Category: PM News

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.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has stepped up efforts to strengthen the capacity of emergency responders to deal with flooding and other disasters through its Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) programme.

NEMA’s Head of Operations for Abia and Imo, Mr Innocent Nweze, disclosed this on Wednesday in Owerri at a refresher training on USAR operations organised for agency personnel and other critical stakeholders.

Nweze said the programme had become ‘very important’ because of the increasing complexity of urban environments and the growing threat posed by building collapses, landslides, explosions, industrial accidents, communal impasse and other emergencies.

He said the challenges confronting communities had been compounded by flooding in different parts of the country, making it necessary to have emergency teams that were properly trained, equipped and able to work together effectively.

‘These complexities, as well as the flooding in various communities across the country, required well-trained, properly equipped, and coordinated response teams.

‘USAR operations are among the most demanding emergency response activities.

‘They require specialised knowledge, appropriate equipment, teamwork, discipline, effective communication, and the ability to make timely decisions under extremely challenging conditions.

‘More importantly, USAR operations are about saving lives and reducing suffering when every minute matters,’ Nweze said.

He explained that the training was intended to improve the capacity of emergency responders while strengthening cooperation among the various agencies involved in disaster management.

According to him, it would also encourage the application of internationally recognised principles and good practices in search and rescue operations, particularly in urban areas.

Nweze commended NEMA’s Director-General, Mrs Umar Zubaida, and the agency’s management for their support for the programme.

He also acknowledged the contributions of partner organisations towards facilitating its implementation.

The NEMA official urged participants to remain committed to developing competent and well-coordinated USAR teams capable of responding quickly and safely when emergencies occur.

‘Effective disaster management is a collective responsibility, and programmes, such as this, demonstrate the importance of collaboration in building resilient communities,’ Nweze said.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Fire Service and National Inland Waterways Authority were represented at the training.

The programme featured a simulation exercise at the Otammiri River, where participants demonstrated procedures for rescuing a drowning person.

Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, has granted pardon and other forms of executive clemency to 101 inmates and convicts as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

Ododo announced this in his Independence Day address to the people of Kogi State on Thursday, October 1, 2026.

The governor said the decision was based on the constitutional power to grant mercy and was guided by factors such as rehabilitation, remorse, health conditions, humanitarian concerns, public interest and justice.

He said the Independence anniversary was a reminder of freedom, responsibility and the hope of building a better society.

According to Ododo, justice should be balanced with compassion, especially for people who have shown genuine remorse and are ready to return to responsible living.

The governor disclosed that he inaugurated the seven member Kogi State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy on September 2, 2026. The council is chaired by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Muizudeen Yunus Abdullahi.

He said the council reviewed the cases of the inmates, considered representations made on their behalf and examined correctional reports. Members also visited correctional centres in Koton Karfe, Kabba, Dekina, Ankpa, Idah and Okene.

The council considered factors including the age and health of the inmates, the nature of their offences, time already spent in custody, behaviour in prison, remorse, rehabilitation, skills acquired, family support, the interests of victims and public safety.

Ododo said 94 beneficiaries were granted mercy based on factors including old age, medical conditions, good conduct, rehabilitation, remorse and compassionate considerations.

Seven others had their sentences reduced.

Those granted mercy on old age and medical grounds include Lamidi Mohammed Garuba, 91; Ajagbonna Olufemi David, 72; Yakubu Atabo; Chief Umane Okeme; Saidu Atuluku Yunusa; Hilary Chike Nwaeze; Ebenezer Mopah; Abdullahi Jibril; and Usman Ismaila.

The seven beneficiaries whose sentences were reduced are Tunde Adura, Olusaye Moses Abayomi, Abu Mowde, Zakariyau Baba, Michael Ojonugwa, Rami Sadiq and Salawudeen Sanusi.

The governor stressed that the pardon did not mean the offences committed by the beneficiaries were no longer serious.

He urged them to see the decision as a second chance and return to their families and communities as responsible citizens.

‘You have been given another opportunity, and every second opportunity comes with a greater responsibility,’ Ododo said.

He urged the beneficiaries to avoid crime and make good use of the skills and education they acquired while in custody.

The governor also called on young people in Kogi State to reject kidnapping, armed robbery, fraud, theft, cultism, drug related offences and other forms of crime.

He said poverty, peer pressure and the desire to make quick money should not be used as excuses for criminal activities.

Ododo further called on parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders and youth organisations to support government efforts to fight crime.

He said the government could not win the battle against criminality alone, describing it as a collective responsibility.

The governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its efforts in areas including economic reforms, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, education, healthcare and youth empowerment.

Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to developing Kogi State through investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, security, mining, tourism and human capital development.

He also called for unity among the people of Kogi State, regardless of political, religious, ethnic or social differences.

‘Politics will come and go. Administrations will come and go. But Kogi State will remain our common home,’ he said.

Ododo urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and continue working towards building a stronger and more prosperous country as Nigeria marks 66 years of independence.

As Nigeria marks 65 years of independence from British colonial rule, the Concern Progressive Positional Network Worldwide (CPPN) has called on Nigerians to renew their commitment to nation-building, declaring that the country’s challenges should strengthen rather than diminish their resolve.

In an Independence Day message to members across the nation and beyond, CPPN National President Dr. Victor Olusola acknowledged the difficulties the nation has faced since October 1, 1960, but insisted that Nigeria’s story is far from over.

‘October 1st is more than a public holiday. It is a day that reminds us of the journey of our nation, the sacrifices of those who came before us, and the responsibility that rests upon every generation to contribute to the building of Nigeria,’ Dr. Olusola said.

