Category: Nigerian Tribune

It was about development. It was about good governance. It was about progressive politics. But more deeply, it was about recognition, respect, and renewal – a heartfelt connection between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and a region with a proud history and boundless potential.

In Owerri, the capital of Imo State – right in the cultural and political heart of the South-East – President Tinubu did more than commission infrastructure. He touched hearts, affirmed bonds, and renewed trust.

Just like in every other state he has visited in the past few weeks, the atmosphere in Imo was electric. Excitement filled the streets, hope filled the air, and expectations were met with substance. This was not a visit of empty gestures – it was a visit grounded in action and guided by intent.

This was President Tinubu’s second official visit to Imo State since taking office. His first was in January 2024, for the inauguration of Governor Hope Uzodimma’s second term. This return was not just a ceremonial trip – it was a deliberate step in building a deeper partnership with the people of the South-East.

‘Today, I can confidently tell you – the worst is over,’ the President declared.

These words, from a leader speaking directly to a region that has known both triumph and trials, were not just a statement of policy. They were a promise. A reassurance. A turning point.

The President, accompanied by 22 APC Governors and the National Chairman of the APC, Professor Nantawe, came bearing visible evidence of federal partnership and regional development. Governor Hope Uzodimma, the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, literally brought Nigeria to Owerri, the Igbo heartland – a feat that speaks to his political clout and foresightedness. Nigeria converged on Imo State to bear witness to the progressive development in the state.

The Imo Concorde Hilton Hotel was revived as a symbol of Imo’s re-emergence as a destination for tourism and business. The Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre became a new home for regional and continental dialogue. The Asumpta Flyover eased congestion and improved connectivity across the capital. The Imo Digital Learning Centre invested in the youth through technology and education.

The Owerri-Mbaise-Obowo-Umuahia Road became a lifeline for communities, farmers, and businesses across Imo and Abia States. This road is especially symbolic. It connects people – literally and figuratively. It shortens distances, reduces travel costs, and expands opportunity. For agrarian communities like Mbaise and Obowo, it brings markets closer and futures within reach. For traders and commuters, it brings safety, efficiency, and dignity back to mobility.

Before the formal unveiling of the book ‘A Decade of Impactful Progressive Governance in Nigeria’, authored by Governor Uzodinma, President Tinubu rose to address the gathering. He began with warm greetings to leaders, dignitaries, and the people of Imo and the South-East – but his message quickly turned to the heart of Nigeria’s national condition.

‘Thank you for your resilience. Thank you for your endurance,’ the President began, speaking directly to Nigerians across the country. ‘Nigeria is getting on the path of progress. The worst is over.’

It was more than political rhetoric – it was an expression of empathy and a moment of emotional connection, acknowledging the sacrifices made by ordinary citizens through periods of hardship and reform.

President Tinubu praised the people for their patience, assuring them that the difficult economic reforms were already beginning to bear fruit. ‘The economy will pay you back,’ he said, drawing rousing applause from the crowd.

He then turned to Governor Hope Uzodinma, applauding him for his leadership, vision, and delivery of real, tangible development in Imo State. ‘You have shown what progressive governance looks like,’ the President noted.

At the same event, President Tinubu addressed recent claims and allegations of religious persecution – particularly the narrative of genocide against Christians circulated by commentators outside Nigeria. With firmness and gravity, he dismissed these assertions as ‘a lie from the pit of hell.’

‘They lie all over the place that we have religious persecution. Our Muslim brothers and sisters, our Christian brothers and sisters are united. No religious persecution in Nigeria – it is a lie from the pit of hell.’

His message underscored the theme that reverberated throughout the visit: the unity of Nigerians regardless of faith, and the refusal to allow misinformation to divide or weaken the bonds of the national family.

The event brought together Nigeria’s most senior political leaders – a strong signal of unity and national direction. Among them were Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, and Deputy Senate President Senator Barau I. Jibrin.

The traditional institution was represented by Emirs, Kabiyesis, Obongs, Obis, and Oonis, alongside other eminent personalities. This included former governors, as well as former and serving senators and members of the House of Representatives. Nearly eight of the current serving ministers were in Owerri to give full support to Nigeria’s President and the undisputed leader of the APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

This display of leadership was more than protocol – it was a gesture of respect to the South-East and a collective reaffirmation of the region’s central place in Nigeria’s political and developmental journey.

