Osun LG Funds: Supreme Court Reserves Judgement In Suit Against AGF

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has reserved judgement in a suit filed by Osun State Government seeking to stop the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) from releasing the withheld local government funds to the disputed chairmen elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

A seven-member panel of justices led by Justice Uwani Aba’aji reserved judgement after taking arguments from counsel to Osun State, Musbau Adetumbi (SAN), and counsel to the AGF, Akin Olujimi (SAN).

The panel announced that the date for the judgement would be communicated to parties when it is ready.

Justice Aba’aji, who led a 7- man panel of Justices in the Tuesday’s proceedings announced that the date for judgement delivery in the suit with Number, SC/CV/773/2025 would be communicated to the two parties when it is ready.

In the suit with number: SC/CV/773/2023, the Osun Attorney General sought order of the apex court directing the AGF to immediately release the statutory allocations to chairmen and councillors validly elected for the 30 local government areas of the Osun State.

While arguing the case of the state government, Adetumbi pleaded with the panel to uphold his arguments and grant all the reliefs sought as the election that brought in the APC local government chairmen and councillors had been nullified by the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal in Abuja.

Objecting to the submission, Olujimi asked the apex court to dismiss the Osun case for lack of jurisdiction to entertain the matter as the matter was between two political parties.

The senior lawyer argued that, the suit did not disclose any cause of action, adding that the tenure of the disputed council chairmen is still running till October 22 and that, the proper thing was for the statutory allocation to be be released to them to run the councils.

Over 33m Nigerians Facing Acute Food Insecurity – Akpabio

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has disclosed that over 33 million Nigerians are facing acute food insecurity, stressing that the issue demands urgent legislative action.

Akpabio in his welcome remarks at resumed plenary of the Senate on Tuesday in Abuja, also sympathised with Nigerians across the flood-ravaged states of Bayelsa, Sokoto, Zamfara and others.

Daily Trust reports that Senators and members of the House of Representatives resumed plenary on Tuesday after their annual recess which started on July 23, 2025.

Akpabio lamented that banners of terrorism and banditry still threaten the country, saying the citizens do not look up to the leadership for lamentations but action on the challenges confronting them. ‘To every home afflicted by these disasters, insecurity, hunger, and hardship, we extend to them the hand of fellowship and the prayer of comfort. We promise them that we shall not flinch from the duty of relief and redress for our people.

‘Let us also heed the cry from the farms and markets. Over 33 million Nigerians face acute food insecurity – a crisis demanding urgent legislative attention to agriculture, rural roads, irrigation, and mechanization. Hunger cannot be defeated with words; it requires policy, budget, and will.

‘The cost of living weighs upon the family table like an iron chain. The flickering of our national grid leaves cities in darkness and commerce in paralysis. These trials summon us to service of uncommon urgency – and to partnership with the executive arm, that together we rewrite the story of our nation.

‘We must legislate with boldness. We must press forward with reforms to steady our economy, draw investment, broaden the tax base, and nurture growth. We must strike hard at the enemies of ignorance and disease by strengthening education and healthcare. We must give the youths of Nigeria not only hope but opportunity,’ he added.

Akpabio said the lawmakers must revisit the 1999 Constitution to make the country’s federal system stronger, strengthen governance and make democracy more inclusive.

Akpabio also commiserated with the families of the twelve forest guards slain in Oke-Ode, Kwara State, victims of boat tragedies in the country and stressed the urgent need for coordination between the federal and sub-national governments to mitigate these devastations before they become annual calamities.

Tinubu Seeks Fresh $2.35bn External Loan, $500m Sovereign Sukuk

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has written to the House of Representatives seeking its approval to raise a total of $2.347 billion from the international capital market to fund part of the 2025 budget deficit and refinance Nigeria’s maturing Eurobonds.

He also sought approval for issuance of a $500 million debut sovereign Sukuk to support critical infrastructure development.

The request was contained in letter read by the Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen during plenary on Tuesday.

Tinubu said the request was made pursuant to Sections 21(1) and 27(1) of the Debt Management Office (Establishment, Etc.) Act, 2003.

Tinubu explained that the request was necessary to give effect to the borrowing provisions in the 2025 Appropriation Act, refinance the $1.118 billion Eurobond maturing in November 2025, and expand Nigeria’s access to diversified external funding sources.