Reflecting on the nation’s post-independence journey, he noted that while the founding generation carried a great vision for a united, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria, the decades since have brought political uncertainty, economic difficulties, insecurity and social divisions.

‘There have been moments when citizens have questioned whether the dreams of our founding fathers would ever be fully realised,’ he admitted. ‘But we must not give up on Nigeria. The fact that we have faced difficulties does not mean that our story has ended. Our challenges should strengthen our determination to build a better future.’

A Nation of Potential

The CPPN president described Nigeria as a nation blessed with enormous human and natural resources, talented young people, entrepreneurs, professionals, farmers and innovators – yet one where much work remains.

He listed stronger institutions, greater accountability, improved infrastructure, economic growth, security, quality education, healthcare and justice as pressing needs, stressing that ‘nation-building is everybody’s responsibility’ and cannot be left to government alone.

The CPPN Mission

Dr. Olusola explained that CPPN was established as a platform built on the belief that Nigerians must participate constructively in rebuilding the nation, promoting unity over division and supporting initiatives that drive national development.

To members who may feel discouraged, he offered a direct charge: ‘Do not abandon the mission because the journey is difficult. Do not allow disappointment to destroy your hope. Do not allow ethnic, religious, political or regional differences to make us forget that we share one country and one common destiny.’

A Vision for the Future

Outlining the Nigeria CPPN envisions, the president called for a nation where merit, responsibility and service matter; where young people see opportunities at home; where communities actively participate in development; where diversity is a strength rather than a source of division; and where patriotism is demonstrated through service, honesty and hard work.

He urged members nationwide to support the President and all levels of government ‘in a professional, constructive and responsible manner, while offering honest advice and promoting accountability.’

‘Stay committed. Stay united. Stay focused. Keep building,’ he charged. ‘What we are building may not yet be fully visible to everyone, but we are working. There is a time to prepare, and there is a time for the work to become visible. By the grace of God, our time will come.’

A Call to Every Nigerian

Dr. Olusola emphasised that independence is not merely freedom from colonial rule but also the responsibility for shaping the country’s future.

‘We cannot continue to wait for somebody else to rebuild Nigeria. Whether you are a student, professional, farmer, entrepreneur, civil servant, community leader, youth leader, traditional leader or ordinary citizen, there is a role for you in nation-building,’ he said.

He concluded with a message of hope: ‘Let us believe in Nigeria. Let us work for Nigeria. Let us pray for Nigeria. And let us build Nigeria. Nigeria will get it right. The journey continues. The work continues. The hope continues.’

‘Happy Independence Day, Nigeria! Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Long live CPPN. Together, let us build the Nigeria we desire and the Nigeria that future generations deserve. God bless Nigeria,’ Olusola prayed.

African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has pledged to end election rigging and strengthen the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) if elected President.

Atiku made the pledge in his address delivered on Thursday at the ADC headquarters in Abuja to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary.

He promised to support prompt publication of results from every polling unit and ensure electoral offenders faced the law, regardless of party affiliation.

The presidential candidate said anyone caught buying votes or altering election results would face prosecution, stressing that every Nigerian’s vote must count as cast.

He urged Nigerians to protect their votes, reject intimidation and carefully question every candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to him, Nigerians should demand detailed plans that could be examined and promises whose implementation could be objectively measured.

‘The coming election offers us a peaceful way to choose our course. This country is yours,’ Atiku said.

He also promised that, if elected, his administration would prioritise affordability and protection of lives as central components of governance.

He said his administration would work to reduce the cost of food, fuel and electricity while improving access to healthcare and education.

The former vice president also pledged to restore security to communities facing insecurity and ensure accountability in public spending.

He said government performance would be measured by Nigerians’ ability to afford basic necessities and live safely in their communities.

Atiku said his administration would introduce a capped and budgeted production subsidy tied to verified fuel refined locally, including modular refineries.

He said imported petrol would not qualify for the proposed subsidy, adding that the benefit would reach consumers through lower pump prices.

‘We will publish the costs, independently audit the payments and cut government waste to help fund the programme,’ Atiku said.

He said the principle behind the proposal was to produce and refine locally, create jobs and reduce the cost of petroleum products.

Atiku also promised to work with his running mate and ADC partners to pursue policies aimed at making life affordable.

He said Nigerians deserved access to affordable food, healthcare, education, transportation and other necessities required for dignified living.

The ADC candidate urged Nigerians to scrutinise campaign promises and demand accountability from political leaders before, during and after elections.

He said Nigeria’s independence should guarantee political freedom, allowing citizens to question leaders, organise peacefully and demand change without intimidation.

Atiku called for strict adherence to the rule of law, fair application of justice, respect for lawful appeals and due process in cases involving citizens detained or convicted.

‘On this day, I call for the rule of law to be applied fairly in every case,’ he said.

Atiku said the continued detention of Sheikh Sani Khalifa Zaria and Malam Nasir El-Rufai raised questions about due process.

He also urged that following Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s conviction, his right to lawful appeal should be respected, while the grievances and divisions surrounding his case should be addressed.

He said his administration would focus on creating productive employment and sustainable opportunities for the youths capable of enabling them to build better lives.

The ADC presidential candidate said budgets should serve as timetables for delivery, clearly showing funded projects, completed programmes and outstanding obligations.

He urged Nigerians to demand transparency and accountability from whoever emerged as their elected representatives in the 2027 general elections.

Atiku said his commitment would remain centred on making governance responsive to citizens’ needs and protecting democratic institutions and processes.