Category: Nigerian Tribune

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen on Tuesday disclosed that security and electoral reforms remain top priority.

Hon. Tajudeen who gave the assurance while welcoming members from the resumption from the annual recess, noted the responsibilities before the House are substantial, and the progress we have made so far is meaningful but incomplete.

While acknowledging that Nigerian people look to us for more as they expect deliberate action that improves their daily lives, Speaker Tajudeen said: ‘The Renewed Hope government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pursued reforms to stabilise the economy, enhance security, and attract investment.

‘These efforts require a legislature that provides rigorous oversight, crafts sound laws, and engages constructively with all arms of government.

‘Our midterm review confirms that the 10th House of Representatives has been the most productive since 1999, both in terms of legislative outputs and outcomes.

‘Despite political and economic challenges, we have strengthened internal capacity, updated our rules, and expanded citizen participation.

‘We have deepened public engagement through the House Open Week, town halls, media briefings, and the use of digital and new media tools.

‘Between June 2023 and mid-2025, the House considered 2,263 bills, passed 237, and secured Presidential assent for 50, covering power reform, student loans, cybersecurity, tax policy, and regional development.

‘Our oversight is becoming more rigorous, with ongoing investigations and financial recoveries.

‘Crucially, constructive collaboration with the Executive has enabled timely budgets, aligned reforms and effective policy outcomes, all while preserving the legislature’s independence and demonstrating that shared goals deliver more than conflict.

‘Honourable colleagues, during the recess, national indicators showed cautious optimism. Headline inflation decreased for a fifth consecutive month to 20.12 per cent, while food inflation also eased.

‘Diplomatic measures restored United Arab Emirates (UAE) visa services and Emirates flights, reopening avenues for trade and travel. Our security agencies have disrupted insurgent networks and rescued abducted Citizens.

‘While progress has been made, Nigerians still experience high living costs, underemployment, and insecurity in some areas.

‘These challenges present opportunities for us to implement targeted legislative actions and foster ongoing engagement to create a brighter future for all.

‘In the coming months, our attention must turn to several urgent priorities. Chief among them is the constitutional amendment.

‘Eighty-seven proposals concerning devolution of powers, local government autonomy, judicial reform, and socio-economic rights await debate and voting.

‘The national public hearing held on Monday, 22 September 2025, organised by the House Committee on Constitutional Amendment, was well-attended and highly successful, reflecting broad public interest and support.

‘We must now complete these votes and transmit the approved amendments to the State Assemblies before the end of December to enable early concurrence ahead of the election period.’

While stressing the need for the House to finalise electoral reforms well ahead of the 2027 general elections, Speaker Tajudeen explained that the proposed Electoral Act Amendment Bill seeks not only to strengthen measures against violence, improve access for persons with disabilities, and establish clearer timelines for resolving disputes, but also to reduce the ambiguities that trailed the last elections.

‘Our goal is to make elections less contentious and litigious, lower their cost through single-day voting, and make the process of party primaries more democratic and inclusive. Related constitutional changes include provisions for an Electoral Offences Commission. Our goal is to produce a new Electoral Act that stands the test of time.

‘Honourable colleagues, another major priority is the Reserved Seats Bill for women. Currently, women hold fewer than 5% of seats in the National Assembly, placing Nigeria among the countries with the lowest female parliamentary representation worldwide.

‘The bill proposes creating additional seats, without reallocating existing ones. These seats will be contested exclusively by women. They are entirely new and will not affect the current 109 seats in the Senate or the 360 seats in the House.

‘This arrangement preserves the mandate and aspirations of existing Members while expanding opportunities for women’s representation and helping Nigeria improve its poor global standing. I urge Members to support this historic step. We are all HeForShe in advancing gender inclusion, and how we vote on this bill will shape how history and our daughters remember us.’

He said: ‘Security reforms remain a top priority. The debate on multi-level policing must move from theory to decisive legislative action. Creating State Police through a constitutional amendment remains an option. At the same time, we must strengthen community policing by revising the Police Act, 2020.

‘While Section 19 establishes Community Policing Committees and Section 33(1) vests recruitment in the Inspector-General of Police, these provisions centralise too much authority and limit local responsiveness.