In Imo, President Tinubu extended more than a hand – he touched hearts. The projects he commissioned were significant, but the messages he delivered were even more profound: that the South-East is not on the margins, and that Nigerians of all faiths are united in this journey.

For decades, the South-East has longed for inclusion, dignity, infrastructure, and national acknowledgment. This visit – full of depth, symbolism, and substance – marked a turning of the page. It was a renewal of trust, a reaffirmation of identity, and a recommitment to shared prosperity.

President Tinubu did not come as a stranger. He came as a leader, a partner, and a believer in the enormous potential of the South-East. The pact is clear: a South-East that is heard, seen, included – and empowered. And the promise is firm: no part of Nigeria will ever be forgotten or divided.

As the President departed Owerri, he left behind roads, buildings, and digital learning centres. But more importantly, he left behind a growing sense of belonging – and the hope that the bridge between the South-East and the centre is being rebuilt, brick by brick, with trust, truth, unity, and tangible action.

In the belly of the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre, President Tinubu seized the ‘Bully Pulpit’ in Owerri to deliver inspiring, powerful, and fiery messages.

‘As I stand before you today, I can tell you with confidence that Nigeria has turned the corner. You will see prosperity. You will have it. Those who are speaking ill of this country should stop. Sixty-five years of independence is not a joke.’

‘I stand before you confident, yet humble, to say that Nigeria is no longer where it was ten years ago. We have crossed that line. We promised change, and today I can confidently tell you that promise is alive. The worst is over,’ he reiterated.

President Tinubu was not done yet. He had words for detractors. ‘There’s no religious persecution in Nigeria. It’s a lie from the pit of hell. I have always believed in good governance.’

The President in Owerri put a bold foot forward: Nigeria is out of surgery, and it is time to rebuild together. That message resonates non-stop.

The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has inaugurated a special intervention, codenamed ‘Operation Safeguard the Roads’, to tackle road traffic crashes in Kogi.

Muktar Abdulrahim, the Federal Road Maintenance Engineer in the state, inaugurated the programme at Ochadamu, along Itobe-Anyigba Road, Kogi.

Abdulrahim said that the programme was aimed at enhancing the efficiency of all federal roads for motorists and empowering youths along the road corridors.

‘The programme is to discourage road vandalism and abuses, such as dumping of refuse on drainages and road sides, unauthorised cutting of the road and stealing of critical facilities, such as bridge handrails, road signs, among others.

‘It is designed to improve road safety, reduce travel time and costs, and provide temporary employment opportunities for youths in the communities along major federal roads.

‘This initiative will also stimulate a sense of ownership of the road by communities along the route and properly safeguard it, ‘ he stated.

Abdulrahim explained that the move would ensure proper control of the vegetation to enhance visibility, reduce road crashes and desilting of lined drains and culverts to prevent flooding and reduce the cost of maintaining the roads.

‘Minor repairs, including patching of potholes, reinstatement of collapsed sections, will be done to enable free flow of traffic.

‘We shall also conduct training on road maintenance operations for residents of communities along major roads,’ he said.

Abdulrahim, however, expressed gratitude to its Managing Director, Dr Chukwu Emeka-Agbasi, for the laudable programme.

In his brief remarks, Mr Awodun Daniel, FERMA’s Zonal Director, North-Central 1, emphasised that the programme would make the roads safer, particularly as the Yuletide approaches.

Tribune Online reports that the Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), traditional rulers and members of the public attended the event.

It would be recalled that the managing director of the agency had, on Sept. 27, formally inaugurated the programme along the Zuba-Giri-Abaji-Lokojo road.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has announced the commencement of the seventh round of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), aimed at generating reliable data to guide Nigeria’s development policies in key sectors such as health, education, nutrition, and child protection.

MICS, a globally recognised statistical initiative, provides comprehensive and internationally comparable data on the situation of women and children.

It serves as a critical tool for measuring progress under Nigeria’s national and regional development frameworks, including the Renewed Hope Agenda and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Head of the NBS Communication and Public Relations Department, Mr. Alesanmi Folorunso, said in a statement that MICS7 represents Nigeria’s most extensive data-gathering effort to address information gaps affecting women, children, and vulnerable groups.

