NIGERIA NEWS
Opposition Leaders Raise the Alarm, Accuse FG of Plotting One-party State – THISDAYLIVE
*Presidency: You are failed politicians in empty search for scapegoats
*Parties demand independent review of public accounts since 2015
*Want anti-graft operatives embedded into govt payment at all levels
*EFCC: No political motives in our operations
*APC registers Taraba governor amid concerns over decimation of opposition
Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Wole Ayodele in Jalingo
Opposition leaders yesterday raised fresh alarm over what they described as a coordinated assault on Nigeria’s multiparty democracy, accusing the President Bola Tinubu administration of using anti-graft and security institutions to intimidate political rivals and forcing opposition governors into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a strong riposte, the presidency described the opposition political parties as failed politicians, accusing them of singing a familiar tune, hoping their cheerleaders would see their action as a blistering attack from a seemingly virile opposition group.
A statement by the president’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, late last night maintained that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees freedom of association and affords the people the right to change their political leanings at any time of their choosing.
“None of the people who joined the governing APC was pressured to do so. They all did so of their own free will. They are being motivated by the noticeable gains of President Bola Tinubu’s reform programme,” the presidency insisted.
But amid the allegations of pressure on opposition figures, the APC has formally registered Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, ahead of his anticipated defection to the ruling party, a move that further reshapes the political landscape in the North-east.
The registration, carried out by the state leadership of the APC led by its Deputy Chairman, James Ahmadu, took place at the Government House in Jalingo, with the governor issued membership card number 001. The latest defection takes the number of governors leaving their party for the APC in recent times to six.
However, amid the back and forth over imputations that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has become a political tool in the hands of the current government, the anti-graft agency said yesterday that it remains neutral in its operations, urging politically exposed persons in its net to cooperate fully.
In a joint statement signed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) Peter Obi and other senior figures, the opposition alleged that agencies such as the EFCC were being weaponised to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general election.
Aside from being the longest serving Senate President in Nigeria, Mark, a retired military general and former military governor of Niger State is the current Chairman of the African Democratic Party (ADC), the party eyeing the takeover of government in 2027.
The opposition warned that Nigeria was drifting towards a de facto one-party state through coercion rather than electoral competition.
Beyond immediate incidents, the opposition leaders demanded sweeping reforms, including the depoliticisation of the EFCC, the embedding of anti-graft operatives in government payment processes at all levels, and the creation of an independent review body to examine public accounts from 2015 to 2025, warning that continued selective enforcement of the law posed a grave threat to Nigeria’s democratic stability.
Besides, Atiku, Mark and Obi, other signatories to the statement by the opposition included: A former Governor of Edo State and ex-national Chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George; and former Federal Minister, Lawal Batagarawa.
“We are compelled by duty to nation and conscience to issue this statement to alert our compatriots and the international community to the unfortunate and gradual slide of our country into a state where key national institutions – particularly the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC); the Nigeria Police; the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) are increasingly perceived as tools of political intimidation, selective justice and systematic persecution of opposition leaders.
“Across our nation, there are mounting concerns that state power is being deployed not for prevention of economic crimes, but for persecution of perceived political adversaries, with the ultimate aim of weakening opposition voices and dismantling Nigeria’s multiparty democracy,” the opposition leaders stated.
More than ever before in Nigeria’s democratic experience, the opposition coalition stated that Nigerians have witnessed what many now describe as a covert, undemocratic agenda to ensure that all state governments fall under the control of the president’s party.
The plan, it said, was not being carried through transparent electoral contests, but by secretly intimidating opposition governors via the anti-corruption apparatus until they succumb and defect.
According to the opposition, recent defections of opposition governors into the ruling party have reinforced public suspicion that political pressure, not ideological or personal persuasion, is driving this realignment.
This pattern, according to the key opposition parties, forms part of a broader project that targets not only elected leaders but also key opposition figures perceived as architects of emerging coalitions ahead of the 2027 general election.
“We must warn that this project, if allowed to continue unchecked, poses a grave danger to Nigeria’s democratic future,” the group maintained.
Warning against the weaponisation of the EFCC, the opposition stated that there is a discernible pattern of persecution of the opposition by the anti-graft agency with the sole objective of weakening the same for the benefit of the ruling APC.
The coalition said: “This disturbing pattern mirrors a long-standing sentiment openly expressed years ago by a former National Chairman of the ruling APC, Adams Oshiomhole, who declared when receiving defectors from the PDP: ‘Once you have joined APC, all your sins are forgiven.’
“ Whether intended as political rhetoric or not, this statement has come to symbolise a troubling reality: allegations against members of the ruling party are routinely perceived to be overlooked, while even unsubstantiated accusations against opposition figures are vigorously pursued and subjected to media trial.
