A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC Joe Igbokwe has expressed worry over the alleged fall out between President Bola Tinubu and the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

According to him, some people are already celebrating the rumoured beef and want it to escalate into another political chaos.

In a post on Facebook, he claimed the issue has been settled and forgotten.

He wrote, “Some people have been celebrating the infractions between PBAT and his son Gov Sanwo Olu thinking that it will escalate. No sir, it can never happen.

“The leader has always been a wise man from day one. All is forgotten and the case rested”.

There has been speculations over alleged fall out between the governor and his political godfather, Tinubu.

A viral video that emerged recently, captured a moment when the president reportedly shunned the governor at an event in Lagos State

The Take It Back Movement has announced venues for its protest on Nigeria's Democracy Day on June 12.

The protest according to the group will take place across the country.

Recall that the movement called on Nigerians to hit the streets in protest against economic hardship, insecurity, and what it describes as the erosion of civil liberties under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking with Punch on Monday, the National Coordinator of the movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, confirmed that protests would be held in at least 20 locations nationwide, spanning the North, South, East, and West.

“In Abuja, we will converge at Eagle Square by 8:00 am. In Lagos, we have four locations: Badagry, Maryland, Agbara, and Toll Gate, all starting by 7:00 am,” he said. 

Other locations include Cathedral Junction in Akure, Ondo State (8 am), Museum Ground in Benin City (9 am), and Gida Matasa in Niger State (8 am).

Sanyaolu listed multiple venues in Delta State, including:

Amukpe Roundabout in Sapele

Summit Junction, Koka Junction in Asaba

Otovwodo Junction in Ughelli

Effurun Roundabout, PTI Junction, and DSC Roundabout in Warri

Police Station Junction in Abraka

Other confirmed venues:

Mokola Roundabout, Ibadan, Oyo State (8 am)

Kasuwan Gamboru Flyover, Borno (8 am)

Olaiya Junction, Osogbo, Osun State

Juppu Jam Road, Yola, Adamawa

Maiduguri Bypass Roundabout, Damaturu, Yobe

Bauchi School of ACR, Bauchi (Yelewam Makaranta, 8 am)

The group stated that the protests aim to demand accountability and reaffirm citizens’ rights.

“We are using June 12 as a day to exercise our democratic rights. The Constitution clearly states that the government’s primary duty is the security and welfare of the people. That has failed under Tinubu,” Sanyaolu stated.

Citing a report by Amnesty International, he claimed that over 10,000 Nigerians had lost their lives to insecurity since Tinubu took office.

“In Benue State, over 40,000 people are displaced; in Plateau, the figure is around 68,000. Nigerians are suffering, and the government appears indifferent,” he said.

The movement also accused the Tinubu administration of clamping down on freedom of speech and suppressing opposition voices.

“Under this administration, the civic space is under attack. Government critics are being hounded. We want to raise awareness and push back against this trend,” he added.

Sanyaolu issued a stern warning to security agencies, urging them to protect rather than repress protesters.

He added, “The right to protest is enshrined in the Constitution and upheld by the Supreme Court. The police have a duty to protect protesters and ensure their safety.”

He called on Nigerians to “reclaim the soul of the country” and take a stand against bad governance.

Popular singer and activist Charles Chukwuemeka Oputa aka Charly Boy has made a revelation.

He revealed that women didn’t let him rest, even though they all knew he was married.

This is as he confessed that he took some suggestive n@de pictures about 30 years ago because he had a banging body.

In a post on his X handle on Tuesday, the singer said he had heard stories about his late father from when he was young and single.

According to Charly Boy, rumours had it that women didn’t let his father rest while he was attending Achimota College in Ghana.

He said: “There are times and seasons in everyone’s life.

“I heard stories of my beloved late father when he was single and young. He attended Achimota College in Ghana.

“Rumours had it that women no let the fine Bobo rest. He was always showing off his body ‘cos he was a gym rat too.

“30 years ago, I took some suggestive n@de pictures because I knew I had a banging body, and the women no let me rest even when they all knew I was married.

