An Indian national, Tukur Shamsudden, and 12 Nigerians were on Tuesday arraigned by the operatives of the Police Special Fraud Unit, Ikoyi, Lagos, for alleged conspiracy and unlawful diversion of Automotive Gas Oil, commonly known as diesel, valued at over N4 billion, property owned by Dangote Industries Limited.

Other defendants who were arraigned are Ikechukwu Obi, Chigozie Osukwu, Ukaegbu Chukwuma, Umeh Ugochukwu, Emmanuella Akamadu (female), Zango Umar, Emmanuel Oku, Shaibu Michael, Lucky Otoide, Mmaduabuchi Okezuonu, Ephraim Kanakapudi, and Omojowo Emmanuel.

The defendants are facing 16 counts bordering on conspiracy, unlawful diversion of diesel, and receiving proceeds of fraudulently diverted products.

According to the prosecuting counsel, M. Y. Bello, the defendants comprised staff members of Dangote Industries Limited and officials of transport companies contracted to move diesel from Dangote depots to its Ibese and Obajana plants.

He specifically listed among the Dangote Petroleum Industries Limited staff in charge Akamadu Emmanuella, Emmanuel Oku, Zango Umar, Lucky Otoide, and Ephraim Kanakapudi.

Others were said to be employed by Arigen Integrated Limited, Obat Limited, Amaiden Energy Limited, Regal Gate Limited, Alkham Limited, Prestige Limited, and Opetrus Global Limited.

Bello told the court that the offences were committed between January 2022 and December 2023.

The prosecutor alleged that Tukur Shamsudden, while representing Regal Gate Ltd., Alkham Limited, and Prestige Limited, companies contracted by Dangote Industries Limited, diverted 1,530,893 litres of AGO, valued at N1,530,893bn.

He also told the court that Omojowo, acting as the managing director and representative of Opetrus Global Ltd, a company contracted to transload AGO from depots to the Dangote tank farm, fraudulently diverted 2,455,229 litres of AGO valued at N2,455,229,000, on or before December 20, 2023.

He also told the court that Omojowo, acting as the managing director and representative of Opetrus Global Ltd, a company contracted to transload AGO from depots to the Dangote tank farm, fraudulently diverted 2,455,229 litres of AGO valued at N2,455,229 billion on or before December 20, 2023.

Earlier at the resumed hearing of the matter on Tuesday, the prosecutor informed the court of another amended charge against the defendants, which was filed following the arrest of the Indian national and the duo of Ephraim and Omojowo.

Consequently, all defendants were re-arraigned on the amended charge.

Justice Dipeolu adjourned the trial to July 22 and 23, 2025, for the commencement of the trial.

Efforts by DAILY POST to speak with Dangote Refinery’s spokesperson, Anthony Chiejiena, were unproductive

Famous Nollywood actress, Biola Bayo has revealed why she announced her separation from her husband, Oluseyi.

DAILY POST reports that the actress had a week ago announced her separation from Oluseyi, in a post shared to celebrate him on his birthday.

The development that came four years after their marriage sparked controversy on social media with many condemning her for the timing.

She was accused of making the announcement on her husband’s birthday to set him up for dragging.

However, speaking amid the backlash, the heartbroken actress explained that she made the announcement because “she doesn’t want another person to announce it for her online”.

Speaking about the timing during the presentation of a house to actress Jumoke George, Biola Bayo noted that the post was made with the consent of her husband.

“Please, I’m a human too. The other one I said about my marriage was because I don’t want people to say my story for me, that was why I came out to say it. And that’s my style. So that people would not be saying something different or saying things that would make me sad. But I didn’t know that you people would still use it against me.

“People have already asking me that you are not posting your husband, and I knew different rumors would come out online that very day, that is why I spoke about our separation but yet it was used against me.

“I have already told my husband before I posted. So he was aware that I would post it so that other people won’t be the one to tell the story on social media. But I know that God will reward everybody accordingly,” she said.

DAILY POST reports that in 2023, the actress who is known to be open and realistic, while announcing the arrival of their son, revealed that they gave birth to him through a surrogate mother

Popular Nigerian musician, Mayorkun has stated that Davido, his former record label boss, helped him to secure a deal with Sony Music Africa.

DAILY POST reports that Mayorkun was signed to Davido Music World, DMW, record label in 2016. He parted ways with the label in 2021.

His departure from David’s label to Sony Music West Africa sparked assumption of strained ties between them.