The President stated that the 2025 budget provided for N9.28 trillion in new borrowings to bridge the fiscal deficit, out of which N1.84 trillion (equivalent to $1.229 billion) was earmarked as new external borrowing.

‘The House of Representatives is kindly invited to issue its resolution allowing the government to raise the amount through any of the following options: issuance of Eurobonds, bridge finance facility from bookrunners, loan syndication, or direct borrowing from international financial institutions,’ the President wrote.

According to him, the funds will be deployed to part-finance the 2025 budget deficit in line with the approved fiscal framework.

Tinubu also sought lawmakers’ approval to refinance the $1.118 billion Eurobond issued in 2018, which he said, will mature on November 21, 2025.

He said the move was necessary to ‘avoid default’ and is in line with international best practices in debt capital markets.

‘The plan is to refinance the maturing Eurobonds through issuance of Eurobonds, bridge finance facility, loan syndication, or direct borrowing from international financial institutions,’ the President noted.

He said the aggregate external capital to be raised comprising $1.229 billion for new borrowing and $1.118 billion for refinancing amounts to $2.347 billion.

Tinubu said while all options would be explored, the government’s primary plan is to issue Eurobonds, leveraging Nigeria’s status as a regular participant in the international capital market.

‘The terms and conditions can only be determined at the time of the transactions and will be subject to prevailing market conditions,’ he added, noting that the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Debt Management Office (DMO) would collaborate with transaction advisers to secure the most favourable terms.

In a separate but related request, the President asked the House to authorise the issuance of a stand-alone debut Sovereign Sukuk of up to $500 million in the international capital market.

Tinubu said the debut international Sukuk would be modeled after the successful domestic Sukuk issuances that have raised over N1.39 trillion since 2017 for road and infrastructure development.

According to him, the initiative aims to diversify Nigeria’s investor base, open new funding sources, and deepen the sovereign securities market.

2027: SAN Describes Suit To Bar Jonathan As Abuse Of Court Process

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Oba Maduabuchi, has described the suit filed to prevent ex-President Goodluck Jonathan from contesting in 2027 is ‘an abuse of court process.’

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, a lawyer, Johnmary Jideobi, sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining Jonathan from ‘presenting himself to any political party in Nigeria for nomination as its candidate’ for the 2027 poll or any future election.

Jideobi also asked the court to bar the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting or publishing Jonathan’s name as a candidate, and to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) to ensure compliance with the court’s decision. INEC and the AGF are listed as the second and third defendants.

In his supporting affidavit, deposed to by one Emmanuel Agida, the plaintiff described himself as an ‘advocate of constitutionalism and the rule of law.’

He argued that Jonathan, having completed the tenure of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and subsequently served a full four-year term after winning the 2011 election, had already exhausted the constitutional limit of two terms.

But speaking when he featured on ARISE TV’s Morning Show, Maduabuchi said Jonathan’s qualification or disqualification had already been adjudicated in Yenegoa, and since ‘nobody has taken that issue on appeal . until that judgment is set aside, it remains what the law is.’

Maduabuchi said any party who takes that settled issue to a court of coordinate jurisdiction is simply ‘abusing the process of the court’ and branded such action as one by ‘a busy body.’

He observed that what controls any situation is the law in force ‘when the act in issue was done,’ asking whether Section 1373 existed in 2010 when Jonathan took the oath of office.

He said the law only came into effect in 2018 and ‘when Goodluck Jonathan was taking the oath of office . there was no statutory limitation . which could inhibit him from running his constitutionally guaranteed two terms.’

He questioned whether Jonathan swore any oath after the amendment of 1373 and likened attempts to apply a later law earlier to punishing someone under a law that did not exist when the act occurred.

He recalled that judges’ retirement age was formerly 65, then changed to 70, and asked if a judge who had retired just before that change would sue to be reinstated under the new law.

He emphasised that law demands certainty, and noted that ‘in 2011 and 2010, when Goodluck Jonathan swore the oath . Prohibition of 1372 was not in existence. It was not binding on him.’

He said no ‘pyrotechnic’ argument can breathe existence into a law that did not exist.

He further referenced a case in the Federal Court of Appeal which affirmed that Jonathan had the right to run and one cannot apply retrospective laws to him.