‘We should consider devolving recruitment, training, and deployment of community police officers to states under federal oversight. This would give states a greater role in shaping their security architecture while preserving national standards and coordination.’

‘Economic recovery and job creation must stay at the core of our agenda. Small and medium-sized enterprises, the backbone of our economy, continue to face high costs, unreliable electricity, and limited access to credit.

‘We must utilise legislative measures to speed up the implementation of the Startup Act, vocational training hubs, and technology parks.

‘Equally important is progressive legislation to promote renewable energy, enhance grid reliability, and attract private investment to stabilise power supply and stimulate growth.’

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, has urged stakeholders to increase investment in Nigeria’s creative sector to unlock its vast potential for inclusive growth, job creation, and global competitiveness.

Speaking at the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit (NESG) in Abuja on Tuesday, Musawa noted that the creative economy currently contributes about 2.3 percent to the national GDP and provides employment to more than 4.2 million people across various industries.

Highlighting the success stories of Nollywood, the Nigerian fashion industry, and Afrobeats, the Minister said these sectors demonstrate the country’s capacity to become a global creative powerhouse if adequately supported.

‘We must create an environment that attracts both local and international investors to our creative industries. This requires not only financial incentives but also a strong regulatory framework that ensures transparency, accountability, and ease of doing business,’ Musawa said.

She identified key challenges confronting the sector, including limited access to funding, inadequate infrastructure, and regulatory and policy bottlenecks, while calling on financial institutions to design instruments that cater to the unique needs of the creative industry.

‘I urge those present who represent the formal financial sector, to start to make considerations for the unique nature of our sector and its products,’ she stated.

Musawa also stressed the need for an enabling regulatory environment that promotes innovation and creativity, assuring stakeholders that her ministry remains committed to driving reforms in policy and governance to strengthen the industry.

‘Together, we can build a future where creativity and innovation drive sustainable economic growth and cultural prosperity for Nigeria. As Omoyemi Akerele, Founder and CEO of Lagos Fashion Week and Style House Files, once said, ‘The creative economy is not just about entertainment; it’s about creating a sustainable ecosystem that empowers our talents and showcases our rich cultural heritage to the world,” she concluded.

The workshop, themed ‘Building Productive Sectors: Investing in the Creative Economy,’ brought together key stakeholders, private sector investors, and creative entrepreneurs to explore strategies for harnessing the potential of Nigeria’s creative economy and building a resilient, globally competitive sector.

The Commander of the Osun Amotekun Corps, Adekunle Isaac Omoyele, narrowly escaped being killed on Monday evening by unknown gunmen who waylaid him while he was returning home after closing from duty at the Corps Headquarters in Osogbo.

The incident, which reportedly occurred around 10:05 p.m., according to the Command’s spokesperson, Yusuf Idowu Abass, saw the assailants, who were heavily armed and masked, perpetrate the act along Ikirun Road, near Kobo area, beside Charity Hotel in the town, while he was driving home in his private vehicle.

‘The attackers reportedly opened fire on his car, leaving it riddled with bullets. The Commander sustained gunshot wounds but managed to escape from the scene and was later rushed to a hospital for urgent medical attention.’

Abass confirmed that Omoyele is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed medical facility and remains in stable condition under close observation.

It was gathered that the matter has been reported to the Ota-Efun Police Division, and security agencies have launched an investigation into the incident.

In another development, the state governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has vowed to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators of the Akinlalu killings, as the people of Akinlalu town in Osun State cry out for justice after a tragic incident in which seven individuals were killed.

The Governor made the statement on Monday through the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, when the government delegation visited the town. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and concern among the community, with calls for swift action to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

In response to the crisis, the Osun State Government has sent a delegation comprising the Special Adviser on Security, the Commissioner of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies to investigate the incident and fish out the culprits. The government’s prompt response has been welcomed by the people of Akinlalu, who are eager to see justice served.

Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, delivering the message of Governor Adeleke, condemned the incident and assured the people of Akinlalu that the Adeleke-led government is a listening government that does not support criminality. He promised that justice would prevail and that those responsible for the killings would face the full wrath of the law.

Alimi further emphasised that the government will conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident. He urged the people of Akinlalu to remain calm and patient, assuring them that justice would be served in due course.

