Category: Nigerian Tribune

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen on Wednesday expressed grief over the recent boat accident in Kogi State which killed 26 passengers.

Speaker Tajudeen expressed sadness over the loss of lives, describing the mishap as unfortunate.

In a condolence message issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Leke Olatunji Baiyewu, the Speaker said it was an unfortunate incident.

Traders reported to be travelling on Tuesday with a boat on the River Niger, from Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State to Ilushi Market in Edo State, reportedly had an accident which killed 26 of them.

Speaker Tajudeen commiserated families of the victims, while extending his condolences to the people and the government of the respective states the deceased passengers hailed from.

While calling for stricter marine transport safety measures on the part of the government, the Speaker urged boat operators to prioritise safety in their operations.

Speaker Tajudeen prayed to God to rest the victims’ souls.

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Salihu Lukman, has expressed concern over what he described as a plot to hijack party structures in certain state chapters by aspirants in the opposition party.

The former National Vice Chairman, North West of APC, in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, specifically disclosed that there is a growing dissension in the Kaduna State chapter of the ADC.

‘People with ambition to contest elections have become restless and want to dominate the process of developing the structures of the party to the exclusion of their opponents,’ he alleged.

The ADC chieftain listed former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, Mallam Jaafaru Sani and Alhaji Bashir Saidu amongst individuals creating disaffection in the Kaduna State chapter.

He cautioned that failure to work together as a united political family would create a serious setback for the party ahead of the next general elections.

His statement read, ‘The madness of controlling structures of ADC is the biggest threat before us. For whatever reason, those of us who want the ADC to be an equal opportunity party are being condemned. Sadly, some of our leaders, instead of providing fair leadership, are taking sides with strengthening aspiring candidates for the 2027 elections across the state to the exclusion of others.

‘I want to use the opportunity of this independence anniversary to appeal to all of us to stop this madness of trying to take over the structures of ADC and control it to the exclusion of so-called opponents. If ADC is to emerge as a strong party capable of defeating the APC in Kaduna State, we must agree to work together. Anybody who is not ready to work as part of a united opposition in Kaduna State is consciously or unconsciously working for the APC.

‘I am making this strong appeal with a very deep feeling of disappointment that we are recklessly mismanaging an opportunity to provide the needed leadership to our people. In particular, I want to appeal to Mal. Nasir El-Rufai, Mal. Jaafaru Sani and Alh. Bashir Saidu, as the opposition leader in Kaduna State, please stop encouraging the madness of aspiring candidates seeking to take over the structures of ADC to the exclusion of so-called opponents.

‘At the individual level, I have tried to talk to those I can talk to. Unfortunately, I must also admit that I have failed in many respects. The fact that we have Sen. Musa Bello aggressively seeking to control the structures of ADC in Zone 2 is a reflection of my failure. Largely because I am, in recent times, associated with Sen. Musa Bello, Sen. Lawal Adamu (Mr. La) has avoided all my requests to meet him.

‘I have met Mallam Jaafaru Sani on this matter. We have had some discussions with Mal. Nasir. Sincerely, I am saddened by the fact that we are not united, and the perception is that I am part of the problem. As a citizen from Kaduna State, I am willing to make every necessary sacrifice to move our state forward. I have no ambition to contest the election. Without sounding immodest, I made every sacrifice to contribute to forming the coalition and negotiating the agreement with ADC.

‘May I therefore appeal to Mallam Nasir and all our leaders to please seek to unite all of us. It is only if we are united in ADC that we can unite our people in the state to defeat the APC in 2027. We must bear in mind that it is not just about defeating APC but more about producing a government controlled by our party (ADC) based on collective leadership. We need to put an end to the era when we produce emperors as Governors. Anything short of producing a Goverment managed by collective leadership under ADC will be unacceptable.

‘May God Almighty touch the hearts of all us and guide us towards unity both within the ADC and in the state. Amin. Happy Independence Anniversary. ‘

As Nigeria celebrates its 65th Independence anniversary today, Infinix joins millions of Nigerians in celebrating a nation defined by strength, resilience, and the pursuit of progress. For Infinix, Nigeria is more than a market, it is home. The brand has grown alongside the Nigerian people, drawing inspiration from their creativity, drive, and determination to break barriers. Just as Nigeria continues to rise and redefine its place on the global stage, Infinix has consistently delivered technology that empowers its people to dream big, stay connected, and achieve more.