However, speaking in an interview with 3Music TV, the singer disclosed that Davido played a key role in the deal with his new record label.

“Aside from having my label, right now I am also with Sony Africa. Shout out to Davido for that as well, he facilitated the deal,” Mayorkun stated

The ex-boyfriend of the famous Nollywood actress, Angela Okorie, Oil Money, has made allegations after their recent breakup.

In a series of posts via his instagram story, Oil Money publicly accused several well-known Nollywood actors of having an intimate relationship with Okorie.

He went further by revealing the names, as well as sharing pictures of the individuals allegedly involved with the actress.

The ex-boyfriend also revealed what he claimed to be the easiest way to get intimate with Okorie.

According to him, all it takes is a flashy car and some alcohol.

“If you wan chop grandma, just get one nice car and rent one nice car and then get any type of alcohol,” he stated.

This is coming just days after the actress, Okorie clashed with R

Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has criticized the Bola Tinubu-led administration, accusing it of failing the Nigerian people.

The former governor of Rivers State said he is ready join the coalition that would challenge Tinubu in 2027.

Amaechi said he would keep telling the truth to power despite being a member of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

The former governor disclosed this in an interview with BBC.

He accused Tinubu of worsening the economic hardship in Nigeria.

The former minister also maintained his loyalty to the APC but insisted that being a party member does not mean blind support for the government.

“If the government is failing the country, you don’t just go along because you’re in the same party. You know that’s not right,” he said.

Amaechi said Nigerians are dying of hunger and he is feeling the effect.

“People are dying. People are starving. I myself am feeling the effects of hunger,” he said.

Amaechi is widely believed to be part of the opposition coalition aimed at removing Tinubu from office in 2027.

Top leaders of the coalition like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, among others, had graced Amaechi’s recent 60th birthday celebration in Abuja.

During the occasion, Amaechi, Atiku and El-Rufai accused Tinubu of weaponizing poverty in Nigeria

The Southern Kaduna Leadership Council (SKLC) has called for a judicial investigation into the administration of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of leading a campaign of intimidation and injustice against communities in Southern Kaduna.

At a press conference titled “Dispelling Lies and Hate Against a People”, the Council refuted allegations made by El-Rufai’s former media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, that some chiefdoms, including Adara, willingly sought changes to their traditional identities.

SKLC Secretary, Timothy B. Gandu, stated that these claims were not only misleading but contradicted by official state documents.

Gandu explained that in 2017, the El-Rufai government set up a 13-member committee to review and propose new names for chiefdoms—shifting emphasis from ethnic to geographical identities.

According to him, this move was unilaterally driven by the government, not by traditional leaders.

He cited a letter from the office of the Secretary to the State Government as evidence that the initiative came from the top, not the grassroots.

The Council further alleged that only a few communities actually requested changes, while the majority either opposed the renaming or never made any such request.

Out of 25 affected chiefdoms, 17 rejected the changes, and seven clarified that no requests came from them.

Southern Kaduna, home to over 56 ethnic groups across 12 local government areas, could not have unanimously sought such changes, the Council argued.

“The claim that traditional institutions across the state independently requested name changes is false. For instance, in Lere LGA with nine ethnic groups, only one made such a request. Similarly, in Kauru and Kagarko LGAs, only isolated requests were made,” Gandu said.

The Council also accused El-Rufai of fueling religious and ethnic divisions during his time in office.

They referenced a widely circulated video in which the former governor reportedly admitted to misleading party members from Southern Kaduna and pushing for a religiously skewed political structure in the state from 2019 onward.

Other serious allegations made against El-Rufai’s administration included the creation of emirates in multi-ethnic communities under the pretext of reform, imposed name changes and removal of traditional rulers, unexplained killings of key community leaders, drastic reduction of districts from 390 to 77 which weakened local leadership structures, and the demotion of Southern Kaduna chiefs under the 2021 Traditional Institution Law.

They also cited the labeling of youths from the region as criminals, arbitrary shutdown of local tertiary institutions, unfair retrenchment and civil service bias, lack of IDP camps despite widespread violence and displacement, unlawful boundary adjustments affecting local chiefdoms, expansion of the Kachia Grazing Reserve without community input, and the arrests and dethronement of community leaders.

The Council claimed these actions were part of a calculated plan to alter the demographic balance of Southern Kaduna and reduce its political relevance.