Conducted every five years, the survey will collect data from selected households across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory using digital tools to ensure accuracy and efficiency.

It will also track key indicators linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), enabling policymakers to design targeted interventions.

Statistician-General of the Federation, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, described MICS as Nigeria’s ‘trusted tool for understanding the lives of women and children since 1995,’ noting that the data ‘transform complex realities into actionable insights that drive policy and progress.’

The NBS urged the public to cooperate with its trained field officers, who will begin household visits from December 3, 2025, to collect essential information for the survey.

The recent resignation of Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, over alleged falsification of academic credentials, has once again brought the issue into public discourse.

Tribune Online reports that Nnaji tendered his resignation on Tuesday following controversies over his academic records and allegations of certificate forgery.

However, it is worth noting that Nnaji is not the first Nigerian public figure to be caught up in certificate-related scandals. Over the years, notable high-profile political figures have faced similar accusations.

While some resigned, some were cleared by the courts, and others’ allegations simply faded away with time.

1. Kemi Adeosun

In 2018, a former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, resigned from her position after it emerged that her NYSC exemption certificate was allegedly forged.

Although Adeosun, who was appointed by late former President Muhammadu Buhari, maintained that she had believed the document was genuine, but public pressure forced her resignation.

2. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq

Ahead of the 2023 general election, the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, was accused of submitting a forged WAEC certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

However, the Federal High Court in Abuja, in January 2023, dismissed the certificate forgery case filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against him.

Inyang Ekwo, the judge, ruled that the suit was an abuse of the court process.

‘Once a court is satisfied with the proceedings before it that they amount to abuse of process, the court has the right, in fact, duty to invoke its coercive powers to punish the party which is in abuse of its process.’

‘Such power is often exercisable by a dismissal of the action which constituted the abuse. I, therefore, make an order dismissing this case for being an abuse of process of court,’ the judge said.

3. Peter Mbah

The Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, was accused of submitting a forged NYSC discharge certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before the 2023 elections.

However, a Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed the forgery claim and held that the certificate was genuine.

The court found that evidence presented showed that although Mbah was mobilised for service in 2001, he actually completed it in 2003.

In a judgment delivered by Justice Inyang Ekwo in the N20 billion lawsuit filed by the governor against the NYSC, the court ruled that Mbah’s discharge certificate was indeed issued by the agency, noting that the NYSC had ‘conspired by fraudulent design, suppressed and misrepresented facts’ in its disclaimer.

Justice Ekwo awarded N5 million in damages against the defendants.

The court further stated that Mbah, midway through his service, obtained permission from the NYSC to attend the Nigerian Law School and was later reinstated into the scheme in 2003.

4. Godwin Obaseki

Immediate past Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, also faced allegations that the degree certificate he submitted to INEC was forged.

However, the Supreme Court in May 2023 dismissed the certificate forgery case brought against Obaseki by the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In its ruling, a five-member panel of the apex court held that the case lacked merit and imposed a punitive fine of ?1 million on the APC and its co-appellant.

The suit, filed by the APC and one of its members, Williams Edobor, originated at the Federal High Court in Abuja ahead of the September 2020 Edo governorship election.

Mr Obaseki, who contested for a second term under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), eventually won the election.

5. President Bola Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has also faced scrutiny over the authenticity of the academic certificates he submitted to Nigeria’s electoral body.

During the 2023 election cycle, controversies arose regarding discrepancies in his academic records from Chicago State University (CSU).

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had claimed that documents showing that Tinubu graduated from Chicago State in 1979 are not authentic, arguing that it is ground to nullify Tinubu’s election victory.

The institution, however, later confirmed that Tinubu graduated in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science degree.

The confirmation statement by Chicago State University reads:

‘As an educational institution, we are sometimes asked to provide information related to student records. Federal law known as FERPA (the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) protects the privacy of student records and limits what an institution can release.

‘In August 2023, a request was made in U.S. federal court for the university to provide information related to educational records concerning Bola Tinubu, the President of Nigeria, and a former CSU student. The university has confirmed Tinubu attended CSU and graduated in 1979 with a bachelor’s degree. Federal law, however, prevents us from providing any further information without consent or unless allowed to do so via court order.