“Yea! You can say, na my papa born me.”

Kenneth Okonkwo, a lawyer and Nollywood actor has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of throwing unnecessary obstacles in the way of opposition members in Nigeria’s polity.

Speaking on Arise Television on Monday, Okonkwo described the electoral body as a department of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He alleged that INEC has continued to frustrate efforts by the coalition, championed by a former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, to oust President Bola Tinubu from power.

Speaking on the coalition plans, the lawyer debunked claims that the movement was already in disarray.

He said, “Well, a coalition is a group of interested parties that come together for a common goal. You know, Nigerians like formulating stories which I call market talk. How can something be in disarray when it has not yet started?”

Okonkwo also noted that at the moment, all the political bigwigs interested in the coalition have only one aim which is to remove the APC-led government from power.

“People are talking and some opponents are already selling to you that it’s in disarray. What we have now is common priorities we don’t have individual difference because the time for individual ambitions have not commenced.

“So we are just talking about the options that we have, which is the option of; do we go for a new party altogether? Now with INEC as a department of APC, you know that they put a lot of roadblocks for the opposition and engages a lot of obstacles,” Okonkwo stated.

He further said that should the rule of law be respected, the coalition would have preferred to name a new party ahead of the 2027 elections.

“If we are in a nation where the rule of law is guaranteed under this kind of INEC, it would have been preferred to have a new party altogether, registered, where everyone would move in.

“But when INEC has the tendencies of delaying what is apparent, you can’t throw all your eggs in one basket,” he added

The National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Barr Julius Abure, has warned its 2023 presidential election candidate, Peter Obi, to stop blackmailing the party’s officials.

Abure said the attention of the party’s leadership was called to an interview on Monday granted by Obi wherein he alleged that the APC-led federal government has infiltrated the leadership of the Labour Party and, by so doing, fomented a crisis in the party.

A statement issued by the Labour Party’s national secretary, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, said that Obi could not produce any tangible evidence when asked to produce evidence.

“He said that the national chairman, Barrister Julius Abure, referred to the Abia State governor, Dr. Alex Otti, as a dwarf.

“As a member of our party, we sincerely do not wish to join issues with Mr. Obi, but for his penchant to constantly misinform Nigerians on the real reasons for the crisis in the party, knowing that virtually most other parties are in one form of crisis or the other. We sincerely hope he will introspect and move away from these ill-conceived narratives. 

“It is therefore pertinent to put on record that the problem with the Labour Party was not created by the ruling party (APC). Rather, the problem in the Labour Party was created and sustained by Peter Obi and Dr. Alex Otti, the governor of Abia State, who is presently serving a suspension for anti-party activities. We dare Obi to produce any tangible or intangible evidence which suggests remotely or otherwise that the Abure leadership of the Labour Party is in bed with the APC-led government,” the party said.

The statement said nobody is infallible, adding, “it behoves anyone who makes mistakes to be bold enough to own it.

“When good leaders fail, they should own up to their responsibilities. Obi was unable to provide leadership for the party. He should own up to his mistakes. Therefore, it is shameful for Peter Obi and Dr. Alex Otti to continue accusing the government of infiltrating the Labour Party and demarketing it.

“This same government was in existence in 2022 when the party made six aspirants, including Prof. Pat Utomi, to step down for Peter Obi as the party’s candidate. The government existed when the party crisscrossed all the country’s nooks and crannies, including the insecurity-prone areas, campaigning for Peter Obi in 2022 and 2023.

“The government existed when the national chairman, Julius Abure, travelled across Europe and the United States to galvanise support for Peter Obi. The government also existed when the party leadership mobilised its members across the state, leading to over six million votes won during the election.

“It was the same leadership that you claimed had been infiltrated that stood with Peter Obi throughout the tribunal and up to the Supreme Court. The same Abure appeared in court more than Obi, refusing to be cowed when a splinter group wanted to hijack the process. The government existed when Peter Obi and Dr. Alex Otti were given sole tickets for 2027, even against the status quo.

