Category: Nigerian Tribune

Former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Simon Mwadkwon, has dismissed the insinuation that Nigeria may become a one-party state, stating that the country’s complexity cannot tolerate such political arrangements regardless of the strength of the political party in power.

The former lawmaker, who posited that one-party state is dangerous and worse than military regime, added that those attempting to coerce, or lure elected political office holders from opposition parties into the ruling party are wasting their time and that voters will have the final say when elections are held.

He told newsmen in Jos, Plateau State, that there is speculation that Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State and four other governors will soon join the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), saying however that Governor Mutfwang has repeatedly denied the speculation despite pressure from some quarters.

‘Attempting to establish Nigeria as a one-party state is futile. A one-party state can be much more deadly than a military regime. Governor Mutfwang is at ease in the PDP and would work with whoever becomes the president of Nigeria in 2027, regardless of party, to advance the nation; therefore, those calling on him to join APC would be better off burying the rumor.

‘The Plateau State Governor has publicly denied joining the APC on several occasions; therefore, I don’t think he has any interest in doing so. Despite several appeals, he has refused to back down on this issue,’ he stated.

He expressed optimism that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will win elections at all levels in Plateau State come 2027, saying the party’s relationship with the people of the state has been symbiotic since the inception of this democratic dispensation.

On the insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in the northern part of the country, Senator Mwadkwon maintained that state police will go a long way towards the myriad of security challenges, adding that those opposed to it have no compelling reason to support their position given the number of people killed, kidnapped, and properties destroyed.

He declared, ‘I am a strong supporter of the State Police. Nigeria will not be the first nation to implement this; at one point in time, when we had what was known as local government native authority police in Northern Nigeria, crime was at its lowest.

‘The idea was that the police should be close to the people, but my position is that those against it may have hands in the killings. If those opposing it had been victims, either directly or indirectly, they would not oppose it. Human lives are sacrosanct and should be protected.’

He implored the National Assembly and the government to go to the grassroots and sample the opinion of the people on whether they want state police or not instead of relying on the elites alone to discuss the issue.

The Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, on Thursday said that the centrality of Abuja, coupled with its rich agro-allied potentials, is germane to strengthening NPA’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to continuously grow non-oil revenue by connecting local value producers in the non-oil value chain to identified international clusters of demand for their goods.

According to him, the position of Abuja as the centre of the country is strategic to the NPA’s renewed trade facilitation focus that places a high premium on port-hinterland connectivity, which Abuja’s centrality accentuates, presents a seamless linkage with the comparative advantages inherent in all regions of the federation that can be harnessed to sustain growth in the volume and value of Nigeria’s exports.

He said that as Nigeria’s foremost trade facilitation platform, the authority is always proud to be associated with the noble cause the Abuja International Trade Fair represents, especially seeing that trade remains the most veritable tool for actualising most of Nigeria’s economic aspirations.

The NPA MD used the opportunity of the occasion of the ‘NPA Special Day’ to invite the entire trading and investing public to explore the tailor-made simplified export processes and other vistas of opportunity present at the Nigerian Ports Authority.’

He said, ‘As some of us are aware, in our bid to contribute to the strengthening of the domestic economy through the promotion of balance of trade, we established the Export Process Terminal (EPTs) to simplify the hitherto burdensome process of exporting Nigerian goods.’

Dantsoho explained that the EPTs were conceptualised to serve as a one-stop shop for cargo consolidation, stuffing, documentation, packaging, certification and onward shipment through electronic call-up to the ports in a quick turnaround time, thus eliminating the duplications and bureaucratic overlaps that previously rendered Nigerian exports uncompetitive in the international marketplace.

He said to facilitate the port-hinterland connectivity and create pathways for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) to participate in the export value chain, the EPTs have been structured to have a seamless handshake with the Domestic Export Warehouses (DEWs) in synergy with the Nigerian Exports Promotion Council (NEPC), as well as the Inland Dry Ports.

‘To align with the economic stabilization resolve of the Federal Government and the theme of the year’s fair ‘Sustainability: Consumption, Incentives and Taxation’ we are unifying our various operational channels into a singular transaction gateway known as the Ports Community System (PCS) which lays the groundwork for the implementation of the National Single Window (NSW) which sustainably eliminates all forms of opacity and attendant delays associated with undue human interference,’ he stated.

