Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The Pastor in Charge of the Alpha and Omega Parish Region 17 Headquarters of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Bauchi State Pastor Oyeyemi Abiodun Stephen has called for an increase in Nigeria’s minimum wage to N400000 saying the current N70000 cannot meet workers’ needs amid rising living costs.

Oyeyemi who is in charge of RCCG Region 17 in Bauchi said the minimum wage should reflect the economic realities facing Nigerian workers many of whom struggle to afford food rent and other basic needs.

‘The minimum wage in Nigeria should be nothing less than N400000. That’s the truth’ he said.

The cleric however said the amount could be reduced to N300000 if the government addressed inflation and brought down the cost of living.

‘Maybe inflation is addressed then it should be N300000. If it’s not addressed it should be a minimum of N400000’ he said.

Explaining his position Oyeyemi said he understood the financial pressure facing ordinary Nigerians despite his position as a senior pastor.

‘By the grace of God I am a senior pastor and I know my income. By the grace of God I have rented an apartment I know how much is coming in’ he said.

‘But when you look at these ones it’s only God that can help them’ he added.

The pastor also called on the government to create more jobs and introduce special programmes for young people warning that unemployment was leaving many youths without opportunities.

‘Declare emergency on youth. The youths are the leaders of tomorrow. Many of them are jobless’ he said.

He added that the lack of jobs was pushing some young people into crime and internet fraud urging the government to provide opportunities that would help them earn a living.

Oyeyemi also called for increased local production of petroleum products questioning why Nigeria continued to import fuel and engine oil despite its natural resources.

‘Let’s be producing petroleum products ourselves. We have everything in this country. Why must we be importing fuel? Why must we be importing engine oil and others?’ he asked.

Speaking about petrol prices the cleric said he bought a litre for N1420 about two weeks ago. He questioned whether announced fuel discounts would provide lasting relief to Nigerians.

He urged political leaders to focus on the welfare of ordinary citizens saying many were struggling to cope with the economic situation.

‘We want a leader that will take care of the masses. Masses are hungry. They are tired’ he said.

Operatives of the Ewekoro Division of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested a suspected motorcycle and generator thief after a vigilant member of the public provided information.

A statement by the Command Spokesman Oluseyi Babaseyi said that at about 7:30 a.m. on Sunday 25 October 2026 a motorist travelling along the Onigbedu-Itori Road saw an unregistered tricycle carrying a grey Haojue Lady motorcycle and a Firman generator with two passengers on board.

He said ‘Suspecting that the items might have been stolen he promptly alerted the Police while trailing the tricycle to Complex Junction Itori towards Papalanto.’

‘Acting swiftly on the information police operatives intercepted the tricycle. The two occupants attempted to flee but one suspect identified as Adam Muhammed was apprehended after a hot chase while efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing accomplice.’

According to him preliminary investigation linked the recovered motorcycle and generator to a reported theft in Itori.

He said Detectives kept the suspect in Police custody as they intensified investigations to establish the full circumstances of the incident and ensure all those involved are brought to justice.

He said the Commissioner of Police Ogun State Command Bode Ojajuni commended the operatives for their prompt and decisive response noting that timely intelligence and effective police action remain vital to preventing crime and safeguarding property.

He also praised the vigilance and civic responsibility of the member of the public whose alert enabled the police to intervene.

He said Ojajuni reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to sustain proactive patrols respond promptly to credible intelligence and deny criminal elements the opportunity to operate freely in Ogun State.

He however urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities stressing that a timely report can make the difference between a successful crime and its prevention.

A factional leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation Afenifere Oba Oladipo Olaitan has said the organisation’s leadership succession should follow established traditions rather than be determined through campaigns or lobbying.

Olaitan who expressed confidence that Afenifere would overcome its leadership challenges spoke at the weekend during a condolence visit to the residence of the late leader Pa Reuben Fasoranti in Ijapo Estate Akure Ondo State.

Fasoranti died at his residence in Akure on Tuesday at age 100.

Describing the organisation’s succession process as ‘apostolic succession’ Olaitan insisted that members should not contest or campaign for the leadership position.

‘You don’t vie for it. You don’t campaign for it. It’s an apostolic selection. If you are the deputy naturally if the leader goes you go’ he said.

Olaitan a former political adviser to the late Lagos State Governor Lateef Jakande warned that greed and personal interests could trigger further turbulence within the organisation.

He said his nearly 47 years in Afenifere had given him a deep understanding of its traditions and leadership structure.

