Category: The Nation – Nigeria

In a moment of reflection on an event that shook the nation about 11 years ago, former President Goodluck Jonathan has revealed the role played by former President Muhammadu Buhari in the effort to rescue the 276 girls adopted by terrorists from a secondary school in Chibok, Borno State.

Speaking at the public presentation of ‘Scars’, a book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, in Abuja yesterday, Jonathan said his administration devised several ways to curtail the insurgency that defined much of his presidency, but with little success.

He recalled that in the process of trying to get them to surrender, the insurgents put forward former president Buhari as their preferred negotiator.

Jonathan said the development had caused him to think that Boko Haram insurgency would end as soon as Buhari became president

He said: ‘One of the committees we set up then, the Boko Haram nominated Buhari to lead their team to negotiate with the government.

‘So I was feeling that, oh, if they nominated Buhari to represent them and have a discussion with the government committee, then when Buhari took over, it could have been an easy way to negotiate with them and they would have handed over their guns.

‘But it is still there till today.’

Jonathan noted that the inability of Buhari to eradicate Boko Haram terrorists showed that the crisis was more complex than often portrayed.

He said: ‘If you conduct research and interview many people, you will only get part of the story but never the full story of Boko Haram. I was there.

‘Boko Haram started in 2009 when I was vice president. I took over in 2010 and spent five years battling the insurgency until I left office.

‘I thought that after I left, within a reasonable time, General Buhari would wipe them out. But even today, Boko Haram is still there.

‘The issue of Boko Haram is far more complex than it is often presented.

‘So, it’s a bit complex, and not a matter of a single story.

‘But I believe, as a nation, we have to look at the Boko Haram issue differently from the conventional approach.

‘I believe one day we’ll overcome it.’

The former president thanked General Irabor for the book, saying he always appreciates people who document events clearly.

‘That way, when we write our own accounts, we can borrow from such documentation.

‘I also believe that all the military officers involved in the Boko Haram saga should provide information about what the group truly stood for,’ he said.

Jonathan also said the issue of Boko Haram was beyond hunger, adding that his administration employed so many strategies which did not work.

He said: ‘If it was only about hunger-because we tried different options-I don’t want to sound like I’m defending my government. That will be left for history when we document our books.

‘But I believe we did our best. We set up different committees and tried various approaches during the five years I was in office.

‘I believe the late Buhari too must have tried his best.

‘I believe the government-luckily, with the Defence Minister here and the service chiefs represented-must adopt a slightly different approach.

‘God willing, we will be able to resolve this crisis.’

‘I’ll die with scars of Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction’

The former president described the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls in 2014 as a permanent scar on his administration.

He added that he hoped some leaders of the insurgent group would eventually document their actions, similar to how key actors of the Nigerian Civil War wrote their own accounts, to provide clarity on the insurgency’s motives.

He said: ‘One of the major scars on my government-and it will remain on my face, as Bishop Kukah said, no plastic or cosmetic surgeon can remove it-is the issue of the Chibok girls.

‘It is a scar I will die with. But perhaps later, more details may become known, and that too has to do with Boko Haram.

‘What do they really want? Our chairman once raised the issue when he interviewed some of them, and they gave him certain perspectives.

‘But I pray that one day, some of the Boko Haram leaders may be literate enough to document what they have done, so that people will truly understand what they want.

‘It is similar to the story of the Nigerian Civil War.’

Jonathan urged the current administration to consider the carrot and stick approach to address the insurgency, which has lasted more than a decade.

Jonathan’s claim misleading, says Garba Shehu

Reacting to Jonathan’s statement yesterday, former presidential spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu, described it as misleading.

He said if Jonathan’s remarks were intended as a campaign message for a possible 2027 presidential run, then ‘he is making a false start.’

According to Shehu, neither Boko Haram’s founding leader, Muhammed Yusuf, nor his successor, Abubakar Shekau, ever nominated Buhari for mediation.

Instead, he noted, Shekau consistently denounced and threatened Buhari, given their opposing ideologies.

Read Also: Boko Haram never nominated Buhari as mediator, Garba Shehu tells Jonathan

He recalled that in 2014, Buhari narrowly escaped a bomb attack by Boko Haram in Kaduna, which left some of his aides injured.

‘Buhari’s campaigns focused on fighting Boko Haram and restoring security to Nigeria whenever he became president, putting him in direct opposition to the terrorist group’s leaders,’ Shehu said.

Shehu further explained that Buhari himself had denied knowledge of any such nomination when the issue surfaced in 2011.

Citing a statement issued at the time by then Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) secretary, Buba Galadima, he recalled that Buhari dismissed the report as ‘just speculation’ since nobody had contacted him directly.

Buhari, Shehu said, maintained then that as a patriotic Nigerian, he would only continue to pray for peace in the country.

The former spokesman clarified that the confusion arose after a Boko Haram faction, possibly sponsored by Buhari’s political opponents, staged a press conference in Maiduguri through one Abu Mohammed Ibn Abdulaziz, who claimed the sect preferred Buhari and other northern elders, including the late Shettima Ali Monguno and Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim, to mediate.