Hon. Alimi appreciated Oriyomi Hamzat and other bloggers for their concern over the situation, stating that their voices had brought attention to the plight of the people of Akinlalu.

Ibrahim Gothan, the Commissioner of Police, also assured the people of Akinlalu that justice would be served, revealing that the police force swung into action immediately after the incident occurred.

He disclosed that three suspects had already been apprehended and detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Osogbo, promising that the remaining culprits would soon be brought to book.

Barr. Jimi Bada, the Attorney General of the state, also weighed in on the incident, expressing sympathy with the affected families and praying for God’s comfort during this difficult time. He promised that justice would prevail, warning that those found guilty would face severe consequences, including imprisonment or even death.

The monarch of Akinlalu, Oba Oloyede Aborisade, representing the people of the town, pleaded with the government to ensure that justice is served, describing the incident as extremely painful and hazardous to the community.

The king also appealed to the Osun State Government to come to the aid of the victims’ families by providing them with adequate compensation.

Adeboye Musbau, the Youth Leader of Akinlalu, speaking on behalf of the angry youths, called for immediate action from the Osun State Government to thoroughly investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.

‘We cannot afford to suffer in vain,’ he said, adding, ‘We appeal to the government to do the needful and compensate the affected families generously.’

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Barrister Samuel Ojo, thereafter appealed to the youth to remain calm and assured them of justice.

The Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) in Kogi State has said the state needs 2,871 additional teachers to bridge the widening manpower gap in public secondary schools and restore the quality of education.

ASUSS Chairman, Mr Emejeh Ogwu, stated this in Lokoja during the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration, where he urged Governor Ahmed Ododo to approve the immediate recruitment of the needed teachers to address the deficit.

Ogwu said the shortage of qualified teachers was already affecting the standard of education in the state.

‘We will never stop appreciating the state government for the recruitment of 1,108 teachers in 2023 out of the 3,979 teachers actually approved for employment by the immediate past administration of Alhaji Yahaya Bello,’ he said.

‘We want to put it on record that at the time the above number of teachers were recruited, public secondary schools in Kogi were in dire need of 9,948 teachers. Between the time of the approval and now, the situation has even become more critical as a result of death, retirement, and the movement of teachers to areas where pastures are greener.’

The ASUSS chairman appealed to the Federal Government to take stronger steps to stabilise the naira and reduce the cost of living to improve the real value of teachers’ salaries.

Ogwu also called on the state government to pay outstanding leave bonuses, harmonise pension payments for retirees, and extend ongoing infrastructural development to secondary schools across the state.

He further urged the government to implement a revolving motorcycle loan scheme to ease teachers’ mobility, especially in rural areas.

While commending the government for regular payment of salaries, pensions, and the implementation of the minimum wage, Ogwu said more investment in education was vital to sustain progress.

In his goodwill message, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour Matters, Mr. Onu Johnson-Edoka, praised teachers for their commitment to nation-building and called for stronger collaboration among teachers, parents, and communities to nurture disciplined and productive students.

Also speaking, the state Head of Service, Dr. Elijah Adeiza, said the government had received ASUSS’s request for additional teachers and assured that the administration of Governor Ododo, which he described as teachers-friendly, was already working on measures to address their concerns.

The Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has congratulated the Founder of Freedom Apostolic Revival International Ministry and Ori Oke-Ogo, Asejire, Ibadan, Prophet Samuel Adebayo Ojo, popularly known as Baba Authority, on the occasion of the Church’s 20th Anniversary Celebration.

Delivering the Governor’s goodwill message at the event, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Idowu Ajanaku, who represented Governor Aiyedatiwa, described Prophet Ojo as ‘a vessel of divine purpose whose unwavering faith and prophetic ministry have inspired millions and strengthened the spiritual fabric of the nation.’

Governor Aiyedatiwa noted that Prophet Ojo’s consistency in spreading the gospel, mentoring young ministers, and promoting moral revival aligns with the values of discipline, faith, and service that are essential to nation-building. He emphasized that men of God like Baba Authority have played pivotal roles in shaping communities through prayers, guidance, and acts of compassion.