‘CSU is confident in the veracity and integrity of our records regarding Tinubu’s completion of graduation requirements and degree certificate. The university is not a party to the Nigerian legal proceedings that spurred this request, and a U.S. federal judge will determine whether the university will provide further requested information.

‘Our response to the request for Tinubu’s academic records has been entirely consistent with our practices, policies and federal law. We would respond in exactly the same manner for any request for any student information by a third party.’

The House of Representatives, on Wednesday, assured Nigerians of President Bola Tinubu’s resolve towards rejuvenating the moribund Ajaokuta Steel Company.

Chairman, ad-hoc committee on illegal mining, Hon. Sanni Abdulraheem, who disclosed this in Abuja while delivering an inaugural speech, pledged the committee’s resolve towards tackling the growing menace of illegal mining in Nigeria.

He assured that ‘Nigerians will witness the results as we advance in our duties, with unwavering commitment to ensuring that this committee delivers on its mandate to curb the activities of illegal mining in any part of this country.

‘Illegal mining, as we all know, is a scourge that has had devastating effects on our nation, from the massive revenue losses to the criminality that undermines our security and rudely alters our environment. It is estimated that Nigeria loses approximately $9 billion annually due to illegal mining activities.

‘This theft of our resources that should be enriching our nation has gone on for far too long, and it is time to put an end to it. Our mission is clear. It is to block these revenue leakages, enforce transparency, and ensure that every naira from our natural resources is properly accounted for.

‘We are here today to ensure that every naira generated from our rich natural resources contributes to the nation’s economic prosperity. As we move forward, one of the core objectives of this Committee is to block the revenue leakages caused by illegal mining and its associated activities, which not only steal from our national treasury but also hinder the growth of legitimate mining operations that could contribute substantially to our national Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

‘Through structured oversight, we will strengthen Revenue Tracking Mechanisms and ensure that the full benefits of Nigeria’s mining sector flow directly into government coffers, rather than being siphoned off through illegal mining activities.

‘Equally important is the issue of criminality and environmental degradation linked to illegal mining. These activities not only fuel insecurity, but they also lead to the pollution of our waterways, the degradation of our forests, and the displacement of vulnerable communities. This is a matter of national urgency to tackle these issues head-on, and it is why we are here today. We will leave no stone unturned in our efforts.

‘This committee stands firmly on the constitutional mandate entrusted to us by the people we serve as their Representatives. We are committed to fulfilling our oversight responsibility as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to expose corruption in any form, curb malpractices, and ensure that our resources are used for the benefit of all Nigerians.

‘It is through such diligent oversight that we will rid our nation of the cancer of illegal mining, safeguard the environment, and protect the well-being of our citizens. Through the powers granted to us, we will investigate, gather evidence, and propose actionable solutions that will restore sanity and accountability to Nigeria’s mining sector.

‘As Chairman, I bring to this Committee a passion for resource-use optimisation. In my constituency, the Ajaokuta Steel Company stands as a glaring testament to the failure of our nation to fully harness the potential of our mineral resources.

‘For years, this vital industrial asset has been underutilised, leaving us to watch while other nations capitalise on similar resources. For many years, the moribund Ajaokuta Steel Company has stood as a symbol of unrealised potential.

‘However, I am proud to say that it is now on track to fulfil its true promise. The current administration has shown unprecedented political will to rejuvenate this critical national asset. This is reflected in the appointment of an indigenous professional to lead its revival, a move that gives us hope for the future of Nigeria’s steel industry.

‘With Ajaokuta poised for success, we are looking at not just an economic game-changer but a cornerstone for our industrialisation, job creation, and long-term economic growth.’

To achieve the committee’s set objectives, he explained that the committee will work closely with all stakeholders: government ministries, agencies, the private sector, and affected communities.

The Niger State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with allegations of criminal conspiracy, theft by servant, and receiving stolen property.

According to a statement released on Wednesday in Minna by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the case involved the theft of two tyres and 25 litres of engine oil from a Howo truck with registration number MNA 426 YL. The stolen tyres were valued at about N470,000, while the engine oil was worth about N55,000.

The statement read: ‘On 29th Sept., 2025 at about 3.45pm, based on a report made at Maje Div that a driver of a Howo truck with Reg. No. MNA 426 YL, one Ibrahim Abdullahi and Mohammed Umar, both of Suleja area, allegedly conspired among themselves, removed two new tyres from the truck valued at about #470,000 and 25litres of engine oil also valued at about #55,000.’