Abdulaziz’s claims, Shehu stressed, were swiftly disowned by Shekau’s loyalists, who said he had no mandate to speak for the group.

At the time, CPC’s publicity secretary, the late Rotimi Fashekun, had also lambasted the Jonathan administration and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for exploiting the alleged nomination for political gain.

Fashekun described it as ‘the latest gambit in the desire of the corrupt PDP-led government to divert attention from the massive looting of the people’s common patrimony.’

Fashekun insisted that Buhari had never been linked to any insurgency, portraying him as a ‘quintessential patriot’ while accusing the PDP government itself of complicity in Nigeria’s insecurity.

He cited Jonathan’s own admission that Boko Haram had infiltrated his government, a point echoed by then National Security Adviser, the late General Andrew Azazi, as well as revelations by the State Security Service (SSS).

‘Jonathan’s latest comments revive a long-debunked narrative and fail to recognise the true record of Buhari’s opposition to Boko Haram. To win in 2027, Dr. Jonathan should look for a better story to tell Nigerians,’ he concluded.

Irabor’s book road map to stable Nigeria -Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says the book, Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, will provide guidance and serves as a road map for the nation to build a safer future.

Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja venue of the book launch, said Irabor has demonstrated that ‘leadership in war is not solely about firepower but also about intellectuals’.

‘As Theater Commander, Irabor confronted an existential threat to our national identity with the desired determination and pragmatism.

‘Scars tells a story. It reminds us of pain, but it also proves that survival is possible. Therefore, the scars we carry as a nation are evidence of our resilience.

‘They remind us of the sacrifice of our heroes past, soldiers, displaced families, and communities,’ Tinubu said.

The President emphasised that the book encourages learning from past experiences to build a safer, more stable future.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to this vision, highlighting the Renewed Hope Agenda’s goal of transforming Nigeria into a nation of peace, opportunity, and unity.

Tinubu emphasised that security is central to his vision, highlighting efforts to modernise the armed forces with cutting-edge technology and platforms.

‘We are also streamlining intelligence gathering capability and deepening regional partnership to boost collective security.

‘We are investing in a whole-of-society approach to security so that peace is not only won on the battlefield but sustained in daily life with participation of the citizens.

‘Let all Nigerians be aware that we will not rest until we defeat all indices of insecurity,’ the president said.

New thinking needed to end Boko Haram, says Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says Nigeria can only defeat Boko Haram insurgency when both the political and security leadership begin to think beyond the available narrative about the sect.

He added that documenting the experiences of those affected can help the country understand the issue and develop effective strategies to address it.

Obasanjo spoke as the Chairman of occasion at the public presentation of former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor’s book, Scars, in Abuja yesterday.

He said: ‘When in 2011, after Boko Haram had attacked the UN office here in Abuja, I went to Maiduguri to find out if there was Boko Haram, and what was it? Who were they? What are their objectives? What do they want? How can we satisfy them?

‘And I found out, yes, there was Boko Haram. I found they were not really aiming for anything political or anything seriously religious, but people that were looking for a better life, and any other thing attached to that is a better life for them.

‘Have we understood that? If we have, have we taken the steps that we should take? If we have, why is it that after 15 years, Boko Haram is now gradually becoming part of our life? Should we accept that?

‘If we do not accept it, what should we do? How much do we know?’

‘Even from the other side, and from this side, have we been active enough? Have we been proactive enough?

‘I think we have to ask ourselves the necessary questions to be able to deal with this . something that is now becoming a monster within our country.’

The former president noted that while Nigeria has faced various security challenges since independence, Boko Haram stands out for persisting over 15 years without resolution, largely due to a lack of proper understanding of the group.

FG will sustain dynamics of combating terrorism -Akume

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, says the present administration would sustain the dynamics in kinetic and non-kinetic approach in combating terrorism and other criminalities in the country.

Akume said this in his goodwill message at the launch of the book ‘Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum’ in Abuja yesterday. Akume’s goodwill message was read by Prof. Babatunde Bolaji, his technical adviser.

He said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made tremendous progress towards a secured country ‘in which productivity shall spur us to a Nigeria of our dreams’.

Akume praised General Irabor’s distinguished service to the country, particularly as Chief of Defence Staff, which stands as a powerful testament to his patriotism, courage, and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s unity and security.

‘At some of the most challenging moments in our recent history, when the fabric of our nation was threatened by insurgency and violent extremism, he stood firmly at the forefront, providing leadership that not only safeguarded lives but also strengthened the resilience of our Armed Forces and our collective will to overcome adversity,’ he said.

Akume described General Irabor’s new book as far more than a memoir, but ‘a vital reflection on our national journey and a contribution to the ongoing discourse on peace, security, and nation-building.’

According to him, by documenting the complex realities of the Boko Haram challenge and the lessons learned in confronting it, Gen. Irabor is enriching our national memory and equipping future generations with knowledge critical to building a safer and more united Nigeria.