“For the records, there was no problem in the Labour Party until Peter Obi and Dr. Alex Otti went to Umuahia, Abia State, to create an illegal and unconstitutional Caretaker Committee that polarised the party. And may I ask, is it the ruling party that sent Obi and Otti to Umuahia to create a division in the party?

“They were also aware that the courts, from the lower court up to the Supreme Court, clearly affirmed the party’s leadership, but Peter Obi and Alex Otti surreptitiously plotted to hijack the party’s leadership by instigating the division. Again, is the government in power creating the division or forcing them to march to INEC headquarters to exhibit their ignorance? the statement asked.

The statement added: “For Peter Obi to respond to the comment where the National Chairman referred to the governor as dwarfy in knowledge, we want to say clearly that there is no action without a reaction. The National Chairman was only responding to a pejorative comment made by the governor, wherein he referred to the National Chairman as ‘masturbating’.

“The governor neither retracted nor apologised for that reckless statement. He showed utter disrespect to the constituted authority of the party, to the man who went out of his way to help him achieve his ambition to be a governor.

“If the governor is not limited or dwarfy in knowledge, he would have appreciated the import of the Supreme Court judgement, which practically resolved the crisis in the party, but these men were only blinded by their inordinate desire to wrestle the party from the present leadership.

As Nigeria marks 26 years of uninterrupted democratic rule, regional groups have declared that politicians are the problem of the country, not the system of government.

In their different comments marking the activities of Nigeria’s June 12 democracy, the regional bodies said that unless the politicians abandon the prioritisation of personal interest, the masses would not feel the needed dividend of democracy.

In the opinion of the apex northern socio-cultural organisation, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), politicians can sabotage any system of government in Nigeria unless they subdue their personal interests and work for the interests of Nigerians.

ACF accused the politicians of not allowing Nigeria’s government system to work.

Speaking with LEADERSHIP in a telephone interview, ACF national publicity secretary Prof. T.A. Muhammad Baba condemned early campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections, stressing that such moves were intended to divert Nigerians’ attention from insecurity, economic challenges, and other challenges facing the nation. 

ACF said, “In our opinion, any system of government doesn’t matter. We adopted a presidential system of government, and now we are complaining that it is too expensive. The politicians are the ones who don’t want the system to work. Any system of government that Nigerians can adopt, politicians will sabotage the system, and it will not work effectively because of their interests.

“Many politicians don’t have the country’s interest at heart; they only have their own interests.

“We are complaining that the presidential system of government is too expensive, but is the same politicians who are making it expensive.”

Commenting on the current politicking, ACF said, “On the issue of early campaigns ahead of 2027 elections, what I can say is that politicians who cannot offer dividends of democracy to Nigerians are hiding under early politicking to divert the attention of Nigerians. To such politicians and our leaders who are campaigning in just two years of a one-year term, Nigerians will not notice their low performance.”

Democracy Still Better For Nigeria Despite Inherent Lapses, Says Afenifere

Speaking on behalf of Afenifere, the national publicity secretary of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Comrade Jare Ajayi, said that democracy is still Nigeria’s best form of government, notwithstanding its perceived shortcomings.

According to him, democracy may not be perfect, being a human contraption; however, it appears to be far better for now among the known political systems since it allows most people to participate in governance.

“Democracy has its shortcomings, no doubt. But a legion of these shortcomings are due to human factors, greed and self-centredness especially,” he said.

The Afenifere publicity secretary stated that Nigeria’s experience in the last 26 years “has shown clearly that most politicians parading themselves as democrats are doing so only to cajole the people. Most of their actions go against the tenets of democracy as we know it.”

He strongly advocated the return to the parliamentary system of government, “not only to drastically reduce the cost of governance but also to curb corruption and check the tendency of political office holders not to be answerable to the people.

Comrade Ajayi expressed hope that the Constitution would be reviewed early enough for the 2027 elections under the parliamentary system.

