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House Probes Diversion of Bonded Containers, Unpaid Customs Duties in Multi-Billion Naira Revenue Leak

By
Ola Akinola
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The House of Representatives has launched a sweeping investigation into systemic abuses at Nigeria’s bonded terminals and warehouses, targeting the diversion of containers, inaccurate excise duty calculations, expired temporary importation bonds, and non-remitted customs duties—practices estimated to cost the government billions in annual revenue.

The probe was triggered by a motion moved by Hon. Hassan Shehu Hussain (NNPP, Kano) during Wednesday’s plenary, which was unanimously adopted.

Bonded Terminals: From Trade Facilitators to Revenue Black Holes

Hussain told the House that bonded terminals and fast-track warehouses were designed to decongest seaports, streamline trade, and boost federal revenue. Instead, he alleged, rogue operators have turned them into conduits for fraud and security risks.

“Containers meant to move under Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) escort and full-value bonds are routinely diverted before reaching their destinations,” Hussain warned. “We don’t know what’s inside—tramadol, arms, ammunition—anything that threatens public safety.”

He cited cases where companies exploit three-year excise duty holidays for new manufacturers, then refuse to pay after the grace period ends. Manual duty assessments, he added, enable falsified records and systematic under-remittance to the Federation Account.

Temporary Importation Scheme Abused

The lawmaker highlighted rampant abuse of the Temporary Importation (TI) scheme, which allows duty-free entry of vessels, aircraft, and heavy machinery in exchange for bank-backed bonds.

“Many companies never redeem expired bonds or pay duties, causing massive revenue leakage,” Hussain said.

He also flagged over-importation of sugar and other quota-regulated commodities, bypassing federal limits and depriving the treasury of billions.

House Directs Immediate Action

Following robust debate, the House mandated the Comptroller-General of Customs to:

  • Strengthen real-time supervision of bonded container movements;
  • Deploy advanced GPS and tracking technology from port to final destination;
  • Ensure 100% duty and levy remittance with zero tolerance for diversion.

The resolution further tasks a yet-to-be-constituted ad-hoc committee with a forensic audit of bonded terminal operations, excise compliance, and TI bond redemptions over the past five years.

Lawmakers warned that the scale of the infractions undermines Nigeria’s trade facilitation goals and fuels insecurity through unchecked smuggling.

The NCS has been directed to submit a comprehensive compliance report within 60 days, with findings expected to inform stricter penalties and digital enforcement reforms.

The investigation comes amid intensified legislative scrutiny of revenue leakages across federal agencies, as the government seeks to plug fiscal gaps without increasing taxes.

Obasanjo Hails Makinde’s Vision for a ‘Liveable’ Ibadan at Mega Bus Terminal Launch

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Wednesday praised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for transforming Ibadan into a more liveable city, spotlighting the commissioning of the sprawling Ibadan Central Bus Terminal at Iwo Road as a game-changer for urban mobility.

Speaking at the event, Obasanjo described the N5.5 billion project—featuring two mega stations with waiting halls, ticketing areas, eateries, restrooms, open parking, power generation, water reservoirs, elevators, and escalators—as a testament to Makinde’s engineering prowess and commitment to people-centered development.

“Governor Makinde, you have done so well. You are making Ibadan liveable and trying to make everyone in the state comfortable,” Obasanjo said. “Ibadan is Nigeria’s third-largest city by population but the biggest by land area, so moving from point A to B takes longer than in Lagos or Kano. These terminals—at Iwo Road, Challenge, and Ojoo—will make that easier.”

The elder statesman, who accepted the invitation just three days prior, likened Makinde to himself, calling him an “Omoluabi” (a person of integrity) and a master of both “professional engineering” and “political engineering.” He urged the governor to ignore critics: “Those abusing you today will praise you tomorrow. I was abused too, and now they praise me.”

Obasanjo also called on residents to maintain the facility, emphasizing its regional significance. “Ibadan isn’t just Oyo’s capital—it’s the heart of Yorubaland, the old Western Region, and Western State. Developments here benefit the entire South-West.”

#### Makinde Defends Circular Road Amid Protests, Eyes Economic Boom

In his address, Governor Makinde announced the completion of all four modern bus terminals in Ibadan—Challenge, Ojoo, New Ife Road, and Iwo Road—fulfilling a promise delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain issues.

“We projected 12 months, but global realities slowed us. Today, the cycle is complete—a celebration of promises kept,” Makinde said. He recounted demolishing a mosque on the site for the project but replacing it with a modern one, despite political backlash.