Leah Sheribu, others a scar on Nigeria, says Bishop Kukah

The Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Matthew Hassan Kukah, says Leah Sharibu and every Nigerian child unaccounted for in the war against Boko Haram is a scar on Nigeria.

Kukah said this when he spoke as the book reviewer at the official launch of ‘Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum’, a book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor.

Rev. Kukah said: ‘Now, the issue of Leah Sharibu and the Chibok girls, these are what the author refers to as the scars. And in my view, as long as Leah Sharibu is unaccounted for, as long as any of the adopted children in Nigeria is unaccounted for, every child that is unaccounted for is a scar on the face of Nigeria.’

According to Kukah, military efforts alone would not end the Boko Haram insurgency, as the insurgents are driven by a willingness to die while soldiers fight to stay alive.

Kukah also criticised the narrative to label the insurgents as ‘Boko Haram,’ arguing that this approach misses the roots of the issue.

‘And I think this is where the Nigerian government has gotten it wrong. First of all, let’s not forget, we are the ones who gave them the name Boko Haram,’ he said.

‘They didn’t say that they are Boko Haram. We are the ones who gave them the name, and because we gave them the name Boko Haram, we have become comfortable. It has affected our strategy.

‘Boko Haram says their name is Jama’at Ahl al-Sunna li al-Da’wa wa al-Jihad. That is their name. And the English translation is that people committed to the prophet’s teachings for the propagation of jihad.

‘The challenge is what context of preaching?’

Charging political leaders to write biographies, Rev. Kukah said the nation was already in trouble and needed the way out.

He said: ‘First, the Nigerian military must be inspired by this book to also create a sense of urgency about returning to the barracks so that their honor, their integrity, their professionalism can be guaranteed.

‘Soldiers have written to say that they are often better off under civilian government than under military government.

‘However, the presence of the military in 36 states out of 36 states in Nigeria makes the notion of democracy an oxymoron.

‘We cannot be in a democracy and be surrounded by soldiers. Because increasingly, psychologically, people are beginning to think, see the military as an army of occupation.

‘It shouldn’t be so.’

He also charged the federal government to expand its concept of national security to cover all aspects of security, including food and health.’

Sultan faults Kukah’s claim

However, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubaker III, faulted Kukah’s claim.

He said: ‘I also want to correct a wrong notion that many non-Muslims hold about jihad.

‘Jihad does not mean a Muslim must kill a non-Muslim.

‘Jihad means ‘to strive.’

‘In every aspect of life, one strives to be the best they can be-to be a good Muslim, a good Christian, a good farmer, or a good engineer.

‘Jihad is not about killing non-Muslims; that is a misconception that has persisted for decades.

‘In addition, I want to clarify another issue. When Bishop Kukah spoke about Islamism, he may have used some words in a way that created misunderstanding, making Islam to appear negative.

‘But Islamism is not about seeking power for its own sake. Rather, Islam emphasises good governance in society.

‘Whoever is in power-take for example President Goodluck Jonathan-we gave him 100% support throughout his presidency.

‘Nobody said anything negative about him, and he himself knows that.

‘So, Islamism is not what some people think. It is not about seizing power; it is about promoting good governance.’

A devastating fire, suspected to be caused by an electric surge, engulfed a duplex in Arugo Garden Estate, Owerri, Imo State, on Thursday, destroying property worth over ?10 million.

The fire incident, which started at 8:45 a.m., was brought under control by the prompt action of the Federal Fire Service, Imo Command, led by ASF I Ewelike.

According to the Public Relations Unit, Chioma Onyeukwu, the timely response of the fire service saved property valued at approximately ?30 million.

‘Thanks to the prompt action of our gallant officers, led by ASF I Ewelike, the situation was brought under control using one medium jet of water from the fire appliance,’ she said.

Onyeukwu added that although property worth ?10 million was destroyed, no lives were lost.

‘The Federal Fire Service, Zone E, Imo Command, remains committed to saving lives and property, aligning with its vision of producing proficient firefighters and its mission to ensure safety through fire prevention and mitigation.’

The wait is finally over as the historic E1 Lagos GP officially commenced on Friday with the opening ceremony held at the Lagos Motor Boat Club, Ikoyi as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu flagged off the race weekend.

The iconic race with a blend of speed, culture and mind-blowing speed is coming to the heart of Africa, and Lagos showcasing its waterways to drive sports tourism and sustainable development.

The E1 Lagos GP – the UIM World Championship, an all-electric international offshore powerboat racing series highlights Lagos blue economy potentials and the state commitment to host major sporting events.

Speaking at the well-attended opening ceremony, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Alejandro Agag said bringing E1 to Africa represents a pivotal moment in the mission to grow electric racing on the continent, making the event truly global.

African football legend Didier Drogba, co-owner of Team Drogba Global Africa along with Gabrielle Lemaire, is representing Africa in the global to championship. The former Chelsea star expressed excitement with Africa’s ever race in Nigeia.

Governor Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the impact of E1 Lagos GP while assuring on the state’s commitment to host future event, making race a permanent event on the global E1 calendar.

