Shehu Sani, a former senator representing Kaduna Central, says northern Nigerians remained silent during the administration of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari because they benefitted from a culture of nepotism and favouritism.Nigerian political art prints

Sani made the remark during Politics Today, a Channels Television on Thursday.

He said Buhari’s government gave priority to appointments from Katsina, the former president’s home state.Politics-themed apparel

Sani listed several top positions that were filled by individuals from Katsina, including the director-general of the State Security Service (SSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).

His words: “The DG of SSS, Daura was from Katsina state, the DG of NIA, Rufai was from Katsina state, the MPA, my sister Hadiza, she’s from Katsina state, Director of Federal Mortgage Bank, Katsina state, SMEDAN, Katsina state, FRCN Katsina state, NIMET Katsina state, NIMASA Katsina state, Railway Corporation, Katsina state.

“All those things, you don’t talk of Chairman of federal civil service — about 30 of them — we don’t have time, I can state all of them. All from Katsina state.”

The former lawmaker said military and paramilitary appointments were also skewed in favour of the northern region.

He cited examples such as the comptroller general of immigration, comptroller general of customs, commandant general of civil defence, and chairman of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

Sani said northern voices remained muted because the region was the primary beneficiary of the imbalance.

According to him, the same silence would not have occurred if the situation had been reversed.

He said many southerners are now vocal about perceived lopsidedness in President Bola Tinubu’s appointments, suggesting that northerners would have reacted similarly if roles were reversed

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said he is dissatisfied with the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, stating that he had hoped for the outright removal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Wike made the remarks during a media parley held in Abuja on Friday, where he addressed ongoing political developments in his home state as well as in the FCT and the country in general.

It can be recalled that President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers, citing growing political instability and rising security concerns. As part of the emergency measures, the president suspended Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state House of Assembly for six months.

To oversee governance during the interim, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as the sole administrator, a move which is still being criticized by many

Speaking at the media session, Wike revealed that he had pushed for the complete removal of Fubara from office.

“As a politician, I am not happy with the declaration of Emergency Rule in Rivers state. I wanted the outright removal of the governor. But for the interest of the state, the president did the right thing to prevent anarchy in the state,” Wike said.

He added, “The matter is in court but people must say the truth. The governor was gone. It is not in my place to make it good for the governor. As a politician, my business is not to make him comfortable and that is why there is power plane.”

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has credited President Bola Tinubu with playing a pivotal role in shaping his leadership journey, describing his first appointment in public service under Tinubu’s administration as the break that launched his career.

Speaking at the Lagos Leadership Summit on Wednesday, held at Konga Place, Lekki, Sanwo-Olu told a gathering of young Nigerians that competence in smaller roles often paves the way for greater leadership opportunities.Nigerian political art prints

“Your capacity to deliver on a set of simple tasks entrusted to you in smaller roles can serve as the foundation for greater leadership exploits,” he said.

Recounting his early days in public service, Sanwo-Olu explained how he was appointed Special Adviser on Economic Matters by then-Governor Tinubu in 2002 — a move that, according to him, unlocked several doors.

“That appointment was my first big break. I was given the chance to serve in key sectors like Transportation, Environment, Public Safety, and Education. Each role challenged me, and I gave it my all,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He described how the assignments exposed him to international engagements, strategic policy discussions, and leadership development under Tinubu’s watch.

“When I handled Transportation, I pushed the team to exceed expectations. In revenue generation, we improved figures and built staff capacity. Every role stretched me,” he noted.

Sanwo-Olu added that he never undertook those responsibilities with personal gain in mind but focused on impact.

He said those formative experiences equipped him to take on larger roles, eventually leading to his current position as Governor.

He also shared how he continued to serve under the succeeding administration of former Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, who also spoke at the event.

Fashola, delivering his remarks on the summit’s theme, “Transformative Leadership: Developing Responsive, Adaptive and Inclusive Models,” emphasized the need for diversity and inclusion in governance.

He called for genuine efforts to build unity and ensure citizens feel heard and represented.

He said: “Leaders must build coalitions of unity and belonging. What matters is whether the majority perceive that their leader is making genuine efforts not to exclude or marginalise anyone.”

The Nigerian Presidency has said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains fully in charge of the country’s governance, despite his current working visit abroad.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said the president has been actively engaging in national affairs while away in Europe.

This reassurance comes amid growing concerns from opposition figures and citizens alike, who have urged the president to return to the country, particularly in light of the recent surge in insecurity and killings across parts of Nigeria.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains fully engaged in Nigeria’s governance even though he is away in Europe,” Onanuga stated.

“His absence remains temporary and in line with the communicated timeframe of approximately two weeks.”

“The President left Paris for London at the weekend and has maintained constant communication with key government officials, overseeing critical national matters, including directives to security chiefs to address emerging threats in some parts of the country.”

“His return to Abuja and the resumption of duties at Aso Villa will follow the conclusion of the Easter holiday,” the statement revealed.

The statement said Tinubu is committed to his duties and that the administration will continue to function effectively under his leadership.

