Burkinabe leader Ibrahim Traore is acting like a rock star. It’s not entirely his fault. He’s receiving a lot of help from dozens of social media users, especially TikTokers, who are desperate to anoint him as the best thing to come out of Burkina Faso since Thomas Sankara.

Traore must be enjoying it, because even though he is pretending, he knows he’s not Sankara. He is an opportunist, happy to capitalise on the current frustration in his country and the Sahel for his benefit.

A recent report by The Africa Report summarised Traore’s fictional character. “In dozens of viral TikTok edits, Traore leads imaginary armies, topples Western empires and is hailed as the ‘new Thomas Sankara.’ The captions, bold and uncompromising, include ‘Africa’s Messiah!’ ‘The People’s Captain!’ and ‘France Must Fall.’”

Traorephytes even invent videos of Rihanna and R Kelly (imprisoned since 2021) serenading the Burkinabe leader with hit songs!

Fairytale

If he were an elected president, Traore would have served three years of his first term. When he overthrew the government of President Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba in September 2022 due to the rise in Islamic insurgency, and announced himself as head of the new Patriotic Movement for Safeguard and Restoration (PMSR), he promised to hand over power back to civilians in two years – that was in 2024. He hasn’t said a word about any possible new date since, and if you have seen him recently, you would know why.

Apart from the adulation he has enjoyed as a social media fairytale, and dressing the part in stylish fatigues and matching neck scarves, berets, and boots, he has also talked the part.

He rallied support by giving speeches – not as many or as eloquently as he has been credited with – against Western imperialism and colonialism, vowing to create conditions at home to stem youth migration and tackle insurgency. Traore has portrayed himself as the new face of the African Renaissance. But talk is cheap.

Traore and the other delinquents

He has been in good company. The turmoil in West and Central Africa, which began in Chad, Mali, and Guinea, and later spread to Niger, has disrupted security and trade in the subregion, rupturing the 49-year-old Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Burkina Faso experienced two coups in a single year. After breaking out of ECOWAS, Traore and his fellow delinquents in the Sahel have pursued a singular mission of cutting off the noses of their Sahelian francophone ties to spite the faces of French business and political interests.

To be fair, it’s a moment of reckoning for decades of brazen French insensitivity, compounded by President Emmanuel Macron’s lack of charity when he described the relationship between France and Francophone West Africa as “part of a civilising obligation.” Which was self-interested nonsense.

Trouble speaking French

France has accumulated a notoriously poor record on the continent that it can hardly be proud of. In Niger, for example, Tom Burgis writes in his book, The Looting Machine, that French state-owned atomic energy group Areva’s profit from uranium is twice Niger’s GDP. The shameful French footprint is the same in Burkina Faso and throughout the region.

Fourteen Francophone countries, including the troubled ones – Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, Niger and Chad – hold 50 percent of their reserves in the French Treasury. This arrangement has been widely criticised, but if shame is in the French dictionary, it doesn’t exist in the Macron version.

It is this background of despair and frustration, especially among the continent’s youths, that has fostered fairytale messiahs like Traore, who have managed to replace French hegemony with a mix of fussy state control and Russian suzerainty, with the Chinese just around the corner.

If it’s not Sankara…

Traoré is not Sankara, a fact that may be lost on Burkina Faso’s predominantly young population, as well as millennials and Gen Zs across the continent, whose forlorn search for role models tempts them to canonise an impostor. Of course, both are soldiers, similar in age and rank and usurpers of constitutional rule. But that’s where the similarity ends.

Like the demagogues before him, Traore and significant sections of the military and political elite from Maurice Yameogo to Blaise Compaore have been complicit in the misery of their citizens, feeding them instead on a diet of pseudo-ideological jingoism and Western bashing, but offering no genuine alternative. Africa – anglophone, francophone, or lusophone – shares a similar heritage of exploitation; a few of its people, especially the political elite after independence, collaborated with the colonialists to compound the problem.

Hard to beat

Where Traore is trading French hegemony for Russian control, for example, Sankara offered something different. In Burkina Faso: A History of Power, Protest and Revolution, Ernest Harsch said of Sankara, “In a conscious effort at nation-building, the revolutionary government also promoted a new national identity…that revolutionary project succeeded in altering the contours of the state and social and political life.”