“A few recent examples reinforce this perception. Months ago, a minister was implicated in a financial scandal so blatant that only sustained public outrage forced her resignation. Yet, long after stepping down, she has neither been charged nor arraigned by the EFCC and is now actively involved in the President’s re-election campaign.
“Similarly, another minister remained in office despite the university he claimed to have attended publicly denying his academic certificate. He, too, resigned only after intense public pressure. Months later, no charges have been filed.
“Such selective enforcement undermines the legitimacy of anticorruption efforts and erodes public trust. Furthermore, Nigerians are not blind to the sudden empowerment of certain political actors, including individuals appointed to federal executive positions after crossing from the opposition but still claim to be members of opposition party – whose unstated mandate, in the public’s eyes, appears to include the systematic destabilisation of opposition parties through the creation of factions, inducement and the exploitation of judicial processes, allegedly funded by state resources.”
Describing the EFCC as a critical national institution, created to safeguard Nigeria’s economic integrity, the opposition stated that yet today, many Nigerians fear that its independence is steadily being eroded.
An agency designed for prevention and accountability, it maintained, risks becoming an instrument of political persecution, undermining both justice and democracy, insisting that the President must recognise that evident social and political injustice could snowball into mayhem as the nation approaches another election cycle.
The group maintained that this trend must be halted immediately if the nation must be spared a major catastrophe, calling for the depolitisation of the EFCC, defence of a multi-party system, among others.
“The operations of the EFCC must be urgently shielded from political interference and must not serve the whims and caprices of any President, party or political faction. The Commission must refocus on genuine detection and prevention of economic crimes across board, not selective prosecution, media trials or intimidation of opposition figures. For the avoidance of doubt, the functions and powers of the commission are expressly provided for under Sections 6 & 7 respectively.
“ Nigerians must remain eternally vigilant to ensure that the President does not transform the country into a de facto one-party state – as witnessed in Lagos over the last 25 years, where opposition leaders were silenced, coerced or induced into irrelevance.
“Relying on the Supreme Court ruling on the powers of the EFCC over all public accounts, for true prevention of financial crimes, anti-graft operatives should be embedded in all the payment processes of governments at all levels to ensure compliance with rules of transparency, accountability and probity in public financial transactions.
“Put differently, the EFCC must recognise and exercise their function as covering both pre and post expenditure. operatives must also be held accountable for any unreported but later detected economic and financial infractions in their respective areas of oversight. To further strengthen the EFCC, we propose that the EFCC Act should be amended for this purpose,” the opposition coalition stated.
Besides, the parties called on the Attorney General, in consultation with the National Assembly, to set up an independent review body which should be granted full access to the public accounts of the federal, all states and all local governments covering 2015 to 2025, with a mandate to conduct a transparent, comprehensive review of financial transactions and publish its findings.
Such a review, it said, will expose the EFCC’s pattern of selective prosecution of opposition figures and reveal that many current officials of the federal government and those of ruling-party-controlled states should have long been prosecuted for economic and financial crimes, but were shielded due to their political affiliation.
Based on its findings, the independent body, it averred, should also propose amendments to EFCC’s enabling law to strengthen the agency for more effective and efficient prevention of financial crimes.
This proposed body, according to the opposition, should be chaired by an eminent judge, and composed of the following: Representatives from civil society organisations; representatives of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA); representatives of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and representatives of Institute of Chartered Bankers.
Besides, it proposed that the membership should include: The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU); representatives of anti-graft agencies; representatives of the Police; representatives of the Department of State Services (DSS); representatives of the Armed Forces as well as representatives of all political parties with a seat at the National Assembly.
“We call on all patriotic Nigerians across party lines, professions, regions and faiths to stand firm. Our democracy is under threat through the deliberate and systematic weakening of opposition forces, with the EFCC as the central instrument in this troubling strategy.
“In the coming weeks, we will provide more details, and also engage foreign partners of Nigeria’s anti-graft agencies and diplomatic missions, including United States, UK, Canada, EU, World Bank Office, United Nations, to express our deep concern about the EFCC increasingly becoming a willing tool in a broader scheme to weaken opposition in Nigeria, and also demand a reform of the anti graft agency.
“Nigeria’s democracy demands our vigilance, courage and unity, as Edmund Burke, an Anglo-Irish statesman and philosopher, warned: ‘The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing’.
“We are equally guided by the enduring words of Martin Luther King Jnr: ‘Silence in the face of evil is itself evil ……In the end we shall remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” Now is the time for all of us to rise in defence of our cherished multiparty democracy, and indeed, in defence of the very soul of our nation,” the coalition stated.
But in a response, the presidency described Nigeria’s ‘so-called opposition politicians, ‘comprising some of those left in a dying political party and a sprinkling of some failed political office aspirants’ regrouping in a platform struggling to find its bearings, as amusing lots.
It stated that they blow hot air, seek scapegoats for their failure and move to confuse the polity in a desperate search for cheap political gains.
