Atiku Abubakar, the Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election, has criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, for what he describes as inflammatory remarks directed at Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the same election.

Atiku described Morka’s comments as a “disturbing emblem” of the current administration’s strategy to stifle opposition voices. He also expressed concern over the prolonged detention of Mahdi Shehu, a prominent government critic, and others, suggesting these actions indicate a shift toward authoritarian governance.

“The choice of words used by the APC spokesperson, particularly the ominous suggestion that Obi has ‘crossed the line,’ reveals an alarming disdain for democratic principles,” Atiku said. “Such language, rooted in hostility, has no place in a free society where civil discourse and engagement should reign supreme.”

Atiku emphasized the vital role of opposition leaders in fostering accountability and improving governance, arguing that a true democracy thrives on a healthy exchange of ideas. He expressed alarm over Morka’s statement that Obi should “be ready for whatever comes his way,” calling on the APC to clarify this “chilling threat.”

The former Vice President also condemned the APC spokesperson’s framing of Obi’s calls for constructive engagement, likening them to a lawless “Wild West” scenario. Atiku described this language as crude and unbecoming of a ruling party, urging the APC to issue a formal apology to Obi and the Nigerian public.

In addition to the remarks against Obi, Atiku highlighted the case of Mahdi Shehu, who remains in detention without clear justification. He argued that the Tinubu administration’s actions are eroding fundamental freedoms and setting a dangerous precedent.

“If there is anyone who has truly ‘crossed the line,’ it is the Tinubu administration, whose continuous vilification of opposition figures as mere irritants to be crushed is a dangerous precedent,” Atiku said.

The PDP candidate called on Nigerians and the international community to demand an end to what he described as the stifling of dissenting voices, warning that the survival of Nigeria’s democracy depends on the protection of free speech and opposition rights.

Atiku concluded by urging President Tinubu’s administration to recalibrate its approach to dissent, emphasizing the need for dialogue, engagement, and respect for democratic principles.

…Says Govt Spending Expanding At Expense Of Private Sector Growth

…Claims Tinubu’s Economic Reforms Not Working

The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has warned that the N13.39tn deficit in the 2025 budget will put pressure on the naira and lead to its further depreciation against the United States dollar.

The President of NACCIMA, Dele Oye, said this on Tuesday in an interview on Arise TV.

President Bola Tinubu had presented the N49.7tn Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the National Assembly on December 18, 2024, and requested that the lawmakers pass it expeditiously.

The budget has a revenue projection of N36.35tn which is 40.51 per cent rise from the N25.87tn in 2024 and a deficit of N13.39tn, up by 45.86 per cent from the N9.18tn deficit in the 2024 budget.

But, the NACCIMA president said that the budget will crowd out the private sector, which could lead to a worse economic crisis.

Oye lamented that the current inflation and foreign exchange woes resulted from poor policies and the government outspending its revenues.

He said, “There is the tendency of the government trying to borrow or increase taxes to fill the gap. If you do that, you only make Nigerians poorer.”

In 2014, Nigeria was the biggest economy in Africa with a GDP of $568bn but the numbers have crashed to $191bn in 2024.

He said, “This year’s budget is far lower in real terms than last year’s budget. Look at our standing in the African GDP, we are about number five and may be going to six.

“All these are due to domestic policies that have been made like deficit financing. What you are seeing is that the private sector is shrinking and the public sector is expanding.”

The naira closed in the full year of 2024 at N1,650 per dollar as against around N1,000 per dollar in January 2024.

Experts have blamed the depreciation of the currency on policies, including the floating of the naira in June 20203 and other policy misfires.

The NACCIMA boss said economic indices show that government policies failed in 2024.

Oye said, “NACCIMA is not advocating for the reversal of government reforms. What we are asking is that the way it is currently being implemented will not lead us anywhere.

“This government has been here for almost two years. If it is not working and the economy is shrinking, it is time for the government to change the procedure.

“The reason why the naira is falling is because the government is running a deficit budget. A N13tn deficit? What do you expect? it is going to affect the value of the naira.