On President Bola Tinubu’s two years in office, the Afenifere spokesman said the last two years were quite challenging for citizens and those in charge.

He, however, expressed optimism that the remaining years of President Tinubu’s tenure would herald a better deal for Nigerians. 

Ohanaeze Insists On Restructuring As Way Forward

For its part, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has insisted on restructuring Nigeria as the way for the country to make progress.

It stated that restructuring would allow the different regions to control their resources and develop at their own pace.

Ohanaeze national publicity secretary Dr Ezechi Chukwu disclosed this in an exclusive interview with LEADERSHIP in Enugu.

He stated that restructuring will promote healthy competition among the regions.

On the issue of rotation, the Ohanaeze spokesman insisted that zoning has not worked over the years and is not in the country’s constitution.

Therefore, he maintained that he was against zoning and described it as an agreement between power mongers who use selective means to determine where the power went, depending on how it suited them.

Lives Have Not Been Improved Significantly – MBF

Speaking on the same matter, the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), in a statement issued to LEADERSHIP on its assessment of democracy in Nigeria, stated that 26 years of democratic governance had not significantly improved the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

According to MBF, while elections are regularly held under contentious atmospheres, the democratic experience has largely failed to deliver good governance to the electorate.

The statement, which was signed by the national spokesman of the Forum, Luka Binniyat, argued that the standards of living have declined, and insecurity and poverty are at unprecedented levels.

“At the same time, civilian leaders have often exhibited the same authoritarian tendencies as the military, and in some cases, worse,” he said.

The Forum also pointed out that corruption remains systemic, cutting across party lines and levels of government.

The MBF noted that in Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index, Nigeria ranked 145 out of 180 countries, underscoring the depth of the problem.

It further stated that despite a robust legal framework on paper, institutions meant to check the abuse of power remain weak, compromised, or politically manipulated, adding that democracy has only allowed a shift from military to civilian rule, which should be a positive development.

On the way toward 2027 and beyond, the Forum insisted that Nigeria must adopt a new constitution urgently.

Democracy Is Better Than Military Rule, Says Ohanaeze Youth President

Conversely, however, a youth group, Ohanaeze Youth Council, has declared that democracy, as a system of government, has been good to Nigeria.

The group’s national president, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, was assessing 26 years of unbroken democracy in Nigeria and insisted that the nation’s democratic experience so far has been better than in a military regime.

He urged Nigerians to be patient with their leaders, adding that Rome was not built in a day.

Nnabuike expressed hope that before the next 50 years, Nigeria will do better than even America.

 Democracy Has Been Beneficial To Nigeria, But… – Ex-PANDEF Spokesman

Similarly, the immediate-past spokesman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Dr. Ken Robinson, has said democratic rule has been beneficial to the country.

Robinson, who stated this in a chat with LEADERSHIP in Port Harcourt, however, said there is room for improvement.

He said, “Yes, democracy has benefited the country, although there is significant room for improvement. However, even the worst form of democratic or civil governance is preferable to the best military rule.

Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX), a Ponzi scheme that disappeared with subscribers’ funds earlier in the year restored depositors’ balance on Tuesday amidst intensified investigation by the Nigerian authorities.

LEADERSHIP recalls that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) launched investigations into the disappearance of deposits by Nigerians with a pledge to recover the losses.

However, while subscribers said on Tuesday that they were able to view the amounts in their wallets prior to the platform’s alleged crash in April, victims were being asked to pay additional fees to retrieve their lost investments.

In order to purportedly retrieve their lost fund, a new deposit of $200 was requested as fresh deposit from individuals who initially invested over $1,000 and $100 from those who invested below $1,000.

A victim told our correspondent anonymously, “I have been able to view my balance but it makes no sense to be asked for a fresh deposit to retrieve my investment. 

“I’ll wait to see what happens to know what to do next, but if it requires a fresh deposit, then count me out.”

However, the scheme allegedly demanded the extra payments before investors can access or withdraw the funds.

CBEX caught victims unawares in April when it collapsed without warning, locking users out of their accounts and sparking panic.