“On Sunday, a group of opposition figures gathered to sing their familiar tune, hoping their cheerleaders would see their action as a blistering attack from a seemingly virile opposition group.
“They alleged a threat to multi-party democracy because many top politicians are joining the governing All Progressives Congress of their own free will. Our constitution guarantees freedom of association and affords our people the right to change their political leanings at any time of their choosing.
“None of the people who joined the governing APC was pressured to do so. They all did so of their own free will. They are being motivated by the noticeable gains of President Bola Tinubu’s reform programme.
“We may ask: when politicians were moving in droves to the now-dying Peoples Democratic Party between 2000 and 2015, was Nigeria’s democracy imperilled?”, the statement said.
Also, it stated that investigations by the EFCC have begun exposing those with some explanation to give regarding their stewardship in office and management of public funds entrusted to them, stressing that these politicians now accuse Tinubu of weaponising the EFCC for political purposes.
While the Presidency does not speak for the EFCC and believes the agency can speak for itself, Onanuga stated that it must be reiterated that the EFCC is an independent institution established by law and empowered to carry out its statutory responsibilities without interference or favour.
“The agency’s mandate is to investigate and prosecute financial crimes, irrespective of the personalities involved, their political affiliations, or their positions in society. We find it curious that the same people who claimed they want to rescue Nigeria are now the ones waging a war of attrition against accountability and probity. Those who have cases to answer before EFCC should be bold and brave enough to defend themselves if they are clean.
“President Tinubu does not issue directives to any anti-corruption agency on whom to investigate, arrest, or prosecute. President Tinubu has significant state issues to address rather than engage in political targeting.
“The prosecution is conducted by the court, not by any sleight of hand, and those found not guilty will receive a clean bill of health. Allegations of ‘weaponisation’ are distractions from these politicians, who are running short of campaign issues to challenge President Tinubu and the APC’s success in less than three years in office.
“No one is above the law. Everyone must be accountable for their actions, both in and out of the office. Political affiliation should not be a shield against EFCC statutory work, which recently led to Nigeria’s removal from the FATF grey list,” the presidency added.
In the same vein, it stated that it had taken cognisance of the signatories to the statement, explaining that it was instructive that some of them were previously investigated and prosecuted by the EFCC even before Tinubu took office in 2023.
Some of these politicians, it pointed out, have also been indicted in international financial probes for money laundering, with some of their accomplices jailed in foreign lands.
“Are they now signing statements because their chickens are coming home to roost? We advise those politicians not to undermine the integrity of our nation’s institutions and the collective resolve to fight corruption by weaponising politics to escape accountability and encourage impunity.
“The fight against corruption is a collective responsibility and should not be trivialised by baseless allegations, jaundiced or politicised narratives,” the statement by the presidency stated.
For its part, the EFCC, in a statement by its spokesman, Dele Oyewale, noted that though not disposed to joining issues with respect to its operations in the media, it was compelled to respond to the ‘patently false’ claims.
Specifically, it stated that the allegations by a former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) about a purported revocation of ‘his bail over attendance at a political gathering in Kebbi’, was untrue.
According to the EFCC, administrative bail is a discretionary temporary reprieve that allows a suspect to be released on stated conditions pending conclusion of investigation and arraignment in court.
To this effect, it stressed that after his brief interrogation on November 28, 2025, Malami was offered provisional bail hinged on five requirements, maintaining that he has neither met any of the requirements nor shown readiness to keep faith with them.
“He was due back for further interrogation on December 1, 2025 , but in a curious twist, the former Minister pleaded with his investigators through a letter written to the Commission on December 4, 2025, to allow him to attend to his ‘ill-health’. The commission compassionately granted his plea even while his bail conditions had not been met.
“He was initially required to commence reporting for further investigations on December 1, 2025 but this had to be deferred to December 4, 2025 largely owing to his ‘Request for an Adjournment on Grounds of Ill- Health’ . He neither provided a medical report nor credible proof of ill-health to the Commission.
“The EFCC cannot allow the latitude granted the former Minister on his health stand in the way of investigations . On this score, he was invited again on December 8, 2025 for further interrogation and detained until the pending bail conditions are met,” the EFCC stated.
Evidently, the EFCC stated that the former minister’s claims of revocation of bail by the EFCC are untenable, pointing out that it was equally ridiculous to insinuate that the commission barred him from granting media interviews and from participating in political activities in Kebbi State.
“ Such bogus claims from a former chief law officer of the nation are strange, as the EFCC has no interest in the political affiliation of its suspects. It bears reiterating that the Commission is apolitical. A former governor and ranking member of the ruling party was recently arraigned for alleged contract fraud.