Dantsoho further explained that the NSW is the global best practice for delivering the greatest value with the greatest ease by connecting all stakeholders in the trade value chain for seamless interaction at the push of a button, saying NPA has put measures in place to link value creators in the remotest part of the hinterland with the farthest clusters of demand anywhere on the globe.

He assured every stakeholder that the doors of NPA are always open for partnerships even beyond the trade fair, urging them to visit the NPA’s fully interactive online, real-time website www.nigerianports.gov.ng to access our growth offerings.

He attended Ibadan Boys High School (1958-1963) and Olivet Baptist High School (1964-1965). He studied at the University of Liège, Belgium (1966-1972) where he earned a degree in chemical engineering.

He is a Nigerian monarch. He is the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan. Before ascending the throne, Ladoja was a chief and politician who served as the governor of Oyo State from 2003 to 2006 on the PDP platform; and from 2006 to 2007.

He was elected to the Senate of Nigeria in 1993 during the short-lived Nigerian Third Republic, he was a member of the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP) during the Abacha Political Transition. By 2000, Ladoja had become a director of Standard Trust Bank Limited.

He attended Ibadan Boys High School (1958-1963) and Olivet Baptist High School (1964-1965). He studied at the University of Liège, Belgium (1966-1972) where he earned a degree in chemical engineering.

He is a Nigerian monarch. He is the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan. Before ascending the throne, Ladoja was a chief and politician who served as the governor of Oyo State from 2003 to 2006 on the PDP platform; and from 2006 to 2007.

He was elected to the Senate of Nigeria in 1993 during the short-lived Nigerian Third Republic, he was a member of the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP) during the Abacha Political Transition. By 2000, Ladoja had become a director of Standard Trust Bank Limited.

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has urged Nigerians to hold fast to optimism and unity in the face of present challenges, assuring that the economic policies of the President Bola Tinubu Administration and citizens’ huge sacrifices would ultimately pay off if the nation stayed the course.

Mbah said that while the anniversary may understandably be low-key, it did not obviate Nigeria’s giant strides as an independent nation.

These were contained in his message to Nigerians in the early hours of Wednesday to mark the nation’s 65th independence anniversary. In the message, which he personally signed, the governor congratulated the citizens for ‘the proud milestone.’

‘At 65, our independence is a reminder of what we can achieve as a people when we are united. It is also a reminder that progress demands sacrifice, and that tomorrow is shaped by the choices we make today.

‘The commemoration of our 65th independence anniversary may understandably be low-key, but the significance of the strides we have made as a nation is by no means underwhelming.

‘Those strides are manifest in the remarkable achievements we have recorded across key sectors. They reflect as well in the bold reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that have brought stability to the Nigerian economy. The sacrifices may be huge today, but there is no doubt that the end will vindicate the decisions if we stay the course.

‘As we raise our flags today, let us renew our covenant to Nigeria; let us embrace the spirit of unity, and let us uphold the optimism that has carried us this far,’ he stated.

Mbah, while also recommitting to his administration’s inclusive development model that leaves no one behind, maintained that Enugu State, under his watch, was on the path of turnaround and exponential economic growth.

‘In Enugu State, this Independence Day is a fitting occasion to recommit to our pledge to make inclusion the cornerstone of government policy; to create wealth and deploy it for the benefit of everyone in Enugu State. We are staying the course. And no one will be left behind.

‘From moribund assets roaring back to life, to Ndi Enugu enjoying a resounding sense of security of lives and property, our children transitioning to 260 Smart Green Schools, our rural communities accessing modern healthcare courtesy of our completed or ongoing 260 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres, Ndi Enugu commuting conveniently and affordably via our modern transport system and infrastructure, Enugu State is no doubt on the pathway to assured turnaround and exponential economic growth,’ he added.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a heartfelt appeal to Nigerians (both home and abroad) to renew their confidence in the country, urging them to ‘Bet on Nigeria’ despite current challenges.