“If we cut government expenses, the naira will start to appreciate. Until you cut the excess, we are going to continue to borrow in an uncontrollable way and you can see the effect- our naira will continue to go down.”

He called for proof that government policies are working, adding that the government should suspend any tax raise.

He added that last year, president Tinubu made several foreign trips to woo investors, adding that Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) are far below expectations.

An eyewitness account of the explosion that rocked the Islamic school in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Monday, has said the bomb was brought to school by one of the students.

The blast at the Sani Uthman Islamiyya School, Kuchibuyi Village, Bwari area council had claimed two lives and injured two persons.

Our correspondent who visited the school on Tuesday said the school is a three-classroom block, built for nomadic education (Almajiri school)

Findings revealed that the student who brought the explosive to school came in from Katsina State a day before the tragic incident.

A police team was sent to the scene of the incident. Photo: Sodiq Adelakun/Channels Television.

“The explosive detonated at the point the boy from Katsina was showing the object to another child in the school,” the eyewitness said.

The boy who was holding the explosive died instantly, while the second boy died later at the hospital.

The incident recorded two survivors- a little girl who is receiving treatment at the Kubwa General Hospital, and another boy who has been referred to the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital.

Gory photos of the incident emerged on Tuesday, revealing the aftermath of the blast on the school.

The school premises have since been sealed by the FCT police.

A Monday statement by the FCT Police Spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, had said the explosives were brought into the school premises by three men, contradicting eyewitness accounts.

Adeh had said a team of police operatives, including the Command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was mobilised to the scene after the incident.

She said, “The area was immediately cordoned off to protect residents and facilitate a thorough investigation.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that three men from Katsina had visited the owner of the Islamic school, Mallam Adamu Ashimu.

“The three visitors are suspected of having brought the explosive device with them.

“Tragically, two of the men died in the explosion while tampering with the improvised explosive device (IED), on the school Veranda, while the third man and a female trader sustained severe injuries and are currently receiving treatment under police guard.

“The FCT Bomb Squad has confirmed that it was an IED explosion, as remnants of the device have been recovered.”

The police spokesperson said the owner of the school has been taken into custody for questioning, and further findings would be communicated in due course.

The FCT Commissioner of Police Olatunji Disu urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, behaviour, or items that may resemble improvised explosive devices to the police.

John Mahama today took the oath of office as Ghana’s new president in a ceremony attended by world leaders.

John Mahama returned to the office he held eight years ago following his commanding victory in December elections.

Mahama, 66, defeated the ruling-party’s candidate amid voter anger over economic hardship exacerbated by Ghana’s 2022 sovereign-debt default.

He clinched 56.6% support in a country where the margin between the two main political parties has previously been very slim.

Naija News reports that Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, attended Mahama’s oath taking ceremony.

Meanwhile some governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) visited Mahama before his swearing in.

Among the PDP governors who paid the visit to Mahama were the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori; Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri; Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal; Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas and Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang.

In a brief post on his social media handle, Governor Oborevwori said the visit was to enhance bilateral relations between Ghana and their states.

“It was a privilege to pay a courtesy visit to the President-elect of Ghana, His Excellency, John Dramani Mahama, earlier today alongside my brother governors.

“This visit will enhance the bilateral relations between our states and, by extension, strengthen the ties between our beloved country, Nigeria and our sister nation, Ghana,” he stated.

Also, Governor Fintiri stated that the visit was a show of solidarity with Mahama as he begins a new chapter of leadership in Ghana.

Retired military personnel staged a demonstration on Tuesday, barricading the entrance to the Ministry of Finance in Abuja to demand the full settlement of their unpaid entitlements.

The protesters, equipped with canopies and chairs, blocked access to the ministry, disrupting normal operations.

This marks the second such protest in recent months, following a similar action in December when the retirees also shut down the ministry over unresolved claims.

Despite receiving official approval for payment, the government cited a lack of funds as the reason for the delay.

The retirees are owed a salary increment of 20% to 28%, covering the period from January to November 2024.

They are also demanding payments for other outstanding benefits, including:
– Palliatives for October 2023 to November 2024.
– A ₦32,000 pension increase.
– A lump sum payment of the Security Debarment Allowance.
– A refund of pension deductions from medically discharged soldiers.