The governor framed the terminals as part of a non-politicized push to “engineer a modern Oyo State,” including a new dual carriageway from Iwo Road to Adegbayi and plans to extend it to the Oyo boundary at Asejire with federal support.

Turning to the controversial 110km Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road, Makinde addressed recent protests over property impacts. “It’s not just a road—it’s our economic backbone,” he asserted. “We’re building a corridor for industries, logistics hubs, and estates to drive growth over the next 20 years. Cities that don’t plan for tomorrow drown in today’s chaos.”

He pledged to visit the site with the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and Mogajis to engage legitimate property owners, dismissing name-calling as “part of leadership.” With 18 months left in his term, Makinde said future administrations would extend similar upgrades to Ogbomoso, Saki, Iseyin, Ibarapa, and Oyo.

“This restores dignity to movement, beauty to our cities, and hope to our people—one project, one reform, one vision at a time,” he added, thanking Obasanjo for his inspiration and the people of Oyo for their support.

#### Official: Terminals Symbolize ‘Purposeful Governance’

Oyo State Commissioner for Works, Infrastructure, and Transport, Hon. Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, hailed the terminals as a “significant step” toward global-standard urban mobility, emphasizing sustainability, safety, and comfort. “This reflects intentional engineering under our sustainable development roadmap,” he said, urging stakeholders to own and protect the facility.

The event drew a constellation of dignitaries, including Deputy Governor Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal; former Deputy Governor Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi; Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; Chief Judge Justice Iyabo Yerima; former Minister of Trade Chief Mrs. Onikepo Akande; Oyo State Elders’ Council leaders Elder Wole Oyelese and Chief Saka Balogun; House of Representatives member Hon. Najimdeen Oyeshina Oyedeji; former lawmakers Hon. Saheed Akinade-Fijabi and Hon. Shina Peller; Secretary to the State Government Prof. Olanike Adeyemo; Head of Service Mrs. Bunmi Oni; commissioners; local government chairmen; and representatives of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Alaafin of Oyo, and other traditional rulers.

The commissioning underscores Makinde’s infrastructure drive, which has positioned Oyo as a model for urban renewal in Nigeria’s South-West, even as it navigates the tensions of rapid development.

Factional PDP Chairmen Back Abdulrahman, Ohuabunwa in Bid to Revive Party’s Democratic Legacy

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

Factional chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have rallied behind the party’s interim leadership, pledging their “total support” for Acting National Chairman Alhaji Abdulrahman Muhammad and Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, as they seek to steer the opposition giant through a turbulent phase of renewal.

In a joint statement issued in Abuja and signed by Imo State PDP Chairman Austine Nwachukwu on behalf of the Progressive and Democratic Chairmen, the leaders hailed the PDP’s foundational principles of democracy, justice, equity, and inclusiveness—values they say have anchored the party since the dawn of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic in 1999.

“As custodians of these ideals, it is our sacred responsibility to ensure that the PDP not only survives its current challenges but emerges stronger, more united, and truly reflective of the will of its members and the Nigerian people,” the statement read.

The chairmen underscored their commitment to the rule of law, internal democracy, and strict adherence to the party’s constitution, describing discipline, fairness, and constitutional order as “indispensable” to restoring the PDP’s credibility.

Unwavering Confidence in New Leadership

The factional leaders expressed “absolute confidence” in Muhammad and Ohuabunwa’s ability to navigate the party’s ongoing crises, citing their “leadership capacity, experience, and integrity” as key to rebuilding trust and fostering reconciliation.

“Both leaders embody the democratic spirit, institutional memory, and inclusive vision needed to reposition the PDP as the chief promoter and defender of democracy in Nigeria,” the statement declared.

This endorsement comes amid internal fractures within the PDP, including leadership disputes and factional splits that have weakened its opposition role following its 2023 presidential election loss. The appointment of Muhammad as acting chairman and Ohuabunwa as BoT head earlier this year was seen as a stabilizing move by party elders, aimed at quelling dissent and unifying ranks ahead of future electoral battles.

Call for Unity and Transformation

The chairmen urged all PDP members—from ward-level organizers to national figures—to set aside “personal ambitions” and coalesce around a shared vision for revival.

“We call on every loyal PDP member to unite in this noble cause, working hand-in-hand to transform our party into a truly people-oriented, progressive political movement,” they said.

The group vowed to construct a PDP that Nigerians can “look up to with pride and confidence”—positioned as the “credible alternative, the voice of democracy, and the platform for good governance.”

This show of solidarity from factional chairmen, often at odds with the party’s national executive, signals a potential thaw in internal rivalries and could bolster efforts to reposition the PDP as a formidable force against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in upcoming polls.