The Governor commended the organizers for bringing the race to Lagos and lead partner First Bank for making the dream a reality. He further assured on the state resolve to compete with big cities across the world though her resilient, competitiveness and home to global businesses.

The RaceBirds took to the Lagos Lagoon to round off the opening ceremony ahead of the race which starts with the qualifying rounds on Saturday while the main race will hold on Sunday.

The E1 Lagos GP set up up a thrilling penultimate round in the battle to crown the 2025 ‘Champions of the Water’ ahead of the season finale in Miami.

The Steering Committee of the Southwest Citizen-Government Engagement Summit has announced the postponement of the event originally slated for October 9-10, 2025.

The summit will now hold on October 29-30, 2025, at the International Conference Centre (The Dome), Akure, Ondo State.

All invited participants are expected to arrive on October 28, 2025, ahead of the two-day programme themed ‘Strengthening Democracy Through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future.’

The Chief Host of the summit remains Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State.

Announcing the new dates, the Chairman of the Steering Committee, Dr. Akin Onigbinde (SAN), said the postponement was to ensure the summit provides a truly meaningful platform for engagement between citizens and government.

‘The additional time will enable us to conduct comprehensive consultations with all participating ministries, agencies, and stakeholders; ensure optimal logistical arrangements that facilitate substantive dialogue; and coordinate effectively with all six Southwest state governments and participating institutions,’ Onigbinde explained.

He apologised for any inconvenience the adjustment might cause, assuring stakeholders and the public of the committee’s commitment to delivering an impactful, inclusive, and productive summit.

The summit, convened by Afenifere in partnership with the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, will feature six thematic sessions on Fiscal Reforms and National Planning, Economic Development and Job Creation, Social Services and Social Development, Infrastructure and Transportation, Human Capital Development, and Security and Governance.

Participants will include Southwest governors, federal ministers and appointees of Southwest origin, federal legislators, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organizations, private sector players, youth and student bodies, women groups, and other key stakeholders across the region.

Afenifere, the foremost Yoruba socio-political organization, is known for its advocacy on regional interests and democratic governance, while DAWN Commission serves as the technocratic institution driving regional integration and development in the Southwest.

The postponement was confirmed in a statement issued on Saturday, October 4, by the group’s Media Relations Officer, Segun Balogun.

Nigerian artist and cultural researcher, Zainab Nneka Odemwingie, has called for renewed efforts to preserve and promote African folklore and identity.

Odemwingie, who is pushing for cultural preservation, said that generations of children are growing up disconnected from their roots due to the dominance of Western fairy tales.

Speaking at a media briefing during the presentation of her heritage project My African Baby, she said that the overwhelming exposure of African children to characters like Cinderella and Princess Elsa has erased awareness of the continent’s rich heritage, historical figures, and traditional stories.

Odemwingie said: ‘Growing up, I kept wondering where the dolls and fairy tales that looked like me were. Where were the African princesses whose stories reflected our roots and history?

‘Our children know foreign characters by heart, but many of them have never heard of Queen Idia or the legends of our ancestors.’

She explained that she has dedicated her art and research to reviving Africa’s forgotten stories using contemporary tools that appeal to younger audiences.

Beyond traditional paintings, she said her works employ comics, visual storytelling and immersive virtual reality experiences to retell the stories of African heroes and kingdoms.

Her artworks including Ivie Ogho, Faces of Ancestry, and Fulani Elegance as well as her comics and exhibitions, all aim to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity.

She urged the Federal Government to support creatives working in this space through better funding, infrastructure, and easier access to relevant institutions.

‘In other countries, it’s easy to access tourism agencies, funding opportunities and research facilities. Here, it’s almost impossible to even meet officials. We need policies that improve accessibility and provide proper funding so that artists can preserve our stories and present them to the next generation’, she said.

Nigeria International striker Term Moffi is expected to be in the thick of action tomorrow for Nice away to Monaco in the latest edition of the Derby de la Cote d’Azur slated for Stade Louis II on match day seven of the Ligue 1 campaign.

Last weekend, Les Monegasques dropped to fourth in the table with a 3-1 loss at Lorient, while Nice settled for a 1-1 draw with Paris FC, putting them in 12th place.

It is rarely straightforward with Monaco, and their performance last weekend was a case in point as they struggled against another newly promoted club, with discipline being an issue, spending more than half of that match a man down.

Tomorrow, they will try to avoid losing consecutive league matches for the first time all year, with their only two defeats in the campaign so far coming away from home.

Meanwhile they have a chance to win their first four Ligue 1 home fixtures this weekend for the first time since the 2003-04 season, when they wound up third in the table.

Adi Hutter’s men have often been their own worst enemy domestically in 2025-26, conceding the joint second-most penalties thus far (three).

Defensively, this team have not looked comfortable, as they are one of two teams in the French top-flight that have yet to collect a clean sheet this season, with the other being Paris FC.