He served as the group’s national financial secretary under Fasoranti and deputy leader under the late Chief Ayo Adebanjo who died on February 14 2025.

Olaitan subsequently emerged as the leader of a faction of the organisation.

‘Nobody will tell me the story of this organisation. I had a personal relationship with Baba Awolowo Baba Ajasin Adesanya and Baba Ayo Adebanjo. So I’m not a new person’ he said.

He admitted that the organisation might experience some turbulence but expressed confidence that its established procedures would help it overcome any attempt to undermine its unity.

‘I see some turbulence because unfortunately there could be some turbulence over greed. If anybody wants to topple the apple cart I think the thoroughness that Afenifere is known for will get us through it’ he said.

Olaitan also said the Yoruba people knew who genuinely deserved to lead them insisting leadership could not be established merely by declaring oneself leader.

‘If anybody a Yoruba man comes and says ‘I’m the leader’ the Yoruba man knows who the leader is. They know’ he said.

He expressed concern that poverty was being exploited to influence people’s decisions but maintained that such practices would not destroy the values and identity of the Yoruba people.

‘The ethos the mainstay of what the Yoruba race is known for we will survive. No matter the shenanigans you may find on the surface we will survive’ he said.

Paying tribute to the late Afenifere leader Olaitan described him as an exceptional statesman whose integrity humility discipline and commitment to service set him apart.

He said Fasoranti commanded respect through his character and example not intimidation and that his leadership qualities were rare.

‘He was a chapter in himself. You don’t have that too often. They come few and far between. They come like a star and then they glitter a beacon.

He was coolness he was fairness he was forthrightness he was pure. He was a strict disciplinarian but one who didn’t have to shout to give orders. He did that by example by what he did’ he added.

Olaitan recalled how Fasoranti showed concern for his welfare whenever he prepared to return to Ilesha late at night after meetings.

He said the elder statesman would ask why he was leaving late and later call to confirm that he had arrived home safely.

‘In all my years of interacting with leaders dating back to when I was 21 he was the only one who had ever done that to me. He cared about you and he showed it’ he said.

He also recalled Fasoranti’s composure following the death of his daughter saying he and other associates had been apprehensive about visiting him to offer condolences.

According to him they were surprised when the late leader received them with his usual smile.

‘When we met him we were shocked. He smiled as he would normally smile’ he said.

Olaitan said Fasoranti’s decision to appoint him deputy leader reflected the late statesman’s confidence in him especially when Afenifere needed stability.

‘You don’t appoint anybody to such a position that you don’t trust’ he said.

He expressed optimism that the Yoruba values embodied in the concept of Omoluabi including integrity discipline and responsibility would endure despite the political and leadership challenges facing the people.

‘Politics will come and go. It will come and go. In the end we shall all be happy that we are typical Yoruba people. It doesn’t matter what happens. We will survive’ he added.

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and the traditional ruler of Ilu-Abo in Akure North LGA of Ondo State Oba Olu Falae had recalled the succession process following the death of the organisation’s revered leader Chief Obafemi Awolowo saying he had approached the late former Ogun State governor Chief Bisi Onabanjo to ask who would lead the group.

He said Onabanjo ruled himself out of consideration because of his health and he also expressed reservations about other prominent figures including Chief Bola Ige and Chief Lateef Jakande.

According to Falae Onabanjo eventually identified the late Chief Adekunle Ajasin as the right successor saying leadership within the organisation emerged naturally.

He noted that Ajasin a year older than Awolowo was among the Action Group founders and played a significant role in developing the party’s free education programme.

Falae said Ajasin eventually became Afenifere’s leader after Awolowo’s death and the late Senator Abraham Adesanya succeeded Ajasin after his death.

He added that Fasoranti became acting leader after Adesanya who was ill nominated him.

Falae said he expected the same tradition to guide the emergence of Fasoranti’s successor.

‘I’m sure a leader will emerge without any struggle. If you ask many Afenifere people they will tell you who they think will be their next leader.

‘The leadership chooses itself. It is obvious who the next leader will be. It is always so. And I hope and pray it will be so this time’ he said.

He however expressed the hope that Afenifere would sustain its tradition of orderly leadership transition and preserve the unity of the organisation despite the loss of its long-standing leader.

The Delta State Police Command has arrested a 28-year-old school bus driver Onome Ughagha over the alleged kidnapping and rape of a 14-year-old female student in Sapele.

The suspect allegedly demanded and collected N503000 from the victim’s father as ransom before abandoning the girl along Oton Road in Sapele.