Speaking in a recent national address posted on his verified X handle, the President emphasised that the nation’s journey, though difficult, is far from over – and its success is still within reach.

His words; ‘Nigeria will succeed. Lift Nigeria. Believe in Nigeria. Put Nigeria First. Bet on Nigeria’.

Nigeria will succeed.

Lift Nigeria.

Believe in Nigeria.

Put Nigeria First.

Bet on Nigeria.https://t.co/DGFWsrw1sY

– Bola Ahmed Tinubu (@officialABAT) October 1, 2025

In related development, Tinubu also proposed that Nigeria should be a nation of producers rather than just being consumers.

He stated this in his Independence Day address to Nigerians on Wednesday, saying that it was time for the country to shift from being a consuming nation to a producing one.

‘Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers. Let us farm our land and build factories to process our produce. Let us patronise Made-in-Nigeria goods. I say Nigeria first,’ Tinubu declared.

The president explained that reforms like removing fuel subsidies and unifying foreign exchange rates were tough but necessary to reset the economy.

The African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) has thrown its weight behind Nigeria’s tax reforms which culminated in the new tax laws, describing them as necessary for economic growth and development.

The recently-inaugurated Executive Secretary of the continental body, Ms Mary Baine, made the support known during a visit to the chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, in Abuja, on Tuesday.

A statement by Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS chairman said ATAF stands by Nigeria in reforming its fiscal landscape and pledged the readiness of the body to give technical support in areas that would help in realising the gains of the reforms.

She referenced how the organization had helped Zambia to build capacity in the area of raising revenue from mining, promising to offer support to Nigeria in the same area.

According to her, ATAF is willing to leverage Nigeria’s continental and global influence to mobilise member-countries to strengthen the organisation.

‘When you look at the strategic vision of FIRS, we see the things you are doing and the way you’re changing the tax system, the kind of reforms and the time that it has taken and of course the movement forward.

‘So, we applaud you, and I wanted to say that ATAF is here to say that we stand with you, we applaud you, and we’re ready to provide whatever support that could lead to its success.

‘In terms of your strategic vision- people, technology and data, we find that this is something that is really critical for the rest of the continent and that it is an area where ATAF will be happy to support as well,’ she said.

The FIRS chairman, while welcoming the visitors, expressed confidence in the capacity of the Executive Secretary to lead ATAF to glory.

He charged Africans to look inwards for homegrown solutions to challenges, stressing that salvation cannot come from the Western world.

‘My belief has always been that solutions to Africa’s challenges can only come from Africa. There is no free lunch anywhere. I have said that I don’t believe in aids; I believe in cooperation.

‘There is a saying that when you are not on the table, you are definitely on the menu. So, Africa must be on the table and that is it. We should stop being on the menu. That is my charge to you.

‘So, the expectation from us as a continent is also to bring what we can contribute to the work, most especially in tax matters. For us, we have to evolve our own fiscal policies which is what Nigeria has done with the new tax laws.

‘Before now, we had tax laws that were colonial relics. We had the Stamp Duties Act of 1939 which was enacted when there was no internet,’ he said.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and leader of opposition in Nigeria has responded to a glowing speech delivered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the occasion of the country’s 65th anniversary, saying ‘pot is not only empty but cracked – and the people remain hungry.’

Tinubu had earlier in the day spoke of ‘turning the corner,’ of laying foundations ‘in concrete and not on quicksand,’ and of supposed victories in education, healthcare, the economy, and national security.

Responding to the Independence Day presidential speech, Atiku, through a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Public Communications, Phrank Shuaibu, said: ‘The yam may be plentiful, but if the pot is empty, the stomach still rumbles.’

According to Shuaibu, the president cited the multiplication of schools since 1960, but in many places, pupils still sit on bare floors and write in dust, while teachers abandon classrooms because their salaries cannot buy food.

‘He boasted of more hospitals, but our mothers and fathers still carry candles, syringes, and drugs into wards before treatment can begin. ‘A man who builds many huts without roofs has only built shade for goats.’