As Nigeria approaches key off-cycle elections and gears up for the 2027 general elections, the PDP’s ability to consolidate under Muhammad and Ohuabunwa will be closely watched by political observers and voters alike.

House of Reps Launches Probe into N12 Trillion Disbursed to Development Finance Institutions

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The House of Representatives has launched a comprehensive investigation into the disbursement and utilization of over N12 trillion in public funds allocated to Nigeria’s Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) over the past seven years.

The probe, announced during the inauguration of an Ad-Hoc Committee on Wednesday, aims to scrutinize the operations, funding mechanisms, and performance of key DFIs amid mounting concerns over transparency, accountability, and impact.

Chairman Sets Scope of Inquiry

Committee Chairman Hon. Chidi Mark Obetta told journalists that the inquiry would examine how funds—sourced from capital injections, budget allocations, bond issuances, concessional loans, and donor support—have been deployed by institutions such as:

  • Bank of Industry (BOI)
  • Bank of Agriculture (BOA)
  • Nigeria Export-Import Bank (NEXIM)
  • Infrastructure Bank
  • Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL)
  • Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN)

“The figure of over N12 trillion is preliminary and subject to verification,” Obetta said. “We will demand fully audited records of inflows and expenditures from each DFI.”

The committee will assess whether funds reached intended beneficiaries, supported priority sectors like agriculture, SMEs, and infrastructure, and delivered measurable outcomes in job creation, industrial growth, and export expansion. Loan recovery and fund recycling mechanisms will also come under review.

“This is not a punitive exercise but a reform-driven one,” Obetta emphasized. “We want to strengthen these institutions to become true engines of inclusive growth and poverty reduction.”

The panel plans to engage DFI leadership, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Ministry of Finance, development partners, sector experts, and actual fund beneficiaries in a transparent, evidence-based process.

Speaker Warns of Funding Cuts

Speaker Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Deputy House Leader Hon. Halims Abdullahi, expressed alarm at the DFIs’ underwhelming performance despite massive funding.

“Many of these institutions have failed to make a dent in Nigeria’s Multidimensional Poverty Index or drive meaningful SME growth,” Abbas said. “Political interference, lack of transparency, and excessive risk aversion have crippled their impact.”

He issued a stern warning: “The House will no longer approve budgetary allocations to any DFI that cannot demonstrate responsible financial management and tangible results.”

Abbas stressed that public funds must directly fuel productive sectors and reach citizens, not be lost to bureaucratic delays or diversion.

CBN, NEXIM Pledge Full Cooperation

CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso, represented by Director Ibrahim Hassan, assured the committee of the apex bank’s full support. “The CBN regulates DFIs to ensure compliance, financial soundness, and stability,” Hassan said. “We will provide all necessary technical and institutional assistance.”

Mr. Abba Bello, Managing Director of NEXIM Bank, welcomed the probe as “timely and necessary.” He affirmed that DFIs must drive job creation, industrial development, and foreign exchange earnings, pledging his institution’s complete cooperation.

Expected Outcomes

The Ad-Hoc Committee is expected to submit policy recommendations to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of Nigeria’s DFIs—ensuring they fulfill their mandates as catalysts for sustainable economic development.

The investigation comes at a critical juncture as the federal government pushes economic reforms aimed at diversification, industrial revival, and inclusive growth.

Mining Marshals to Receive Major Capacity Boost in Crackdown on Illegal Mining

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

Abuja, November 12, 2025 – The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has announced plans to significantly enhance the operational capacity of the Mining Marshals, the sector’s dedicated enforcement agency, to decisively eliminate illegal mining across Nigeria.

Speaking to participants of Course 34 at the Nigerian Defence College in Abuja during a lecture on the solid minerals value chain and its impact on economic growth, Dr. Alake reaffirmed the Marshals’ critical role in securing mining sites and enforcing compliance with national laws.

“The Mining Marshals have proven their effectiveness as the enforcement arm of the sector,” the Minister said. “We are now scaling up their logistical capabilities – vehicles, equipment, and weaponry – to extend their presence to all 774 local government areas and ensure the safety of mines and miners nationwide.”

Key Achievements of the Mining Marshals

Dr. Alake highlighted the agency’s operational successes, including:

  • Reclamation of 90 mining sites from bandits and illegal operators;
  • Prosecution of over 300 suspects;
  • Ongoing monitoring of 450 high-risk sites vulnerable to illegal mining.

