name, but by delivering results with discipline, compassion, and resolve”.
The President commended the author of the book for enriching Nigeria’s collective memory and expressed hope that the biography would inspire young Nigerians as they reflect on leadership and public service.
Earlier in his welcome address, Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Radda, portrayed the late former President as an incorruptible strategist whose leadership was defined by integrity and a deep understanding of national security.
Radda said Buhari’s foresight in security matters and his personal discipline set him apart as a leader committed to the protection of the state and the welfare of its citizens.
He also lauded the collaboration and camaraderie that existed between the later President and his successor, President Tinubu, which culminated in the victory that installed the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015, adding that there could not have been a better successor than Tinubu.
Earlier, author of the biography, Dr. Charles Omole, described the book as the most comprehensive account of the life and legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, explaining that the 600-page work addresses complex questions surrounding his journey, character and leadership.
According to Omole, the book focuses not just on Buhari the public figure, but on the man himself—his guiding principles, values and personal convictions.
He noted that one of Buhari’s enduring legacies is his family, particularly his children, whom he said were raised with forthrightness, balance and strong emotional intelligence.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Buhari’s daughter, Hadiza Nana Buhari, said the biography transcends a mere historical record, capturing instead the rhythm of a life lived with restraint, steadiness and an abiding belief that public office is a sacred trust.
She noted that while the story is not presented as flawless, “as no human story ever is”, it challenges the next generation to build institutions strong enough to translate good intentions into lasting outcomes.
Nana Buhari urged young Nigerians to draw lessons from her father’s life by embracing integrity, moderation and patience in their pursuit of success and service to the nation.
The event was graced by dignitaries from all walks of life including President of The Gambia, Adama Barrow; members of the Buhari family, led by former First Lady, Hajiya Aisha Buhari; traditional rulers, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III; the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III and others.
Also at the event were the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen Buba Marwa (rtd); former Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Isiaka Amoo (rtd); former Director-General of the Department of State Service (DSS), Alhaji Yusuf Bichi; former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (rtd); and former Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Asamu, who all spoke on their experience with the late former President.
US President Donald Trump on Monday filed a lawsuit seeking at least $10 billion from the BBC over a documentary that edited his 2021 speech to supporters ahead of the US Capitol riot.
Read Also: Osimhen: From Lagos newspaper seller to stardom with Nigeria
The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Miami, seeks “damages in an amount not less than $5,000,000,000” for each of two counts against the British broadcaster, for alleged defamation and violation of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.
Trump, 79, had said earlier on Monday that the lawsuit was imminent, claiming the BBC had “put words in my mouth,” even positing that “they used AI or something.”
The documentary at issue aired last year before the 2024 election, on the BBC’s “Panorama” flagship current affairs program.
The video spliced together two separate sections of Trump’s speech on January 6, 2021 in a way that made it appear he explicitly urged supporters to attack the Capitol, where lawmakers were certifying Joe Biden’s 2020 election win.
“The formerly respected and now disgraced BBC defamed President Trump by intentionally, maliciously, and deceptively doctoring his speech in a brazen attempt to interfere in the 2024 Presidential Election,” a spokesperson for Trump’s legal team said in a statement to AFP.
“The BBC has a long pattern of deceiving its audience in coverage of President Trump, all in service of its own leftist political agenda,” the statement added.
The British Broadcasting Corporation, whose audience extends well beyond the United Kingdom, faced a period of turmoil last month after a media report brought renewed attention to the edited clip.
The scandal led the BBC director-general and the organization’s top news executive to resign.
Trump’s lawsuit accuses the edited speech in the documentary of being “fabricated and aired by the Defendants one week before the 2024 Presidential Election in a brazen attempt to interfere in and influence the Election’s outcome to President Trump’s detriment.”
The BBC has denied Trump’s claims of legal defamation, though BBC chairman Samir Shah has sent Trump a letter of apology.
Shah also told a UK parliamentary committee last month that the broadcaster should have acted sooner to acknowledge its mistake after the error was disclosed in a memo, which was leaked to The Daily Telegraph newspaper.
The BBC lawsuit is the latest in a string of legal action Trump has taken against media companies in recent years, several of which have led to multi-million-dollar settlements.