The victim’s father reported the incident to the Sapele Area Command on October 20 2026 alleging that the suspect abducted his daughter while she was preparing to leave for school.

Police spokesman SP Bright Edafe said in a statement on Sunday that the suspect subsequently contacted the father demanded N503000 and threatened to kill the minor if the ransom was not paid.

He said after the payment the girl was abandoned along Oton Road where she was reunited with her family in a traumatised condition with indications that she had been sexually assaulted.

Edafe said following the report operatives of the Sapele Area Command launched an investigation while the victim was taken to a medical facility for examination and treatment.

He said the police also invited the school’s principal and vice principal for questioning as efforts intensified to track down the suspect who had allegedly abandoned the school bus and fled.

The spokesman said ‘Acting on credible intelligence the operatives traced the suspect to his hideout in the Ajimele area of Sapele where he was arrested on October 23.

‘The suspect confessed to his involvement in the crime during preliminary interrogation.’

Edafe said officials were arranging to transfer the suspect to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Asaba for further investigation.

Delta State Commissioner of Police Samuel Erale condemned the incident.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting children from violence and exploitation.

He promised a thorough investigation and said anyone found culpable would be brought to justice.

Erale urged school authorities parents and transport operators to strengthen measures to protect children.

He stressed that the safety of every child entrusted to their care must remain a priority.

Former Nigerian Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has challenged indigenes of Ikenne town to think big and position the community as a centre for artificial intelligence (AI) and cutting-edge technology in the next 10 and 50 years.

He said history has shown that big dreams can transform societies recalling how the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo was told free education was impossible by colonial authorities but proved it achievable.

Speaking in Ikenne at the 50th Ereke Day Anniversary Lecture Community Awards and Investiture of 2026 Ambassadors organised by the Ikenne Development Association (IDA) the ex-Nigerian Vice President said the next 50 years will be shaped by artificial intelligence and Ikenne can become a community in Africa that trains the best minds and develops the most transformative AI tools.

He proposed an Ikenne 2036 Plan – a 10-year development blueprint with clear priorities defined costs and measurable annual targets.

He also cited ValueJet airline saying if its owner Kunle Soname had said 10 years ago that people could fly from Ikenne to Abuja in the morning and return in the evening many would have doubted it but today it is a reality.

He noted that Ikenne already has a high density of small and medium enterprises per square metre without deliberate planning and could achieve much more with a focused vision on technology.

Osinbajo said the plan should aim to establish Ikenne’s reputation as a centre for AI-enabled education and training and for the development of artificial intelligence tools alongside the state’s existing curriculum.

He referenced Taiwan a small island about 81 miles from China which manufactures a substantial proportion of the world’s microchips to show that such feats depend on vision and determination not size.

To achieve this he proposed a programme incorporating STEAM – Science Technology Engineering Arts and Mathematics – with strong emphasis on AI literacy from primary school substantial robotics content AI-powered learning tools and well-equipped robotics laboratories.

He cited the example of a learning centre established in Maiduguri for children orphaned by insurgency who could not speak Hausa or English but within five years became proficient in technology robotics and English to demonstrate what is possible with opportunity and support.

Osinbajo stressed the need to train teachers as facilitators of AI-assisted learning and robotics instructors and to partner with Chinese schools with strong AI curricula while also developing a campus specialising in AI and advanced systems to solve problems in agriculture healthcare education and finance.

He however urged the community not to limit itself to small ambitions but to pursue what others have not yet dared to attempt adding that God has blessed Ikenne with the potential to achieve incredible things.

In his remark the President of Ikenne Development Association (IDA) Otunba Olufemi Allen described the event as remarkable in the history of Ikenne saying they were honoured to have the presence of Osinbajo.

He stated that Osinbajo’s participation at the event has added value to the occasion.

He however said IDA is committed towards promoting unity and preserving cultural heritage for generations yet unborn adding that IDA will continue to uphold the idea of its founding fathers.

Highlights of the event include presentation of community awards and Investiture of 2026 IDA Ambassadors and others.

A founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON) Mr Osita Okechukwu has called on citizens and political leaders in Northern Nigeria to reject the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

He warned that Atiku’s candidacy violates the power-rotation convention and is directly driving political tension across the region.

In a statement on Sunday in Abuja the APC chieftain appealed directly to northern voters to avoid falling into the trap of ethno-identity politics engineered to serve individual ambitions.

Drawing a grave comparison Okechukwu cautioned that nations such as Sudan are still struggling to recover from the devastating consequences of unbridled ethnic rivalries.

