Category: PM News

Sixty-six years ago today, our flag was raised, for the first time, over a free and sovereign nation. Since then, we have journeyed together as one nation, bound by our collective trust in the great promise of Nigeria: that a country of our size, our bountiful resources, our cultural diversity and, above all, our extraordinary people can build a giant in Africa; that in this blessed and fertile land we can build a united, strong and prosperous nation; a land of regional authority and global consequence.

Our journey has not always been easy. In truth, it has generally been too hard for too many. We have known moments of great hope and periods of profound disappointment. We have endured war, military rule, economic crises, insecurity and political upheaval. Yet through it all, Nigeria, with the indomitable spirit of its people, has endured.

It has endured through the efforts of the farmer who rises before dawn to work his land. The trader who opens her shop each morning, hopeful for a productive day. The teacher who believes in the children entrusted to her care and the young entrepreneur who refuses to surrender ambition to circumstance. We are grateful for the men and women of our Armed Forces and security services who place themselves in harm’s way so that the rest of us may live in peace.

Through every difficulty, generations of Nigerians have continued to believe in one thing: that this country of ours will be better.

This faith, which sustains us all, is the inheritance of independence. Our founding fathers did not struggle merely for a flag, an anthem or a place among the nations of the world. Independence carried a larger promise: that Nigerians would have the freedom to shape their own destiny and build a nation capable of providing opportunity, dignity and a better life for its people. Sixty-six years later, Almighty God has made it our responsibility to deliver that promise.

Today, as we celebrate our independence, we must speak honestly about the journey so far, the choices we made, and the country we are determined to build from here.

For too long, the promise of Nigeria was undermined by choices that postponed difficult decisions and allowed deep economic distortions to grow.

By 2023, poverty was rising, and hope was nearly gone. The country’s situation was darker than ever. We had no choice but to act.

Nigeria was like a sick patient who receives the terrible news that he has cancer. His doctor explains that the treatment will be difficult and painful, but that it offers a strong prospect of recovery. The patient has a choice. He can begin treatment, endure its discomfort and fight the disease. Or he can ask only for morphine, dull the pain and leave the cancer to spread.

For too long, Nigeria’s leaders chose morphine while praying for a miracle that never came.

They focused on symptoms while allowing the disease to take hold deep within the fabric of our society. We spent enormous sums sustaining inefficient arrangements that were never intended to last. We hid from difficult truths and passed the consequences from one generation to the next.

When this Administration assumed office, we resolved to do things differently. We chose to excise the cancer. The reforms that followed were difficult. The side effects were real. Yet, we must never confuse the medicine with the disease.

Our reforms did not create the weaknesses in our economy. They confronted them. Now, as certain influential but regressive voices would have us abandon the treatment and return ourselves to the abuse of addictive subsidies, we must resist their siren song. We must remember why we began this journey and how far we have already come.

Three and a half years later, the evidence that Nigeria’s economic outlook has improved is undeniable. Our economy has grown by over 4 per cent this year. Both oil and non-oil sectors have contributed to the renewed period of stable growth.

Oil theft is down. Inflation has fallen substantially from its peak. Our foreign reserves have been rebuilt, our foreign exchange market has stabilised, and in 2025 this country recorded its highest revenue from non-oil exports in its history, exceeding $6 billion. This is real money being made by real Nigerian businesses.

These are not idle claims. International observers, journalists, NGOs and multilateral institutions can see the change. Each has concluded that our reforms have strengthened Nigeria’s economic stability and resilience. The private sector has long since delivered its verdict, and foreign direct investment continues to rise each year.

My fellow Nigerians, we have reached a turning point.

The emergency treatment is over. The foundation has been repaired. The central economic task before us has changed. For three years, our overriding purpose was to correct our nation’s course.

Now, our purpose is simple: shared and widespread prosperity.

When I speak of prosperity, I do not speak merely of a larger economy, abstract numbers or better statistics. I mean something much more personal.

I mean a Nigeria in which the farmer can cultivate his land safely, produce more at lower cost, and earn a decent return for his labour. A Nigeria in which factories have reliable power, businesses can obtain credit, and young people can find productive work. A Nigeria in which food and transportation are affordable, education is within reach, and hard-working families can look towards the future with confidence.

This is the promise we must now fulfil.