At Stade Louis II, though, they always seem to come up with some magic, going unbeaten in their previous 11 Ligue 1 home outings in the Principality, with 11 of their 14 goals this season coming at home.

Jubilation yesterday greeted the news that a Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State has ordered the Police to maintain the status quo on the enforcement of vehicle tinted glass permit.

The court issued the order in suit No.FHC/WR/CS/103/2025, filed by a lawyer, John Aikpokpo-Martins, against the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Nigeria Police Force.

The order came barely hours after police operatives in the state impounded the vehicle of a judicial officer despite the pendency of a suit by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) last month challenging the legality of the exercise.

Scores of Nigerians who reacted to the news noted that enforcement of the tinted permit at this time showed insensitivity to the people’s economic plights.

Others raised concerns about the difficulty in completing the process through the digital portal, possap.gov.ng, accusing the police of reintroducing the exercise as a means to extort and harass motorists.

But there were still a handful of Nigerians who stood with the police, citing the spate of kidnapping and insecurity across the country, and the need for law enforcement officers to regulate the use of tinted permits.

In its suit filed last month, the NBA had argued that the policy was unlawful and violated citizens’ fundamental rights to dignity, privacy, and freedom of movement. It also claimed that the police’s ground for the enforcement was hinged on a 1991 Act, enacted under the military rule and contradicted the 1999 Constitution.

But their lawsuit did not stop the police as enforcement commenced in most states as scheduled.

The enforcement, the police said, is in strict compliance with the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 2004, which remains a vital security regulation used to curb criminal activities and enhance public safety.

In Jigawa and Delta states for instance, the police intensified enforcements, impounding 20 and 25 vehicles respectively.

Spokesman for the Zamfara State Police Command told The Nation that offenders were charged to court immediately, adding that there was active enforcement across the 27 LGAs with emphasis on the state capital.

Adam added that he was not aware of any court order halting the exercise.

In Delta State, the police command through its X handle announced the clampdown on 25 vehicles for flouting the tinted permit law, vowing to sustain the tempo.

Motorists complain of registration challenges

Lagos motorists continued to express frustration over difficulties with the TGP registration process. Many cited persistent glitches on the POSSAP portal, exorbitant charges and the reliance on agents.

Mr. Niyi Ajet, who registered four vehicles, said he paid ?40,000 through an agent after repeated failed attempts online. Mrs. Blessing Nwosu described the process as ‘nearly impossible,’ adding that she hoped the reported court suspension of enforcement would shield motorists from harassment.

Mr. Kehinde Osakede said the portal stalled at the payment stage, while Mr. Emmanuel Azubike described the scheme as ‘extortion,’ recalling that a former IGP had earlier suspended it.

Others, like Mr. Magnus Eze, admitted resorting to agents at extra cost.

Mrs. Hope Bolaji said she decided to wait, citing frequent ‘error’ messages on the site. ‘Suspending it is the best option so we can take our time to register,’ she said, noting that no officers had impounded cars in Ajah and Victoria Island.

Meanwhile, some motorists reported differing experiences with law enforcement in Lagos.

One driver said police only requested his licence and ignored the tinted glass.

Another, however, complained that agents were demanding ?45,000 for permits officially priced at ?12,000.

An Uber driver, Cletus Emmanuel, narrated his ordeal in separate encounters with officers enforcing the directive.

Mr. Emmanuel, who was arrested around the Mile 2 axis, said his car was seized after he resisted demands for money.

Emmanuel, who resides in the same neighborhood as this reporter, explained that the officers ignored his explanations that the exercise was on hold and if the courts had given the police the go ahead, he would obtain a permit.

‘They told me I could not move unless I paid one million naira. When I refused, they assaulted me and forced me out of the car before impounding it. I was left stranded while they drove it away,’ Emmanuel has said.

Similarly, two motorists expressed dissatisfaction with the enforcement, describing the policy as exploitative, unnecessary, and burdensome on law-abiding citizens.

One of the motorists, who said he owned multiple factory-fitted tinted vehicles, faulted the regulation, arguing that it places an unfair responsibility on drivers who have already paid full import duties on their cars.

‘All my cars have factory-fitted tinted glass, and I paid all duties before buying them. Now asking me to obtain a separate permit feels oppressive and ridiculous,’ he said.

He noted that linking tinted glass to criminal activity was an indictment on law enforcement rather than justification for fresh regulations.

‘If criminals can still get a permit, will that stop crime? The police should focus on tackling crime directly instead of punishing innocent car owners. This is simply a revenue drive, not a crime-fighting measure,’ he added.

Another motorist, however, said that while he understood the government’s concerns about security, the current approach was flawed and unnecessarily stressful for drivers.

‘I don’t support crime, but the process of getting a tinted permit is discouraging.

‘Some of us use tinted glass for health reasons, like protection from the sun, but the police don’t consider that.

‘Instead, they stop us at checkpoints, delay us, and sometimes extort money,’ he said.

He urged authorities to simplify the process or scrap it entirely, noting that genuine safety measures, rather than permits, would better address the concerns.