Whereas Sankara attempted to forge a proudly African identity, deepening regional integration among ECOWAS countries, Traoré and his cohorts have, by exiting, put at risk the estimated $596.42 billion in trade within the community, excluding informal trade among citizens, which constitutes 30 per cent of the transactions, not to mention the impact on regional collaboration on security.

Sankara pursued radical economic self-sufficiency, agrarian reform, and social justice by outlawing female genital mutilation and promoting women’s rights. He rejected foreign aid, regardless of its source, even if it came without strings attached, something that Traore would be happy to overlook if it came from Russia.

What matters

I get it. With jihadists controlling about 40 percent of the country’s territory (it’s the most terrorised country), and climate shocks compounding its misery, the challenges are as different as are the times. That is why what Traore needs now is not clout-chasing or AI propaganda by Russian-backed Wagner, but sober-minded commitment to turn around the fortunes of his country, one step at a time.

For three years, Traore’s stock has risen amid algorithmic populism expressed in languages he neither understands nor speaks, with minimal institutional reforms, if any, and no prospects or commitment to return the country to civilian rule.

“His rhetoric,” The Africa Report said, “still falls short of real, measurable improvements in security and civic freedoms. There’s a gap between his message and the reality on the ground, something that will ultimately test his legitimacy and legacy.”

That’s not what the netizens want to hear. But in the end, that’s what matters.

Associate Professor of Theatre at the University of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, Dr Taiwo Afolabi, has been named a 2025 3M National Teaching Fellow.

The university’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Jeff Keshen, disclosed in a statement on Tuesday that he shared the news with members of the university community with immense pride.

“It is with immense pride that I share that Dr Taiwo Afolabi, Associate Professor of Theatre and Canada Research Chair in Socially Engaged Theatre at the University of Regina, has been named 2025 3M National Teaching Fellow, Canada’s most prestigious recognition of excellence in educational leadership and teaching” for post-secondary educators.’’ the statement reads.

He added that the 3M National Teaching Fellow is awarded by the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education and 3M Canada. The university’s president and vice-chancellor explained that the award recognises exceptional contributions to teaching and educational leadership. He added that Dr. Afolabi is one of just 10 educators nationwide to receive the honour in 2025.

“Among his many contributions, Dr Afolabi is a recognised leader in socially engaged theatre, with a global teaching footprint spanning five continents. He founded the Centre for Socially Engaged Theatre (C-SET), a hub for interdisciplinary learning and social transformation.

He co-created the Arts Leadership Training Program (ALTP), which empowers BIPOC artists and arts managers in Canada. Dr. Afolabi is not only shaping the future of arts education but also building bridges across cultures and disciplines, both nationally and internationally. In partnership with the University of the Free State in South Africa, he has created new opportunities for students through a joint doctoral program and in his faculty, he has developed a certificate and diploma in Arts Management and Leadership.’’ Dr Keshen said.

He stated that Afolabi inspires students to view theatre as a powerful tool for social change, adding that his impact extends far beyond the classroom, creating lasting change in the lives of his students and the broader community.

Dr Keshen also extended his warmest congratulations to Dr. Afolabi on behalf of the University of Regina,

[Guardian]

Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina has said that the injury suffered by his compatriot and teammate, Taiwo Awoniyi, would have been prevented had the assistant referee raised his flag earlier.

Awoniyi, 27, was woken from an induced coma on Wednesday after surgery to repair a serious abdominal injury.

The Nigerian international was taken to hospital on Monday, having collided with a post while attempting to get on the end of a cross from winger Anthony Elanga in the closing stages of Sunday’s 2-2 Premier League draw against Leicester City on Sunday.

Elanga was offside in the build-up to the incident, but the assistant referee did not raise his flag until the play was completed because of an offside protocol introduced in 2020.

“Anthony was miles offside. The whole world could see and so could I from where I was,” defender Aina told the Mail newspaper.

“You think ‘offside’ straight away. Surely you could just lift the flag up?

“None of this would have happened to ‘T’ if the flag had just gone up, would it?”

BBC Sport reports that Awoniyi sustained a ruptured intestine.