Our priority is to bring down the cost of living. We will achieve this by lowering the cost of producing and moving the things Nigerians consume.

We have the land and people to feed ourselves. My government is therefore focused on expanding mechanised irrigation and dry-season farming, improving access to seeds and fertiliser, holistically increasing mechanisation, and investing in storage and transportation. We are building and completing the roads, railways and ports that connect farms and factories to markets.

Our logic is simple. When a farmer produces more cheaply, when fewer crops are lost between the farm and the market, when a manufacturer spends less on electricity, when a truck reaches its destination faster, and when the business environment fosters fair competition, all those savings will ultimately find their way into the price of goods in the market.

But prosperity requires more than cheaper goods. It requires productive work.

Nigeria is a young country. Millions of young Nigerians enter adulthood every year with talent, energy and ambition. Our responsibility is to ensure that this great demographic strength becomes an engine of production rather than a source of despair.

We are therefore placing jobs, enterprise, and industrial growth at the heart of our government’s policies.

We will use our gas to power new industries. We will support businesses that work to bring factories back to life in our great industrial centres. We will expand digital connectivity into communities that have waited too long to participate in the modern economy. We will invest in the skills employers demand and support Nigerian businesses with the infrastructure and finance they need to grow.

I want to see more Nigerians making things. I want to see more Nigerian farms feeding our cities and supplying our factories. I want to see Nigerian businesses selling Nigerian goods to the whole world. I want young Nigerians building unicorns and creating opportunities for others here at home.

I am also conscious that millions of our fellow citizens cannot wait for tomorrow. Some Nigerian families still struggle today for the next meal, the next school fee, the next medical bill, or simply enough money to get to work. Their circumstances did not begin with the reforms of the last three years. Their struggle is the accumulated consequence of decades of low productivity, inadequate infrastructure, insufficient opportunity and institutions that too often failed those who needed them most.

We cannot erase in four years what accumulated over generations. But we can change its course. We can build an economy that steadily lifts people out of poverty while ensuring that those who remain vulnerable are not abandoned along the way.

That is why we are strengthening direct support for the poorest households and improving the National Social Register so that assistance reaches those who genuinely need it.

It is why the Nigerian Education Loan Fund is ensuring that the child of a low-income family need not surrender the dream of higher education simply because his parents cannot afford the fees.

It is why CREDICORP is giving working Nigerians access to consumer credit, allowing people to acquire vehicles, solar systems, digital devices and other essential assets without first having to accumulate years of savings.

That is why, working with our states and local governments, we will continue to strengthen primary healthcare, basic education, and the essential public services poorer Nigerians depend on most. Since 2023, we have paid salaries and pensions on time and in full. We have reformed the national pension program to benefit retirees and the vulnerable.

These programmes are not substitutes for prosperity. They are a bridge to aid our nation’s citizens on their path towards it. Our objective is not to manage poverty more efficiently.

We will defeat it.

It will take time. It will require discipline. It will require sustained growth year after year and the creation of millions of productive opportunities across our country.

But for the first time in decades, we embark on this task from a position of strength; with an economy whose fundamental direction has been corrected. We confronted the difficult choices we faced and have laid the foundations for lasting prosperity. Rather than fail the promise of a better future for our children, the time has come for us to build that future.

The age of reform has done its work. Now begins the age of prosperity. An age in which the promise of this great nation must finally become the lived experience of Nigerians from all walks of life.

We have travelled through difficult years together. We have made hard decisions together. And now, still together, we must build the country those decisions have made possible.

I believe deeply in what lies ahead.

I believe in the millions of ordinary men and women whose work, courage and determination have always been the true strength of our country. The road ahead will still demand much from us. But we travel it now with firm footing, a clear direction and renewed hope in our collective future.

Nigeria has corrected its course. We have passed through our own Red Sea. This is not the time to look back. Let us go forward together, with faith in ourselves, faith in our country, and faith that the sacrifices we have made will yield their reward.

The Promised Land before us is a Nigeria of abundance and opportunity; a nation where prosperity is broadly shared, where every child can dream beyond the circumstances of his birth, and where our country’s immense promise is finally reflected in the lives of our people.

Our destination is in sight. Our foundations are strong. Our direction is clear. So let us go forward. No looking back.