Following their December protests, the Federal Government paid 50% of the outstanding entitlements and pledged to clear the balance.

However, the retirees allege that the government has failed to honor this promise, leading to the renewed demonstration.

During Tuesday’s protest, the retirees blocked the ministry’s gates with their makeshift setup, preventing vehicles from entering.

Staff members were forced to park their cars outside the premises as the protesters refused to back down until their demands were addressed.

See Photos from the protest below:

Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has taken luxury travel to the next level, upgrading his private jet to the Gulfstream G650, valued at an eye-popping $75 million.

This move, reported by Daily Sabah, marks a significant step up from his previous Gulfstream G200, which the star reportedly sold for $24 million before acquiring the state-of-the-art aircraft. 

The Gulfstream G650, often referred to as the “flagship of private aviation,” is renowned for its advanced technology, elegant design, and unrivaled speed, boasting a top velocity of 610 mph.

It stands as a symbol of excellence in the skies, perfectly aligning with Ronaldo’s penchant for the finest in life.

The interior of Ronaldo’s new jet reflects opulence and practicality. Designed to accommodate up to 19 passengers, the aircraft features three distinct areas for relaxation, work, and dining.

Its lavish amenities include Wi-Fi connectivity, a multimedia system, a telephone, and a fully equipped kitchen with an electric oven, microwave, and refrigerator.

According to the report, the jet also offers ample storage space for Ronaldo’s clothes and accessories, ensuring the football icon can travel in comfort and style.

From the exterior, the Gulfstream G650 is just as striking. The sleek black metal body is adorned with Ronaldo’s initials, “CR,” alongside the silhouette of his signature “Siu” celebration pose—a fitting tribute to one of football’s most recognizable figures.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has announced a remittance of over N6bn to the coffers of the Nigerian government in 2024.

According to the board’s weekly bulletin released on Monday by its Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin, JAMB generated a total income of N22,996,653,265.25 in 2024, out of which N6,034,605,510.69 was remitted to the government.

Additionally, the board noted that the reduction of N1,500 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination form fees for candidates, multiplied by the number of beneficiaries, increased the effective remittance to N9,013,068,510.69.

The board also said the remittance formed part of its operating surplus following the successful conduct of the 2024 UTME.

The board also said it haD contributed over N50bn to the national treasury over the past seven years under the leadership of its Registrar/Chief Executive, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede.

It partly stated: “As we reflect on 2024, it is essential to uphold our commitment to transparency by sharing our financial performance for the year. In 2024, the board generated a total income of N22,996,653,265.25.

“In 2024, the board remitted N6,034,605,510.69 to the government.

When combined with the N1,500 reduction per form for candidates multiplied by the number of candidates that benefited in 2024, the total remittance by JAMB would amount to N9,013,068,510.69.”

President Bola Tinubu has approved  $20,000 foreign medical treatment, bullet-proof SUVs and cooks, among other benefits, as a retirement package for service chiefs and generals, which the Nigerian Medical Association, the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors faulted, The PUNCH reports.

According to the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service for Officers and Enlisted Personnel in the Nigerian Armed Forces, signed by President Bola Tinubu on December 14, 2024, the Chief of Defence Staff and other service chiefs are entitled to a bulletproof SUV or its equivalent as a retirement package.

The vehicle would be replaced every four years and maintained by the military.  This is in addition to a Peugeot 508 or an equivalent vehicle as backup.

The retired generals will also enjoy a range of other luxurious benefits, including domestic aides and residential guards upon retirement.

While those who retire as lieutenant generals and their equivalents will enjoy international and local medical treatment worth up to $20,000 annually, the benefits for the CDS and the service chiefs were not specified, but it is believed that theirs would be significantly higher.

In addition, they will be assigned a special assistant or personal assistant, three service drivers, and a service orderly, with escorts provided as necessary by relevant military units.

Also, each retiring service chief will also be provided with five domestic aides, comprising two service cooks, two stewards, and one civilian gardener, along with an aide-de-camp or security officer.