Over the years, Infinix has achieved remarkable milestones in Nigeria, consistently earning recognition for its award-winning innovation and delivering high-performance devices that align with the lifestyle of today’s digital generation. The brand has redefined itself as a lifestyle choice for bold, ambitious Nigerians fusing high-end tech with local social culture and icons.

Infinix’s Commitment to Nigeria and Nigerians

Beyond devices, Infinix has invested heavily in initiatives that empower young Nigerians with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in the digital era. From advancing education and innovation to creating platforms for talent development and global exposure, the brand has consistently demonstrated its commitment to building capacity, supporting creativity, and positioning Nigerian youth for success in an increasingly technology-driven world. These initiatives reflect Infinix’s deep commitment to not only selling technology but also investing in the people who use it, turning passion into opportunity and innovation into empowerment.

Infinix has also championed youth empowerment by supporting young creators, influencers, and tech enthusiasts, providing platforms for self-expression and growth while ensuring technology becomes a tool for opportunity. It continues to embed itself in Nigerian culture through active community engagement, from sponsoring entertainment shows to collaborating with local talents, celebrating the creativity and energy of the nation’s vibrant youth.

Looking Ahead

Speaking on the Independence Celebration, Oluwayemisi Ode, Integrated Marketing Communications and PR Manager at Infinix Nigeria, highlighted that Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary is not just a milestone for the nation but also a reminder of the shared values of resilience, creativity, and progress that continue to inspire the brand, ‘As we celebrate Nigeria’s Independence, we are reminded of what this day truly represents – the freedom to innovate and the freedom to evolve. At Infinix, this spirit is at the very heart of our mission. Our goal has always been to create devices that put cutting-edge technology into the hands of everyday Nigerians. We believe in a vibrant, youthful Nigeria, and we will continue to design technology that resonates with the dreams and aspirations of its people.’

As Nigeria celebrates this milestone, Infinix reaffirms its dedication to standing side by side with the nation on its journey of growth and transformation.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Advocates for Peace and Justice has thrown its weight behind the dissolution of the Aniekan Akpan-led executive committee of the party in Akwa Ibom, describing the action of the National Executive Committee (NEC) as constitutional and necessary to restore discipline.

In a strongly worded statement signed by its Chairman, Dr Tom FredFish, the group said the Akpan-led exco left the party ‘in shambles,’ presiding over ‘mass defections, endless division, and the unprecedented exit of a sitting governor in the party’s history.’

They maintained that the NEC and National Working Committee (NWC) acted within their constitutional powers to dissolve the state exco, stressing that the appointment of Hon.

Igwat Umoren as caretaker chairman was a ‘rescue mission’ aimed at rebuilding confidence among party members.

‘The caretaker team is here to clean up the mess, restore discipline, and rebuild goodwill. Only enemies of progress would oppose such a move,’ the statement read.

On criticisms against former Governor Udom Emmanuel, the group dismissed allegations that he mortgaged the PDP, insisting he remained a loyal party man who ‘stood firmly by the PDP when others were auctioning their loyalty to the highest bidder.’

The PDP Advocates also accused those defending the sacked exco of working in the interest of the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that the ruling party had ‘ruined the economy, crashed the naira, and strangled Nigerians with poverty.’

The statement concluded that Akwa Ibom PDP had ‘entered a new era’ under the caretaker committee, pledging continued support for reforms that promote unity and inclusivity in the party.

As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence Anniversary, the nation is set to host, for the first time, a galaxy of the world’s biggest beauty queens in Lagos as part of the E1 Championship Fashion Showcase X Experience Lagos 2025 VIP Humanitourism Campaign.

The queens, including Miss Universe Continental Queens, Miss Universe Americas, Miss Universe Europe and the Middle East, alongside the reigning Miss Earth and Miss Earth Water, will be among the high-profile participants and guests at the Lagos leg of the second season of the UIM E1 World Championship – the world’s premier all-electric powerboat racing series, tagged: ‘E1 Lagos GP’.