Having had the first part of the surgery on Monday, he spent Tuesday in an induced coma as medical staff monitored his progress.

Awoniyi had the second stage of the operation, including closing the wound, on Wednesday. He was woken from the induced coma in the early evening.

“It’s horrible seeing someone you are close with go through something like this, but I pray to God everything goes to plan and goes well and that we will be hearing from him soon,” Aina said.

Awoniyi received lengthy medical attention on the pitch after the collision and appeared to inform medics that he could continue.

It soon became clear that he was still feeling the effects of the collision, but manager Nuno Espirito Santo had used all his substitutes.

Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis came on to the pitch after the game to express his concern to Nuno over how Awoniyi’s injury was handled.

Forest are set to open an internal review into the episode and establish why Awoniyi was allowed to continue playing.

A statement released by Forest on Tuesday referred to a “shared frustration between all of us that the medical team should never have allowed the player to continue.”

A new protocol on offsides was introduced by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) for the 2020-21 Premier League season following the introduction of the video assistant referee (VAR).

While the law did not change, assistant referees were told to keep their flag down if they felt there was an immediate scoring opportunity.

[Leadership]

The Shareholders of Seplat Energy Plc yesterday approved a total dividend of US$ 16.5 cents per share (N253.33 per share) for the 2024 financial, a 10% increase on 2023. 

They gave their nods to the dividend at the energy firm’s 12th Annual General Meeting held in Lagos on Wednesday.

Speaking with newsmen shortly after the AGM, the Chairman of Seplat Energy, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, stated that the dividends reflected the outstanding performance of the firm in 2024.

Udoma said, “Yes, the performance of the business met the Board’s expectations. We delivered a year of strong production, with revenues over one billion dollars, at $1.116 billion. This was achieved through safe and reliable operations, with 11 million man hours without any lost-time injury (LTI).”

He described 2024 as a transformational year for the development of the business due to the completion of the acquisition of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPNU) on the 12th of December, 2024.

“Merging the business, which we now call Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited (SEPNU), with Seplat Energy has created a Nigerian energy powerhouse. I am especially pleased to report that the closing cash consideration of $800 million at completion was funded entirely from cash, new and available debt facilities, with no dilution of shareholdings,” he said. 

On his part, Roger Brown, CEO, Seplat Energy Plc said, “The increased reserves and production that the Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited (SEPNU) assets add to Seplat Energy’s operations is significant, making us to consolidate on our position as the leader, and this is a significant responsibility of stewardship of Nigeria’s natural resources, which we do not take lightly.”

Speaking on the dividends, Mrs Eleanor Adaralegbe, Chief Financial Officer, said 

“The Board approved/recommended a core dividend of US$ 3.6 cents per share (N55.27 per share) for the final quarter of 2024 subject to appropriate withholding tax (WHT). 

“This brings the total core dividend declared for 2024 to US$ 13.2 cents per share (N202.66 per share), a 10% increase on 2023.

“In addition, following a review of Seplat’s operational performance and business outlook, the Board has decided to declare an additional special dividend of US$ 3.3 cents per share (N46.06 per share) (subject to appropriate WHT).

“The 4Q 2024 and special dividends will be paid to shareholders whose names appear in the Register of Members as at the close of business on 9 May 2025 (LSE) and 12 May 2025 (NGX). This brings the total dividend declared for 2024 to US$ 16.5 cents per share (N253.33 per share), a 10% increase on 2023. The payment of the special dividend reflects the Board’s continued confidence in the outlook for the Company and is underpinned by a strong balance sheet.”

[DailyTrust]

Nigerians, particularly northerners are reeling in anguish following the recent hike in telecom tariffs.

Recall that the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has recently approved 50 percent tariffs increment for service providers amid nationwide hardship.

This development has continued to attract condemnation among Nigerians, especially some northerners whose businesses depend on telecom industry to survive.

For Zainab Idris, a single mother and food vendor in Kano, every order she takes and every payment she receives is powered by data. But since the recent 50 percent hike in telecom tariffs, staying connected now costs her more than she can afford.
“I use my phone to take orders and do mobile banking. Now I spend twice as much for half the access,” she said, frustration lining her voice.
“We’re being punished for being connected,” she said.