Happy Independence Day, my fellow Nigerians. God bless you all, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR

President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has called on residents to embrace peace and unity, saying both are important for the development of the state.

Fubara made the call in a goodwill message to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

He said the anniversary was an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey since independence in 1960 and renew their commitment to peaceful coexistence.

The governor described Rivers State as the ‘treasure base of the nation’ and a home to people from different ethnic groups. He said the state could only achieve meaningful development when its people lived together peacefully.

According to him, political differences are normal in a democracy but should not be allowed to affect the interests of the state.

‘We may disagree as politicians, but we must never disagree on the peace and progress of Rivers State,’ Fubara said.

He said his administration had made peace a major part of its governance since assuming office, describing it as the most valuable infrastructure.

Fubara also said the relative peace in the state had helped his government attract investments and carry out development projects across the three senatorial districts.

He urged youths, traditional rulers, political leaders and other stakeholders to promote peace in their communities, wards and local government areas.

The governor said no one would benefit if Rivers State returned to crisis and urged residents to support the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He added that national unity and cooperation between the Federal Government and states were important to achieving the goals of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, Thomas Bariere, also called on residents to promote peace, unity, tolerance and responsible citizenship.

Bariere, in his Independence Day message, said the development of Khana required the collective efforts of all residents.

He urged the people to reject division and work together for the progress of the local government.

The chairman also reaffirmed his commitment to improving security, creating opportunities for youths and women, and ensuring that the welfare of residents remained a priority.

He said the journey towards a more developed Khana would require patience, sacrifice and cooperation from residents.

Bariere expressed hope that the new month would bring peace, prosperity and greater opportunities to families and communities across Khana.

He congratulated Nigerians on the 66th Independence Anniversary and prayed for continued peace and progress in Khana, Rivers State and Nigeria.

Supporter of Peter Obi, the 2027 presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, popularly know as Obidient Movement have appointed Mr Moses Paul to replace Yunusa Tanko as their new National Coordinator.

The appointment of Paul who was the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the recent Abuja Municipal Area Council chairmanship election was announced in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by Mr Onyeka Dike of the Movement’s Media and Communications Directorate.

Paul’s appointment was sequel to the reassignment of Tanko as Special Adviser to Peter Obi on Northern Nigeria, the statement indicated.

Tanko, who served as national coordinator for three years was also quoted in the statement as expressing his appreciation to the leadership, members and supporters of Obidient Movement for their support throughout his tenure.

Tanko identified the strengthening of the movement’s organisational structure and institutional framework as major areas of focus during his tenure.

He said that the movement established a National Advisory Council to deepen strategic engagement and transition from election-cycle activism to a lasting institution.

Tanko also highlighted the establishment of offices across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, alongside five regional coordinators and a regional collegiate council.

He said grassroots structures were established across the 37 state coordination areas and 774 local government areas to strengthen the movement’s presence and mobilisation nationwide.

Tanko also said that the Obidient Movement developed an online mobilisation and recruitment platform, www.obidients.com, alongside an election-results monitoring system linked to INEC’s Results Viewing Portal.

He added that the movement expanded its engagement with communities, stakeholders and support groups across the country as part of efforts to strengthen its organisational reach.

The statement said leaders of the movement commended Tanko for his contributions to its organisational development, coordination and expansion during his three-year tenure.

It said Tanko’s new role as special adviser to Peter Obi on Northern Nigeria would involve leading mobilisation and engagement efforts across the region.

According to the statement, Paul, who succeeded Tanko as national coordinator, expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to build on existing structures.

Paul described the Obidient Movement as a citizens’ movement rather than one centred on individuals, while soliciting the prayers, support and cooperation of members and supporters.

‘With grace, humility, courage and determination, I accept the appointment to serve as National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement.

‘Dr Tanko’s shoes are quite big, and I will need your prayers and support to move the movement forward,’ he added.

The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) senatorial candidate for Oyo Central Senatorial District, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has felicitated with Nigerians, residents of Oyo State and, particularly, the people of Oyo Central on the occasion of the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

Ajadi, in his Independence Day message, saluted the resilience and determination of Nigerians in the face of the economic and social challenges confronting the country, urging citizens not to lose faith in the Nigerian project.