As the elite marine sport lights up Africa at the Lagos Lagoon this weekend, 4 and 5 October, the E1 Championship Fashion Show – an initiative of Dr Maryam Elisha and Ambassador Tomi Salami – will take centre stage on the breathtaking ocean-facing terrace of the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island.

Speaking, Maryam Elisha said the E1 Championship Grand Prix is a landmark fusion of sport, style, culture and social impact, taking place from 2-7 October.

According to the award-winning designer and sustainability advocate, fashion will meet beauty and beauty will collide with purpose, as leading fashion brand Rikaoto by Me spotlights the world’s biggest queens and its exceptional craftsmanship on a global stage.

At the event, guests will experience an immersive runway, Afro-cosmopolitan glamour and a celebration of humanitourism, raising awareness and support for environmental advocacy and community initiatives.

‘This is more than fashion and beauty; it is an experience where glamour meets purpose, legacy inspires impact and queens unite for change. A fashion showcase at the all-electric international powerboat racing competition will see the oceans electrified as we celebrate our culture,’ Elisha said.

The international beauty queens expected in Nigeria include Sheynnis Palacios, Miss Universe 2023; Olivia Yacé, reigning Miss Universe Côte d’Ivoire 2025 and Tourism Ambassador for Côte d’Ivoire; Jessica Lane, reigning Miss Earth; Beatrice Millan-Windorski, Miss Earth Water; Onyinyechi Basil, Miss Universe Nigeria 2025; Damilola Bolarinde, Miss Universe Lagos and first runner-up, Miss Universe Nigeria 2025; as well as Divine Ekemini Nelson, Miss Earth Nigeria 2025.

Major highlights of the event include an exclusive runway show in which Rikaoto by Me will stage a stunning showcase of different made-to-measure fashion pieces.

There will also be the VIP Humanitourism Experience, a curated cultural activation, and Philanthropy with Purpose, a strategic support for Aurora International Charity Foundation’s advocacy and community impact initiatives.

Also on display is a strategic collaboration with celebrity make-up artists such as Bibiyoncé and Bimpe Onokoya, along with various stylists, who will showcase the state’s styling, artistry and production excellence.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has joined labour unions in the oil and gas sector to caution the federal government against planned divestment from joint venture operations in the upstream sector and the sale of national equity stakes.

National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, stated the position of the opposition party on the sale of assets in the oil industry at a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday.

Tribune Online checks revealed that the leadership of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association (PENGASSAN) and its counterpart, the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) had last month expressed strong reservations about the Federal Government’s move to sell assets in oil industry and divest significant stakes in joint venture assets managed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

They rejected the proposal to cut government stakes in JV assets by as much as 30-35 per cent, as against the Federal Government’s current equity stakes between 55 and 60 per cent of such assets through NNPCL.

Further checks revealed that the fear by the labour unions was on the heels of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s last August directive to his economic team for a reassessment of the NNPC’s 30 per cent management fee and 30 per cent frontier exploration deduction under the Petroleum Industry Act.

Tinubu, in charging the Economic Management Team led by Finance Minister Wale Edun, stressed the need to optimise government savings, streamline deductions from the Federation Account, and enhance fiscal discipline in a time of global financial strain.

Aligning with the labour unions’ fears over long-term economic security and fear that the sale of such equity in Nigerian joint venture operations with International Oil Companies (IOCs) to private individuals could impair Nigeria’s ability to meet obligations such as salaries and welfare packages, the ADC urged the present administration to perish the thought of divestment.

Abdullahi said, ‘On September 22, the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) sent a joint letter to President Tinubu, unequivocally rejecting the proposed amendments to the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), and the planned sale of NNPC Limited’s equity in high-performing joint ventures.

‘The African Democratic Congress (ADC) fully aligns itself with the position of the unions on both the proposed amendments and the sell-offs. We also believe that if allowed to proceed, the planned actions of this administration would not only undermine Nigeria’s energy sovereignty, but it would also amount to a brazen transfer of public assets into private hands in a manner never experienced in the history of our country.