In Katsina, transport operators lauded the court order suspending the enforcement, describing it as a huge relief.

Tasi Kofar Durbi, one of the drivers operating in Katsina-Lagos axis expressed relief, citing the challenges the policy posed to their operations.

The policy, according to him, has caused significant disruptions in the transportation sector, with many drivers facing harassment and extortion by police officers.

He said: ‘I welcome the court order. It will reduce the stress and challenges we face on the road.

”The ruling will ease the burden on us transport operators and ensure smoother travel experiences for passengers.’

Commercial motorists in Imo State also expressed concerns about the directive, demanding fair implementation.

According to them, the police have warned that they will be forced to stop operating if they failed to replace their factory-fitted tinted windscreens.

‘We are going to protest if the police give preferential treatment to vehicle owners.

‘Some of our colleagues have packed their vehicles because they couldn’t afford to change the windscreens due to the high cost of materials in the market,’ one operator said.

The police command had previously explained that the ban on tinted windscreens for commercial buses, particularly ‘Bus Imo,’ aims to enhance public safety. This measure was necessitated by the frequent involvement of such vehicles in violent crimes like kidnapping, armed robbery, and ‘one chance’ incidents in the state.

The command has directed vehicle owners with factory-fitted tinted or lightly shaded windscreens to apply for mandatory permits on the approved police portal before the October 3 deadline. The bus operators are requesting that the police apply the same strict warnings to private vehicle owners

For Anambra, Benue, Kogi and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), enforcement was yet to kick off, but sensitization exercises were ongoing.

Spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed that motorists were only being mobilised and encouraged to register their vehicles through circulated links.

Our correspondent who monitored the enforcement in Abuja observed that the police officers were not enforcing it.

Motorists, who spoke with The Nation yesterday, were surprised that they were not asked for the tinted permit.

Mr. Lucky Oyi, a civil servant, said his tinted permit papers were with him, but since Thursday, no police officer has asked for it.

Oyi said: ‘I am surprised that the enforcement has not started in the FCT. I have not witnessed it, and likewise my friends.

‘I am okay by it, but any time they start, I am ready. With what other states are experiencing, the police should just stop this enforcement.’

A motorist, Ada Omale, supported the enforcement, adding that the step will further help curb insecurity, ‘one chance’ menace in the nation’s capital.

‘People are using tinted glasses indiscriminately without approval, so if the police are giving approval, it is a welcome development,’ he said.

There was noticeable enforcement in other parts of Plateau State save for the capital, Jos, where the exercise was relaxed to enable free flow of traffic as a result of the President’s visit to the state.

In Abia State, Commissioner of Police Danladi Isa confirmed that enforcement had started following directives from the Inspector-General of Police.

Addressing senior officers in Umuahia, Isa warned personnel against extortion and urged professionalism during the exercise. No arrests had been confirmed at press time.

In Borno State, the enforcement of the tinted permit started on Thursday and continued yesterday without confrontation, said the police command’s spokesman, ASP Nahum Daso Kenneth.

The PPRO in a telephone interview disclosed that vehicle owners who could not provided their tinted permits were asked to remove their tint from their cars on the spot.

He added that there were no reported cases of violence between the police and vehicle owners in the state.

Yobe Police Command extended the grace period to October 6, warning that any tinted vehicle found without a valid permit would be impounded, and the driver charged to court for violating road traffic regulations.’

Contacted for reaction, the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the police do not receive nor act on social media status quo order.

He said: ‘We have not been officially served by any court. Until then, we will know the next action to take. For now the enforcement continues.’

Rivera State governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reflected on past challenges during the period of emergency saying some permanent secretaries in the state failed to uphold due process and professionalism.

The governor spoke while inaugurating a new Permanent Secretary, Mr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, in his first appointment since resuming office after the emergency rule.

Fubara charged the permanent secretary to remain unwavering in professionalism, uphold the values of the civil service, and shun any act of illegality in the discharge of his responsibilities.

The governor during the swearing in ceremony held at the Executive Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt, also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to due process and integrity, stressing that the civil service must remain the backbone of good governance.

Fubara in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, lamented that some Permanent Secretaries engaged in actions that undermined the principles of the service.

He warned that such conduct was unacceptable and that erring officials would ultimately be held accountable.

The governor praised Mr. Ezekiel-Hart for his professionalism and refusal to compromise his integrity despite pressures, noting that his steadfastness and principled stance earned him the new appointment.

He pointed out that the appointee’s colleagues could attest to his record of doing the right thing even in difficult circumstances.

Fubara further emphasised that civil servants must remain consistent in their service, prioritising truth, fairness, and due process above personal or political interests.

He stressed that no directive, regardless of its source, should override established rules and procedures, assuring that his administration would never pressure officers to act outside the law.

The governor reiterated that his government was more focused on tangible results than on rhetoric, adding that all appointments were based strictly on merit, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to service.

The governor explained that Mr. Ezekiel-Hart’s elevation reflected his choice to stand as a true professional, and that his administration expected every official to act rightly so that history would judge them well.