He said Nigeria’s ability to remain united despite its diversity and the difficulties experienced over the years was a reason for citizens to celebrate the country’s independence and look towards the future with renewed hope.

According to him, October 1 remains a significant date in the history of Nigeria because it marked the country’s attainment of independence from British colonial rule in 1960. He paid tribute to the country’s founding fathers and other Nigerians whose contributions, he said, helped lay the foundation for the nation’s continued existence as one country.

Ajadi particularly acknowledged the contributions of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo to the development of the old Western Region, noting the region’s historical contributions to education, infrastructure and other areas of development.

‘Despite the challenges we are facing as a nation, we must not lose faith in the Nigerian project. Nigeria has great potential and, with determination, unity and responsible leadership, the country can bounce back and regain its rightful place among the comity of nations,’ Ajadi said.

The APM candidate also called on Nigerians to continue to promote peace, unity and national development, stressing that the task of building a better country requires the collective efforts of citizens, leaders and institutions.

He urged the people of Oyo Central Senatorial District to remain committed to the development of their communities and to continue supporting initiatives aimed at improving the welfare and prospects of residents across the district.

Ajadi also assured the people of the district of his commitment to effective representation, saying his aspiration was centred on bringing democratic dividends and development closer to the people.

He said the Independence anniversary should therefore be used not only as an occasion for celebration but also as an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, appreciate its achievements and renew their commitment to building a more prosperous and united nation.

‘Let us continue to believe in Nigeria. The future is bright, and with collective determination, peace and unity, we can build the Nigeria that our founding fathers envisioned,’ he added.

As Nigerians across the country mark the anniversary, Ajadi called for continued patriotism, unity and commitment to the collective development of the nation, while extending his warm wishes to all Nigerians, the people of Oyo State and the electorate of Oyo Central Senatorial District.

An aide to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, Emmanuel Akpan, popularly known as Egogo, has come under scrutiny after a video in which he confronted social commentator Joel Omosere Agho, popularly known as Mr Common Sense, over his criticism of the state government circulated on social media.

In the video, Egogo challenged Mr Common Sense to return to Nigeria and take his allegations against the government to court, while making remarks which the commentator interpreted as threats to his safety and that of his family.

The exchange followed a series of social media posts by Mr Common Sense in which he questioned aspects of the Edo State Government’s activities and made allegations concerning the administration.

Egogo accused the commentator of spreading what he described as propaganda against the government and urged him to provide evidence for his claims rather than use social media to generate controversy.

‘Go and do your marching order now and sue me to court immediately. Make I see the power wey you get,’ Egogo said in the video.

He also challenged the commentator over his location outside Nigeria, telling him to return to Edo State if he was confident about the claims he was making against the government.

‘Come Nigeria come dey do that your video wey you dey do. Make we teach you lesson,’ he said.

The remarks have attracted renewed attention because they came from a political aide and amid earlier controversies surrounding Egogo’s public comments about opposition politicians.

In April 2026, the Edo State Government publicly distanced itself from a viral video involving Egogo in which he made threatening remarks about opposition figures, saying the comments were personal and did not represent the position of the government. The state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kassim Afegbua, said the administration did not condone gangsterism, political intimidation or attempts to suppress opposition voices.

The Edo State Police Command also previously distanced Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika from remarks made by Egogo in another viral video, saying the comments were his personal views and did not represent the position of the police command or the commissioner.

There have also been reports and allegations circulating about Egogo’s previous conduct, including claims concerning alleged harassment of opposition figures and videos in which political commentators living outside Nigeria were warned against returning home. Such claims require verification from the relevant authorities before they can be treated as established facts.

Mr Common Sense subsequently said he regarded the latest remarks as a threat and publicly documented his concerns about his safety and that of his family in both the United Kingdom and Nigeria.

‘This is me officially registering my concerns about my safety and documenting it thus that everybody that needs to know should know that anything that happens to me or my family, both in the United Kingdom and in Nigeria, Emmanuel Akpan aka Egogo has said with his own mouth that him and the rest of the members of the Edo State government are actively searching for us to hurt us,’ he said.

He added that the incident would not deter him from questioning the government or discussing issues of public interest.

‘Let me also add that this, by no measure, will deter me from holding the Edo State government accountable. In fact, this will spur me even further to asking the right questions even further,’ Mr Common Sense said.