Vanguard News
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NIGERIA NEWS
NSITF, NLC deepen alliance on workers’ welfare as Faleye reaffirms social protection partnership – Tribune Online
The Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Oluwaseun Faleye, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) as a critical partner in the delivery of social protection and workplace security for Nigerian workers.
Faleye made the assertion while addressing the National Executive Council (NEC) of the NLC at its meeting in Lagos, describing the Congress as a strategic stakeholder in advancing workers’ welfare nationwide.
“As a stakeholder in the welfare and advancement of members of the Nigerian Labour Congress across the nation, I bring the goodwill of the Board and Management of NSITF to the NLC,” Faleye said. “The Fund remains your veritable partner in the social protection and security of all Nigerian workers whose welfare you represent.”
He commended the NLC leadership for what he described as its unwavering commitment and sacrifices in the defence of workers’ rights, noting that the impact of labour’s advocacy is evident in the collaborative work between the Congress and the NSITF.
“I want to place on record the steadfastness of the NLC and its leadership in advocating for improved welfare for Nigerian workers,” he stated. “This commitment is reflected daily in our joint efforts as stakeholders in progress.”
Faleye acknowledged the role of labour representatives on the NSITF board, stressing that their interventions consistently strengthen the protection and benefits available to workers.
“We see this commitment in the passion and courage demonstrated by the NLC leadership, particularly through the work your representatives do on the Board of NSITF always advancing the cause of workers’ benefits and protection,” he said.
Explaining the statutory mandate of the Fund, Faleye noted that the NSITF is legally empowered to provide compensation, benefits and claims for workers who suffer injury, disability or death in the course of employment.
“Our mandate is clear: to pay claims and compensation for work-related injuries,” he explained. “We begin with prevention through our Occupational Health and Safety initiatives, ensuring that workers in both the public and private sectors operate in safe workplaces.”
He added that where preventive measures fail, the Fund is obligated to step in promptly to support affected workers and their families.
“Where injury, disability or death occurs in the course of work, the NSITF comes to the aid of the employee, through compensation, medical refunds or other statutory benefits,” Faleye said.
The NSITF boss also called for sustained pressure on employers to comply fully with the Employee Compensation Scheme (ECS), describing compliance as essential to building a resilient and confident workforce.
“We must continue to hold employers accountable,” he stressed. “A workforce that knows it is protected in the event of workplace accidents is a more secure, productive and resilient workforce.”
He concluded by reaffirming the Fund’s readiness to work closely with the NLC in strengthening social protection mechanisms and safeguarding the welfare of Nigerian workers across all sectors.
NIGERIA NEWS
Tinubu Holds Closed-Door Meeting With Service Chiefs Amid Security Concerns — Akelicious
President Bola Tinubu is currently meeting with all the Service Chiefs at the State House, Abuja.
The high-level closed-door security meeting is taking place amid rising concerns over the country’s internal security situation.
The security chiefs led by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede,
arrived at the forecourt early in the evening and were promptly ushered into the first floor officeof the President.
The meeting which began at about 6:45pm, will be the first time President Tinubu will be meeting with the military high command after the recent changes in the nation’s defence leadership.
The engagement followed the swearing-in of General Christopher Musa (rtd) as the new Minister of Defence on December 4, 2025, a move that signalled a fresh approach to Nigeria’s security architecture.
While the agenda of the meeting has not been officially disclosed, it is coming at a critical time when over 100 students abducted from a Catholic boarding school in Niger state last November are still being held by their captors, sparking nationwide concern and renewed calls for decisive government action.
The meeting also followed President Tinubu’s declaration of a national security emergency last month during which he ordered the immediate recruitment of new personnel into the nation’s security agencies.
He also directed the withdrawal of police officers attached to VIPs as part of efforts to strengthen internal security operations.
In addition, the closed-door talks are taking place just days after the Senate approved the President’s request to deploy Nigerian troops to Benin Republic.
The deployment was linked to an attempted coup in the neighbouring country, raising regional security concerns.