Furious victims embarked on violent protests, including the looting of the scheme’s office in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

The company had previously promised to double deposits within 40 days.

Despite locking their Telegram group to suppress complaints, CBEX operators blamed hackers for the shutdown.

The EFCC said it arrested some suspects and traced funds to multiple countries while some suspects were also recently declared wanted by the anti-graft agency in connection with the cryptocurrency scam.

EFCC, however warned that it might not be able to recover all lost investments

…Says Nigeria is a crime scene that needs fixing

The 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, has decried the growing insecurity and hardship across Nigeria, describing the country as a “crime scene” in dire need of repair. 

Speaking at the public presentation of the book “Obi: The Political Change Agent”, authored by Ike Abonyi, in Abuja on Tuesday, Obi lamented that although Nigeria is not officially at war, many citizens live like refugees, both within and outside the country.

“Today in Nigeria, we’re not officially at war, yet Nigerians are living in IDP camps in their own country. Nigerians are refugees in Chad, in Cameroon. And the only reason is because we don’t have a government that cares for them,” he said.

Obi urged Nigerians to actively work to “dismantle this crime scene called a country,” warning that the current system is unsustainable and dangerous.

“Some people are dancing while the ship is sinking. When it finally goes down, it will consume everyone — rich or poor. I’ve seen this before in places like Beirut and Afghanistan. Crisis does not discriminate,” he warned.

He criticized the nation’s priorities, pointing out that while government buildings are being renovated and parties thrown, women continue to die during childbirth and millions of children remain out of school.

“We use public resources to paint offices and build mansions, while women die trying to give birth. According to a recent report, one woman dies every seven minutes in Nigeria during childbirth. That’s what we want to dismantle,” Obi stated.

The former Anambra State Governor emphasized that many of Nigeria’s problems stem from a lack of leadership and value creation. 

“Our leaders in government and business are producing poverty. When people hoard money without creating value, they are fueling poverty. A functional economy must be built on the exchange of real value,” he said.

On currency devaluation, Obi supported the idea but stressed the need to eliminate corruption first.

“Yes, I support removing fuel subsidy, but only after removing the criminality in the system. If we build confidence in the market and clean up corruption, the naira will stabilize. It’s happening in Ghana and Angola — why not here?”

He also lamented the collapse of Nigeria’s infrastructure, citing a trip to Kafanchan where he didn’t see a single trailer transporting goods — a sign, he said, of a broken, unproductive economy.

“Colonial masters built railways to move goods — cotton, granite, ginger. Today, they’re gone. We have no trains, no trailers, nothing. And we wonder why people are hungry?” 

Obi called for a new wave of leadership, especially in the National Assembly, urging voters to elect leaders who are committed to peace and service rather than personal gain.

“We must not allow people who want to make money from politics. If that’s your goal, you are part of the problem,” he declared. “This time, we will vote. The votes will count. We will be everywhere.”

Obi ended his remarks by thanking supporters and urging them to remain committed to the cause of national transformation.

Earlier, Professor Sam Amadi, former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), described Peter Obi as the ideal leader to spearhead a necessary democratic revolution.

“A successful revolution is defined by democratic civilization and democratic diplomacy. Peter Obi possesses the profile, pedigree, personality, and passion to lead this change,” Amadi said. 

He noted that while Nigeria’s challenges are vast, they can be overcome with the right leadership, commitment, and collective sacrifice.

An alleged Police Inspector and two others have been apprehended by the local vigilante in Makurdi for allegedly vandalising Jos Electricity Distribution Company’s installations in the Demekpe axis of the town. 

The suspects, according to an eyewitness, were nabbed in the early hours of Tuesday at about 4 am while carrying out their nefarious activities. 

According to the source in the neighbourhood, the trio had gone to vandalise the power installation in the area when the vigilante confronted them, “and two members of the gang, on sighting the vigilante fled but a man in his early 50s identified as Innocent Ishaku was apprehended.