“We appreciate the public’s concern and assure all Nigerians that governance proceeds without interruption,” the presidency added.

Tinubu left the country on Wednesday, April 2, to France.

The members and leaders of the Concerned Christian Youth Forum have condemned the attacks and incessant killings of residents of Benue and Plateau States.

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, the group led by its convener, James Adama said they are tired of conducting mass burials in these states.

Adama said the growing spate of violence in the North Central region is a “national tragedy” that had continued to lead to the killing of innocent lives including women and children.

He also describes the attacks as one which threatens the corporate existence of Nigeria as a country.Nigerian political art prints

His words, “We are tired of mass burials. We are tired of digging graves for our people week after week,” Adama said. “This human carnage must stop, and the perpetrators must be brought to justice without further delay.”

Adama further accused the Nigerian government of a slow response to the worsening security situation in the region.Nigerian political art prints

He called on security agencies to improve their efforts towards safeguarding vulnerable communities across the country.

Also commending the gallantry of security personnel in affected areas, the group stressed the need for urgent and decisive action from the Federal Government to restore peace and stability.

“This is not just about Benue and Plateau, it’s about the future of our nation. Every Nigerian deserves to live in peace and dignity,” Adama stated.Nigerian political art prints

The forum also urged faith-based organizations, civil society groups, and international human rights agencies to speak out against what it termed “the ongoing carnage and silent genocide” in parts of Nigeria’s Middle Belt.

The group also advocated improved humanitarian support and the rebuilding of devastated communities by the Federal Government

Quadri Alabi, the campaign poster boy for Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate for the Labour Party has said that he wants to go to school.

Alabi pleaded with Nigerians to support his mother in her petty business to enable her carter for him and his siblings.

In a video seen by Politics Nigeria, Alabi said, “I want to go to school…people should help my mother because she doesn’t have anything she’s doing…please if anybody can help us, we’d appreciate it.”

This call by the teenager comes barely hours after he was acquitted and released by the court after being incarcerated in Kirikiri prison by the Police.

Alabi was framed up by some touts who were angered by his failure to share donations made to him by Peter Obi and his supporters after he went viral during the election campaign.

Also, in a separate appeal, Alabi’s lawyer, Inibehe Effiong called for fundraising for the teenager education and entire well-being of his family.

In a post on X, Effiong said, “Following my discussion with the family of Quadri Alabi and at their request, I hereby appeal to all conscientious organizations, individuals, and corporate entities to offer immediate financial assistance to Quadri to enable him and his family relocate from their present community and home.

“Amukoko is no longer safe for them, those behind his travails can easily target him or his family members again,” the lawyer wrote.

Continuing with the post titled, ‘Urgent Fundraising for Quadri Alabi’, Effiiong said the appeal became necessary following threats received by the teenager and his mother.

He added, “Upon the release of Quadri at the court, it became apparent that it is no longer safe for them to return to their home. Due to the urgency and severity of the situation, we have paid for and lodged them in a hotel for tonight.

“In addition to the necessity of relocation, Quadri’s mother who is a ‘petty trader’, has also pleaded with Nigerians to assist her financially to enable her cater for herself and her children. Her husband (Quadri’s father) is deceased,” he said.

He also stated that Alabi needs to be rehabilitated as he has expressed the desire to go to school.

He also stated that the teenager said he is open to acquiring a skill.

Effiong added, “If you are minded to assist, kindly send your support to the account details below:

“Account No: 0092695127

Bank: Sterling Bank

Account Name: Quadri Yusuf Alabi

“We will do our best this time to ensure that whatever is donated to Quadri is properly utilized and not misappropriated,” Effiong added.

Five hundred and seventy-four schools across Nigeria have had their licences revoked by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).

The schools’ licences were revoked after they were found guilty of various forms of examination malpractices

According to WAEC, the schools would no longer be allowed to conduct examination starting from the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

The 2025 WASSCE has been scheduled to commence on Thursday, April 24, 2025.

Making the declaration on Thursday, Amos Dangut, the head of WAEC’s national office said the list of the affected schools has been sent to the Federal Government for onward action.

“This year, we have shared with them a total of 574 schools that have their recognition withdrawn and that is also going to be the same for all examining bodies.

“So, these are those that have got their license revoked as far as the examination centre is concerned. So we will not conduct examinations there. We don’t know them as far as conducting examinations” Dangut said

Over 30 cows have reportedly died after a suspected case of poisoning of the animals in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Killed under mysterious circumstances, the cows – 32 in number – belonged to a local herder who operates along the Zawura-Jebbu Miango axis, between Dutsen Kura and Jebbu Miango of the state.

Samaila Nuhu, the herder of the deceased cattle told a security expert, Zagazola Makama that the animals started presenting strange symptoms after grazing.

Nuhu said he believes his animals were poisoned intentionally by some yet-to-be-identified persons.

However, it was gathered that troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have successfully intervened in the matter.

The troops were said to have been deployed to the area following a distress call received by the OPSH.