Related
A Kebbi State High Court sitting in Birnin Kebbi has convicted Ibrahim Isah, a resident of Rikoto Area in Zuru Local Government but employed in Birnin Kebbi, for attempting to rape a young girl identified as Zainab Muhammad.
Presiding Justice Maryam Abubakar Kaoje found Isah guilty of attempting to commit rape, an offence punishable under Section 58 of the Kebbi State Penal Code Law, 2021.
Isah had initially faced charges on two counts of rape and gross indecency, under Sections 259 and 261 of the state’s Penal Code Law.
During the trial, the prosecution, led by Lawal Hudu Garba, and the Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, of the Ministry of Justice, presented five witnesses and tendered three exhibits, including Isah’s statements in both English and Hausa, and a medical report of the victim.
The defence, led by Barrister S.M. DanYaro, called only the defendant as a witness.
In its ruling, the court noted that while the confessional statement did not establish rape or gross indecency, it proved the attempt to commit the offence.
Justice Kaoje said, “The facts disclosed in the confessional statement did not prove the offence of rape and act of gross indecency, but rather, it proved the offence of an attempt to commit an offence to wit; rape, contrary to Section 58 of the Kebbi State Penal Code Law, 2021.”
Ibrahim Isah was sentenced to five years imprisonment and fined N50,000. In default of payment, he will serve an additional year in prison.
The Delta State Police Command has reported wide-ranging successes in crime control and public safety operations carried out across the state from January 2025 to mid-December 2025.
Naija News reports that the update was made public on December 15, 2025, during a press briefing in Asaba by the Commissioner of Police, Abaniwonda S. Olufemi, who reviewed the command’s activities and security outcomes within the period.
According to the police, the command relied on intelligence-based and community-focused policing, working closely with other security agencies, vigilante groups, anti-cult volunteers, traditional rulers, and civil groups to tackle criminal activities and protect residents.
One of the major cases involved the killing of retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu at her home on November 24, 2025.
Police operatives from the State Criminal Investigation Department arrested a 25-year-old security guard attached to the residence on December 6, 2025.
A mobile phone belonging to the deceased was found with him.
Further investigation led to the arrest of another suspect, while a third person linked to the case remains on the run.
One of the stolen phones was later recovered at Ogbogonogo Market in Asaba, and investigations are continuing.
In another operation on December 1, 2025, officers from the State Anti-Cult Unit, working with community volunteers, moved into a forest area in Obiaruku following intelligence on kidnapping activities.
During the encounter, one suspect lost his life, while others fled into the forest.
An AK-47 rifle, forty-two rounds of ammunition, mobile phones, and charms were recovered from the scene.
On December 6, 2025, police operatives attached to the Commissioner’s Special Assignment Team carried out a search operation in Abraka.
A 67-year-old suspect was arrested at his residence in Umeghe community, where two pump-action guns and thirty-nine live cartridges were recovered.
The suspect remains in custody as investigations continue into possible links with criminal groups.
Between November 28 and 29, 2025, coordinated operations were conducted in Ughelli, Oghara, and Sapele.
Three suspects linked to armed robbery and cult activities were arrested during the operations.
Police recovered two stolen tricycles, a locally made shotgun, a locally fabricated pistol, and ammunition from the suspects.
The command also carried out a major operation against drug-related activities.
On December 10, 2025, officers led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations raided a known drug hideout in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area.
A total of 161 suspects, including both men and women, were arrested.
Various illicit substances were recovered during the raid.
Three days later, another operation led to the interception of a commercial bus along the Asaba-Onitsha route, where large quantities of codeine and tramadol were found and suspects arrested.
Over the course of the year, the Delta State Police Command recovered 144 firearms, including assault rifles, pistols, locally made guns, and pump-action weapons.
A total of 6,930 rounds of ammunition were also seized, along with thirty-six million naira recovered as ransom.
The police recorded the arrest of 627 suspects linked to armed robbery, kidnapping, murder, cultism, rape, and defilement.
Eighteen kidnapped victims were rescued, while twenty-eight stolen vehicles were recovered.
The Commissioner of Police praised officers of the command for their commitment and dedication, and also acknowledged the support of the media, traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents of the state.