On the economy, the statement said: ‘we were told of bold reforms. But Nigerians know the pain in their pockets. Food prices are higher than the rooftops, transport has swallowed incomes, and many families now eat less than one meal a day. If these are the ‘seeds’ of reform, then the fruit is still bitter. ‘When the roof is on fire, it is folly to declare the rain has quenched it.’

On security, Atiku’s statement remarked that Tinubu saluted the courage of armed forces and declared victories over terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers, but ‘Nigerians still sleep with one eye open, and families still pay ransom as if it were the daily price of garri.

‘Villages continue to bury their dead. Most tragically, just this week, we lost Somtochukwu, a young female news anchor with Arise TV, killed in a robbery attack in the early hours of Monday. Her death is a painful reminder that no one – not even the voices that bring us the news – is safe in today’s Nigeria. ‘A farmer cannot boast the bush is cleared while weeds still choke his yam.’

Continuing, the statement said: ‘We were told that billions have been disbursed to poor households. Nigerians ask simply: where? ‘If the yam was truly cooked, neighbours would perceive the aroma.’ Across the land, poverty still walks naked, and hunger knocks daily, yet the government sings of generosity that citizens cannot see or feel.

‘Our young people, the supposed ‘future,’ are promised wings to fly. But many graduates hawk sachet water or ride okada to survive. ‘You cannot tell a child to dream big while you steal the mat he sleeps on.’ Nigerian youth need real opportunities, not more applause lines.

‘Yes, 65 years is a long time. We have endured civil war, dictatorships, and crises. Nigerians are resilient – that much is true. But resilience must not be mistaken for endorsement. Our founding fathers dreamed of a land flowing with justice and opportunity. Today, the riverbed is dry for many, and only a privileged few fetch from the little water left.

‘A masquerade does not clap for itself; it is the crowd that cheers when the steps are sweet. Nigerians are not clapping, because the music they hear is hunger, insecurity, and despair. Statistics do not fill cooking pots, and PowerPoint slides do not light up homes.’

The former Vice President believed that as the country marks 65 years of independence, ‘the true measure of progress is not in the number of universities or the percentage of coal mined. It is in whether Nigerians have food on their tables, whether our children are truly learning, whether our hospitals heal the sick, and whether people can sleep safely in their homes.

‘Independence anniversaries are moments of sober reflection, not self-praise. If truly this administration is laying foundations, then let those foundations be seen and felt in working schools, in affordable food, in reliable power, and in secured communities. Let mothers in the market and fathers on the farm testify – not just politicians at the podium.

‘Nigeria is 65 years old. But our leaders still serve promises as though they were meals. The yam is there, but the pot remains empty.’

As Nigerians celebrate the 65th year of our dear country, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has granted amnesty to six prisoners serving various jail terms in Adamawa State.

The Governor, who granted the amnesty in his speech at the march past ceremony by the police and other paramilitary organisations at the Ribadu Square, said, ‘Nigeria stands at the proud threshold of sixty-five years of independence, a moment not just for celebration, but for deep reflection. On 1 October 1960, the chains of colonial rule were broken, and our people took their destiny into their own hands. That day was filled with promises, the dream of a Nigeria united in vision, rich in justice, and rising in prosperity.’

But he noted that ‘sixty-five years later, we must ask ourselves with courage and honesty, how far have we travelled on that journey? As a nation, we have walked through fire, we weathered the storms of civil war, endured the shadows of dictatorship, and stood firm through waves of poverty and insecurity. Yet, we endured, not by luck, but by the unwavering spirit of our people.’

‘Still, we must acknowledge a truth: survival is not success, independence without progress is only a symbol, but the real freedom is measured by how it transforms everyday lives.’

‘In Adamawa, we strive to turn that truth into action. We believe independence means a child in Michika learning under a proper roof and not a crumbling structure, it means a farmer in Demsa reaching the market on a safe, motorable road. It means a mother in Guyuk receiving health care close to home. It means the youth of Yola finding hope through opportunity, not hopelessness through crime,’ the Governor noted.

‘For us in Adamawa, we have rebuilt classrooms and reimagined education, we have revitalised healthcare because a healthy society is a strong one. We have also connected communities with roads and bridges, and pursued peace as a precondition for growth. Are we perfect? No.’