“The commission wishes to advise Malami to expend his energy on meeting the five bail conditions he acknowledged and signed on November 28, 2025. It would also serve his interest to cooperate with his team of interrogators rather than dissipate energy in whipping up sentiments through false claims in the media,” the EFCC stated.
Meanwhile, ahead of his defection ceremony, the APC on Sunday officially registered the Taraba State Governor, Kefas.
The governor was initially billed to leave for the APC on November 19, but the ceremony had to be postponed indefinitely due to the abduction of school children in Kebbi and other parts of the country.
The leadership of APC in the state led by the Deputy Chairman, James Ahmadu, conducted the registration of the governor at governor’s office in Jalingo, THISDAY learnt.
Kefas was registered in his Hospital Ward in Wukari local government area and was issued with the membership card 001 in the presence of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Kizito Bonzena and former Speaker of the House, Abel Peter Diah.
Others present at the event were: The Chief of Staff to the governor, Dr Jeji William, SDP gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 election, Danladi Baido Tijos and Special Adviser to the governor, Prof Josiah Sabo Kente.
Speaking on the occasion, the governor expressed appreciation to the leadership of the party for the gesture and assured of his commitment to take the party to greater heights.
He noted that with his resignation, the APC has officially taken over the leadership of the state and would henceforth win overwhelmingly in subsequent elections in the state.
“I was billed to decamp officially on 19th of November but has to be postponed indefinitely in solidarity with events at the national level, particularly the abduction of school children in Kebbi and other parts of the country.
“Though the ceremony would be done in the near future, the registration had to be done today so that the party can effectively take over the leadership of the state,” he stated.
The Speaker was equally issued his membership card by the leadership of the party at his Zing Ward in Zing local government area.
A former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has asked the chaireperson of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, to recuse himself from an investigation involving him, alleging bias, personal vendetta and political persecution.
Mr Malami made the request in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Monday by his media aide, Muhammad Doka, amid his continued detention by the anti-graft agency.
The former justice minister accused the EFCC of unlawful detention, media harassment and procedural abuse, insisting that the investigation against him was driven by political considerations following his recent defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
He said he had been “clearly prejudged” and could not expect a fair and objective investigation under the current leadership of the commission.
‘Why EFCC chair is after me’
Mr Malami traced his concerns to events during his tenure as Attorney-General, when the federal government constituted the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate allegations of corruption and abuse of office within the EFCC.
According to him, the current EFCC chairman served as secretary to the EFCC and was the subject of adverse findings contained in the commission’s report.
“The present investigation bears all the hallmarks of retaliatory persecution motivated by personal vengeance,” Mr Malami said.
Based on this, he called on the EFCC chairman to step aside from the investigation or prosecution and the “matter be handed over to another appropriate government enforcement agency to restore credibility, legality, and public confidence.”
He specifically called the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi,”as the Chief Law Officer of the Federation, to prevail on the EFCC chairman to recuse himself, in order to prevent further institutional damage and ensure that prosecutorial powers are not abused for partisan or personal ends.”
The former minister also demanded that he be arraigned in court or released within 24 hours, citing Sections 35(3), (4) and (5) of the Nigerian constitution, which guarantee personal liberty and prescribe limits on detention without trial.
EFCC assembling convicts as witnesses
He further alleged that the EFCC intended to rely on individuals convicted by foreign courts and who should be serving sentences abroad as witnesses, a move he described as improper and harmful to Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
Mr Malami said his legal team had requested certified true copies of the petitions that prompted the investigation, as well as the EFCC’s investigation report, to enable him to prepare his defence.
“I seek no political settlement or inducement,” he said. “My singular objective is to clear my name openly and transparently before a court of competent jurisdiction.”
The EFCC did not immediately respond to Mr Malami’s request for the recusal of its chairman.
Bail controversy
However, the commission had denied claims by Mr Malami that it revoked his bail because he attended a political gathering in Kebbi State.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, described the allegation as “patently false,” saying the agency was compelled to respond to misleading claims about its operations.
Mr Oyewale said Mr Malami, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), was granted administrative bail on 28 November after a brief interrogation, pending the conclusion of investigations and possible arraignment.
“Administrative bail is a discretionary temporary reprieve that allows a suspect to be released on stated conditions pending the conclusion of investigation and arraignment in court,” he said.
According to the EFCC, the former minister was granted provisional bail subject to five conditions, none of which he had fulfilled as of the time he was re-invited for further questioning.
Mr Oyewale said Mr Malami was expected to return on 1 December but later requested a deferment on health grounds through a letter dated 4 December, a request the commission said it granted despite his failure to meet the bail conditions.
He said Mr Malami neither submitted a medical report nor provided credible evidence to support his claim of ill-health.
The EFCC said it subsequently invited Mr Malami again on 8 December for further interrogation and detained him after he failed to meet the outstanding bail requirements.
He described Mr Malami’s claim that his bail was revoked as untenable, adding that it was wrong to suggest that the commission restricted him from granting media interviews or participating in political activities.