They urged President Bola Tinubu to authorize a full investigation into El-Rufai’s conduct in office, ban him from holding public office for constitutional violations, instruct security agencies to investigate those allegedly paid to suppress violence, and examine actions that may qualify as crimes against humanity.

The group also called on Governor Uba Sani to repeal the 2021 Traditional Institution Law, restore traditional institutions to their status before El-Rufai’s tenure, reassess laws and policies deemed exclusive or discriminatory, and support reconciliation and development in the region

Publisher and politician, Chief Dele Momodu has lashed out at the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

He accused Wike of acting as if he's the founding father of Nigeria.

He also lashed out at Wike for causing controversy within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) because he wants to determine the party’s 2027 presidential ticket’s zoning and ensure his will prevails.

“It sounds ridiculous that one man, who should be busy in Abuja, is dictating where the PDP presidential ticket should go in 2027. What Wike is doing is a rehash of what he did in Rivers State—and he is clearly doing so with the backing of those at the top.

“Where was Wike during the June 12 struggle? Who knew him then? But today, he speaks as if he’s the founding father of Nigeria,” Momodu said during a Channels Television interview on Wednesday.

Momodu also accused the FCT Minister of attempting to hold on to power in Rivers State, thereby causing a political crisis in the oil-rich state.

“A major crisis of monumental dimension was orchestrated and aggravated by one man. Just because he wouldn’t go away quietly, a state of emergency had to be declared. It’s unprecedented in Nigeria’s history,” he noted.

Momodu further alleged that Wike is staging a coup against the PDP with his actions and causing division within the party.

“What he’s doing now is tantamount to staging a coup against the party that made him everything he is today. He does not have the moral right to dictate the direction of the PDP,” the publisher stated

The apex lgbo Socio-cultural Organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has sent a request to President Bola Tinubu.

The group begged Tinubu to use this historic moment of June 12 Democracy Day celebration to grant Amnesty to 1,335 repented nonviolent Pro-Biafra Agitators.

Ohanaeze said the agitators are prepared to surrender publicly and pledge their allegiance to the Federal Government and support for President Tinubu’s administration during the commemorative activities associated with the June 12 Democracy Day celebrations in 2025.

The Igbo group said it was vital to tell President Tinubu that this moment represents not only a new dawn for Nigeria but also a significant victory for democracy.

In a joint statement issued on Wednesday by the factional Deputy President-General, Mazi Okechukwu lsiguzoro and Thompson Ohia, Spokesperson, Ohanaeze noted that for the first time in 55 years since the end of the Biafra war, repented and nonviolent pro-Biafra activists are ever willing to engage in dialogue with the Federal Government.

It read “Ohanaeze Ndigbo recognizes that it has required an extraordinary 16 months of dedicated effort—marked by intense pressure, persuasive engagements, and informed counsel from committed Igbo leadership and reputable international humanitarian organizations—to persuade these repented agitators to seek dialogue with the Federal Government.

“They have resolved to voluntarily pledge their allegiance in exchange for Presidential amnesty, a peaceful resolution to the ongoing insecurity in the Southeast, the dropping of all charges against them, and the application of political solutions to facilitate the release of detained Igbo prisoners of conscience.

“The 2025 June 12 Democracy Day presents a rare opportunity for President Tinubu to decisively address long-standing grievances and injustices that have historically plagued the Old Eastern Region and the Igbo people. This occasion provides an exceptional opening for the Federal Government to engage with and resolve the deep-rooted issues surrounding Biafra agitation that have lingered since the end of the Biafra conflict in 1970.

“By accepting their allegiance after a closed-door discussion and granting them the Presidential pardon and amnesty they seek, President Tinubu will not only earn the esteem of the nation as a champion of democracy but also solidify his legacy as the President who successfully addressed the Biafra agitation.

“The Federal Government’s granting of Presidential amnesty to this initial group of 1,335 nonviolent pro-Biafra agitators will send a powerful and unequivocal message to others contemplating similar paths. It will affirm the government’s commitment to eradicating radicalism, criminality, and extreme violence associated with Biafra agitation, demonstrating a sincere intention to employ balanced, non-kinetic methods alongside incentives for peaceful resolution.

“Those who have been misled into crime and armed struggle, erroneously believing that Biafra agitation justifies such acts, will find themselves compelled to lay down their arms. The sincere efforts of the Federal Government can inspire a new commitment to peaceful dialogue and reconciliation, fostering a climate in which all Nigerians can coexist harmoniously."

As Nigerians celebrate 32 years after the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election won by Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, mixed reactions greeted the state of democratic governance in the country yesterday.