Egogo, however, insisted in the video that he was not afraid of the commentator and said he was prepared to face any legal action arising from their disagreement.

‘If you like, carry me go police station o, like carry me go court o. My brother, I will still continue to call you and pick your call to tell you say we dey do this case o. I no dey fear now,’ he said.

The aide also maintained that criticism of the government should be supported by evidence, urging Mr Common Sense to establish the facts before making allegations against public officials.

‘But the only thing wey I dey tell you as my brother say, they get concrete evidence before you speak,’ he said.

He further questioned Mr Common Sense’s decision to make allegations while living abroad and challenged him to return to Edo State.

‘You will hear from the office smart,’ Egogo said, before continuing his criticism of the commentator’s social media activities.

The latest confrontation comes amid increasingly heated political exchanges on social media, where government officials, political actors and commentators regularly respond directly to one another over governance, security, public spending and political activities.

Mr Common Sense has previously attracted public attention for his social media commentary on political and security matters. Earlier this year, controversy also followed videos involving Egogo and opposition figures, prompting both the Edo State Government and the state police command to clarify that his remarks did not represent their official positions.

The latest incident has nevertheless shifted attention from the substance of the disputed allegations to the language used during the exchange and the concerns raised by Mr Common Sense about his personal safety.

Where government officials or their aides dispute allegations made against an administration, such disagreements can be addressed through factual clarification, requests for corrections, institutional responses or available legal remedies.

Similarly, allegations of threats can be reported to appropriate security authorities for investigation, while any claims of wrongdoing by public officials or political actors should be subjected to evidence and due process.

The earlier decision by the Edo State Government to distance itself from Egogo’s controversial remarks is also relevant to the latest controversy, as it demonstrates that the administration has previously characterised his political statements as personal rather than official government policy.

Neither the circulation of the latest video nor Mr Common Sense’s account, by themselves, establishes that any physical attack against him or his family has occurred.

The immediate public-interest concern is therefore the nature of the language used by a government-linked political figure against a critic, particularly where the recipient says he understands the remarks as a threat to his safety.

West Trybe reports that the latest confrontation between Mr Common Sense and Egogo has renewed scrutiny of the conduct of political aides in responding to government criticism, while also bringing renewed attention to earlier controversies surrounding Egogo’s public remarks and the need for political disagreements to be addressed through evidence, lawful processes and non-violent engagement.

Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged Nigerians to uphold the values of patriotism, resilience, determination and responsible citizenship as the country celebrates 66th Independence Anniversary.

While speaking during his Independence Day address at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Sanwo-Olu reflected on Nigeria’s 66-year journey as an independent nation, the sacrifices of its founding fathers, and the responsibilities of its citizens and leaders to build a stronger nation.

He noted that the anniversary provided an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the nation’s journey and recommit themselves to the ideals upon which the country was founded.

‘Sixty-six years is not just a round number. It is a significant milestone. I ask you to think for a moment about what 66 years truly means for every Nigerian. Some of us were born in Nigeria, some of us have lived here all our lives, and our parents and grandparents helped to build this country. Today, we must ask ourselves what kind of Nigeria we want to leave for the next generation,’ he said.

The governor stressed that the responsibility of building Nigeria could not be left to government alone, adding that citizens also had obligations to the country.

‘Government has responsibilities to the people, and the people also have responsibilities to government and to one another. We must pay our taxes, obey the law, protect public property, participate responsibly in our democracy, and contribute to the development of our communities,’ he said.

Operatives of Nigerian Navy have rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered several stolen outboard engines during an operation against sea robbers and kidnappers in Ibeno area of Akwa Ibom State.

According to Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the operation was conducted on September 30, following reports that criminal gangs were targeting fishermen, seizing their boats and stealing outboard engines.

According to the statement, the operation was conducted by the Nigerian Navy Ship JUBILEE Maritime Quick Response Team, Ibeno.

He said during the operation, the naval team encountered two boats suspected to be operated by the criminals. The occupants reportedly fled into adjoining creeks when they sighted the naval personnel, triggering a pursuit.

Folorunsho said one of the abandoned boats contained several stolen outboard engines and the two kidnapped victims.

The naval team rescued the victims and escorted them to safety, while the recovered engines were secured for verification and further action.