Mahmood Yakubu Bows Out As INEC Chair, Hands Over To Agbamuche

Professor Mahmood Yakubu has bowed out as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Yakubu, who was appointed in 2015, spent two terms of five years each, in office.

On Tuesday, he handed over to May Agbamuche, a National Commissioner of the commission in acting capacity.

The former INEC Chairman appealed to his former colleagues to cooperate with the Acting chairman pending the time a substantive head is appointed. President Bola Tinubu is expected to name a new chairman for the electoral agency, any moment from now.

Appointment of a new INEC Chairman is expected to be one of the main issues to be discussed at the forthcoming Council of State meeting slated for later this week.

Meanwhile, registered political parties under the aegis of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) have proposed the establishment of an independent body to appoint the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), its National Commissioners, and Secretary to ensure neutrality and strengthen Nigeria’s electoral integrity.

The proposal was made by IPAC National Chairman, Dr Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, during a consultative meeting between leaders of political parties and the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review held at the Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments in Abuja, on Monday.

Dantalle, who was represented by his deputy, Dipo Olayoku, said the current system where the President appoints the INEC Chairman and other key officials compromises the commission’s independence and fuels public distrust.

‘To promote the independence of INEC, the power to appoint the Chairman, Secretary and National Commissioners should be removed from the executive.

‘Instead, an Independent Appointment Committee (IAC) should be established, composed of representatives from all registered political parties, civil society organisations, the National Judicial Council, and a committee of the National Assembly drawn from both the majority and minority caucuses,’ he said.

He said such an arrangement would ensure inclusivity, transparency, and credibility in the process of appointing the leadership of the nation’s electoral umpire.

How Dangote’s Billion-Naira Gift Rekindled Hope At Ilorin Central Mosque

For years, the magnificent Ilorin Central Jumaat Mosque has been one of the city’s greatest symbols of faith, beauty, and identity.

With its shining domes and alluring calligraphy, the mosque stands as a proud landmark of Islamic heritage in the Ilorin Emirate.

But behind the glamour, the mosque’s management has quietly battled the challenge of keeping it running.

Each month, the maintenance cost for the architectural masterpiece hovered around five million naira on electricity, cleaning, and general upkeep.

The amount is so huge that it often leaves the management struggling to meet expenses. For a long time, contributions from worshippers during Friday prayers and the modest monthly donations from the five local governments within the Ilorin Emirate barely made a difference.

However, after years of struggling to make its maintenance a success story, a lifeline has arrived from one of Nigeria’s most influential businessmen, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the president of Dangote Group.

Dangote’s decision to build a 250-bed hostel at the University of Ilorin as a source of income for the mosque has brought a wave of relief and excitement across the city.

Symbol of Faith, Pride

The Ilorin Central Mosque is more than just a place of worship. It is the spiritual and cultural heart of the Ilorin Emirate that showcases its religious identity and heritage. Built in 1981 at a cost of about N2.5 million, the edifice underwent a major transformation in 2013 when it was remodelled into a world-class structure costing about N2.5 billion. The renovation gave it a modern design with artistic Islamic inscriptions and calligraphy imported from 16 different countries according to its handlers.

The project, spearheaded during the tenure of former Senate President Bukola Saraki as governor of Kwara State who gathered individual billionaires, top companies and establishment to chart a defining religious cause.

The move not only projected the mosque as a national and international symbol, it turned it into a major tourist attraction for Muslims from Nigeria and beyond.

Since then, the mosque has stood as an architectural masterpiece and a unifying symbol for the people of Ilorin, drawing thousands of worshippers every week and visitors who come to admire its beauty.

But maintaining such a massive structure soon became a serious challenge.

Maintenance Burden

Every Friday, thousands of worshippers congregate in the mosque for the Jumu’at mosque. But for the management committee, each passing week also comes with the stress of keeping the facility functional.

The chairman of the mosque’s management committee, Alhaji Shehu AbdulGafar, said maintenance costs had been the biggest headache since the mosque was reopened after its remodelling in 2013.

‘Running the mosque takes about five million naira every month. We get small contributions from worshippers during Jumaat prayers and N200,000 each from the five local governments in the Ilorin Emirate. But that is still far below what is needed’, he explained.