Zainab’s experience reflects a wider national struggle following the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) approval of a 50 percent increase in telecom tariffs in January 2025. The decision, driven by demands from telecom operators grappling with inflation, rising diesel costs, and foreign exchange instability, has left millions of Nigerians grappling with the cost of staying online.

Many have raised concerns that NCC under the current leadership has failed the Nigerian Telecom users by defending the interests of the few operators at the expense of Nigerians.

From students and small-scale vendors to office workers and rural traders, the hike has disrupted daily routines and access to essential services. The cost of 1GB of data, once around ₦300, now exceeds ₦500—a painful leap in a country where more than 60 percent of the population lives in multidimensional poverty.

Fatima Yusuf, a final-year student at Bayero University, says the increase is affecting her academic performance.

“I’m working on my final project and rely heavily on online research,” she explained.

“But since the price increased, I’ve had to cut down. Sometimes, I go days without internet. How are we supposed to learn like this?”

“We’re used to adjusting,” said Fatima.

“But this one hurts. Communication is not a luxury—it’s how we live, learn, and earn.”

Telecom providers have defended the increase, citing operational pressures, with inflation rates above 33 percent and soaring energy costs. While operators had initially sought a 100 percent tariff hike, the NCC settled on a 50 percent adjustment.

But consumer rights groups and civil society organisations say the timing couldn’t be worse. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the NCC and the Federal Government, describing the move as a violation of citizens’ rights to information, education, and communication.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) also staged protests across major cities in March, urging the government to reverse the decision. The NCC responded by defending the hike as “inevitable for service continuity,” while hinting at possible relief packages for vulnerable users.

Fadhila Nurudeen, a digital rights activist based in Kano, argues the decision undermines Nigeria’s digital development goals.

“The government should be promoting affordable access, not strangling it,” she said. “This hike widens the digital divide, especially between urban and rural populations.”

Even small-scale data resellers are not spared. “People come to buy data and when they hear the new prices, they just walk away,” said Hajara Isah, who runs a roadside airtime kiosk. “It’s affecting our own business too.”

As economic realities collide with digital needs, many Nigerians are forced to ration their internet use or fall back on SMS and traditional voice calls. But for a country where more services—education, commerce, communication—are moving online, this shift threatens to leave millions behind.

Unless urgent measures are taken, experts warn that access to data could soon become a luxury in Nigeria’s increasingly unequal digital landscape.

[DailyPost]

Pastor Bolaji Idowu of Harvesters International Christian Center (HICC) has cautioned against dating while jobless, believing that financial instability can limit one’s options and distort what they find attractive in a partner. 

Speaking to his congregation, he said relationships formed during times of financial struggle may be driven by necessity rather than genuine love.

According to him, when individuals eventually gain financial stability, they may realise that the relationship wasn’t truly fulfilling. 

Idowu attributed this to a “crumbs mentality,” where people settle for less than they deserve due to financial limitations. 

He encouraged individuals to shift their thinking towards abundance, prioritising personal growth and financial stability before entering into relationships.

He said: “Don’t date when you are jobless. There are some relationships that are attractive not because they are attractive, it’s because you have no money. 

“When you have your own money, you will be surprised how you should have not fallen in love with some people. It’s not love induced; it was hunger induced. 

“Never negotiate on an hungry stomach, youl will get a bad deal. Crumbs mentality – when you are poor, small things satisfy you easily. One of the signs of crumbs mentality is that you settle for less so easily. 

“Shift in your thinking. I’m saying you need to think in abundance. I hang around people and when I hear the things that they used to talk about – ‘if I can just travel to America’. How can traveling to America be a goal.”

You must have read the news that philanthropist Bill Gates plans to give away his wealth within the next 20 years. His charity foundation, which has been making various interventions in global public health, now has till December 31, 2045, to spend down about $200bn to facilitate health and human development. Even more fascinating is that Bill Gates wants the money to offset some of the imbalances caused by the Donald Trump administration’s abrupt cutbacks to health and development agencies, such as USAID and PEPFAR. Many of us are familiar with the Biblical narrative of a rich young ruler who came up to Jesus to ask what he needed to do to secure eternal life. He was asked to give up his wealth and follow the Saviour. We were told that the young ruler “went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions”. Few things in the world can be as hard for the truly rich to give up as their wealth. It must be relatively easier to give from little than to shrink the vast reserves of riches by as much as an inch.