Mr Malami served as Nigeria’s Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice from 2015 to 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
READ ALSO: EFCC denies revoking ex-AGF Malamis bail, explains continued detention
A founding member of the APC, he recently declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Kebbi State on the platform of the ADC after defecting from the ruling party earlier in the year.
The EFCC is investigating Mr Malami over allegations, including claims of fraudulent duplication of expenses for the recovery of assets linked to the late former military ruler, Sani Abacha.
Reports have also indicated that the commission is probing 46 bank accounts allegedly linked to the former minister, as well as his multi-billion-naira investments in Kebbi State.
Following his detention, Mr Malami’s lawyers challenged his continued custody, describing it as unlawful and a violation of his fundamental rights, a development that has drawn political reactions from opposition figures accusing the EFCC of politicising its actions.
NIGERIA NEWS
“Who Is After The Church?” Pastor in Pain as Thieves Cart Away Speakers, AC from Auditorium
- A Nigerian pastor has lamented bitterly online after thieves came into his church and carted away some properties kept in the church
- In a video, the pastor who’s planning a night vigil with his members, said the thieves stole and AC fan, including some speakers
- Social media users who came across the post on the TikTok app did not hesitate to share their mixed reactions
A pastor in Nigeria expressed deep frustration online after his church became the target of a burglary.
The incident reportedly happened as the church prepared for a night vigil, leaving the pastor and congregation facing unexpected losses.
Thieves steal fan, speakers from church
Among the items taken were an air conditioning fan and several speakers, which were essential for the church’s events and services.
The thieves also discovered the church’s fuel supply, which they completely emptied before leaving.
Read also
Lady shares how popular church almost ruined her life, narrates encounter: “I escaped for my life”
Sharing the emotional ordeal on TikTok, the pastor identified as Apostle of Fire on TikTok narrated:
“What has the church done to deserve all this? People of God, God bless you. Today is my last Holy Ghost All night for the year. I just came into the church now with good news and I said let me come and check the sound system and also do some prayers before I leave. Coming to the church, thief has entered the church. Thief has carried speaker, AC fan, they also carried another speaker that stays here (points fingers). I don’t know who is after the church. This is all night vigil and I don’t know where I will get instruments. There was fuel here, filled up. Now it’s empty.”
Reactions as thieves steal from church
TikTok users stormed the comments section to react to the post.
@Sandra Christopher said:
“Man of God, the Lord we serve will help you give you a better one ijn. this is a test , please do not let this to weigh you down or make you to start asking God question. if you observe the comments section you see that quite number of people are mocking God, please don’t fall for it and even without instrument still praise him and hold your program cause if you pass this test a better and bigger instrument will be provided. may God Almighty bless you sir.”
Read also
“She can’t be a Jezebel”: Man who knows Sandra Areh speaks out, shares interesting facts
@Black_Bishop said:
“So sorry, the same god that gives us promised protecting our lives and property can’t protect his own house and property?? So sad.”
@EMMYDON_CHEMIST said:
“Na the members wey done realized say una dey deceive them, so if them sell am now all the offerings and tight them dey pay since the money go cover some of it.”
@Village people said:
“Jesus will fight them. Pls don’t call police. Didn’t you put sticker on it, cos una dey give my mama sticker that time to protect our home. abi make I bring some for u.”
@ENGINEER MATHIAS DAMBA said:
“I’m appalled by some of the comments here. Mockingg Jesus, the man of God, and the church is unacceptable. Let’s focus on spreading love and kindness, not hate and negativity. If you don’t have anything positive to contribute, please refrain from commenting. Let’s keep the comment section respectful and uplifting!To the man of God, I salute you for staying calm and focused on your message. You’re an inspiration!”
Read also
Lady in tears as theives break into new shop weeks after taking loan to launch it: “Cruel world”
@ednaspark added:
“So u can’t praise God without sound system, u never see anything, they even pity for u by not carrying everything including the chairs & the drums.”
See the post below:
Man who stole from church confesses
Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that a former usher who moved overseas opened up about some of the bad things he did while he served in the church.
The man admitted that he and his friends stole offerings, alms, tithes and other monetary donations to the church.
Source: Legit.ng
Sunday Ehigiator
The Managing Director of Accion Microfinance Bank, Mr. Taiwo Joda, has warned that Nigeria’s Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprise (MSME) sector risks stagnation unless financial institutions urgently evolve from traditional lenders into full-scale enablers of business growth,
Joda sounded the warning during Accion Microfinance Bank’s 2025 Annual Financial Inclusion Seminar, with the theme ‘Unlocking MSME Value Chain to Drive Growth and Prosperity: The Evolving Role of Financial Institutions’, held in Lagos
According to Joda, Nigeria can no longer afford a financial system that discourages entrepreneurs before they even begin operations.