‘Electricity bills alone consume about N1.5 million monthly. The committee also pays for water, cleaning, staff stipends, and other routine expenses. For years, the team relied on fundraising and donations from kind-hearted individuals. But those efforts were no longer enough’, Gafar, a former Secretary to the government, said.

Faced with rising costs and dwindling donations, the mosque’s management decided that it was time to find a lasting solution. Instead of depending entirely on public contributions, the committee proposed an investment that could generate income regularly.

After careful discussions, they settled on the idea of constructing a 250-bed hostel for students at the University of Ilorin. The plan was to build, own, and manage the hostel for 21 years. The revenue from students’ rent would then be used for the maintenance and upkeep of the mosque.

The idea was sound, but there was one major problem, funding. The estimated cost of the project was about N1.1 billion, far beyond the reach of the committee.

Enters Dangote’s Olive Branch

It was at this point that help came from an unexpected but familiar source. The management committee reached out to Alhaji Aliko Dangote, one of Nigeria’s most respected philanthropists and industrialists, to support the project.

After reviewing the proposal, Dangote agreed not only to fund the construction of the entire hostel but also to provide a monthly donation of N5 million to help the mosque with its running costs until the project is completed.

For many in Ilorin, this gesture represents more than just philanthropy. It is a reflection of shared faith, compassion, and the deep respect the billionaire has for the spiritual and cultural identity of Ilorin.

According to Alhaji AbdulGafar, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has already been signed with the University of Ilorin, and land has been allocated within the campus. Once completed, the hostel will be managed by the mosque for two decades before ownership reverts to the university.

‘The project will give the mosque financial independence and ensure that future generations do not go through the same struggle,’ he said.

A welcome initiative

The University of Ilorin, for its part, welcomed the development with open arms.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Wahab Egbewole, who signed the MoU on behalf of the university, said the project would help reduce the accommodation challenges faced by students.

‘With our growing student population, we are constantly in need of more hostel facilities. This initiative will help us meet that need while supporting a noble cause,’ he said.

He praised the Ilorin Central Mosque management for their creativity and commitment to self-sufficiency, describing the project as ‘a win-win for both the university and the community.’

A Practical Act of Faith

For the mosque’s legal adviser, Professor Yusuf Olaolu Ali (SAN), the initiative reflects a new model of community-driven sustainability. He described the hostel plan as a ‘practical act of faith’ that balances religious devotion with economic foresight.

‘In today’s Nigeria, the government alone cannot meet the needs of students in tertiary institutions. When well-meaning individuals and institutions take up such projects, they not only solve social problems but also promote values of compassion and service,’ he said.

He called on other wealthy Nigerians to emulate Dangote’s example by using their resources to support projects that benefit society and strengthen Islamic institutions.

Solar Energy Transformation

Beyond Dangote’s contribution, another positive development came from Senator Saliu Mustapha, the Turaki of Ilorin, who has provided a solar power installation for the mosque.

Before this intervention, the mosque relied heavily on power supply from the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), spending up to N1.5 million monthly for just a few hours of electricity.

The new solar project, according to Alhaji AbdulGafar, will drastically cut down power expenses and provide constant electricity, ensuring that the mosque remains illuminated throughout the night.

‘This project will not only reduce our costs but will also beautify the mosque at night. People coming into Ilorin will see the mosque glowing from afar,’ he said.

The management of the mosque expressed deep gratitude to Dangote, Senator Mustapha, and all those who have supported the mosque’s projects.

‘We appreciate their generosity and vision. Their contributions will forever remain part of the mosque’s history and the development of the Ilorin Emirate’, Gafar said.

The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, who has been at the forefront of efforts to sustain the mosque, was also commended for his guidance and leadership.

Many residents have described the developments as a turning point, saying the projects will not only sustain the mosque but also serve as a model for how faith-based organisations can manage themselves responsibly.

The Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria also hailed the gestures as noble and worthy of emulation. Its National Coordinator, Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim, described Dangote’s action as ‘a practical show of faith and compassion.’

He called on other wealthy Muslims to follow the example of contributing to religious and humanitarian causes instead of focusing on extravagant spending.

‘Such gestures reflect true belief in Allah,’ he said. ‘They show how wealth can be used to serve humanity and support the faith. We hope others will take inspiration from this.’