As the festive season approaches, members of the public were urged to remain alert, obey the law, and provide useful information to security agencies.
Emergency contact numbers were made available to residents as the command assured its readiness to ensure a peaceful Christmas and New Year period across Delta State.
Lagos State Building Control Agency, LASBCA, has explained that it carried out a partial demolition of a storey-building on Oladele Odusanya Street, off Ademulegun Street, Ireakari Estate, Oshodi-Isolo, after residents repeatedly disregarded safety warnings issued over several months.
The agency’s clarification followed public speculation surrounding the enforcement action.
In a statement released on Monday and signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Adu Ademuyiwa, LASBCA said the structure had been under sustained surveillance due to signs of severe structural distress.
According to the agency, engineers first raised the alarm after an inspection conducted on March 3, 2025, which established that the building posed a significant risk to its occupants and adjoining properties.
As a result, evacuation notices were issued and subsequently reinforced with several reminders.
The statement explained that one of the critical defects identified was a ruptured water pipe that persistently soaked the building’s major support columns, gradually compromising their strength and overall stability.
LASBCA said that despite multiple evacuation notices and follow-up engagements spanning about nine months, occupants failed to comply with directives to vacate the premises.
The agency stressed that the warnings were intended to prevent potential loss of lives and property, in line with the Lagos State Government’s policy of enforcing building safety regulations proactively.
It added that the decision to partially demolish the structure was taken only after the building’s condition further deteriorated and all efforts to achieve voluntary compliance proved unsuccessful.
‘The partial demolition became inevitable as the risk level increased and residents continued to ignore evacuation orders, leaving the agency with no alternative but to act in the interest of public safety,” the statement noted.
LASBCA also disclosed that all statutory notices, engineering reports and photographic evidence of the building’s compromised state were properly documented to demonstrate adherence to due process.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and urged residents across Lagos State to promptly comply with safety and evacuation directives, warning that ignoring such notices could result in preventable disasters.
The controversy surrounding former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, has intensified, with human rights activist Deji Adeyanju urging the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to ignore the former minister’s claims of persecution and prosecute him fully.
In a rebuke of Malami’s statement, which accused the EFCC leadership of “deep-seated historical animosity” and “personal vendetta” following his defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Adeyanju branded the former AGF’s counter-attack as “unfortunate.”
Adeyanju insisted the EFCC has a clear duty to investigate Malami’s stewardship, particularly concerning the handling of recovered public funds.
“The EFCC should proceed without hesitation to investigate Mr. Malami, particularly in relation to his stewardship while in office of all issues surrounding the Abacha loot,” Adeyanju stated.
He reminded Malami that public service demands accountability, saying: “Public office is a trust, and all past and present public officials must be prepared to give a full account of how that trust was exercised.”
Adeyanju pointed to Malami’s own record to dismiss his current posture of victimisation, arguing that Malami showed no restraint in his use of state power against others while he held office.
“Malami showed no restraint while in government and wielded state power against everyone including members of the opposition. Having subjected others to prosecution, he cannot now escape from the same process,” Adeyanju added.
The activist’s statement came just hours after Malami demanded that the EFCC either arraign him within 24 hours or release him, citing constitutional provisions against unlawful detention.
Malami had earlier called for the immediate recusal of the EFCC Chairman from the ongoing investigation, alleging his probe – which has included “illegal detention, media harassment and procedural abuse” – was political persecution linked to his recent defection.
Malami claimed the investigation stems from an old grudge linked to the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry, which investigated the EFCC while Malami was AGF.
”I have been clearly pre-judged and cannot receive a fair, objective or lawful investigation under the current leadership of the EFCC,” Malami had said.
The EFCC had earlier detained Malami for failing to meet his administrative bail conditions but denied the claims of political persecution, insisting its actions are guided strictly by law.
By Ochuko Akuopha
ASABA—DELTA State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olufemi Abaniwonda, yesterday, said a total of 627 murder, kidnap, armed robbery and suspects of other crimes were arrested between January 2025 to date.
Abaniwonda disclosed this in Asaba, when he addressed newsmen on operational achievements and progress recorded by the command in the year, saying a total of N36 million ransom was recovered.