Dismissing the premise of Atiku’s contest Okechukwu quipped ‘The South has other presidential candidates and truly Atiku and Tinubu are ten and ten pence going by their antecedents.’

The former VON boss lamented that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has failed to recover from the political damage caused when Atiku breached the zoning principle during the 2023 general election.

He contended that the build-up to the 2027 presidential contest would have been far less acrimonious if the ADC had respected the power-rotation tradition by fielding a southern candidate instead of reopening regional fault lines.

To underscore the importance of putting national cohesion above personal interests Okechukwu reminded northern voters of regional politicians who previously sacrificed their presidential ambitions for peace and stability.

‘Patriots such as Alhajis Abubakar Rimi Umaru Shinkafi Adamu Ciroma and Drs Sola Saraki Alex Ekwueme Ogbonnaya Onu et al. saved us in 1999 from ethno-identity politics by subordinating their personal presidential ambitions to broader national unity’ Okechukwu noted.

He emphasised that presidential power rotation remains an irreplaceable mechanism for keeping Nigeria balanced and united insisting it must not be discarded for individual gain.

‘Zoning advocates have consistently maintained that presidential power rotation is a vital instrument for managing Nigeria’s diversity. The current political tension shows why zoning convention should not be treated as expendable merely to accommodate an individual’s presidential ambition. Moreover when he has no concrete solution to our economic quagmire’ he asserted.

Okechukwu recalled that presidential contests grounded in regional equity-such as Olusegun Obasanjo vs Olu Falae in 1999 Umaru Musa Yar’Adua vs Muhammadu Buhari in 2007 and Muhammadu Buhari vs Atiku Abubakar in 2019-demonstrated how rotation sustains national equilibrium and prevents political conflict.

The APC chieftain also pointed to the disturbing security fallout from mounting political friction in the North. He raised concerns over reports that state security agents are being assigned to protect campaign billboards and posters of presidential candidates while core security threats remain unattended.

He decried the high opportunity cost of deploying security personnel to safeguard political materials at a time when the country continues to confront widespread kidnappings armed robbery banditry farmer-herder conflicts and insurgency.

Okechukwu then urged Atiku’s supporters and political actors to cease framing the 2027 contest as an all-or-nothing conflict between North and South warning that such divisive tactics endanger Nigeria’s democracy.

‘Stop framing the 2027 presidential contest as a zero-sum game between North and South; such rhetoric could deepen ethnic divisions and may inadvertently place our fledgling democracy in harm’s way’ Okechukwu warned.

The Kaduna State Government has dismissed as fabricated a viral letter alleging that Gov. Uba Sani approved and released N2.3 trillion for the APC presidential campaign flag-off.

The government described the purported letter as fraudulent and misleading accusing its authors of attempting to damage the governor’s reputation of fiscal discipline and responsible governance.

The Commissioner for Information and Culture Malam Ahmed Maiyaki stated this in a statement on Saturday in Kaduna.

Maiyaki said the letter dated October 18 2026 and titled ‘Notification for Preparations for the Grand Rally Flag Off’ contained inconsistencies that questioned its authenticity.

He said the purported letter allegedly addressed to Sen. Abdulazeez Yari Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council falsely claimed that N2.3 trillion was released for the campaign flag-off.

The ommissioner noted that Kaduna’s 2026 budget stood at N985.92 billion making the alleged expenditure more than twice the state’s annual budget.

He said the claim was financially implausible and unsupported by any authentic appropriation approval or expenditure records.

Maiyaki also identified irregularities including the misspelling of the governor’s surname as ‘Uba Sai’ and the apparent unauthorised reproduction of his signature.

‘The Kaduna State Government categorically disowns this document. Gov. Uba Sani neither authored nor authorised the purported letter and no N2.3 trillion was budgeted approved or released’ he said.

He described the allegation as fictitious and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.

Maiyaki said that since assuming office on May 29 2023 Sani had prioritised fiscal discipline transparency accountability and prudent management of public resources.

He listed investments in security infrastructure education healthcare agriculture and social protection among the administration’s priorities.

The commissioner expressed concern over what he described as coordinated misinformation aimed at discrediting the governor and his administration ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He warned that fabricating official correspondence and circulating false financial claims could constitute criminal offences.

‘Political competition must be conducted within the bounds of truth decency and the law’ Maiyaki said urging critics to rely on credible evidence when questioning government expenditure.

He disclosed that steps were being taken to establish the origin of the purported letter.