‘We have carefully examined the proposed amendments to the PIA, and we are convinced that these actions formed part of a deliberate and calculated effort to hollow out NNPC Limited, dismantle institutional checks and balances, and pave the way for the fire-sale of Nigeria’s most valuable national assets to private, politically-connected interests at the expense of 200 million Nigerians. They represent not reform, but regression and they must be rejected.

‘There is also the grave issue of energy security. By handing over decisive control of these assets to private interests, the government weakens Nigeria’s ability to stabilise energy supply, respond to global oil shocks, or plan long-term energy strategies in the national interest.

‘If we sell off our oil assets, we are not just parting with numbers on a balance sheet; we are surrendering the lifeblood of our economy and the backbone of our national sovereignty. It would mean that Nigeria, a country that once stood as a giant of energy in Africa, would wake up tomorrow without control over its own resources.

‘It would mean that the revenues which fund our schools, hospitals, roads, and pensions will flow into private pockets while our treasury runs dry. It would mean NNPC Limited, stripped of its most profitable holdings, will stagger under debt and obligations it can no longer meet, risking collapse and the loss of thousands of jobs.

‘It would mean that our energy security, our ability to stabilise fuel supply, protect against global shocks, and plan for the future will be handed to a few private entities whose only loyalty is to profit, not to the Nigerian people. Most dangerously of all, it would set an irreversible precedent, turning our common wealth into private property, and leaving future generations of Nigerians with nothing but memories of what was once theirs.’

The ADC called on Nigerians not to show indifference to the proposed divestment of equity stakes in Joint Venture operations with the IOCs, but to collaborate with the labour unions to prevent the move, which it maintained would be inimical to the survival of the average Nigerian.

‘Fellow Nigerians, what lies before us is not merely a matter of policy or legislative adjustment; it is a battle for the very soul of our nation’s economy. At stake is the kind of Nigeria we are building, and more importantly, for whom we are building it.

‘We, therefore, call on all segments of our society to rise to this critical occasion. Civil society organisations must stand firm and resist this unfolding plunder of our national resources. The National Assembly, both current members and those who have served before, must reject any attempt to amend the Petroleum Industry Act in ways that serve private or political interests over the public good.

‘Labour unions, particularly those in the vital oil and gas sector, must act decisively to protect our national sovereignty and strategic assets. And to the young people of Nigeria – those who will bear the long-term consequences of today’s decisions, we urge you to organise, speak out, and demand full transparency and accountability.

‘At 65, Nigeria must not stand for power, profit, or politics. Nigeria must stand for the people.

‘The African Democratic Congress reaffirms its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s commonwealth, resisting corruption in all its forms, and defending the economic rights of future generations.

‘Let this be our legacy that when it mattered most, we stood up, spoke out, and said no to the selling of Nigeria,’ the ADC stated.

As Nigeria celebrated its 65th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday, state governors across the federation called for national renewal anchored on unity, patriotism, and respect for democratic values.

In Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu emphasised the need for synergy between government and citizens, saying both must support each other wholeheartedly to achieve collective progress.

Speaking after inspecting a ceremonial parade at Lagos House, Marina, the governor charged Nigerians to hold fast to the ideals of resilience and patriotism, while reeling out achievements under his THEMES+ Agenda, which prioritises social inclusion, gender equality, youth empowerment, healthcare, and education.

‘The government and people must have faith in each other so that the effort of one is supported wholeheartedly by the other.

‘As a state, we are deliberate about protecting the weak and uplifting the vulnerable. No citizen should be left behind on the path to progress,’ Sanwo-Olu said.

In Osun, Governor Ademola Adeleke stressed the need to safeguard Nigeria’s democratic foundation through full compliance with the constitution and the rule of law.

In his Independence Day statement, Adeleke urged the political class to embrace true federalism, strengthen federating units, and respect judicial processes.

‘We must in totality ensure compliance with the rule of law, not rule of the thumb. Nigeria must run truly as a federation where tiers of government operate with clear regulations as provided by the constitution,’ he said.

He congratulated President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians at large, pledging Osun’s ‘unalloyed submission to the constitution and the rule of law’ while urging citizens to remain law-abiding.