He also praised the Emir of Ilorin for appointing capable hands to manage the mosque, noting that the leadership under Alhaji AbdulGafar had brought fresh ideas and accountability.

A New Chapter

For the people of Ilorin, the support from Dangote and other benefactors is more than just a donation; it is a renewal of hope. It shows that even in challenging times, partnerships between faith and philanthropy can bring lasting solutions.

The upcoming hostel project, combined with the solar energy installation, is expected to put the mosque on a path of financial stability. It will ensure that the iconic edifice continues to serve generations of Muslims as a place of worship, learning, and community gathering.

The Ilorin Central Mosque has always been more than a building. It represents the soul of a city deeply rooted in Islam and tradition. From its towering minarets to its golden interiors, it reflects the collective faith and identity of a people.

Now, as it enters a new phase of sustainability, the mosque is again setting an example, this time not just in beauty, but in innovation and responsible leadership.

Governor Yahaya Donates N20m To Victims Of Gombe Varsity Fire Incident

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has announced a donation of N20 million to the victims of a fire disaster at the Gombe State University.

The governor announced the donation when he visited the university to sympathise with staff and students, following a fire outbreak that occurred last Thursday night at the Female Hostel Annexe.

He announced that the N20 million should be released immediately and be disbursed directly to the victims as immediate relief, as well as to other students through the Student Representative Council (SRC).

Governor Yahaya directed that the funds be released and made available to the students without delay by Tuesday (today).

He further ordered for the immediate commencement of plans for the construction of a new, befitting hostel to replace the damaged facility.

Yahaya also urged students to remain law-abiding, resilient, and focused on their academic pursuits, reiterating his administration’s commitment to education, safety, and student welfare across the state.

‘We came purposely to commiserate with the students, management, and staff of Gombe State University over the unfortunate incident that happened in the girls’ hostel, which destroyed a part of it, an incident that really touched the hearts and lives of our people.

‘I was so worried because when I saw the fire on social media, I reached out to the stakeholders, especially the fire brigade and also the management of the university. The Vice Chancellor told me that they had been able to control it. And we felt that we needed to come and commiserate with you, and to see for ourselves, so that we know the next possible action to take, in order to prevent and curtail the possibility of such an incident happening again,’ he said.

The governor also directed the Commissioner for Higher Education and Commissioner for Works, Housing, and Transportation, to coordinate and ensure that a new building is put up to replace the destroyed hostel, to accommodate more students.

In his response, the Registrar of the institution, Dr Abubakar Aliyu Bafeto, expressed profound gratitude to the Governor for his prompt visit and generous intervention.

He reiterated that no life was lost in the incident and noted that the university community remains deeply appreciative of the Visitor’s compassion and swift response.

CAC Withdraws Youth Council’s Certificate Over Leadership Crisis

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has withdrawn the registration certificate earlier issued to the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) over a prolonged leadership crisis affecting the council.

A statement signed by Director, Information and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Mrs Omolara Esan, announced the withdrawal of the registration certificate earlier issued to the National Youth Council of Nigeria on October 28, 2020.

She said, ‘According to the CAC’s correspondence, this action was taken pursuant to the powers conferred on the Commission under Sections 8(1)(c) and 8(1)(d) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), 2020, following a comprehensive investigation into the affairs of the Council, which has faced a prolonged leadership crisis spanning over eighteen (18) years.’

‘Upon a detailed review of the Council’s records and governance practices, the Corporate Affairs Commission found serial violations of both the NYCN Constitution and the provisions of CAMA 2020, particularly Sections 833 and 834. Consequently, the Commission has de-recognized all existing claims to leadership, trusteeship, and management within the organization. ‘In line with its statutory powers, the Corporate Affairs Commission has constituted an Interim Management Committee (IMC) to oversee and manage the affairs of the Council for a period of one (1) year, effective October 6, 2025.

Esan noted that the ministry which is the supervisory authority over the Council and being a law-abiding institution, takes due cognizance of the development and acknowledges the legal authority of the Corporate Affairs Commission under the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020.

She urged all stakeholders, youth organizations, and partners of the Council to take due note of this development and to cooperate fully with the Interim Management Committee in the ongoing restructuring process as the exercise was aimed at restoring unity, legitimacy, and institutional integrity to the NYCN, in line with its founding ideals.