Bill Gates is not only giving money to the world sorely in need of capital to develop, but it is also impressive how much he has committed to learning about issues of health and development in the world. In the interview he gave to the New York Times, he came across as having studied the scale of the problem well enough. This is a man seeking to attain eternal life by helping the most vulnerable people in the world to live.

Ordinarily, I am ambivalent about philanthropy. While I am not against charity, it appals me how the enterprise of giving can reinforce what it seeks to displace. The problem is worse in Nigeria, where faux philanthropy overtakes governance. The leaders who should provide basic amenities, public infrastructure, and a well-coordinated social safety net for the vulnerable will abjure their responsibilities and flaunt charity. You will see Governor So-and-so “empowering” this and that community by dashing them cartons of noodles or Keke Marwa or wheelbarrows! There is perhaps no word in the Nigerian lexicon that has been serially abused by our visionless leaders more than “empowerment”. What Nigerian leaders call “empowerment” is often an exhibition of the poverty of the people they have socially disenfranchised.

In the end, I took a few things away from reading about Bill Gates’ motivations for setting a 20-year clock for human development. One is his optimism that the world we live in can be better. You can see that ethic of hope in his conviction that longstanding problems like malaria can be permanently eliminated in Africa; that maternal mortality can be significantly reduced; that childhood mortality can become a thing of the past; and that the world can live far more prosperous lives. Years ago, I learned the value of hope from reading Olufemi Taiwo’s Africa Must Be Modern. In the book, he argues that hope necessarily propels society towards modernity and development.

Until then, hope was just an abstract idea for me. But reading through that book, I started to understand hope differently. Hope is what galvanises people even when the odds are demonstrably against them. From the field of science where people immerse themselves in experiments that might fail hundreds of times before they succeed to the arena of politics where leaders fight to pull their people from the brink of disaster and set them on the path of prosperity, the hope that what we are doing ultimately matters is what makes all the difference. Without hope, we cannot muster the self-discipline necessary for success. I am of the firm belief that our leaders’ lack of optimism about the ability of their country to make it is one of the reasons they imagine their actions are not consequential. Corrupt African leaders are not just mere thieves bent on despoiling their people; their wantonness expresses their deep cynicism about people’s chances. In his interview, Bill Gates seemed to express more hope for the future of poorer countries to live healthier and prosperous lives than you are likely to hear from their own leaders. He can afford to be detached from reality, but if the world changes, it is also because someone was naïve enough to be optimistic.

The second thing that struck me about Bill Gates’s commitment to alleviating poverty is his understanding of the subject, and that is why I think our renowned prosperity preacher, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, can learn something from him. Recently, a clip from a sermon he preached went viral. In the sermon, he proclaimed “God hates poverty” and “God hates poor people”. His subsequent attempts to clarify his message only further unfolded his mindset as someone who is superstitious about poverty. He proof-texts the Bible by overlooking every divine promise of reprieve for those who have been beaten by the hardships of life to select a few verses that support his prejudices. In a country where about 90 per cent (or more) of people live in the extreme conditions of multi-generational poverty and multi-dimensional poverty, it takes a lack of self-awareness to declare that even God hates poor people. If God hates poverty and the materially poor, then he must hate Africans!

Bill Gates, on the other hand, approaches poverty like a scientist. He sees the condition as a mere physiological one that can be treated if one rightly diagnoses it and applies the correct principles. One side is pessimistic and chooses to mythologise what is essentially a treatable condition; the other is optimistic enough to want to facilitate a world where capital investment and the principles of science can produce flourishing for humankind. The difference between the two is not merely the distinctions between “science” and “religion,” but about their respective moral visions. Please note that both religion and science are knowledge means that can be applied to engineer ethical solutions in the world. In the hands of a person who despairs about the fate of humans, the technologies of religion and science will produce nothing but death. The person who is invigorated with hope for humankind will apply principles from either science or religion to produce more life.