On June 6, 2018, former President Muhammadu Buhari declared June 12 as the new date to mark Democracy Day in commemoration of Abiola’s election.

The June 12 election was annulled by former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida (retd).

In 2019, Buhari assented to the Public Holiday Act Amendment Bill, which made June 12 Democracy Day in Nigeria and a public holiday.

However, the President Bola Tinubu-led administration has been in the eye of the storm over issues, such as worsening insecurity, harsh economic reforms, the use of the Cybercrime Act to intimidate and bully Nigerians and the decline in the country’s democracy.

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Social Democratic Party, SDP, Conference of Nigeria Political Parties, CNPP, Coalition of United Political Parties, CUPP, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, yesterday, dissected the state of democracy under the current administration.

They raised dust over the country’s democratic institutions, including allegations of executive overreach, judicial interference, and marginalisation of local governance structures, concluding that democracy in Nigeria was endangered.

Democracy declining under APC — PDP

The PDP raised alarm over what it described as steady decline in Nigeria’s democracy under the leadership of President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress, APC.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Debo Ologunagba, expressed concerns over the authoritarian tendencies of the current administration.

He said: “Are we practising democracy now? Is this democracy, cronyism, or individualism? We’ll issue a statement. Don’t worry about that.”

Also, the Deputy National Youth Leader of the party, Mr Timothy Osadolor, in his remarks, highlighted the irony of President Tinubu’s current governance style, given his historical role as a frontline pro-democracy activist during the era of National Democratic Coalition, NADECO. 

 “President Tinubu was one of the early frontliners among the NADECO people who fought for June 12. That was the democracy we are currently enjoying today.

“We have seen brazen attempts to stifle democratic tendencies in the land, unlike during military rule. Court orders are flagrantly disobeyed and discarded.

“History will always reference his administration, not those of his appointees or surrogates,” he added.

Democratic ideals not yet entrenched — ACF

Similarly, the National Publicity Secretary of Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, said the principles of democracy had continued to decline.

Muhammad-Baba, in a chat with Vanguard, said: “The ACF welcomes the anniversary but regrets that Nigeria does not seem to be on a trajectory towards the entrenchment of democratic ideals as June 12 should have dictated.

“Systematically, those principles of democracy, such as free and fair elections, robust representation, checks and balances among the various branches of government, legislative independence and oversight, robust, independent judiciary and accountability have all been observed more in the breach than in compliance.

‘’This decline has been on the ground since 1999 but has worsened over the last four, and particularly over the last two years.

“A poignant illustration of the regressive decline in the ideals of democracy is the fact that more and more elected officials are the same people subverting democracy by their actions, inactions and insensitivity to the yearning of the populace.

“It is, therefore, highly regretful to surmise that at the demonstrable pace that the country is going, true democracy will take decades to take root, if at all.

‘’While very dismal, the people cannot afford to lose hope. Something will have to give, as the existential threat that the current mainstream politicians represent, cannot endure.

‘’It is also not too late to retrace our dismal political behaviour. ACF hopes that those that have the capacity and capability will rise to the occasion, supported by electorate, will rise to the occasion to deliver.”

Nigeria’s democracy is work in progress —Afenifere

On its part, pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, said the country’s democracy remains work in progress.

Afenifere, in a statement by its leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, said: “It is a milestone because it represents the day democracy and civil rule were reclaimed and restored in Nigeria, after a prolonged, destabilising military rule.

Without a doubt, the sustained and uninterrupted democratic rule since 1999 is a product of the sacrifices and commitment of our heroes and heroines in the civil society groups, and other well-meaning compatriots who, along with Afenifere, coalesced into the National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, to constitute the vanguard of progressive forces that ensured the restoration of democracy and the birth of the fourth republic in Nigeria.

“We’re happy to note that the progressive forces remain alert, committed and active. And we’re confident that the progressive spirit will continue to sustain and nurture democratic ideals in Nigeria.

“While we celebrate sustained democratic rule in our country on this auspicious occasion, we’re also reminded that democratic practice remains work in progress. We, therefore, call on all our compatriots, particularly the civil society groups, to collaborate with other progressive forces to deepen democratic practice and processes in Nigeria, for the benefit of this generation and generations yet unborn.

“Thus, June 12 is a reminder that although we come from different backgrounds with diverse perspectives, our shared goal of a prosperous Nigeria where equity, justice, social and economic well-being are at play is the driving force behind our determination to see this country progress.’’