Born In Kano, Hails From Delta: Meet Agbamuche-Mbu, Acting INEC Chair

May Agbamuche-Mbu, a National Commissioner at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has assumed office as Acting Chairman of the Commission following the commencement of terminal leave by Professor Mahmood Yakubu.

The handover was done during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) at the INEC headquarters in Abuja, on Tuesday.

Agbamuche-Mbu, a lawyer with over three decades of professional experience, takes the helm at a crucial moment as the Commission continues efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process and implement ongoing reforms.

Below are some things to know about her:

EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION

Born in Kano but originally from Delta State, Agbamuche-Mbu’s upbringing in northern Nigeria shaped her inclusive outlook and commitment to national unity.

She attended St. Louis Secondary School, Kano, and later earned a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1984. She was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985 and later qualified as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales after completing studies at the College of Law, London.

She also holds a Master’s degree in Commercial and Corporate Law from Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London, with additional postgraduate qualifications in International Dispute Resolution and International Business Law.

CAREER AND PUBLIC SERVICE

Before joining INEC, Agbamuche-Mbu was Managing Partner at Norfolk Partners, a Lagos-based law firm. She served as the sole solicitor to the Presidential Projects Assessment Committee between 2010 and 2011 and later joined the Ministerial Committee that drafted the Roadmap for the Solid Minerals Sector in 2016.

Appointed as an INEC National Commissioner in 2016, she has since contributed to legal reforms, stakeholder engagement, and electoral policy development within the Commission.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO LEGAL DEVELOPMENT

A certified arbitrator and former Secretary of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Nigeria), Agbamuche-Mbu has also made her mark as a legal writer. Between 2014 and 2016, she authored over 120 editions of the ‘Legal Eagle’ column in THISDAY Lawyer, addressing issues of law, governance, and policy.

PERSONAL LIFE

Known for her professionalism and quiet leadership style, Agbamuche-Mbu keeps her personal life private.

Her assumption as Acting INEC Chairman marks a significant transition for the Commission as it prepares for future elections and works to deepen electoral integrity in Nigeria.

’Who Are You?’ Umahi, ARISE TV Anchor Locked In Bitter Exchange On Live TV

A heated exchange unfolded live on television on Tuesday when the Minister of Works, David Umahi, clashed with Arise News anchor, Rufai Oseni, during an appearance.

The interview, which focused on the controversial Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, took an unexpected turn when Oseni questioned the minister about reports that he had allegedly complained to President Bola Tinubu over his comments on the project.

Visibly irritated, Umahi dismissed the allegation, saying Oseni was ‘too small’ for him to report to the President.

‘You are too small for me to report you to the President. Who are you for me to report you? ‘ Umahi fired back.

Tensions heightened further when the minister described himself as a ‘professor in engineering,’ prompting Oseni to interject and ask when he attained the title.

In response, Umahi clarified that his professorship was earned through experience in the field rather than through academia.

‘Keep quiet and stop saying what you don’t know. I’m a professor in this field. I understand engineering very well. You don’t understand anything,’ he said.

The exchange continued briefly before Oseni retorted, ‘Minister, it’s alright. Keep dignifying yourself and let the world know who you truly are.’

This has since generated widespread reactions on social media, with viewers divided over the conduct of both Umahi and Oseni.

On X, formerly Twitter, @gelsonluz said: ‘I think these outbursts, while certainly undignified, actually serve a purpose in revealing the true character behind the policy positions. It shows the public the transparency, or lack thereof, we can expect when the cameras aren’t rolling.’

@Royal_Citizens: ‘Rufai can be too hot headed attimes and talks off point. They are your guests, you should treat them with respect, even your gbasgbos with them should be subtle, not this brazen.’

@iambkong: ‘In Nigeria, office holders see themselves as superior over the masses. In other climes, office holders are servants and answerable to the masses.’

@labalingo: ‘I don’t support the corruption in the government but this is not journalism. This Oseni guy is so full of himself and wasted a great opportunity to actually shed light on an important topic.’

@Greatix_post: ‘Rufai needs to learn some tactics. Nobody is perfect, he has key punches to throw but he needs to learn when to release them. I don’t like Umahi, I don’t like this venture when the rest of the roads in Nigeria in impassable but I also don’t like this exchange.’