Further investigation led to the discovery of suspected poisoned vegetables including tomatoes and eggs that were littered across a field with no single residential structure on it.

Recall that over 50 people were killed in five different communities in Bassa LGA by some suspected armed herders.

The attack in Bassa LGA followed an attack on Bokkos LGA by some suspected herders in the past week

Human rights lawyer and activist, Inibehe Effiong, has called on the Nigeria Police Force to pay ₦100 million in compensation to 17-year-old Alabi Quadri, who was wrongfully detained for months at the Kirikiri Correctional Facility on allegations of armed robbery.

Quadri gained public attention in the lead-up to the 2023 general elections after a video of him standing in front of the convoy of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, went viral.

Shortly afterward, the teenager was arrested by police and charged with armed robbery — a charge his family has consistently denied.

On Thursday, a Magistrate Court in Apapa, Lagos, presided over by Magistrate Adetola Olorunfemi, ordered Quadri’s release following legal advice issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Dr. Babajide Martins, who found no basis for the charges.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the ruling, Effiong praised the DPP for “standing by the truth” and described Quadri’s ordeal as a reflection of the “monstrous impunity” within the Nigeria Police Force.

Effiong also issued a stern demand to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and the Inspector General of Police to immediately remove the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Amukoko Division, and to subject him and the Investigating Police Officer, Inspector Odigbe Samuel, to an orderly room trial.

He accused them and other officers of orchestrating a “sinister and corrupt scheme” to frame the teenager at the instigation of local miscreants.

In addition to monetary compensation, Effiong is demanding a formal and public apology from the police to Quadri. He warned that failure to meet these demands would result in legal action.

His words: “Quadri’s case is a painful example of the putrefying corruption, monstrous impunity, and pervasive injustice in the Nigeria Police Force.

“There are many Quadris languishing in detention centres across Nigeria because of the unbridled criminality, lawlessness, and lack of accountability in the Police institution and the weakness of the justice system. History will vindicate the just.”

The House of Representatives on Thursday expressed deep concern over reports of the crash of a fraudulent cryptocurrency investment scheme – CBEX, calling for an urgent crackdown by all security agencies on the perpetrators of the economic crime.

LEADERSHIP recalls that the scheme has trapped over ₦1.3 trillion belonging to thousands of Nigerians.

Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Akin Rotimi, in a statement expressed the House’s sympathy to Nigerians experiencing distress due to the complex scam.

Rotimi emphasised that the Investment and Securities Act (ISA), 2025, which was approved by the National Assembly and enacted into law has made Ponzi schemes and similar frauds illegal, imposing harsher penalties, including potential imprisonment for up to 10 years.

According to him, “Preliminary findings indicate that the platform, which is not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), deceptively adopted the name “CBEX”.

He highlighted that CBEX may not be affiliated with the legitimate China Beijing Equity Exchange.

This Chinese equity trading institution has disavowed any involvement in digital asset trading or operations in Nigeria.

“This large-scale fraudulent scheme, which promised unrealistic returns and preyed on public trust, highlights the growing risks posed by unregulated digital investment platforms.

“The House notes that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigeria Police Force have already commenced coordinated investigations, working with Interpol to track the perpetrators, safeguard investors, and recover withheld funds where possible.

“We urge these agencies to sustain swift and effective action in identifying, apprehending, and prosecuting the masterminds behind this massive financial crime.”

The House also underscores the importance of the recently enacted Investment and Securities Act (ISA), 2025, signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.

“This landmark legislation – resulting from sustained legislative efforts across the 8th, 9th, and 10th Assemblies – strengthens the SEC’s enforcement powers, criminalises Ponzi schemes and related frauds, and introduces stricter penalties, including up to ten years’ imprisonment.

“Through these reforms, the investor protection responsibility of the SEC has been enhanced, reinforcing its mandate to shield Nigerians from fraudulent investment activities,” Rotimi noted.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Capital Markets and Institutions, Solomon Bob, said, “We must continue to confront financial fraud with the full weight of the law. But beyond enforcement, we must invest in public awareness. Financial literacy is not optional; it is essential in building a resilient, inclusive economy. Fraudsters thrive where ignorance prevails.”

Bob also advised, “Nigerians to exercise utmost caution and verify all investment opportunities with the SEC and other regulators. Citizens must remain vigilant to the hallmarks of fraud, especially promises of high returns with little or no risk.

“Furthermore, public figures, celebrities, and influencers are reminded of their civic and legal duties. Under the new ISA, promoting unregistered investment schemes could attract liability for aiding financial misrepresentation and consumer deception.

“The House calls on schools, faith-based organisations, media outlets, and civil society groups to support a national effort to promote financial education and protect the public from predatory schemes.

“In line with the 10th Assembly’s Legislative Agenda (2023-2027), particularly Agenda 4 on Economic Growth and Development, the House reaffirms its commitment to securing the financial welfare of Nigerians.

“We will continue to support sound legislation, strengthen regulatory frameworks, and promote capital markets that are safe, transparent, and inclusive.”