The HTCOS read, “Retirement benefits for CDS and Service Chiefs: The following benefits shall be applicable: One bullet-proof SUV or equivalent vehicle to be maintained by the Service and to be replaced every four years. One Peugeot 508 or equivalent backup vehicle.

‘’Retention of all military uniforms and accoutrement to be worn for appropriate ceremonies; five domestic aides (two service cooks, two stewards and one civilian gardener); one Aide-de-Camp/security officer; one Special Assistant (Lt/Capt or equivalents) or one Personal Assistant (Warrant Officer or equivalents); standard guard (nine soldiers).

“Three service drivers; one service orderly; escorts (to be provided by appropriate military units/ formation as the need arises); retention of personal firearms (on his demise, the personal firearm(s) shall be retrieved by the relevant service) and free medical cover in Nigeria and abroad.”

For other senior officers such as lieutenant generals and equivalents, they are entitled to two Toyota Hilux vehicles or one Toyota Land Cruiser, along with $20,000 annual medical treatment, two cooks, two stewards, four residential guards and two drivers.

The document stated, “Lieutenant generals and equivalents will receive two Toyota Hilux vehicles or one Toyota Land Cruiser, along with $20,000 annual medical treatment, two cooks, two stewards, four residential guards, and two drivers.

“Retirement benefits for lieutenant general/equivalents. The following benefits shall be applicable: Officers of three-star rank. Two Toyota Hilux Vehicles or one Toyota Land cruiser or equivalent jeep of the same value; two Cooks; two Stewards; four residential guards; one service orderly; two service drivers and free medicals in Nigeria and abroad to the tune of $20,000 per year.”

The Federal Government also approved for major generals and brigadier generals a Toyota Land Cruiser or equivalent, $15,000 annual medical treatment, domestic staff, and residential guards.

One-star officers are expected to receive $10,000 annually for medical care, a Toyota Camry or equivalent and similar domestic and security arrangements.

The HTCOS further read, “For major-generals/brigadier-generals and equivalents, the following benefits shall be applicable: One Toyota Land Cruiser or equivalent car of the same value.

“One cook; One steward, two residential guards; One service orderly; One driver; Free medicals in Nigeria, and abroad to the tune of $15,000 per annum.

“Officers of One-Star rank (Brig. Gen.): One Toyota Camry or equivalent car of the same value; One service driver; two residential guards; One orderly and free medicals in Nigeria and abroad to the tune of $10,000  per annum.’’

Colonels and their equivalents are to get a Toyota Corolla or its equivalent and free medical care within Nigeria.

The President of the NMA, Prof Bala Audu, emphasised that any retirement benefits received by government officials should be invested within Nigeria.

Speaking on the upgraded perks for the military brass, the NMA president noted, “If they want to give them government-benefited medical treatment, cooks, or whatever, I think they should give them all their benefits in Nigeria, that is what I believe.’’

“Whoever wants to receive benefits, whether service chiefs or Mr. President, it should be in Nigeria, and not abroad,’’ he insisted.

President of MDCAN, Prof Muhammad Muhammad, demanded that the Nigerian healthcare system should be transformed to cater to Nigerians’ healthcare needs.

“My main concern is not what they are giving, but the fact that it is made official that the medical treatment has to be abroad. When, in fact, in most situations, when they go out, it’s Nigerian doctors that they are going to meet. So, in that situation, we need to make sure they are taking good care of the Nigerian healthcare providers,’’ he said.

He added that the decision to make provision for foreign treatment for the retired officers signalled a lack of confidence in the local health sector.

“This also means that the government does not have confidence in the Nigerian healthcare system. So, they have to make sure that whatever level of care they receive abroad, we also have it in Nigeria because that is what is going to make Nigerians continue to have confidence in the healthcare system and the healthcare providers in Nigeria. So, my main concern is not what was allocated, but the fact that it is made official that the treatment will be abroad.

“That means the government itself is not comfortable and is not happy with what is available in the Nigerian hospitals for the care of Nigerians,” he added.

While acknowledging that the retirement package for service chiefs, judges, and politicians is not new, the medical expert insisted that the well-being of Nigerians and healthcare professionals should also be prioritised.