The Governor also used the occasion to urge religious leaders to continue fostering peace, unity, and moral rebirth among Nigerians, adding that the state government remains committed to building an environment where both spiritual and social development can thrive.

While commending the Freedom Apostolic Revival International Ministry for its 20 years of unbroken growth and service, Aiyedatiwa prayed for greater grace, wisdom, and strength for Prophet Ojo and his congregation to continue their divine assignment in the years ahead.

The anniversary celebration drew clerics, government officials, and dignitaries from across the country, all gathered to honor Prophet Ojo’s two decades of impactful ministry and enduring faith in the service of God and humanity.

THE Federal Government in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), OXFAM and social partners, have revalidated the National World Of Work Gender Policy, as part of efforts to promote inclusivity and gender equity in Nigeria’s labour sector.

At the stakeholders re-validation workshop on Thursday in Abuja, representatives from the ILO, OXFAM, government ministries, trade unions, employers’ associations, and civil society organisations, endorsed the reviewed policy, which seeks to address gender-based discrimination, enhance workplace protections, and create equal opportunities for men and women across all sectors.

Director Inspectorate Department, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mrs Olaolu Olaitan who noted that the policy had been validated before, said the revalidation exercise underscores Nigeria’s commitment to aligning its labour practices with international standards that guarantee fairness, decent work, and the protection of vulnerable groups

According to her, it was the continuation of a collective journey towards ensuring workplaces in Nigeria were inclusive, equitable, and free from all forms of violence, harassment, and discrimination.

She said: ‘The National World of Work Gender Policy represents a milestone in our national efforts to mainstream gender into labour administration, inspection, and workplace practices. It is not just a policy document; it is a tool that will help shape a more just and productive world of work for both men and women.

‘This re-validation exercise provides us with a unique opportunity to carefully review the draft policy, strengthen its provisions, and ensure that it reflects both our national context and international best practices.

‘Gender equality in the world of work is not the responsibility of government alone but a shared commitment that requires the active participation of all stakeholders’, employers, workers, and civil societies.’

Director, ILO Country Office for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Liaison office for ECOWAS,.Dr. Vanessa Phala, noted that the revalidated policy would strengthen mechanisms for addressing workplace inequalities, close the gender pay gap, help dismantle systemic barriers limiting women’s participation in the workforce and improve Nigeria’s progress toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5 and 8.

Represented by Dr. Runo Onosode, she noted that Nigeria’s adoption of the policy was a testament to ILO’s vision of workplaces that respect human rights, guarantee equal opportunity, eradicate discrimination and violence, and harness the full potential of all individuals.

‘It sends a clear message that gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but also a cornerstone of national productivity, social justice, and sustainable development

‘Importantly, the policy acknowledges the intersecting vulnerabilities faced by specific groups; workers in the informal economy. persons with disabilities, those with family responsibilities, and migrant workers. By doing so, it reaffirms the principle that no worker should be left behind, regardless of gender, status, or circumstance.

‘This policy’s strategic focus on pay equity, prevention of workplace violence and harassment, affirmative action for women’s leadership representation, and gender-responsive workplace environments aligns with Nigeria’s national development goals as well as global standards such as the Sustainable Development Goals.

‘As custodians of decent work and international labour standards, the ILO stands ready to continue providing technical expertise and support, working in close collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Labour and other partners to facilitate the policy’s effective implementation. Together, we will promote inclusive workplaces, empower women and vulnerable groups, and strengthen institutional capacities for monitoring and enforcement.’

She commended Nigeria for showing true leadership in advancing gender equality through the ratification of key ILO Conventions over the years, such as; Convention 100 on Equal Remuneration, Convention 111 on Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) and most most recently, Convention 190 on Violence and Harassment in the World of Work.

The Country Director, Oxfam in Nigeria, John Makina described the policy as a guiding document towards fostering an inclusive, equitable, and gender-responsive workplace environment across Nigeria.

Represented by OXFAM’s Acting Manager Economies, Peggy Maimagi, he urged employers to integrate the policy into their organisational structures, stressing that sustainable growth could only be achieved when workplaces were inclusive, safe, and equitable for all workers.

‘As advocates and influencers, we carry a profound responsibility to shape policies and practices that not only recognize but actively promote equality, dignity, and opportunity for all workers-regardless of gender or social status.