Finally, it is also ironic that the same Bill Gates, against whom some churches prayed during the COVID-19 pandemic, is also the person looking out for the good of the majority. It was funny, but churches, where pastors give annual prophecies, were blindsided by the global pandemic, while Bill Gates, who relied on scientific principles, accurately predicted its possibility years before it happened. I guess some of the preachers got envious because they gathered their ignorant flock and asked them to pray against Bill Gates as the “anti-Christ” or the “globalist”. Today, it is the same Bill Gates who is looking out for the good of the world. If Jesus were called to judge between the preachers who say we will be locked out of eternal life because of tithes and Bill Gates, who is demonstrating the ethics of generosity, empathy, and humanity, who do you think he would say practices true religion?

The students of Tai Solarin University of Education have cried out over recent robbery attacks in their host communities by some unknown criminals in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun.

PUNCH Online learnt that the rampant criminal activities in areas like Ijele, Abapawa, Imaweje, among other localities where students reside, have posed a serious threat to their lives.

This was disclosed in an open letter addressed to the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, co-signed by the Students’ Union President, Tomide Abidakun, and General Secretary, Kehinde Olalekan, on Thursday.

They called for the state government intervention, noting that this insecurity has caused fear, and it is affecting their studies.

“This crisis began to escalate on Wednesday, May 8, 2025, with an armed robbery reported around 10:30 PM at the Council junction, a key route leading into our campus.

“That night, students were ambushed, beaten, and robbed of their mobile phones, ATM cards, power generators, and even had their accounts emptied at gunpoint.

“Since then, we have received daily reports of robberies and harassment, especially during the ongoing e-tests,” the letter partly reads.

According to the SU representatives, they alleged inaction from the state’s security agencies, including “Ogun Police Command, So-Safe Corps, and the Amotekun Security Network”.

They claimed that they get heartbreaking responses, despite multiple reports and cries for help, as there has been no consistent security patrol or visible protection.

“We are often met with disappointing excuses such as,” No fuel for the patrol vehicle”, “Our bike is faulty”, “Mobilise us first”.

“In several painful instances, students have been extorted by security personnel, turning victims into funders of their own safety.

“It is heartbreaking to witness law enforcement agencies switch roles, leaving students to organise their own local surveillance, while those officially responsible sleep or look away,” the statement noted.

The students acknowledged the concerns of the community leaders with the provision of local vigilantes, but they highlighted that the security men are poorly equipped and inefficient to combat the kind of armed threat in the area.

In the letter, they requested that the state government immediately deploy skilled security personnel, creation of a dedicated joint task force comprising Police, So-Safe, and Amotekun to conduct daily patrols.

They also demanded a declaration of a state of emergency on security until peace is restored, and disciplinary action on erring officers who neglect their duty or extort students.

The Ogun students also threatened to stage a mass protest if the silence from both the government and security agencies continue.

Efforts to contact the spokesperson for Ogun Police Command, Omolola Oguntola, was proved abortive as she neither responded to calls nor texts as at the time of filing this report.

[Punch]

Harvard president Alan Garber will take a voluntary 25% pay cut, as the elite university faces mounting federal funding reductions under U.S President Donald Trump’s administration.

U.S media reported on Thursday, citing the university.

The salary cut is set to take effect at the start of the new fiscal year on July 1.

Harvard presidents typically earn upward of 1 million dollar annually.

Harvard spokesman Jonathan L. Swain was quoted by several U.S. media outlets as saying that other Harvard leaders had also volunteered to accept changes to their pay.

The Trump administration has targeted several universities, accusing them of promoting a left-leaning agenda, pressuring them to shut down diversity initiatives and comply with new directives on admissions, campus conduct and hiring practices.

Harvard has refused to adopt many of these measures and has launched legal challenges against the federal government.

As the dispute escalated, multiple federal agencies announced plans to cut an additional 450 million dollars in grants, according to the U.S. government’s task force on combating anti-Semitism, adding to an existing freeze on 2.2 billion dollars in multi-year federal funding.

Officials had accused Harvard of failing to adequately respond to incidents of anti-Semitism on campus.

Garber rejected the allegations and said the university had already taken action to address the issue.

He warned that the administration was infringing on the constitutional freedoms of private institutions.