Fintiri also announced that 12,000 qualified candidates are currently undergoing processes for recruitment into the Adamawa State Civil Service.

‘This includes 5,000 positions in MDAs, 5,000 in post-primary education, and 2,000 in the health sector. This is not just a job drive; it is an investment in efficiency, public service, and the future of our youth.

‘Today, through fiscal discipline, digital reforms, and accountability, our IGR has grown to ?16.2 billion, nearly tripling in just five years. Nigeria’s freedom also demands responsibility. Governance must be anchored on justice, fairness, and transparency. And citizens must stand on pillars of discipline, truth, and hard work.’

‘Our greatest treasure is our unity. In Adamawa, we are a vibrant mosaic of cultures, languages, and faiths. That diversity must never be our weakness; it must be our strength. Like rivers that flow into one mighty stream, our differences must flow into one shared destiny.

‘Our administration will stay the course, expanding infrastructure, deepening healthcare, empowering education, and securing every corner of our state. We will lead with justice and humility, always mindful that power is not privilege, but a sacred trust before God and humanity.’

The Kano State Shura Council has suspended Sheikh Lawan Triumph from conducting preaching sessions in the state, pending the outcome of an investigation.

It will be recalled that the Kano State Government had, on 26 September 2025, directed that all petitions and counter-petitions concerning controversial remarks made by Sheikh Lawan Triumph be referred to the Kano State Shura Council for detailed review and advice.

According to the petitions, the remarks are considered blasphemous and offensive to the Prophet Muhammad, a figure held in the highest esteem by Muslims worldwide.

The Secretary of the Council, Alhaji Shehu Sagagi, who is also the State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, made this known on Wednesday while speaking with journalists on the outcome of the Council’s second meeting.

According to him, ‘The Council had also resolved to invite Sheikh Triumph in order to defend himself on several petitions and counter-petitions made against him concerning the controversial remarks he made during some preaching sessions.’

He noted that ‘Following the resolution reached by the Council to invite Sheikh Lawan Triumph to defend himself, the Council has set up a committee to invite him.’

Sagagi then emphasised that ‘the Council had also received reports on the video clips of Sheikh Triumph’s preaching sessions and analysed them, adding that he (Sheikh Triumph) will soon be invited to defend himself.’

‘The committee will soon write and invite him to come and defend himself. The committee will inform him where and when to present himself,’ Sagagi said.

He, therefore, assured residents of the state that the Council would ensure justice and fairness to all parties, as no individual or group would influence its decision.

He also assured the people of the state that the outcome of the meetings with Sheikh Triumph would be made public.

He, however, advised politicians and Islamic scholars to avoid acts or comments that could tarnish their image.

As Nigeria commemorates 65 years of independence, Keem Abdul’s Scorched Earth: Anatomy of the Buhari Years (2015-2023) offers a timely reflection on the life and presidency of Muhammadu Buhari, the former Head of State and President who left an enduring mark on the nation’s political history. The book examines Buhari’s journey from military ruler to elected leader, and the challenges he faced in office. It traces how his reputation for integrity shaped his political rise, and how his presidency navigated issues of governance, security, the economy, and national unity.

Abdul writes: ‘The story of Buhari is the story of a man who became the symbol of integrity in Nigeria, but whose government eventually became a byword for competence tested by enormous national challenges.’ (p. 9)

He later adds: ‘The Buhari years will be remembered not only for the change they promised, but for the lessons they leave behind for a country still seeking its democratic balance.’ (p. 313)

Through chapters such as ‘Baba Go-Slow,’ ‘A Giant with Feet of Clay,’ and ‘The Winter of Our Discontent,’ Abdul offers a thoughtful account of Buhari’s leadership. The book reflects on both his enduring reputation for honesty and the difficulties of governing a complex nation, presenting his presidency as part of the larger story of Nigeria’s democratic journey.

Keem Abdul, the author, is a Nigerian writer who focuses on politics, governance, and society. His work aims to encourage readers to reflect, not only on leaders themselves, but on the institutions and citizens that shape Nigeria’s path.

Scorched Earth is available on Mainstack and Selar.