Suspected armed robbers arrested, according to him, were140; suspected kidnappers, 113; murder suspects, 125; suspects cultists, 187 and rape/defilement suspects, 62.
Abaniwonda said 18 kidnap victims were rescued while 28 vehicles and 144 arms were recovered respectively.
The Commissioner of Police said the successes recorded were as a result of proactive, intelligence-driven and community-centred policing strategy adopted by the command.
He said the command had worked “with sister security agencies and community stakeholders (vigilante, anti-cult volunteers, PCRC, CSOs, traditional rulers, etc) to sustain targeted operations against criminal networks.”
On a recent breakthrough of the command, Abaniwonda said: “Following the murder of Justice Ifeoma Okogwu (retd), which occurred November 24, 2025, at her residence, acting on credible intelligence, on December 6, 2025, operatives of the Homicide Section, State CID, Asaba, arrested one Godwin Mngumi, male, 25 years old, who is security guard attached to the residence of the deceased.
“The suspect was found in possession of one of the late Justice’s mobile phones. Upon interrogation, he made a voluntary confession and admitted to inviting his accomplice, one Nnaji Obalum, male, 21 years old to perpetrate the crime. “
“The suspects confessed that on November 23, 2025, about 2130hrs, they, alongside a third suspect currently at large, entered the home of the deceased, tied her with a rope and cloth, and murdered her.
“They, thereafter, stole her valuables, including two phones and a wristwatch, which they disposed of for a meagre sum. One of the stolen phones has been recovered in Ogbogonogo market, Asaba. Investigation is ongoing.”
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Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have arrested Vitalis Nwoko, 58, over alleged murder of his wife, Uloma. The Command’s Spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, in a statement, said that the deceased’s sister lodged a complaint at the Ahiazu Mbaise Divisional Headquarters of the Command, alleging a domestic violent assault by the man against his wife during which she was rushed to a hospital within the area where she was confirmed dead.
He stated: “Operatives of the Ahiazu Mbaise Divisional Headquarters have arrested Vitalis Nwokoof Umuagba, Ahiazu Mbaise Local Council, for the alleged murder of his wife, Uloma.
“The arrest followed a report lodged at the Division by the deceased’s sister, who alleged that the suspect violently assaulted his wife during a domestic dispute. Acting promptly on the report, operatives of the Division arrested the suspect.”
Okoye informed how a preliminary investigation revealed more facts, saying: “During preliminary investigation, the suspect stated that a misunderstanding between him and his wife on December 11, 2025, escalated into a physical altercation, during which the victim collapsed.
“She was rushed to Cecilia Hospital, Ogbe, where she was confirmed dead by a medical doctor.” He disclosed that the suspect had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Owerri, for further investigation.
“The suspect has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Owerri, for thorough investigation and prosecution,” he said.
The Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, has urged the public to report promptly such domestic issues, assuring prompt attention and dealing decisively with the culprits.
He asked residents to promptly report cases of domestic violence, assuring the public of the Command’s resolve to deal decisively with perpetrators.
Boniface Okoro in Aba
Postponement of the 13 convocation ceremony of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) in Abia State, has continued to cause ripples as some graduates of the institution have called on the federal government to intervene in the alleged power play between the university’s Pro-chancellor, Fidelis Edeh, and the Vice Chancellor, Professor Maduebibisi Iwe, which has stalled their convocation ceremony.
The fate of the fresh graduates now hangs in the air following the Pro-Chancellor’s alleged refusal to approve the budget for the convocation ceremony in a bid to settle scores with the vice chancellor.
Preparations had reached advanced stage for the ceremony scheduled for December 12, 2025, as all the statutory organs had given the go-ahead for the event, only for the Pro-Chancellor to deliberately stall the process by withholding the budget in a bid to frustrate the convocation and spite the vice chancellor, whose tenure is due on March 1, 2026.
Recall that on December 10, the university announced the postponement of the 13th convocation ceremony, which was earlier approved to hold from December 10 to 13 on the university’s campus in Umudike.
In the statement signed by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Iwe, the university apologised to the Chancellor and Chairman of convocation, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar IV, regretting the inconveniences the postponement must have caused him and the graduands of the institution.