(dpa/NAN)

Yoruba socio-politcal-cultural organisation, Afenifere, has disowned a group which claimed to be its faction calling for the suspension of Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, from office.

This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Abagun Omololu, the Organising Secretary of Afenifere, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

Omololu described the statement, which he said was falsely attributed to Afenifere, as a mischievous, unauthorised communication, and categorically repudiated it.

According to him, Afenifere does not have factions, noting that there is only one Afenifere, which is under the leadership of Pa Reuben Fasoranti.

He said the authentic Afenifere leadership had never at any time authorised any of its officers, serving or retired, to issue what he called a prejudicial, defamatory or politically-motivated statement.

“The public is hereby advised to disregard the fraudulent individuals hiding under the name of Afenifere to pursue personal or partisan agendas.

“We are fully aware that certain members of the Labour Party in Yoruba land have continued to masquerade as speaking for Afenifere.

“These political opportunists, whose actions are driven by bitterness and selfish ambition, are hereby, sternly warned to desist from dragging the revered name of Afenifere into disrepute,” he said.

Omololu further said that the statement, which attempted to link the SGF to an EFCC investigation involving a private individual, was not only dishonest but a deliberate act of blackmail.

He said it was publicly knowledge that the said investigation was initiated on the strength of a complaint by Sen. Akume himself, upon observing some irregularities.

The Afenifere chieftain said that the attempt by the faceless group to twist available facts into an accusation of complicity was irresponsible, malicious and embarrassing to the Yoruba nation.

“We wish to reiterate that Afenifere stands firmly on the side of due process, justice and rule of law.

“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) should be allowed to conduct its investigations without pressure, coercion or threats of orchestrated protests.

“Afenifere, as a non-partisan and principled socio-political-cultural body, will not be used as a vehicle for any political vendetta,” he further said.

Omololu emphasized that Afenifere would continue to defend the integrity of its name, the unity of Nigeria, and the dignity of Yoruba leadership.

NAN reports that one Andrew Uchi, initially thought to be an aide to the SGF, was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in March over alleged multibillion naira bribery and money laundering.

Uchi was accused of acquiring properties in Abuja; Jos, Plateau State; Makurdi, Gboko, and Tarka Local Government Area in Benue.

Additionally, two Bureau de Change operators are under investigation for their alleged involvement in the money laundering scheme linked to him.

However, the SGF’s office has since distanced itself from Uchi, saying he was never an aide to Akume.

The office urged the public not to speculate or draw conclusions as investigations were still ongoing, adding that it appreciated the understanding and support of the public on the issue.

“It is imperative to state categorically that the office’s leadership is not in any way involved in the alleged misconduct.

“It has always maintained a strong commitment to transparency, accountability, and integrity.

“We recognise the efforts of the EFCC to ensure that those found culpable are held accountable,” it said in a statement.

In spite of the clarification, the unknown ‘faction’ of Afenifere called on President Bola Tinubu to suspend Akume in order to mitigate his undue influence in the investigation.

The group gave EFCC a 7-day ultimatum to update the public on the status of the investigation or risk a massive nationwide protest, somehow portraying it as having a partisan political interest in the matter.

Reacting to the development, a coalition of civil society organisations described the attempt to link Akume to the alleged fraud by all means as prejudicial, devoid of evidence, and driven by malicious political motives.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the accused person, Mr Uchi, is not an appointee of Mr President, or on the payroll of the SGF, nor does he work in the office of the SGF, or is related to the SGF, beyond being an opportunistic hanger-on around, who specialises in name-dropping, as against the claims in their statement.

“It is also on record and noteworthy that the investigation being carried out by the EFCC is at the instance of His Excellency, Sen George Akume, after noticing the extravagant lifestyle of Mr Uchi, and has since publicly distanced himself from the suspect.

“The surreptitious coercive attempt by the so-called factional Afenifere group to manipulate the EFCC’s findings or incite public opinion to cast aspersions on the character and person of the SGF with the intent to sway public opinion against him is a direct affront, discriminatory, offensive, obnoxious, distasteful, and disrespectful,” the CSOs said.

The coalition added that it did not support or encourage any act of corruption from any quarters, but would resist any attempt to manipulatively slander or smear the nation’s leaders with unprofessional conduct.

(NAN)