Folorunso said efforts were ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

The Naval spokesperson said the operation demonstrated the Navy’s commitment to protecting lives and securing legitimate maritime activities across the country’s waterways.

He also said the service would sustain proactive patrols, search-and-rescue operations and intelligence-driven interventions to prevent criminal activities and respond promptly to distress situations.

The Nigerian Navy spokesperson, however, stressed the importance of credible intelligence and community support in tackling maritime crimes, urging coastal communities, fishermen and other maritime stakeholders to provide timely information to security agencies.

According to him, the Navy would continue to deploy its ships, bases, surveillance systems and maritime quick response teams to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime domain and deny criminal elements freedom of action.

President Bola Tinubu has declared that reducing the cost of living will be a major priority of his administration as Nigeria enters what he described as a new era of prosperity.

Tinubu made the declaration in his Independence Day address to Nigerians on Thursday, saying the government would focus on lowering the cost of producing and transporting the goods Nigerians consume.

‘Our priority is to bring down the cost of living,’ the President said, adding that ‘We will achieve this by lowering the cost of producing and moving the things Nigerians consume.’

He said the strategy would begin with increased investment in agriculture, particularly mechanised irrigation and dry-season farming, improved access to seeds and fertiliser, greater mechanisation, as well as better storage and transportation.

According to him, the government is also building and completing roads, railways and ports to improve the connection between farms, factories and markets.

Tinubu said reducing costs at different stages of production and distribution would eventually translate into lower prices for consumers.

‘When a farmer produces more cheaply, when fewer crops are lost between the farm and the market, when a manufacturer spends less on electricity, when a truck reaches its destination faster, and when the business environment fosters fair competition, all those savings will ultimately find their way into the price of goods in the market,’ he said.

The President’s declaration places the cost of living at the centre of the administration’s next economic phase, after three years in which he said government had concentrated on correcting structural weaknesses in the economy.

Tinubu said prosperity must mean more than improvements in economic statistics, stressing that ordinary Nigerians should feel the benefits through more affordable food and transportation, reliable electricity, productive employment and greater economic opportunities.

He also linked lower living costs to increased domestic production, saying Nigeria has the land and human resources required to feed itself.

The President said his government would continue to invest in the agricultural and transportation infrastructure needed to reduce waste and improve the movement of goods from farms to markets.

Beyond agriculture, Tinubu identified the cost of electricity for manufacturers as another area where lower production costs could contribute to cheaper goods.

He said the government would use Nigeria’s gas resources to power new industries and support businesses seeking to revive factories in the country’s industrial centres.

The President also promised expanded digital connectivity, skills development and infrastructure and financing support for Nigerian businesses.

He said the broader objective was to create an economy in which Nigerians produce more, businesses become more competitive and the resulting efficiencies eventually benefit consumers.

Tinubu acknowledged that millions of Nigerians are still struggling with basic expenses, including food, school fees, medical bills and transportation.

He said those difficulties were the accumulated result of decades of low productivity, inadequate infrastructure and insufficient economic opportunities.

‘We cannot erase in four years what accumulated over generations. But we can change its course,’ he said.

The General Court Martial hearing the alleged coup plot involving some Nigerian military officers has again deferred its ruling on the admissibility of statements tendered by the accused persons.

The ruling, which was expected on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, will now be delivered on Monday, October 5.

The court, presided over by Air Vice Marshal H.I. Alhaji of the Nigerian Air Force, is sitting at the Scorpion Officers’ Mess, Asokoro, Abuja.

A notice circulated to members of the court and other parties in the case announced the change in date.

‘The GCM sitting earlier adjourned to Wednesday, 30 September, 2026, has now been postponed to Monday, 5 October, 2026.

‘The new sitting is scheduled to commence at 10 am at the Scorpion Officers’ Mess, Asokoro, Abuja,’ the notice stated.

The notice was signed by the Liaison Officer, Maj. M.U. Ardo, who did not disclose the reason for the postponement but expressed regret over the inconvenience caused.

Monday’s proceedings will mark the fourth time the court has deferred its ruling on the issue.

The decision is significant to the ongoing trial because it will determine whether statements allegedly made by some of the accused officers can be admitted as evidence.