Maiyaki also called on security and investigative agencies to examine the document and ensure that anyone found culpable faced appropriate legal action.

He urged media organisations and members of the public to verify documents before circulating or publishing allegations concerning public expenditure.

The commissioner reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to peace institutional strengthening infrastructure development citizens’ welfare and sustainable governance.

He said the government would remain focused on prudent financial management and would not be distracted by what it described as deliberate misinformation.

The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Programme (HYPREP) has warned beneficiaries of its skills training and empowerment programme for Ogoni Persons Living with Disabilities (OPLWDs) against selling the starter packs it provided.

The Project Coordinator Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey gave the warning at the graduation and empowerment ceremony for 120 persons with special needs in Bori over the weekend.

Zabbey said the items were provided to help the beneficiaries become self-reliant achieve financial independence and reduce the financial burden on their families.

He warned that selling the starter packs would betray the trust HYPREP and OPLWD leadership placed in them and disappoint their families and society.

‘Let me based on experience warn against the sale of starter packs’ he said.

The project coordinator assured the beneficiaries that HYPREP would continue to monitor their progress after graduation and provide support to help them overcome marketplace challenges.

‘We will continue to listen to you to understand the challenges you face in the market so that we will be able to support you in overcoming those challenges’ he said.

‘We would like to see the benefit of this training in your life and businesses as HYPREP has recently instituted a post-training tracking mechanism to monitor progress.

‘On this note I strongly advise that nobody should sell any of these starter packs and mobility items we’re giving to you to enhance your businesses and lives to be able to support your families to contribute to the ongoing transformation of the Ogoni Environment and livelihood.

‘Doing so will lead to blacklisting this important community and I know I am sure and I can bet that none of you will sell what we have given to you because when I visited the training facility I was very excited; I slept very well because I saw the enthusiasm; I saw determination and resilience; and like HYPREP I am sure you were looking forward to this important day so I charge all of you to utilise all the important devices we have given you today maximally for your personal benefits and for your families.’

He said at least 300 Special Needs persons were trained in five skills the Association selected. Still he said the 120 who graduated were trained in Photography and Fashion and Designing adding that others trained in Basic Computer Fish farming and shoe making would graduate and be empowered soon.

‘For the people living with special needs we agreed with their leaders to train 300 of them in five key skills which they chose by themselves and not HYPREP which are fashion designing shoe making Basic computer training fish farming and Photography.

‘Today we’re graduating 120 of the members who have trained in Photography and Fashion Design.

‘In the coming weeks we will graduate the remaining 180 others in Shoe making Basic Computer training and fish farming.

‘We’re not just graduating them after the training; we’re giving them Starter packs so they can become financially independent begin to contribute to their families and to Ogoni’s economic rebirth.

‘This is because if they continue to depend on members of their families the pressure on the families will be unbearable but after today these 120 people we’re graduating will have the opportunity to contribute to their families’ and personal welfare without depending on anybody.

‘We’re not just giving them Starter packs in the areas they were trained; we’re also providing them with assistive devices to enable them to operate the starter packs easily. For those who cannot walk we’re giving them wheelchairs; for those who need sticks crutches guide canes hearing aids or prosthetic legs we’re providing for all of them.

‘With these assistive items we’re sure that they will be able to navigate their communities and run their businesses with dignity.

‘This achievement is a product of dialogue patience partnership and resilience’ Zabbey said

He encouraged them to form clusters and cooperatives so they could stay together interact and support one another’s businesses and grow together.

The Imo State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the reported disappearance of the Youth President of Umuduruegbeaguru clan and a former Chief Security Officer (CSO) of Onuimo Local Government Area.

The police investigation followed a petition submitted to the command days after the two men were reported missing.

The police spokesman Henry Okoye confirmed the development to The Nation yesterday saying the command had deployed resources to establish the whereabouts of the missing men and secure their rescue.

‘The matter is under investigation. We have deployed all mechanisms to ascertain their whereabouts and rescue them’ Okoye said.

The missing men are Mr Odungo Iloanya the serving Youth President of Umuduruegbeaguru clan and Mr Chukwudi Alaegbu popularly known as Ambassador who reportedly served as the local government’s CSO.

According to information Alaegbu has been missing since October 4 2026 when unidentified gunmen reportedly invaded his residence and abducted him.

Iloanya meanwhile has reportedly been missing for about two weeks though the circumstances surrounding his disappearance remain unclear.

Their disappearance has raised concern among family members and community residents who are seeking information about their whereabouts.