Fubara urged the new Permanent Secretary to justify his elevation with improved performance, reminding him of the greater responsibilities attached to the office, while assuring him of the government’s full support.

Sixty-five years after attaining Independence, Nigeria is still struggling to fulfill the vision of its founding fathers. The consolation is that there is now hope on the horizon for the country, from all indications, under the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.

The supposedly African giant has not been static since October 1, 1960, when Independence was restored after 75 years of colonial subjugation. Under successive indigenous leadership, much progress has been made across the sectors. But many errors have also been committed, which have limited the pace of development.

As a complex heterogeneous country, Nigeria has been assailed by multiple crises of nation-building bordering on identity, political and economic participation, legitimacy of government structures, and divisive distributive politics.

While the world powers predicted that by the mid-seventies, Nigeria would have become a medium-ranking power with a commanding influence in world affairs, the prediction has not been fulfilled.

The failure of Nigeria to live up to expectations, despite its vast natural endowment and huge human capital, has wiped smiles from the faces of its citizens. The sad turn of events has also denied Africa a clear and towering leader who could lead and strategically champion the cause of the continent on the global stage.

The journey of nationhood has passed through hills and valleys. There have been challenges and traumas; there have also been moments of jamboree and jocundity.

The future was bright in 1960, but within six years, Nigeria ran into turbulence. The battle for political control through foul means, ethnicity and monumental corruption on the part of the early leaders led to the collapse of the First Republic.

Up came the self-styled modernisers – the non-accountable power-thirsty soldiers – who toppled civilian authorities and pushed the bewildered country into a prolonged nightmare. Their methods were dictatorial. With the barrel of guns, they foisted on Nigeria a centralised system of government that was antithetical to the federal principle.

The 1966 military coup deepened the distrust and suspicion among the unequal regions. The Unification Decree marked the beginning of a prolonged journey in national comatose.

Up till now, the country has not fully recovered. The battle to keep Nigeria one was won, yet threats of secession by a certain ethnic group have not subsided.

The Nigerian brand of federalism is on trial, confusing, divisive, provocative, and fundamentally unjust. Indisputably, the country has paled into a poor, ethnically-segmented nation-state battling to survive a unitary system, aptly foisted by military interlopers. State and local government creation was lopsided, and the census could not be held due to the fear of rigging the head count.

There is a combative regression to the pre-independence battle cry for restructuring at a time developed countries expect the African giant to be a continental model of federal democracy.

The defective federal principle became an albatross. It was a skewed arrangement with an in-built, lopsided, and marginalising distributive process. This heralded colossal injustice and induced intense agitation. The major bone of contention was the over-centralisation and monopolisation of power by a distant central government to the detriment of pauperised and disadvantaged component units in the highly heterogeneous country.

Indeed, the notion of unity in diversity was displaced due to elongated perceived structural defects and institutional deformities, which denied the reality of peculiarities in a plural society.

The military perceived Nigeria as a fiefdom, and the bitter power struggle broke out among its top echelon. They pushed the country into an avoidable civil war in which thousands of innocent lives were terminated. Coups became monotonous, and the prospects of popular rule dimmed.

For 27 years, Nigeria was in the military cage. When the soldiers finally and reluctantly abdicated power in 1999, it was evident that they were not better than the civilian authorities they had illegitimately displaced. They were even more corrupt, promoting nepotism and stifling the growth as democracy.

In 1999, those who took over power were also created in the same military image. They had a faulty compass – a severely flawed constitution that lied to and against itself.

The ruling party at the beginning of the current dispensation was aptly called the party of generals for having the highest concentration of retired military officers of any other party. The ex-soldiers apparently thought it appropriate to assemble under the same umbrella to continue their jingoistic exploits. As Nigerians would say: they showed the country pepper. The then-ruling party boasted of retaining power for at least sixty years, confident that its jackboot tactics would fend off other parties from accessing legitimate democratic power.

It was a harrowing experience. Under their leadership for 16 years, the country bled. Oil, the acclaimed black gold and blessing, became a curse. Its proceeds were grossly misused through the inordinate personalisation of power. The refineries remained moribund, despite the allocation of huge funds into their turnaround maintenance (TAM). The government was comfortable with a curious fuel subsidy regime, which was mercilessly exploited by the barons who held the country by the jugular.

The country groaned. Life expectancy dropped abysmally. Basic amenities, including potable water, electricity, medical facilities and roads were in short supply. The quality of life among the citizens became abysmal. Youths deserted the country for an imaginary golden fleece in foreign lands. Many of them perished in harsh conditions while attempting to cross the Sahara Desert or the Mediterranean Sea to Europe in the search for scarce jobs.

Graft and sleaze multiplied. Foreign debt piled up. Foreign reserves were depleted. The manufacturing sub-sector collapsed. Nigeria became a laughing stock. People started having a nostalgic feeling about the constitutional order of the First Republic, saying that presidential democracy had failed.

As if the challenges were not enough to depress the soul of the nation, Nigeria started battling with insecurity, including banditry, terrorism, kidnapping for ransom, and other forms of violence.