It added that the suspects allegedly replaced the stolen tyres with worn-out ones.

‘In the course of the investigation, the two suspects were arrested and confessed to the crime, while investigation was extended to Lambata area of Gurara LGA where two other persons, one Sadiq Saudi, 34 years, and Kabiru Suleja, 32 years, were arrested, saying that they were both residents of Lambata in Gurara LGA of the state,’ the statement said.

The police noted that the additional suspects were arrested for buying and receiving the stolen tyres, and that the exhibits were recovered.

SP Wasiu Abiodun added that ‘All suspects were charged to court for prosecution.’

You are an advocate for access to clean water, what inspired this passion?

I founded The Azaria Impact Foundation out of a deep conviction that access to clean water should be a right, not a luxury. Growing up, I saw the struggles of communities walking long distances just to fetch unsafe water, and I realised how water scarcity fuels inequality, poor health, and lost opportunities.

The inspiration came from recognising that real change begins at the grassroots level, when people are given access. The Azaria Impact Foundation was established to bridge the gap in access to basic needs and opportunities for underserved communities in Africa.

The Rise Project 2025 is your flagship initiative, what is it about, when will it be implemented and why is it important at this time?

The Rise Project is our flagship program designed to promote dignity, inclusion, and empowerment. It officially launched in August 2025 and will roll out in November 2025 in Ibadan, Oyo State. The project addresses critical needs like mobility support for persons with disabilities, mental health advocacy, vocational and digital skills training, wash campaigns. At a time when inequality and exclusion remain pressing issues, The Rise Project sends a clear message, ‘Inclusion is not optional, it is essential’.

What personal experience or observations motivate you to launch The Rise Project?

The project was deeply inspired by my own experience of temporarily relying on a walking aid. That period gave me a glimpse into the daily struggles of those with mobility challenges. It taught me the importance of empathy and opened my eyes to how much society often overlooks people living with disabilities. That experience became the seed that grew into The Rise Project.

Your project focuses on mobility aid distribution (WASH) digital empowerment, and mental health, how do all these connect under one vision?

Though diverse, these components all address barriers to living a dignified life. Mobility aids restore independence. WASH ensures healthy living. Digital and vocational training provide economic empowerment. Mental health advocacy fosters resilience and confidence. Together, they form a holistic approach to inclusion and community transformation.

What challenges have people with physical disabilities and underserved communities shared with you that The Rise Project aims to solve?

Many face limited mobility due to lack of assistive devices, which isolates them socially and economically. Communities also struggle with poor access to clean water, inadequate livelihood opportunities, and the stigma around mental health. The Rise Project seeks to tackle these gaps directly, providing tools, skills, and support that enable people to thrive.

How will The Rise Project contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

The project directly contributes to several SDGs, including: SDG 1: No Poverty; SDG 3: Good health and well-being, through mental health advocacy; SDG 4: Quality education, through vocational and digital skills training; SDG 5: Gender equality, by prioritising women empowerment; SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation, through WASH campaigns; SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth by equipping youth with employable skills; SDG 10: Reduced inequalities, by supporting persons with disabilities.

In what ways are women and young people central to the Rise Project’s mission?

Women and young people are at the heart of the project because they are often the most affected by exclusion yet also the most powerful drivers of change. By equipping them with skills, resources, and platforms, The Rise Project empowers them to become leaders and changemakers in their communities.

Funding is a challenge for many NGOs. How is The Azaria Impact Foundation looking to sustain this project, and how can individuals or organisations support?

We are pursuing a mixed model of fundraising that blends creativity with community support. This includes crowdfunding campaigns on our social media platforms, participating in trade fairs, hosting yard sales, creating products to sell, organising car wash drives, merch sales, live auctions and grants applications. We are also exploring new avenues such as fundraising dinners/galas and the development of social enterprises.

While we have not yet built formal partnerships with organisations, we are actively seeking collaborations with local and international NGOs, as well as private sector CSR programs. Sustainability will also come from the strength of our volunteers and local networks.