He said, “complex documentation, rigid collateral requirements and slow onboarding processes are shutting millions of MSMEs out of formal finance, despite the sector contributing about 48 per cent of GDP and 84 per cent of national employment.
“Financial institutions must work with regulators to co-design rules that control risk without scaring MSMEs away with paperwork. Simpler documentation, clearer guidelines and digital-first onboarding systems are immediate wins.”
He stressed that unlocking MSME value chains requires deliberate regulatory and institutional reforms, identifying four urgent steps government and regulators must take.
“These include simplifying Know-Your-Customer (KYC) requirements for low-risk MSMEs, relaxing collateral rules in favour of cash-flow–based lending, accelerating approvals for digital lending platforms, and enforcing faster, more transparent processes at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and land registries. These changes would immediately open up credit channels across the entire MSME value chain,” he noted.
Joda also argued that microfinance banks must move beyond the narrow role of credit providers to become ecosystem architects that actively integrate MSMEs into productive value chains.
He explained that institutions like Accion can leverage their existing MSME networks to connect producers, distributors and service providers on shared digital platforms that combine payments, training, market access and partnerships alongside credit.
“By becoming the hub that links finance with supply chains, information and technology, financial institutions position themselves as enablers of MSME growth rather than just sources of loans,” he said.
From last week continues the narrative on the emergence of Dr Moses Majekodunmi as administrator of Western Nigeria following the declaration of emergency rule. It also highlights the emergence and various roles played by Oba Akinyele, Oba Akenzua and Oba Aderele.
This came to a head when Alhaji Chief Dauda Soroye Adegbenro (1909-1975), the Balogun of Owu and the Ekerin of Egbaland, Chief Awolowo’s supporter, was appointed premier by Governor Sir Adesoji Aderemi, the Ooni of Ife. Disorder broke out in the House of Assembly as the new Premier was presenting his government for vote of confidence and following the subsequent outbreak of violence both among their supporters outside, the Region was placed under a state of emergency. The government was suspended and as sole Administrator of the West was appointed in the person of Dr. Moses A. Majekodunmi.
Throughout the entire political crisis Oba Akinyele remained aloof, placing himself at the disposal of any peace initiative for which Ibadan was a venue on several occasions. He ruled for only ten years but left a big reputation behind when he died in May 1965.
Oba Uku Akpolokpolo Omo n’Oba n’Edo (1889-1978) Akenzua II was born as Edokparhogbuyunmun at Benin in 1899; his father was Oba Eweka II who ruled Benin from 1914 until 1933, and his grandfather the great Oba Ovonramwen who was the last independent King of Benin. He studied at Benin Government School between 1907 and 1915 and later at King’s College, Lagos, from 1918 to 1921. On leaving school, he became employed as a transport clerk in the Benin Native Authority on a wage of N6 per month.
His training for the future office of Oba began when he became confidential Secretary to his father, Eweka II, whose death in 1933 introduced Akenzua II to the rigour of office. Before then, in 1925, he worked under the supervision of the late Alake of Egbaland, Oba Ladapo Ademola II (1872–1962). Following this, he was appointed to head the Ekaidolor District, the present Iyekuselu; he was in this office when his father died. In the same year Prince Okoro was installed Oba of Benin with the title of Akenzua II.
Between 1946 and 1966, the formative years of the new political system in the country, the Oba was a member of the Legislative Council of Nigeria, member of the Western House of Assembly, a member of the Western House of Chiefs and a Cabinet Minister.
Oba Akenzua was instrumental in the creation of the Midwest Region; it was his view that the two provinces of Benin and Delta in the Western Region could constitute the Bendel State by which the Midwest later became known. In October 1953, he formed the Benin-Delta People’s Party to campaign for the Unification of the two provinces. With the creation of the region, he became the first President of the Midwest House of Chiefs in 1964. His contributions to the politics and policies that shaped the content of Nigerian formative politics were rewarded by awards and honours bestowed on him: he was decorated with the insignia of the Commander of the Republic of Nigeria and was made a Justice of Peace. From 1966 to 1972 he served as the Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
As the Oba of Benin, Akenzua II was the custodian of the rich Bini tradition and culture whose study and promotion he personally encouraged; it was to this end he volunteered whatever bronze or ivory carvings under his jurisdiction for the success of the Black Arts and Culture Festival, FESTAC, that was held in the Nigeria capital in 1977. He died in the late 1978 and was succeeded by Solomon Igbinoghodua Aisiokuoba who became Oba Erediauwa I of Benin in 1979.
Oba Rufus Adesokeji Aderele (Tewogboye II), son of Oba Tewogboye 1 ascended the throne as the Osemawe of Ondo, after the dethronement Oba Fidipote II. He was an educated Oba, adequately experienced in the system of governance and reigned from 1942-1974. He was the father Prince Ademola Olugbade Aderele; who served Nigeria as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on various missions, including representing the Nigerian Government as its first Nigerian High Commissioner to Thailand.