The defence has challenged the statements, alleging that some of the officers were subjected to coercion by officials of the Defence Intelligence Agency and made to reproduce statements containing information they regarded as false.

The dispute prompted a trial-within-trial in which the defence presented evidence challenging the circumstances surrounding the taking of the statements.

Defence counsel argued that the statements did not satisfy the legal conditions required for them to be admitted in evidence. They also alleged that lawyers or witnesses selected by some of the accused were not present when the statements were made.

The defence further questioned the absence of video recordings showing some of the officers writing their statements in the presence of their chosen witnesses, as required by relevant provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

The lawyers also alleged that some of the accused were not properly cautioned or adequately informed of their rights before making the statements.

The prosecution, however, led evidence to establish that the statements were made voluntarily and without improper pressure.

During the trial-within-trial, some of the accused officers gave accounts that differed sharply from the prosecution’s position, alleging that they were subjected to coercion, intimidation, inducement and physical abuse while in detention.

Some of the officers told the court that they were made to believe that reproducing particular statements would help secure their release.

They further alleged that intelligence officials had prepared some of the statements beforehand and that they were compelled to copy or sign documents containing matters they claimed not to know.

Some also maintained that they did not personally originate or write the statements attributed to them, alleging that they were forced to reproduce pre-written documents containing claims or admissions they considered false or outside their knowledge.

The court’s eventual ruling will determine whether the disputed statements can form part of the prosecution’s evidence in the substantive proceedings.

The latest postponement therefore prolongs the court’s consideration of a central evidentiary issue in the trial.

The case concerns allegations that some military officers conspired to overthrow the government of President Bola Tinubu on October 1, 2025.

Following investigations by military authorities, the officers were arrested and subsequently arraigned before the General Court Martial in Abuja.

The accused officers have denied the allegations. Their trial has also been marked by disputes over the circumstances surrounding the statements attributed to them, particularly the defence allegations of coercion and other forms of improper treatment.

The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL), has celebrated the 66th Independence Anniversary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, reflecting on the state of the nation.

CACOL, in a statement signed by Comrade Debo Adeniran, congratulated Nigerians at home and in the diaspora for their courage, sacrifices and patriotic commitment.

‘As Nigeria commemorates its 66th Independence Anniversary, the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) congratulates Nigerians at home and in the diaspora and honours the courage, sacrifices and patriotic commitment of the men and women who fought for Nigeria’s independence. However, while we celebrate 66 years of nationhood, CACOL considers it necessary to reflect soberly on the state of the Nigerian nation. Independence should not merely be measured by the absence of colonial rule, but by the extent to which citizens enjoy freedom, dignity, security, economic opportunity, social justice and a reasonable standard of living.’

‘It is therefore worrisome that, six and a half decades after independence, millions of Nigerians continue to contend with abject poverty, unemployment, insecurity, inadequate healthcare, housing challenges, rising food prices and declining purchasing power. The widening gap between the rich and the poor is particularly disturbing. A nation cannot achieve sustainable development when a small proportion of its population enjoys enormous economic privileges while a significant majority struggles to afford basic necessities,’ the statement reads.

CACOL, however, noted that corruption remains one of the most persistent obstacles to Nigeria’s development, adding that resources should be channeled into education, healthcare, infrastructure, social protection, job creation and other essential public services.

‘CACOL maintains that corruption remains one of the most persistent obstacles to Nigeria’s development. Resources that should be channeled into education, healthcare, infrastructure, social protection, job creation and other essential public services are too often lost through corruption, mismanagement, inflated contracts, diversion of public funds and weak accountability mechanisms. While corruption may not be the only cause of Nigeria’s challenges, its pervasive effects have contributed significantly to weakening public institutions and reducing the impact of government programmes’

‘CACOL therefore calls for greater transparency in public expenditure, stronger institutions, effective prosecution of corruption cases, recovery of stolen public assets and consistent enforcement of anti-corruption laws, irrespective of the status or political affiliation of persons involved. The difficult economic environment has also contributed to the increasing departure of talented, skilled and creative Nigerians in search of better opportunities abroad. Professionals in healthcare, education, technology, engineering and other critical sectors continue to seek greener pastures in countries where they perceive better remuneration, working conditions and opportunities for professional advancement’