‘The policy we are validating today has the potential to transform Nigeria’s workplaces into spaces that close the gender pay gap, embrace diversity, promote inclusion, and safeguard decent work for all. It is a tool for creating safe, equitable, and enabling environments where both women and men can thrive, individually and collectively. We are not just validating a document; we are shaping the future of work in Nigeria.’

THE creator of 40andFabulousNaija, a Nigerian reality TV show, Ambassador Jolly Nnenna Abani, has called for greater support from sponsors, partners, and broadcasters to expand a project aimed at empowering women and creating jobs across communities.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Abani, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Mother of Models International, said the initiative was designed to tackle stereotypes against women aged 40 and above while equipping them with practical skills to achieve economic independence. She said the programme also creates opportunities for girls and other vulnerable groups through training and empowerment schemes.

‘Strong women build strong nations,’ Abani said. ‘When women are empowered, entire families and communities are lifted out of poverty. This project is about healing, empowerment, and giving women – especially those over 40 – a second chance to thrive,’ he added.

Abani explained that 40andFabulousNaija goes beyond entertainment by providing women with hands-on skills that can create sustainable livelihoods. The show, which doubles as a non-governmental organization, also offers support to single mothers, widows, divorcees, and survivors of abuse who often face barriers to social and economic inclusion.

She appealed to major television networks to provide access to airtime, lamenting that value-driven content such as hers is often sidelined while shows that ‘erode family values’ dominate viewing schedules.

‘We are not asking for free airtime,’ Abani stated. ‘What we are asking for is a fair commercial arrangement – a purchase of airtime so our content can reach the audience it deserves. When you invest in this project, you are investing in women, families, and the future of our society,’ she stated.

Preparations are underway for Season 3 of the show, which will, for the first time, include men who will join the house on weekends to network and showcase their businesses, while women will live in the house full-time. According to Abani, this format aims to encourage entrepreneurship and collaboration among participants.

Abani said she remains optimistic about the upcoming season, describing it as a turning point for the programme and its impact.

‘Anticipate a season filled with hope, progress, and greatness,’ she told journalists.

The 40andFabulousNaija platform has so far provided empowerment and training for women and girls in different communities, with Abani emphasizing that sustained support from stakeholders would allow it to expand its reach, create more jobs, and promote decency and family-oriented values in society.

AS the battle of wits rages among the Osun State chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Nigeria Union Of Local government Employees (NULGE) over Osun local governments allocations, the leadership of Omoluabi Progressives in the state, on Monday, warned the Federal Government to stop starving duly elected local government executives of their statutory funds.

The group, within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the state, further described the alleged attitude of the APC-led Federal Government of imposing illegal local government chairmen and diverting council funds as a direct assault on democracy in the state and across Nigeria.

The chairman of the group, Azeez Adesiji, who expressed displeasure over the development at a press conference in Osogbo, called for resistance against what he alleged as the conspiracy of the Federal Government and the APC to divert billions of naira into an illegal account opened in the name of ‘yes or no’ illegal chairmen in the state.

According to him, ‘Instead of upholding the law, the Federal Government has chosen to perpetrate fascism by starving duly elected local government executives of their statutory funds and diverting billions of naira into an illegal account opened in the name of these ‘Yes or No’ illegal chairmen.

‘This is not only unconstitutional but a direct theft of the people’s resources and political brigandage,’ Adesiji said. He described the development as ‘a declaration of war against the Nigerian Constitution and the people of Osun State.

‘The Federal Government is setting a dangerous precedent by disregarding valid court judgments to entrench rejected cronies in power.

‘We condemn in the strongest terms this overbearing conduct of the federal government, which has shown that it will stop at nothing to manipulate institutions, desecrate the courts, and subvert the will of the people.

‘This same pattern of lawlessness is already creeping into Osun politics ahead of the forthcoming elections, and Nigerians must take note of what this portends for 2027.

‘This is a brazen assault on democracy, rule of law, and the sanctity of the constitution by the APC-led administration. Those parading themselves as council chairmen and councillors have no lawful mandates, no constitutional backing, and no electoral legitimacy.