To be concluded
•Teniola, a former director at the Presidency, wrote from Lagos.
The post Assessing the relevance of traditional rulers (3), by Eric Teniola appeared first on Vanguard News.
NIGERIA NEWS
Nigeria secures $1bn innovation fund for marine, blue economy startups – Tribune Online
Nigeria has secured a $1 billion innovation fund aimed at supporting start-ups in the marine and blue economy sector.
Ronke Kosoko, the Chief Executive Officer of the Maritime Innovations Hub, announced this at a media event held in Abuja on Monday. The event was organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
Notable attendees included Olusegun Dada, the Special Adviser to the President on Social Media, as well as representatives from the National Inland Waterways Authority, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, and other ministries and government agencies.
Mrs. Kosoko stated that the fund will be officially launched at the Blue Economy Investment Summit, scheduled to take place from March 9 to 11, 2026, in Lagos.
She also mentioned that international funders are expected to meet with President Bola Tinubu and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, during the summit.
Also, Mrs. Kosoko explained that the $1 billion fund is a follow-up to Nigeria’s earlier achievement of securing a $100 million training bid for capacity development in the maritime industry.
“When the $100Million offer came, I wasn’t looking for it because people trust me globally due to our track records, but we have rearranged another offer and it was in the process that the $1 billion offer came, so we had to go back to the Presidency again and that informed why you have been seeing me around the Ministry in the last six months.
“We’re now at the end, because they will now be coming back into the country to meet with the Hon. Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, the Central Bank Governor as well as the President in March 2026 and they also plan to support some start ups in the sector with funding and international training, so the stage is set,” she said.
She stressed that global investors are more interested in clear deliverables than politics.
“People and organisations have money in billions of Euros and Dollars but they are not interested in our dirty politicking and games, they are interested in the task to be achieved so when we are ready with that, they will flow in,” she added.
The development comes as Nigeria intensifies efforts to diversify its economy away from oil dependence by tapping into the blue economy, which covers maritime transport, fisheries, coastal tourism, shipbuilding and ocean-based renewable energy. Nigeria has one of the largest coastlines in West Africa and a strategic position along major global shipping routes,
However, inadequate port infrastructure, policy bottlenecks, and limited access to financing have constrained growth in the sector, forcing shipping lines and investors to favour neighbouring countries. The newly secured innovation fund is expected to address some of these gaps by supporting start-ups with capital, skills and international exposure.
Mrs Kosoko disclosed that no fewer than 370,000 youths across the country will participate in the summit alongside 28 governors and 37 serving senators.
“370,000 youths across 36 States of the Federation including the FCT will be connecting live to the President at the event from their State Capital and we will be working with the PBATMEDIACENTRE on this particular demographics.
“28 State Governors on the table and 10 of them are represented at this Media Parley.
37 Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.
Reflecting on the country’s maritime performance, Mrs Kosoko lamented that Nigeria continues to lose billions of naira to neighbouring countries such as Lomé and Cote d I’voice, as vessels increasingly prefer to berth there rather than in Nigerian ports.
“It is also no longer news that Nigeria is losing billions to Lome, Togo, Cote d I’voire as vessels now prefer to berth in those countries rather than coming to Nigeria and those countries studied our weaknesses as a country and built a business around Nigeria’s failure,” she added.
She noted that reclaiming these lost opportunities is a priority of the Technical Assistant to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, who will lead a dedicated session on the issue at the March 2026 summit.
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the President on Social Media, Olusegun Dada, called for simpler and more accessible policies, stressing that government initiatives should be communicated in ways that young people and the general public can easily understand, rather than through complex technical language.
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has assured the management of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, of his administration’s commitment to addressing accumulated unpaid salaries, gratuities and other critical challenges inherited from past administrations.
The governor gave the assurance when he received the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor (Mrs.) Eunice Eboserehimen Omonzejie, and members of her management team on a courtesy visit to Government House, Benin City.
Governor Okpebholo, while congratulating the Vice-Chancellor and her team on their appointments, noted that their presentation underscored the depth of challenges confronting the institution.
The governor in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Dr Patrick Ebojele said.
“From what you have outlined today, it is clear that Ambrose Alli University was on life support. I must commend the progress you have recorded so far since assuming the office,” the governor said.
“I am impressed by your efforts, and I want to assure you that in any way possible, this administration will support the university to reposition it and restore its lost glory.”
Addressing the issue of accumulated salary arrears, the governor described the non-payment of staff salaries over several years as unfair and unacceptable.
“It is not right for people to work and not be paid. The issue of unpaid salaries, pensions and gratuities running into billions of naira is something I will take as a project,” he said.
“These are issues inherited from the past government, and we will address them.”