Part of the statement captioned: ‘Notice of Postponement of 13th Convocation Ceremony’, read: “The Senate of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, wishes to notify the public that the 13th convocation ceremony of the university approved earlier to hold from December 10 to 13, 2025, has been put on hold until further notice.”
Iwe, who is also the chairman of the university’s Senate, also used the opportunity to apologise to the convocation lecturer, Dr. Simeon Ehui, the director-general of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, “for the disruptions, which this postponement must have caused him.”
The university assured all concerned that a new date for the 13th convocation ceremony will be announced later, even as newsmen gathered that the pro-chancellor has sworn that the event would not hold under Iwe’s watch, despite the graduands’ insistence that academic tradition of universities specify that convocation ceremonies are the exclusive responsibility of the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor.
One of the distraught graduands lamented the interruption, regretting that he and his parents had incurred much cost preparing for the ceremony only to be informed at the eleventh-hour of a postponement.
“It is not fair or proper. We know that it is all politics. The Pro-Chancellor is merely pursuing vendetta on behalf of his benefactor, former Science and Technology Minister, Chief Geoffrey Nnaji, who nominated him for the position. The Pro-Chancellor has not forgiven the VC for serving as the INEC returning officer that announced Governor Peter Mbah as winner of the 2023 Enugu State governorship election instead of Chief Geoffrey Nnaji.
“Why should innocent students be made to suffer from this needless power play? Some of us have planned to travel outside the country for our masters. We pray that President Bola Tinubu should intervene through the Minister of Agriculture and save our souls,” the graduating student stated.
The university Public Relations Officer (PRO), Dr. Ubadire Agua, disputed the claims that an alleged faceoff between the Pro-Chancellor and the Vice Chancellor led to the postponement of the scheduled convocation.
In a statement dated December 6, 2025, Uba said: “The Vice-Chancellor held an emergency meeting of Senate on December 4, 2025, and reported to members of Senate that the chairman of the Governing Council had put all activities of the 13th convocation ceremony on hold, pending when the Governing Council meets to consider the budget and decide on new dates for the event.”
He added: “Although the directive of the Chairman of Council was received in the Senate with mixed feelings, Prof. Iwe cautioned that it should not create disaffection or cause any form of distractions in the university, especially as his administration transits to a new one.”
On the issue of the Enugu State election, the university spokesman maintained that Prof. Iwe discharged his responsibilities excellently, adding that the VC has not recruited any person to speak on his behalf on the issue.
In a telephone interview yesterday, the Pro-Chancellor explained that the postponement of the convocation ceremony was not a personal but a collective decision, emphasizing that he has no such power to unilaterally stop the programme.
“Stopping the convocation cannot be a personal decision. Pro-Chancellor is the chairman of council and there is no power vested in the chairman to stop a convocation; it is be possible, because the Governing Council will first feel slighted, Senate will feel slighted, the Chancellor of the university who will preside over the convocation, will feel slighted and the Minister of Education will feel slighted; even the President, the Visitor I am representing too.
“People should not personalize the postponement of the convocation. This is an institution, and convocation is the highest ceremony of the university and that convocation is vested in the Senate. What the council does is to approve the process, including funding.
So if the convocation could not hold, it means there is something fundamentally wrong with it, It cannot be the chairman that stopped it,” he said.
He also dismissed allegations of vendetta against the VC, saying: “Even if the chairman has vendetta as people are alleging, he can’t bring it into the convocation issue,” stressing that he could only be accused of vendetta if he was trying to probe or remove the VC.
“Convocation is in the Act establishing the university. It is not possible that an individual can stop it. It will be easy to remove the chairman than for him to stop the convocation. If I am not affected, I will dismiss it if anyone brings such story to me.
“The university has reacted to the postponement of the convocation and there is no indication in that reaction that it was unilaterally stopped by an individual.
“As to the reasons while the convocation was topped, that is an internal matter, which by the time it is sorted out, and in the course of putting a new date, it will be explained.
“If the institutions of the university: the Governing Council and the management, presided over by the VC, have not faulted the postponement of the convocation, every other rumour or allegation is inconsequential,” he said.