Ethnicity and religion became the willing tools exploited by unpatriotic elements to fan the embers of disunity. There was stiff resistance to change and progress.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inherited the cumulative mess on May 29, 2023. It is possible that the problems he met were greater than the challenges he expected. But an experienced, competent, resourceful, and result-driven leader, he was adequately prepared for the job. The priority of the administration is to build institutions and erect lasting legacies, he has been telling his fellow compatriots.

But to turn adversity into prosperity, the Tinubu administration had to embark on reforms across the sectors. Like a surgical operation, this has been painful. Only a bold and courageous leader like President Tinubu can take the decisive step, which has now been twisted by the cantankerous opposition as the imposition of hardship on the populace.

Not afraid to step on toes in the national interest, the President removed fuel subsidy from day one, daring the economic saboteurs. He also dismantled corruption in the foreign exchange market. The review of the tax laws and strengthening of the revenue-generating agencies marked a clean break from the sordid past.

More funds are now being distributed from the Federation Account to the sub-national units. If governors and council chairmen can demonstrate commitment, patriotism and discipline by channeling the money to development, all will be well.

This is why the President urged the leaders at these tiers to wet the ground. It is puzzling to the common man, who is enjoined to be patient, that reform pains linger, and nobody seems prepared to understand the language of economic innovation that does not lead to food price affordability, no matter the macro-economic stability.

More than a year after rail transportation was decentralised, no region in the country has taken the bull by the horns. The agitations for restructuring have continued, but, paradoxically, certain elements of devolution are either being opposed or resisted. Examples are the council autonomy and the initial reluctance of some states to welcome state police.

A bridge builder and detribalised leader, President Tinubu has united the country through the exhibition of national outlook and promotion of inclusive policies and programmes. These are visible in the distribution of appointments and infrastructural projects, the establishment of regional commissions, and the promotion of cordial inter-governmental relations.

The signature infrastructural projects of the administration are road construction across the six geopolitical zones. Of more significance now are the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Badagry-Sokoto road, which will open many communities across the regions.

Infrastructural gaps have to be bridged. A thriving and buoyant economy has to be sustained by connectivity. This is why an effective and efficient transportation system is key.

As a corollary, reforms that can resolve the lingering energy crisis would be reassuring in light of the expected support for industrialisation or production, particularly the manufacturing sub-sector, which can yield the by-products of job creation, social progress, and high competitiveness.

For youths, the student loan scheme comes in handy. It prevents dropouts in tertiary institutions and rekindles hope about the ability of the system to offer and guarantee succour.

The Tinubu administration has fought terror with vigour and recorded outstanding success. The achievement has to be sustained.

To discerning minds, the restructuring that would restore federalism has begun. The prospects of state policing or multi-level policing may be the baseline.

President Tinubu is laying a firm foundation for a virile and better tomorrow. It is mobilising and planning for a better future.

There are still some issues that need to be addressed collectively. One of them is that the cost of governance across the tiers is huge, often wasteful, and unaccounted for. The current expenditure should not rival capital spending. The government’s spending should focus on productive activities.

Also, elections are still controversial with fraud, vote-buying, and violence sitting at the heart of polls. A special tribunal or court for the trial of electoral offenders is necessary. The ballot box should not be desecrated. Also, losers should be courageous to concede defeat, as done in some advanced democracies, instead of embarking on unnecessary post-election litigations that waste the time of the court.

If all election cases can be disposed of before the inauguration date, the nation would be the better for it

The question now is: where should Nigeria be in the next 65 years? Would it become a technological giant, a great federal democracy, a secured country, a self-sufficient nation, a united nation-state, and a world power?

Nigeria should plan. It should also not fail to avert failure in the implementation of its plans. A plan is not about its name but the results it generates in the long run. Africa’s most populous nation should unleash its human and technical endowments towards building a resilient future in which the citizens will stand very tall across the world. This is the time to roll up our sleeves to accomplish the task.

Super Eagles’ Head Coach Eric Chelle has drafted team captain William Ekong, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel and Calvin Bassey, midfielders Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi, and forwards Victor Osimhen and Simon Moses in his list of 23 players for this month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho and Benin Republic.

Defender Semi Ajayi, who missed the last two matches in the September window due to injury, returns to the group, as do France-based Terem Moffi and former junior international Olakunle Olusegun, who plays his club football in Russia.

Nigeria, now in third place and only three points off first-placed Benin Republic and second-placed South Africa, tackle the Likuena (Crocodiles) of Lesotho at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa on Friday, 10th October in a Matchday 9 encounter, before flying from South Africa to Uyo to battle leaders Benin Republic in a fiery final Matchday game on Tuesday, 14th October.

The players are scheduled to fly into South Africa from their different bases in Europe and elsewhere, to converge in Polokwane on Monday, 6th October.

The list has goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, and Adeleye Adebayo. Defenders: William Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Felix Agu, and Benjamin Fredericks.

The others are midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, Wilfred Ndidi, and forwards: Ademola