Individuals and organisations can support by donating directly, sponsoring specific project components such as dignity kits (pads, soap, combs, etc.), handwashing pedal stations, mobility aids (walking sticks and canes), or vocational start-up kits ( resin art, bead making, tie and dye,recycling kits etc) for participants and by offering expertise or resources that strengthen our programs.

Partnership is key in the development space. What kind of partners are you looking to collaborate with, and how can they get involved?

We are looking for partners who share our vision of inclusion and empowerment. These include development agencies, healthcare providers, tech hubs for digital training, mental health professionals, private sector sponsors, and grassroots community leaders globally. We welcome collaborations in vocational and digital training, health services, technology, advocacy, and project sponsorship.

Mental health is often overlooked in development work, why did you decide to include it in The Rise Project?

Because empowerment is incomplete without mental well-being. In underserved communities, the stigma around mental health prevents many from seeking help, leading to cycles of silence and suffering. By including mental health, The Rise Project ensures that people are not just physically and economically empowered, but also emotionally resilient.

Looking ahead, what are your dreams for The Rise Project five years from now?

In five years, I envision The Rise Project as a nationwide movement that has impacted thousands of lives in Africa. I envision schools where no child is excluded because of disability, communities where clean water flows freely, and a strong network of empowered women and young people leading local solutions and thriving in digital spaces globally. Ultimately, I dream of communities where inclusion is a norm, not a privilege.

If you could leave our readers with one message about The Rise Project, what would it be?

The Rise Project is more than an initiative, it is an invitation. An invitation to stand with us, to transform pain into power, and to ensure that no one is left behind. Together, we can rise higher, stronger, and more united than ever before.

Many Nigerians are not aware that there are regulations in handling of banknotes; these regulations are not only in existence, they are also backed by law. And because ignorance is not an excuse in law, it is important that people know about banknote handling practices.

Why is the naira so important that there are rules on its handling? The naira, which is Nigeria’s bank notes and legal tender, is the symbol of our national pride and their condition in circulation reflects who we are.

Indeed, the Central Bank of Nigeria encourages the public to adopt responsible banknote handling practices to preserve the quality of the naira and also enhance the lifespan of the Naira.

What constitute good Banknote Handling Practices? They are simple guidelines stated below:

Do not store the Naira indecently: Keep banknotes clean, flat and avoid folding, crumpling or stapling.

Do not write on the Naira: Avoid writing on banknotes.

Do not squeeze the Naira: Store in a wallet, Purse or Pouch.

Do not deface the Naira: Avoid exposing banknotes to liquids like water, oil etc.

Do not spray the Naira: Give cash gifts in envelopes or via electronic channels.

Flouting any of the guidelines listed is a punishable offence under the law. Under the provisions of Section 21 of the CBN Act, 2007, all acts that constitute Naira abuse are punishable by imprisonment for a term of not less than six months or a fine not less than N50,000 or both.

The offences captured by the Act include:

Spraying of, dancing on or matching or stepping on the naira: This is explicitly prohibited and constitutes an offense.

Selling or trading naira notes and coins: This refers to the act of selling banknotes or coins for a higher value than their face value, which is illegal.

Mutilation, defacement or soiling the naira: This covers any act of intentionally damaging, writing on, or defacing naira notes or coins, including stapling, tearing or excessive crumpling.

To make it easy to keep the rules; e-payment channels offer a convenient and secure alternative to cash for transactions; use mobile money, mobile banking, internet banking, POS or card payments to keep our currency in good condition.

Another member of the Labour Party (LP), Senator Kelvin Chukwu, from Enugu East, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday.

Chukwu blamed his decision on ‘internal wranglings’ within the LP, a move that reduced the number of LP senators to just four (4), while the APC climbed further up in its majority dominance to 69.

The defection came as the Senate received two new members.

Senator Nwachukwu Emmanuel Chibuzor of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) replaced the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah (Anambra South), while Senator Ikpea Joseph Igiagbe was inaugurated to replace the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo (Edo Central).

In his defection letter, Chukwu wrote, ‘I write to formally notify you and my distinguished colleagues in the Nigerian Senate of my decision to resign my membership of the Labour Party and to join the All Progressives Congress effective immediately.

‘This decision was reached after extensive consultations with my constituents in my senatorial district, my political associates and stakeholders across various levels in Enugu State.