Governor Okpebholo also acknowledged other concerns raised by the University management, including hostel infrastructure, accreditation-related challenges and facilities required for programmes such as Medical Laboratory Science.
“This year’s budget is already at an advanced stage, but I expect that these critical needs will be properly captured in your budget proposals. Once that is done, we will see how best to move the institution forward,” he added.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Omonzejie, explained that the delay in paying a courtesy visit to the governor was due to a recently concluded accreditation exercise and the need to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the state of the university.
She noted that the university she inherited was in a moribund state, plagued by infrastructural decay, unpaid salaries and accreditation challenges, among others.
Professor Omonzejie expressed profound appreciation to Governor Okpebholo for what she described as “life-saving interventions” since his assumption of office.
According to her, the governor’s approval of an increased monthly subvention, restoration of affected staff to the payroll, support for graduating backlog medical students, improved security logistics, and the facilitation of road construction through the Niger Delta Development Commission have significantly revived the institution.
She also formally presented pressing needs requiring urgent attention, including accumulated unpaid salaries, pensions, gratuities and union deductions, as well as the construction of lecture theatres and hostels to enhance accreditation and expand student intake, particularly in the College of Medicine.
The meeting was attended by top government functionaries, including the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilo, Esq.; the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu among others.
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Senator representing Abia South Senatorial District, Enyinnaya Abaribe, has said he will consider defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) if President Bola Tinubu can fulfil all his conditions.
Naija News reports that Abaribe, speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, stated that the first condition would be a reversal of policies that penalise Nigerians.
The lawmaker stressed that President Tinubu must reduce the size of his government and rein in all those around him.
According to Abaribe, Nigeria is a democracy, not a monarchy, and governance must be carried out in line with democratic principles.
When asked if he would defect to the APC if President Tinubu called him, Abaribe said: “I will give him all the conditions and he can fulfil it. First of all, you must see all your policies, all the policies that punish Nigerians, you reverse them. That is number one.
“Number two, you cut down your government. Number three, you reign in all the people around you. Number four, there are so many things we will tell him.
“It’s up to him what he’s going to do. If you don’t run a government the way it is run… This is not a monarchy. This is a democracy.
“If there’s anybody that’s going to defect to APC, I think I should be the very, very last one. By the time I will defect, that means that there will be no parties in Nigeria.”
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Yusuf Magaji Bichi, former Director General of the Department of State Services, DSS,, on Monday stated that the late former President Muhammadu Buhari lacked any tendency to rig elections.
Bichi made the remark during the launch of Buhari’s biography, From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, authored by Dr Charles Omole.
The former DSS chief commended President Bola Tinubu for continuing the legacies of commitment, purposeful leadership, democratic governance, and free and fair elections established by Buhari, saying, “President Buhari will never rig an election.”
Tinubu, for his part, urged Nigerians to carry forward Buhari’s work and legacy.
“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.”
Former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Amao, also lauded Buhari’s dedication to national service, both as a soldier and as a civilian President.
“Serving under him as Chief of Air Staff during a period of existential security challenges, I observed that he was not merely a Commander-in-Chief issuing orders but a statesman who understood that military powers must always serve democratic governance,” he said.
A member representing Ijebu North State Constituency and former Minority Whip of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Rasheed Kashamu, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing irreconcilable differences and deep divisions within the party at both state and national levels.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide announced Kashamu’s defection on the floor of the Assembly on Tuesday while reading a letter formally notifying the House of his resignation from the PDP and his decision to join the APC.
According to the Speaker, the lawmaker attributed his decision to persistent factional disputes at the national level and leadership tussles within the party in Ogun State.
In his letter, Kashamu said his defection was in line with the decision of his leaders and supporters in Ijebu North to align with progressive forces in the state and to support the policies and programmes of Governor Dapo Abiodun under the ISEYA Agenda, as well as the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He explained that after reviewing the unresolved crises rocking the PDP nationally and considering the mandate and support of his constituents in Ijebu North I, he resolved to move en masse with his supporters into the APC to strengthen the party and contribute to its success in the constituency.
Kashamu informed the House that he had officially joined the APC at his Oke-Sopen Ward in Ijebu-Igbo, Ijebu North Local Government Area, alongside numerous supporters drawn from across the constituency.
His defection was formally acknowledged at the Assembly Complex in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, where his colleagues, led by the Speaker, welcomed him into the APC fold. His wife, uncle and other well-wishers were also present.
Meanwhile, the House also acknowledged a letter from Governor Dapo Abiodun requesting the confirmation of Mr. Abdul Najeem Olayinka as the new Auditor-General for Local Governments, following the retirement of the former Auditor-General, Mr. Lamidi Mulero.
The Speaker directed the nominee to appear before the House on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 12 noon, and to submit 30 copies each of his curriculum vitae and other relevant credentials.