‘APC’s attempt to build legality on the election it conducted based on a technical victory over a pre-election matter, despite a judgment that nullified the election outrightly, is laughable and the height of political rascality,’ he stressed.

‘We warn that funds deposited in the accounts of the disputed council officials must not be touched,’ describing any such withdrawal as criminal. ‘Local government funds must be released to legitimate and constitutional authorities.

‘By any accounting procedure, government allocation cannot be paid directly or indirectly into any government functionary’s account. Doing so would amount to an egregious violation of financial regulations, which the ICPC should address with urgency’.

‘We charge professional bodies and democratic institutions, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and civil society groups, to stand up against the misuse of Osun people’s resources as the APC’s political war chest.

‘We also call on democratic institutions, civil society organisations, labour unions, opposition parties, and the international community to resist the creeping authoritarianism allegedly being imposed through local government structures.

‘The struggle for local government autonomy must not be turned into an APC scheme for political capture and financial looting,’ insisting that those behind the diversion of council funds must be held accountable.’

Omoluabi has no locus to interprete law -APC

But when contacted by the Nigerian Tribune on the allegation, Osun APC accused the Omoluabi group of seeking attention through political propaganda and suggested that the group should preoccupy itself with resolving its internal crisis within the ADC rather than meddling in Osun’s local government affairs.

The party’s spokesperson, Chief Kola Olabisi, in a statement in Osogbo, stated: ‘There couldn’t have been any need for their tirade beyond mere attention-seeking as that is the only way they could be heard.

‘No fabricated or concocted side talks can take the place of the Appeal Court judgment which was not challenged in the Supreme Court.’

He described the Omoluabi Progressives’ criticism as belated and unnecessary, claiming that it is acting behind time.

‘The matter of the delayed federal allocations to the local governments had long been settled by the Court of Appeal judgment of February 10, 2025 and what authority does the Omoluabi Progressives have to interpret court judgments?

‘The Appeal Court judgment expressly reinstated the APC local government chairmen and councillors, making them the constitutionally elected council officers in the face of the law.

‘Who conferred the status of interpreter of the law or court judgment on the busy-body members and leaders of the questionable Omoluabi Progressives?’ Kolawole queried.

Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Monday marked another milestone in its transformation journey with the commissioning of the NAF Headquarters Annex Complex in Gudu, Abuja.

This was contained in a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja on Monday by the Service Spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.

According to the statement, the new NAF headquarters annex facility, designed to decongest the overstretched Headquarters in Garki, was described as a bold step towards strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing productivity, and boosting personnel welfare.

Beyond its administrative value, the project also reinforced the NAF’s capacity to project airpower more effectively in defending the nation and protecting the lives of citizens.

Speaking at the event, the Special Guest Minister of Defence, Dr Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, commended the foresight of the NAF leadership, noting that the project reflected resilience, vision, and commitment to institutional growth.

He observed that since its establishment in 1964, the Air Force had expanded tremendously in scope and responsibility, creating the need for new administrative and operational support structures.

According to him, relocating key branches such as the Air Secretary, Standards and Evaluation, Transformation and Innovation, as well as the 051 Personnel Management Group and an Annex of the Chief of the Air Staff’s Office, would not only ease congestion but also provide a firmer institutional foundation for the future.

While praising the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, for aligning the project with his Command Philosophy of maintaining a highly motivated force through welfare and infrastructural renewal, he declared, ‘This Annex is a reflection of the Air Force’s habit of excellence and foresight’.

In his remarks, the Chief of the Air Staff explained that the Gudu Annex was deliberately acquired and remodelled to create a conducive work environment and strengthen coordination.

He emphasised that the project underscored the Service’s commitment to excellence and welfare, noting that motivation thrives where efficiency and infrastructure are prioritised.

According to him, ‘the commissioning of the HQ NAF Annex stands as a testament to our dynamism, resilience, and forward-looking posture,’

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Chief of Administration, Air Vice Marshal Idi Sani, described the commissioning of the Headquarters Nigerian Air Force Annex Complex in Gudu as more than the unveiling of a new structure.

He noted that the event represents a defining milestone in the continuous transformation and dynamic growth of the Nigerian Air Force.