In Gombe, which also marked its 29th anniversary as a state, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya reflected on the state’s journey since creation in 1996, attributing its transformation to the 10-Year Development Plan (DEVAGOM).

He highlighted achievements in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, industrialisation, and social welfare, noting that his administration has constructed over 900 kilometers of roads, expanded healthcare access, and disbursed over ?25 billion in gratuities to retirees.

‘In less than three decades of existence, Gombe has ushered in a new dawn defined by vision, discipline, and results,’ Yahaya said.

He urged citizens to remain patient amid economic reforms, assuring that these measures would build a stronger and more prosperous future.

The Gombe governor, who also chairs the Northern States Governors’ Forum, prayed for peace, stability, and continued growth in Nigeria, calling on citizens to celebrate with gratitude while recommitting themselves to unity and national progress.

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Akin Ricketts, has called for unity and collective action to restore Nigeria’s glory, declaring that despite the country’s current challenges, there remains hope for greatness.

In his Independence Day message issued on Wednesday and signed by his media aide, Essien Emmanuel, Ricketts reflected on Nigeria’s 65th anniversary with a mix of sorrow, criticism and cautious optimism.

‘We have come to a point in our dear nation where the mere remembrance of our past heroes brings tears to our eyes. Why? Because many of our present-day leaders have betrayed the sacrifices of those who fought so selflessly for the freedom, dignity and progress of Nigeria,’ he said.

The ADC stalwart lamented that the ideals of Nigeria’s founding fathers, courage, patriotism and visionary leadership, are being eroded by what he described as selfishness, corruption and poor governance.

Citing the legacy of late President Muhammadu Buhari, Ricketts praised the former leader’s National Social Investment Programmes, particularly N-Power, as initiatives that once empowered ordinary citizens without favoritism or political influence.

‘Those were programmes where the common man did not need to lobby, bribe or bow to anyone to benefit. But today, that hope has faded. Ministries, departments and agencies that once offered lifelines to the less privileged have abandoned those responsibilities,’ he said.

He criticised current economic policies, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and reduced social spending, calling them ‘heartless,’ ‘archaic’ and ‘anti-people.’

‘What do we hear today? That Nigeria must not owe, that petroleum subsidy must be removed and that spending on the people is ‘a waste.’ What a heartless idea. A pain inflicted on millions by so-called leaders who refuse to listen to the cries of their people,’ Ricketts said.

The opposition figure painted a grim picture of the present state of the nation which he said is marked by hunger, insecurity, unemployment and despair and questioned the basis for celebration on Independence Day.

‘Our nation is in pain, and our heroes of the past, wherever they are, would weep bitterly at the state of their beloved country,’ he stated.

Despite this, Ricketts called on Nigerians to rise above ethnic, religious and political divisions to reclaim the vision of a united, prosperous nation.

‘The time has come for us to arise and shine again. Nigeria belongs to all of us, and we must take it back, not for ourselves alone, but for the sake of our children and generations yet unborn,’ Ricketts said.

He urged citizens to rally behind the African Democratic Congress, describing it as a credible alternative capable of delivering on the hopes of the people.

‘Together, with courage, wisdom and sacrifice, we can build the Nigeria of our dreams, a nation of justice, equity and prosperity for all. Arise, compatriots. The future of Nigeria is in our hands. ADC can refresh Nigeria again,’ he said.

The Federal Government has successfully brokered an agreement between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, following two days of intense conciliation meetings in Abuja.

The talks, which were convened by the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, held on Monday, 29th and Tuesday, 30th September 2025, came on the heels of PENGASSAN’s directive to halt gas supply to the Dangote Refinery and withdraw the services of its members.

The union had justified its action as a direct response to what it described as the unlawful termination of over 800 of its members by the refinery’s management. But the Dangote Group, in its defense, told the meeting that the disengagement was purely a product of an ongoing reorganization exercise within the company.

The conciliation was attended by high-ranking officials of government, security chiefs, labour leaders and industry regulators.