“And then likewise, they need to increase budgetary provisions to upgrade our hospitals and other healthcare institutions and training centres so that Nigerians who may not necessarily have to go out of the country will be able to get the requisite healthcare service that they require,” he recommended.

On his part, NARD president, Dr Tope Osundara, noted that medical tourism is the bane of the health sector, stressing the need to address it urgently.

“The treatment they go abroad to get can be gotten here in Nigeria. Besides, what is stopping the government from providing state-of-the-art equipment in our hospitals or upgrading the hospitals?

“It’s not like we don’t have Nigerian doctors who can do some of the things they travel abroad to do, but unfortunately, rather than prioritise our health system, equip the hospitals and make it efficient, we would rather spend the money elsewhere, thereby improving their economy.

 “We should rather pump money into our health system, and this money will find a way to circulate. By the time you are pumping money into it, and people are taking advantage, it will give a return on investment. But it seems that the focus of the government is elsewhere rather than majoring on what is essential in Nigeria.

“I appreciate the Coordinating Minister, Prof Muhammad Pate, who is also trying to do everything they can to improve the health system, but there is a limit to what a minister can do.

“We need a paradigm shift concerning reforms in the health sector. It still lies with the executive arm of government to ensure that the priorities are not focused on medical treatment abroad, but we should internalise treatment and make it local,” he said.

The Country Director, Accountability Lab Nigeria, Friday Odeh, described the development as “alarming”, noting the hardship faced by Nigerians, adding that the extravagant retirement benefits raised concerns about the priorities of the government.

He also questioned whether the service chiefs had done enough to deserve the packages while calling on the citizens to challenge such policies.

Odeh stated, “It is alarming that service chiefs are set to receive $20,000 for foreign medical treatment, bullet-proof SUVs, and personal staff as part of their retirement package. At a time when Nigeria faces economic hardship, such extravagance raises serious concerns about the government’s priorities.

‘’Millions of Nigerians struggle with poverty and failing public services, yet resources are being funnelled into luxuries for a select few. Does Nigeria truly have this kind of money to play around with?”

Odeh queried the wisdom behind the retirement perks citing the inability of the armed forces to address the insecurity plaguing the country.

He added, “The justification for these perks is questionable. For over 12 years, insecurity has ravaged the country, with insurgency, kidnapping, banditry, and violence leaving a trail of destruction. While there have been some gains, they are uneven and insufficient.

‘’Have the service chiefs done enough to deserve such packages, especially when insecurity persists in many regions in a country where military procurement details are never public and allegedly, corruption sits deep in these budgets?

“This policy reflects deeper issues in governance. It sends a troubling signal that public resources can be lavishly spent on elites, regardless of performance.

“Citizens and the media must challenge such policies that always hide behind national security, and demand a focus on the greater good. While insecurity has marginally reduced in some areas, it is far from enough to justify rewarding leaders with excessive perks,” he stated.

The Executive Director of the Rule of Law Advocacy and Accountability Centre, Okechukwu Nwaguma, pointed out that the retirement benefits reflected “a troubling disconnect between government actions and the realities faced by citizens”, adding that the justification for such perks was questionable.

He noted, “The Nigerian government’s decision to grant excessive retirement perks to military leaders amid the current economic hardship reflects a troubling disconnect between government actions and the realities faced by citizens.

“It raises significant concerns regarding government prioritization and fairness. The lavish retirement benefits of military leaders contrast sharply with the struggles faced by the majority of citizens dealing with insecurity, unemployment, and inflation.

“This disparity can deepen public disenchantment with the government, as it appears more focused on rewarding elites than addressing the needs of ordinary people.”

Nwaguma said the decision may reinforce the perception that the Tinubu government favoured elite interests, fostering public alienation.

“It raises questions about the fairness of resource allocation during times of crisis. This situation highlights the need for improved governance that reflects the will and welfare of the people. Citizens expect their leaders to demonstrate empathy and responsibility.

“For lasting stability and public trust, the government should align its policies with the socioeconomic realities of the populace and prioritise security and social welfare initiatives,” he added.