Nigeria democracy is in cul-de-sac —OHanaeze Ndigbo

Also, the apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, said democracy in Nigeria has performed below expectation, saying no conscious efforts had been made by the political elites to strengthen it.

The National Publicity Secretary of the group, Dr Ezechi Chukwu, said: “Nigeria’s democracy is in a cul-de-sac, as a result of lack of conscious efforts by successive governments and political elite to strengthen our institutions and de-personalise our political system.

“The most pragmatic approach today to reinvent the fabrics of our democracy, therefore, is restructuring, which constitutes a robust pathway to healthy competition among federating units, devolution of powers, resource control and fiscal federalism.

“The ultimate end of democracy is the well being of the people and if the foundation of our organic corpus is flawed, the aura of democracy will undoubtedly be perennially elusive. Hence, the centre ought to be unburdened to enhance good governance and effective bureaucracy at various strata of social structure.”

Democracy is in coma —Okorie

Similarly, the pioneer National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chekwas Okorie, said Nigeria’s democracy is comatose.

Okorie said: “The state of Nigeria’s democracy is at best comatose. The bitter truth is that the overwhelming majority of Nigerians have lost confidence in the basic institutions upon which our democracy rests.

‘’The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is constitutionally empowered to manage the country’s democratic process and cannot be trusted, based on the disappointing outcomes of its previous performance as a highly compromised institution. ‘’The judiciary, which is expected to deliver substantial justice to aggrieved petitioners who were flagrantly shortchanged by the electoral commission, turned out to be a colossal disappointment. Justice was available only to the highest bidder.

“Tragically, the National and state assemblies are perceived as rubber stamps to the executive governments at the national and state levels. Nigeria is dangerously and rapidly drifting into a dictatorship.

‘’There is palpable fear that if urgent steps are not taken to redress the ugly situation before the commencement of the 2027 general elections, Nigeria may be plunged into avoidable anarchy by desperate politicians who are determined to capture political power by all means.”

Nigeria is sliding into civilian dictatorship — Dele Momodu

Delivering a damning verdict, former presidential aspirant on the platform of the PDP, Dele Momodu, who expressed concern over the current state of Nigeria’s democracy, warned that the country is sliding into what he described as civilian dictatorship.

The PDP chieftain, who spoke on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, lamented the erosion of democratic values, especially in the lead-up to this year’s Democracy Day.

Momodu said: “I’m very happy that today coincides with the lead-up to June 12 (Democracy Day), so that if we still have any iota of conscience left, we’ll realise we have damaged this democracy.

“The summary of it all is that on the eve of June 12, Nigeria is virtually back to civilian dictators who don’t care how you feel or what you think. Nigerians are hungry.

“We’ve damaged this democracy, and I hope we’ve not damaged it beyond repair because the audacity, the effrontery of this set of politicians—whether in the executive, legislature, or local government—is unbelievable.”

APC has betrayed spirit of democracy — CNPP

The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties, CNPP, on its part, said: “It is, however, both ironic and regrettable that the same All Progressives Congress (APC) — a party built by the same political elements and movements that once championed the immortalization of MKO Abiola and the restoration of June 12 as Democracy Day — has become the architect of the systematic erosion of the very values June 12 represents.

“While we recognize and appreciate the efforts of past and present administrations in acknowledging June 12 — particularly the historic declaration by President Muhammadu Buhari recognizing it as Democracy Day — we must not be blinded by symbolism without substance.

“The APC-led government has failed to pursue genuine electoral reforms or support the evolution of a people-driven constitution that can institutionalize transparent processes and accountability in governance. The sacred principles of popular will, fair competition, and justice, which formed the cornerstone of the June 12 struggle, have been desecrated in the pursuit of power and political control.”

Electoral fraud, power grab a mockery of our democracy — CUPP

Expressing sadness over the decline in democratic gains, the Coalition of United Political Parties, CUPP, said it had been eclipsed by electoral fraud and power grab by beneficiaries of the sacrifices made by citizens before, during and after June 12.

Speaking on the state of Nigeria’s democracy since the June 12, 1993 elections, National Secretary of the CUPP, Chief Peter Ameh said: “The annulled election, widely regarded as a true expression of the people’s will, was suppressed by a military regime, yet its spirit inspired a relentless pursuit of democracy.

“Today, however, that spirit is being suffocated by the very leaders entrusted to uphold it, through rampant corruption, political violence, and authoritarian tendencies that mock the sacrifices of June 12.