‘It is a reflection of my commitment to aligning with a platform that works, and I believe I’ll do better and represent the collective interest of my people better.

‘I’ll bring more dividends of democracy; I’ll meet the aspirations of the good people of Enugu East Senatorial District and Nigerians at large.

‘Recent developments, including internal wranglings, leadership crises, policy disagreements, lack of cohesion, lack of direction.

‘Lack of focus at both the state and national levels have made it increasingly difficult for me to effectively discharge my duties to represent my constituents under its banner.

‘These challenges have undermined the core values and principles upon which the Labour Party was initially founded.

‘After careful reflection, I am convinced that the All Progressives Congress, under the leadership of the performing President, President Bola Tinubu, provides a more stable, more progressive, more inclusive platform.

‘For achieving our shared goals of economic growth, good governance, national unity, national cohesion, social development and progress for the nation called Nigeria.

‘I remain committed to serving the great people of Enugu East Senatorial Zone and the Nigerian people with integrity, with diligence and patriotism.

‘And I assure you of my continued contributions to the work of the 10th Senate in the service of our fatherland.’

Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, congratulated Akpabio as the Chairman of the National Assembly, President Tinubu and all APC lawmakers in the National Assembly on the gale of defections in the country.

‘I am congratulating all of us because what is happening is not just by an accident of history. What is happening is in direct response to the new thing happening to Nigeria.

‘The APC-led government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is working, and regardless of what anyone would have thought a year ago or two years ago, it is becoming obvious to Nigerians that we are making a difference,’ he said.

Speaking, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, said, ‘I have always worried about the left side of the aisle but I’m no longer worried. If they like, let them all move here.

‘Your discretion living in a tattered house is hereby accepted.’

He added, ‘I want a strong and vibrant opposition in Nigeria, but where they are not able to organise themselves, and all the political parties are in tatters, then the right thing for them to do is to join me and join Mr President.

‘So that we can move this country forward. We are not going to have one-party system; that is why INEC is registering more parties.

‘Please put your house in order. I have been looking at the way you are getting depleted on a daily basis, and I am in total sympathy with what is going on.

‘The PDP is on the ground, the Umbrella is torn, the Labour Party is scattered.’

But the mention of PDP drew the displeasure of the Minority Leader of the Senate, Senator Abba Moro, who interjected, ‘With due respect and without prejudice to some achievements that Mr President has made, I want to say that no matter the number that are here (the opposition), we are capable of holding our own.

‘You said all politics are local. Those who are gravitating towards the majority side are exercising their rights.

‘But my brother and friend, Kelvin, who has just left the third row here, to go to the last row there, I wish him good luck.

‘Mr President, when it was announced that he was going, and he said he had made adequate consultations, I asked the question, Who have you consulted because he didn’t talk to me.

‘And I do know that because our politics are local, my brother came here on the Obedient Movement; he came here on the Sympathy Vote because an accident happened.

‘That is a story for another day,’ Moro said.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has charged the 10,000 newly recruited Police constables to carry with them the values of honour, diligence, and patriotism that have been instilled during their course of their training at the various Police training institutions across the country.

This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Benjamin Hundeyin.

It stated that the Force has successfully passed out 10,000 newly trained constables, following the completion of their intensive training across various Police colleges and training institutions nationwide.

According to the statement, the Passing-Out-Parade (POP), which took place simultaneously across all designated training institutions, marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts of the force to strengthen its manpower base and enhance operational capacity in line with global policing standards

It stated that Egbetokun commended their commitment and perseverance throughout the rigorous training processes.

The statement reads, ‘During their training, the recruits were exposed to modern policing standards, ethical values, and practical field operations designed to prepare them for the complex realities of 21st-century law enforcement.

‘The curriculum emphasised community partnership, intelligence-led policing, respect for human rights, and the judicious use of authority, all aimed at promoting professionalism and public trust in policing.’

It explained that the passing out of the new set of constables formed part of the force’s strategic manpower development plan under the current administration, geared towards enhancing security presence, improving response capacity, and reinforcing public safety across the nation.

It further added that earlier in the year, a set of 10,000 constables passed out of various Police training institutions.

According to it, IGP Egbetokun reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to continuous training, welfare improvement, and institutional reforms that would sustain the gains of modern policing and ensure a safer and more secure Nigeria for all.