“Two of his accomplices who initially fled were later apprehended when he disclosed their names as  Isa and Mohammed, who are well-known members of the community.”

He stated that the said Ishaku was interrogated further and he disclosed that he was an Inspector with the Police serving in Makurdi for about 10 years after being transferred from Abuja.

The suspected was also alleged to have confessed that he and his accomplices had been carrying out cable theft around Wadata axis of the town.

The trio were immediately handed over to the “D” Division Police Station, Makurdi while items recovered from them included electrical cables and connectors, and a Police Identity Card with service number 309976 bearing Innocent Ishaku.

Contacted, the Head of Corporate Services, JEDC Makurdi office, Dr. Adakole Elijah confirmed the incident.

The Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent, DSP, Udeme Edet could not be reached at press time.

It is not a hidden fact that Nigerian passport holders face some of the strictest visa requirements globally. This is because of the demand of many countries which includes lengthy processing time, proof of funds and extensive documentation. 

The factors that determine and influence the ease of obtaining visa for Nigerians include visa type, individual circumstances and current policies. Most people face challenges such as high embassy fees, limited appointment availability, strict financial requirements, and bias against Nigerian passport holders in some regions.

This article will explore 10 countries in the world where securing a visa is generally easier for Nigerians, particularly for those who present genuine intentions and complete documentation.

1. Singapore

If you want to visit Singapore stress-free, you can book a packaged holiday. Qatar Airways via Dubai is the best flight option for this trip.

The Easy visa with travel package to Singapore is valid up to 90 days and a travel trip you should know is that proof of onward travel and accommodation may be requested.

The country is a tourist destination best known for urban explorers and foodies.

2. Mauritius 

The visa to Mauritius is free for 90 days for tourists on arrival. The African nation combines African, Indian, and French influences in a stunning island setting. Notably, the visa-free access makes the destination a very attractive alternative to Seychelles with more affordable options.

The country is a tourist attraction best for beach holidays, luxury travel, and Indian Ocean exploration.

3. Hong Kong

Hong Kong offers Nigerians an eVisa, which means there are no associated costs of travel to apply for it. However, it can be a bit discouraging based on the fact that it takes a long time to obtain. So, you are urged to apply early.

The duration of the eVisa is determined by Hong Kong Immigration. Hong Kong is best for extended layovers and Pacific island exploration. 

4. Benin Republic

Next door to Nigeria, Benin Republic is a visa-free entry destination for Nigerians.

It is a very affordable destination, even a short drive from Lagos is possible. Benin Republic is best for weekend trips, cultural exploration, and historical tourism.

5. Maldives

The Maldives represent the tropical luxury experience. Although it is an expensive option and luxury destination, the visa-free access is a huge win for tourists and fun lovers. The trip can be done on a budget when staying on local islands. Maldives offers a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival. 

6. Malaysia

Malaysia is another country that offers eVisas to Nigerian citizens. However, some applications may require an NDLEA certificate but a good travel history outside the continent could serve as a replacement for the certificate.

The eVisa to Malaysia is available online and processed within 5-7 days.

7. Rwanda

Rwanda is not only a visa-free destination for Nigerians, but it is also one of the best budget-friendly travel destinations on the African continent. 

The country is a visa-free destination for Nigerians and African Union member states. Rwanda is a popular destination known for its first-time solo and leisure-seeking travellers.

8. Seychelles

Seychelles is one of the countries with the most accessible visa regimes for Nigerians, although it can sometimes be challenging for Nigerians.

It offers a free 30-day visitor’s permit on arrival. The country is a relatively expensive destination, but the visa-free access helps to save money upfront.

9. Kenya 

Kenya’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is one of the easiest visas for Nigerian citizens to obtain. The ETA is available online and processed within 2-7 days. It is advisable to apply for the ETA at least one week before travel.

10. Ghana

Ghana is also a next-door nation to Nigeria and no visa is required for Nigerians for up to 90 days.

The country is a good destination to explore as it is renowned for business networking, affordable gateways and cultural exploration.