Among them were the National Security Adviser; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning; Minister of State for Labour and Employment; Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS); Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA); Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, representing the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas); as well as the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

Also present were the Chief Executives of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), alongside representatives of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the leadership of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the President and Secretary-General of PENGASSAN.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, at the meeting reaffirmed that ‘unionisation is a right of workers in accordance with the laws of Nigeria and this right should be respected.’ He stressed that no employer has the authority to deny or undermine this constitutional guarantee.

After hours of back-and-forth negotiations, a breakthrough was reached. It was agreed that the Dangote Group would immediately commence the process of redeploying the disengaged workers to other companies within the conglomerate without any loss of pay.

The government further assured that no worker would suffer victimisation for their role in the dispute, while PENGASSAN committed to initiating the process of calling off the strike.

The communique in full reads; ‘Sequel to the Notice to stop gas supply to Dangote Petroleum Refinery and withdrawal of services by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria [PENGASSAN], The National Security Adviser, Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment, DG DSS, DG NIA, Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources [Gas] represented by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Chief Executives of NMDPRA and NUPRC, representatives of NNPCL held conciliation meetings with management of Dangote Group and the President and Secretary General TUC and leadership of PENGASSAN on Monday 29th and Tuesday 30th September, 202

‘Whereas the leadership of PENGASSAN said that the directives given to stop the supply of gas to Dangote Petroleum and withdrawal of services was in response to the termination of appointment of over Eight Hundred members of PENGASSAN by the management of the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Limited, the management of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical on the other hand, explained the reason for disengagement of the workers was as a result of the ongoing reorganization in the company.

‘After a lengthy discussion, the matter was resolved as follows: The Honourable Minister of Labour informed the meeting that unionisation is a right of workers in accordance with the laws of Nigeria and that this right should be respected.

‘After examining the procedure used in the disengagement of workers, the meeting agreed that the management of Dangote Group shall immediately start the process of taking the disengaged staff to other companies within the Dangote Group, with no loss of pay.

‘No worker will be victimised arising from their role in the impasse between Dangote and PENGASSAN.

‘PENGASSAN agreed to start the process of calling off the strike. Both parties agreed to this understanding in good faith.’

Diaspora investors in WINHOMES Estate have accused the Minister of Works, David Umahi, of inappropriately dragging President Bola Tinubu’s name into the controversy surrounding the demolition of properties to pave way for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.

The investors, in a press statement on Wednesday, faulted Umahi’s repeated references to the President in what they described as a ‘purely legal conflict’ that should be determined by the courts.

‘Repeatedly invoking the President’s name in this dispute is both inappropriate and damaging. Presenting a legal conflict as though it bears presidential endorsement erodes investor confidence, paints Nigeria as a country where executive interference trumps judicial independence, and sends the wrong signal to the international community,’ the group said.

The statement, signed by Engr. Stella Okengwu, CEO of WINHOMES Global Services, accused the Minister of misleading Nigerians and the global community on the scale of demolition, the status of court proceedings, and the level of diaspora engagement.

Umahi had claimed that only four hectares of WINHOMES land were affected, but the investors insist the estate represents over $250 million in diaspora investment covering a much larger area.

‘Families, professionals, and businesses who invested in good faith have lost properties and assets valued at far more than what the Ministry admits,’ the group stated.

They also debunked Umahi’s claim that the Federal Government had secured judgment in its favour, stressing that Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1063/25, filed before Justice Akintayo Aluko at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, remains pending.

‘No trial has commenced, no judgment has been delivered, and any suggestion otherwise is a reckless distortion,’ the statement read.

The investors further alleged that the Minister personally invited diaspora representatives to discuss the issue and promised to escalate it to the President, contrary to his public denials.

They said video evidence of the invitation exists and could be made public if necessary.

Beyond the demolition dispute, the group raised concerns over reports of a ?200 million cash payment linked to the Ministry, calling on the EFCC and DSS to launch a probe in the interest of transparency.

They also cited MTN Africa’s televised warning against diverting the coastal highway through the estate, accusing the Ministry of ignoring expert advice and due process.

WINHOMES investors announced plans to convene a world press conference to present video evidence, financial records, and expert testimony.

‘Our goal is not only to defend our investments but also to expose the wider risks of arbitrary governance to any investor considering Nigeria as a viable destination,’ Okengwu said, vowing to pursue the matter until justice is served.