“The essence of June 12 lies in the people’s yearning for a free, fair, and inclusive democratic system. Yet, over the years, this vision has been eroded by the actions of politicians who prioritize power over principle.

“Persistent corruption has drained public trust, with elected officials often seen as serving personal interests, rather than the common good.

“As a nation, we cannot allow the legacy of June 12 to be reduced to mere symbolism, while those in power trample on the very democratic values it represents.

“CUPP calls for urgent action to restore the glory of June 12. We demand an end to political violence and electoral manipulation, starting with a full and transparent account of the 2023 election irregularities.

“We condemn authoritarian practices and call for the reinstatement of democratic processes in Rivers State. The electoral commission must be purged of partisan appointments to ensure its independence.”

June 12, a defining moment in our journey — SDP

Reviewing democracy in the country, Social Democratic Party, SDP, said June 12 would remain a watershed in Nigeria’s democratic journey but lamented that the country was sadly bogged down by the yoke of leadership conspiracy

The party, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Rufus Aiyenigba, said: “Today, Nigeria celebrates, yet another national anniversary of the pride of place in our political history and the indelible marks that June 12, 1993, made in our national life, particularly as a historic watershed and being emblematic of our democracy, and shaping our collective efforts at nation-building.

“The SDP notes the date with fond reminiscences and great reverence to the memory of the immortal symbol of our nascent democracy, the late business mogul and African icon, Bashorun Moshood Abiola, who treaded the heroic path of the uncommon sacrifice of becoming a martyr, so democratic rule could take firm roots in Nigeria.

‘’June 12, 1993, was quite a defining moment in our journey towards democratic rule, and the date has become an eternal reference point in our journey towards nation-building.

“Today, as always, we celebrate the great sacrificial exertions of the late generalissimo of the Yoruba, whose fame, impact and influence transcended his exalted noble title, as he became a national symbol of true service and the torch-bearer for national redemption.

“As we mark this great day, Nigeria is sadly bogged down by the yoke of leadership conspiracy and the country is not appreciably moving towards attaining the lofty dreams and great vision Abiola had for Nigeria and the people.

‘’It is an understatement that our nation is today, faced with arrested development in all areas that matter.

“Going by what currently obtains, and beyond political arguments, tokenism in mandate delivery, vacuous grandstanding, and the shenanigans of the political elites, our nation is not anyway near the true ideals of the democracy for which Abiola fought and died.

‘’We do not appear to be on the desirable path of meeting the yearnings and aspirations of our people.

The government, today, is far detached from the noble cause of banishing poverty; engendering a sane society and safe Nigerian landscape; of committing to making life truly meaningful for all Nigerians; of enthroning equity, social justice, and of building a good Nigerian society for all.”

Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Olabode George, on Wednesday, urged President Bola Tinubu to, in the spirit of the June 12 anniversary, return the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara to office. 

Fubara was suspended by Tinubu on March 18 due to political tension in the oil-bearing state.

Last week, Fubara visited Tinubu in Lagos during Sallah celebration.

George, in an open letter to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of the June 12, 1993 presidential election won by the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola but annulled on June 23, 1993 by General Ibrahim Babangida, said: “If Tinubu could forgive Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, then he should extend same gesture to Fubara.

“On June 12, we will be celebrating Democracy Day. This is a reminder of the true meaning of democracy – the will of the people.

“Since Tinubu has forgiven Sanwo-Olu, then it makes a lot of sense, spiritually, to also forgive Fubara and let him return to office. I am talking as an elder.

“Let me also remind the President that he was in the forefront of those who fought the military, seeking a return to civilian rule.

“I still remember him coming to my office in Aso Rock when he wanted to see General Diya. That was during the General Sani Abacha regime.

“He wanted to be deputy to Olagunsoye Oyinlola in Lagos then. He discussed with Diya but General Abacha eventually gave the position to Mrs. Okunnu. I know how passionate Tinubu was then about return to civil rule.

“He later joined NADECO to fight for democracy. Some of those who fought alongside him for democracy have died. It is not of his making that he is alive today.

“So, he should thank God, honour the memory of those who fought alongside him for democracy and return Fubara to office immediately.

“I also appeal to him, in the spirit of my maternal grand uncle who founded the first political party in Nigeria in 1922, Herbert Macaulay, to please reinstate Fubara.

“Tinubu should listen to, and honour this appeal in memory of all those who died in the journey to our democracy.”