‘CACOL is concerned that sustained emigration of skilled Nigerians can create significant capacity gaps at home. Government must therefore create conditions that make Nigeria attractive not only to foreign investors but also to its own citizens. This requires decent employment opportunities, competitive remuneration, reliable infrastructure, merit-based systems, support for innovation and entrepreneurship, and an environment where talent can thrive’

‘CACOL is equally concerned about the country’s growing debt burden and the implications of continued borrowing for present and future generations. Borrowing may be justified where it finances productive investments capable of generating economic returns and improving citizens’ welfare. However, excessive borrowing without commensurate improvements in productivity, revenue generation, infrastructure and citizens’ living standards risks placing an unsustainable burden on the Nigerian people’

‘Government must therefore exercise greater prudence in borrowing and ensure that every borrowed fund is transparently accounted for, properly deployed and directed towards projects that have measurable developmental and economic benefits. As an organisation committed to anti-corruption, good governance and accountable leadership, CACOL urges the Federal Government and all levels of government to adopt practical measures capable of improving the welfare of citizens’

Among other measures, we recommend that government should:

1. Strengthen the fight against corruption by ensuring that anti-corruption institutions have the independence, resources and institutional support required to investigate and prosecute corruption effectively.

2. Reduce the cost of food and essential commodities by supporting farmers with affordable inputs, improving agricultural productivity, investing in storage and transportation infrastructure, and addressing avoidable disruptions across food supply chains.

3. Expand affordable housing programmes and provide incentives for mass housing development, while improving access to affordable mortgages and addressing the cost of land and building materials.

4. Make healthcare more affordable and accessible, particularly for low-income and vulnerable Nigerians, while strengthening primary healthcare facilities and expanding effective health-insurance coverage.

5. Create sustainable employment opportunities by supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, local manufacturing, agriculture, technology, creative industries and other productive sectors capable of absorbing Nigeria’s large youthful population.

6. Invest substantially in education and skills development, ensuring that Nigerian young people are equipped with the knowledge and technical skills required to compete in the global economy.

7. Address insecurity decisively by strengthening intelligence gathering, community policing and other lawful security mechanisms, while improving the welfare, training, equipment and accountability of security personnel.

8. Strengthen social protection programmes and ensure that interventions genuinely reach the poorest and most vulnerable citizens through transparent, verifiable and accountable mechanisms.

9. Promote responsible public borrowing, linking loans to clearly defined productive projects and publishing sufficient information to enable citizens to monitor the utilization and impact of borrowed funds.

10. Improve transparency and citizen participation in governance, including greater openness around public budgets, procurement, government contracts and implementation of development projects.

11. Create an enabling environment for Nigerians in the diaspora to contribute to national development, while also addressing the conditions that are driving skilled citizens out of the country.

12. Strengthen local government administration and grassroots development, ensuring that resources and development initiatives reach communities where ordinary Nigerians live and work.

INDEPENDENCE MUST DELIVER FREEDOM AND DIGNITY

‘CACOL believes that the sacrifices of Nigeria’s past leaders and independence heroes must not be rendered meaningless. The struggle for independence was not simply a struggle to replace colonial administrators with indigenous leaders; it was also a struggle for dignity, self-determination and a better future for Nigerians. Therefore, 66 years after independence, the ultimate test of nationhood should be the quality of life enjoyed by the ordinary Nigerian’

‘Government at all levels must do everything within its constitutional responsibility to ensure that the majority of Nigerians experience the dividends of democracy through affordable food, decent housing, accessible healthcare, quality education, productive employment, security and social justice. CACOL calls on political leaders, civil society organisations, the private sector, labour, professional bodies, traditional institutions, religious organisations and citizens to work collectively towards building a Nigeria where public office is regarded as a responsibility rather than an avenue for personal enrichment’

‘As we celebrate our 66th Independence Anniversary, CACOL urges Nigerians not to lose hope in the Nigerian project. Rather, we must continue to demand accountability, transparency, responsible leadership and good governance, while also playing our individual and collective roles in rebuilding the nation’

‘Nigeria belongs to all of us, and its resources must be deployed for the benefit of all Nigerians. For the efforts and sacrifices of those who fought for Nigeria’s independence not to be in vain, independence must translate into tangible freedom, dignity, opportunity and prosperity for the majority of our people. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria,’ the statement reads.