Several dignitaries attended the occasion, including the Acting Chairman of the Senate Committee on Air Force, Senator Augustine Akobundu; the Chairman of the House Committee on Air Force, Honourable Kabiru Al-Hassan Rurum; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; Service Chiefs and other senior officers.

AS the battle of wits rages among the Osun State chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Nigeria Union Of Local government Employees (NULGE) over Osun local governments allocations, the leadership of Omoluabi Progressives in the state, on Monday, warned the Federal Government to stop starving duly elected local government executives of their statutory funds.

The group, within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the state, further described the alleged attitude of the APC-led Federal Government of imposing illegal local government chairmen and diverting council funds as a direct assault on democracy in the state and across Nigeria.

The chairman of the group, Azeez Adesiji, who expressed displeasure over the development at a press conference in Osogbo, called for resistance against what he alleged as the conspiracy of the Federal Government and the APC to divert billions of naira into an illegal account opened in the name of ‘yes or no’ illegal chairmen in the state.

According to him, ‘Instead of upholding the law, the Federal Government has chosen to perpetrate fascism by starving duly elected local government executives of their statutory funds and diverting billions of naira into an illegal account opened in the name of these ‘Yes or No’ illegal chairmen.

‘This is not only unconstitutional but a direct theft of the people’s resources and political brigandage,’ Adesiji said. He described the development as ‘a declaration of war against the Nigerian Constitution and the people of Osun State.

‘The Federal Government is setting a dangerous precedent by disregarding valid court judgments to entrench rejected cronies in power.

‘We condemn in the strongest terms this overbearing conduct of the federal government, which has shown that it will stop at nothing to manipulate institutions, desecrate the courts, and subvert the will of the people.

‘This same pattern of lawlessness is already creeping into Osun politics ahead of the forthcoming elections, and Nigerians must take note of what this portends for 2027.

‘This is a brazen assault on democracy, rule of law, and the sanctity of the constitution by the APC-led administration. Those parading themselves as council chairmen and councillors have no lawful mandates, no constitutional backing, and no electoral legitimacy.

‘APC’s attempt to build legality on the election it conducted based on a technical victory over a pre-election matter, despite a judgment that nullified the election outrightly, is laughable and the height of political rascality,’ he stressed.

‘We warn that funds deposited in the accounts of the disputed council officials must not be touched,’ describing any such withdrawal as criminal. ‘Local government funds must be released to legitimate and constitutional authorities.

‘By any accounting procedure, government allocation cannot be paid directly or indirectly into any government functionary’s account. Doing so would amount to an egregious violation of financial regulations, which the ICPC should address with urgency’.

‘We charge professional bodies and democratic institutions, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and civil society groups, to stand up against the misuse of Osun people’s resources as the APC’s political war chest.

‘We also call on democratic institutions, civil society organisations, labour unions, opposition parties, and the international community to resist the creeping authoritarianism allegedly being imposed through local government structures.

‘The struggle for local government autonomy must not be turned into an APC scheme for political capture and financial looting,’ insisting that those behind the diversion of council funds must be held accountable.’

Omoluabi has no locus to interprete law -APC

But when contacted by the Nigerian Tribune on the allegation, Osun APC accused the Omoluabi group of seeking attention through political propaganda and suggested that the group should preoccupy itself with resolving its internal crisis within the ADC rather than meddling in Osun’s local government affairs.

The party’s spokesperson, Chief Kola Olabisi, in a statement in Osogbo, stated: ‘There couldn’t have been any need for their tirade beyond mere attention-seeking as that is the only way they could be heard.

‘No fabricated or concocted side talks can take the place of the Appeal Court judgment which was not challenged in the Supreme Court.’

He described the Omoluabi Progressives’ criticism as belated and unnecessary, claiming that it is acting behind time.

‘The matter of the delayed federal allocations to the local governments had long been settled by the Court of Appeal judgment of February 10, 2025 and what authority does the Omoluabi Progressives have to interpret court judgments?

‘The Appeal Court judgment expressly reinstated the APC local government chairmen and councillors, making them the constitutionally elected council officers in the face of the law.

‘Who conferred the status of interpreter of the law or court judgment on the busy-body members and leaders of the questionable Omoluabi Progressives?’ Kolawole queried.