The families have appealed to the Commissioner of Police the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to intensify efforts to locate the men and ensure their safe return. They also called on Governor Hope Uzodimma to intervene and direct the relevant agencies to act urgently.

They urged anyone with credible information about the missing men to report to the appropriate security authorities.

Otunba Segun Showunmi a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has urged Nigerian journalists not to let opposition politicians and other political actors set the country ablaze with falsehoods misinformation and inflammatory statements ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Showunmi who made the appeal at a press conference in Kaduna on Sunday warned that fake news AI-generated content and divisive political propaganda pose serious threats to Nigeria’s democracy national unity and peaceful coexistence.

He urged journalists to hold both the ruling party and the opposition accountable insisting on issue-based campaigns rather than allowing politicians to manipulate public opinion through ethnic and religious sentiments. ‘Help us to insist that people stay on message whether they are opposition or even the ruling party. They should stay on message because that’s what’s going to be in our best interest’ he said.

The APC chieftain warned that the media must not surrender its professional responsibilities to untrained individuals who use digital platforms to spread falsehoods and instigate crises. ‘The stability of a nation is in the hands of those of you who own bylines who have the microphone who are in charge of all communication’ he told journalists.

Showunmi particularly cautioned against misusing artificial intelligence and social media to manipulate information incite young people and create political tension. ‘Manipulating things using AI playing tricks instigating small small children causing crisis how does that help us?’ he asked adding: ‘If somebody if I’m telling lies stop me. If they are telling lies stop them.’

He also commended Kaduna residents and journalists for the peaceful reception they accorded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his campaign team during Saturday’s APC presidential campaign flag-off saying the impressive turnout contradicted earlier reports that the President might face hostility in the state.

‘Ladies and gentlemen help me through you thank the people of Kaduna. Do you know how my heart was in my mouth? Because of all the nonsense information: ‘Ah nobody wants to see them; they’re going to tear posters.’ Why now?’ he asked warning against political narratives that could make Nigerians feel unwelcome in certain parts of their country.

Describing Kaduna as a symbol of Nigeria’s diversity and peaceful coexistence Showunmi urged political leaders not to destroy longstanding relationships among ethnic and religious communities through desperate political ambitions. ‘One of the greatest unique things about Kaduna is that wallahi Kaduna is the Lagos of the North’ he said recalling how Christians and Muslims traditionally interacted freely and celebrated together despite their religious differences.

Turning to the 2027 presidential election Showunmi urged Nigerians particularly Northerners to support Tinubu’s re-election bid arguing that continuity would consolidate ongoing reforms and create opportunities for a new generation of political leaders. ‘Help us to support him get him over the line with big numbers so that we can start planning the future’ he appealed.

He criticised what he described as the endless presidential ambitions of some established Northern politicians arguing that their continued struggle for power denied younger equally capable politicians opportunities to emerge. ‘You cannot have a perpetual non-ending ambition that has even disturbed a lot of brilliant young Northerners from even being able to come up’ he said.

‘Must it be only you? Can’t people sit down somewhere and let’s even look for other people? Maybe when those ones are talking the language will even be sweeter in our ears’ he added while advocating political accommodation and a predictable regional power-sharing arrangement to reduce tension over presidential succession.

Defending the Tinubu administration’s economic policies Showunmi maintained that Nigerians should assess the government’s performance through infrastructure development educational opportunities workers’ wages pension payments and security interventions rather than political propaganda. He particularly cited access to higher education financing for children from disadvantaged backgrounds and an alleged reduction in dialysis costs from N50000 to N20000 as examples of interventions intended to ease hardship.

However he argued that the President should not be solely responsible for tackling poverty unemployment and inadequate public services stressing that governors and local government chairmen must also be held accountable for the resources available to them. ‘You can’t run a country to lead people out of poverty only from the office of the President’ he said urging journalists to scrutinise governance at the state and local government levels.

Showunmi also urged Nigerians to appreciate the sacrifices of military personnel police officers and other security operatives confronting insurgency kidnapping and other security challenges. He maintained that political disagreements should not overshadow efforts to improve national security and he called for balanced reporting that acknowledges both government interventions and areas needing improvement.

The campaign council member who said his meeting with journalists was also meant to thank them for their contributions and to hear their concerns expressed confidence in the profession’s future. ‘I have come to thank you. I have come to beg you. I have come to listen to you’ he said adding: ‘This profession will not go extinct. Our pen will not dry. Our microphone will not go silent and our televisions will not go blank.’