The Minister, represented by his Special Adviser on Communications, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, emphasized that these results were made possible through seamless collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Police, and other security agencies.

“We appreciate the excellent synergy with sister security agencies. This partnership has been instrumental in the Marshals’ achievements,” he noted.

Transforming the Solid Minerals Value Chain

Dr. Alake outlined how his Seven-Point Agenda has restructured the sector by strengthening governance across licensing, exploration, community engagement, extraction, processing, and sales.

Key reforms include:

  • Revenue surge: Ministry revenue rose from N6 billion in 2022 to N12 billion in 2024, and N26 billion as of October 2025 – driven by stricter enforcement of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act;
  • Revocation of 3,700 dormant titles under the “use it or lose it” policy for non-payment of fees or failure to commence mining;
  • Mandatory compliance with Community Development Agreements (CDAs) and environmental obligations.

To attract global investment, the Minister announced the establishment of the Nigeria Solid Minerals Company, designed to facilitate joint ventures with credible international partners.

Appreciation from the Nigerian Defence College

Air Commodore Olushola Oluokun, Director of Information, Communications, and Technology at the Nigerian Defence College, thanked Dr. Alake on behalf of the participants, describing the lecture as “enlightening and highly relevant” to their strategic studies.

The Minister’s address underscores the federal government’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s solid minerals sector into a cornerstone of economic diversification, security, and sustainable development.

Tired of Moving Motions Without Results — Benue Lawmaker Cries Out as Herders’ Killings Worsen

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The lawmaker representing Otukpo–Ohimini Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Blessing Onuh, has cried out over the escalating wave of killings, kidnappings, and destruction of farmlands by suspected herders in her constituency, describing the situation as a national emergency requiring urgent federal intervention.

Speaking with journalists on Wednesday in Abuja, the visibly distraught two-term legislator lamented that despite her repeated motions on insecurity in the area, little has been done to provide lasting relief to the people.

“I am really pained and frustrated. How can I continue to move motions on insecurity without sustained response? Whenever I cry, they respond, but soon they retreat and then more gruesome attacks occur,” she said.

Onuh revealed that she has spent large sums of personal funds paying medical bills and funeral expenses for victims of the attacks, which she described as relentless and worsening.

According to her, on Sunday, November 9, 2025, four people were abducted in Asa Village, Otukpo Local Government Area, while eleven more were kidnapped in Akpegede Village just two days later, on Tuesday, November 11.

She expressed deep frustration that the perpetrators operate openly from camps within Otukpo, with security agencies allegedly aware of their locations.

“The most painful aspect is that the camp of these criminals is in Otukpo. All the security agencies are aware of it. They are there in their numbers with arms and ammunition,” she said.

Narrating a recent tragedy, Onuh recounted that on November 3, three villagers Pastor Simon Nkpachi, Inalegwu, and John Ejeh Ijegwa went missing after going to their farms. Later that day, the body of Pastor Nkpachi was found with machete wounds, while Inalegwu’s corpse was discovered the following day.

Before the community could recover from the shock, another attack occurred on November 4, leaving four more residents Stephen Ajeibi, Titus Ejeh (a blind man), Ekoja Gabriel, and Samuel Peter dead, with houses, food barns, and farmlands burnt to ashes.

“Up till now, the body of John Ejeh Ijegwa, popularly known as Dealer and an APC community leader, is still missing. Fear has not allowed anyone to enter the bush to search for his body,” she added.

In all, seven people were killed, with six bodies recovered and deposited at the Federal University Hospital, Otukpo mortuary, awaiting burial on Thursday, November 13, 2025.

Onuh appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct the new Service Chiefs and security agencies to intensify efforts toward apprehending the perpetrators and restoring peace to the affected communities.

“The killings in my constituency have reached an outrageous level. Every day, we witness the senseless murder of innocent people, and tragically, it is beginning to feel as though it is normal,” she lamented.

The lawmaker condemned what she described as “cosmetic responses” by some state and local officials who issue statements after each attack but fail to follow up with concrete actions.

“Are these killers above the law? Why is it so difficult to apprehend them and restore peace so our people can sleep with their two eyes closed?” she queried.

Onuh also warned that persistent attacks have forced farmers to abandon their farmlands, worsening food insecurity in the region.

While appealing to youths in the affected communities to avoid reprisal attacks, she pledged to continue engaging political stakeholders and security heads to bring an end to the killings.

“I will engage with political stakeholders and security heads to ensure these atrocities come to an end. Our people deserve to live in peace,” she assured.

Senate Rejects NNPCL’s Explanations on Unaccounted N210 Trillion, Threatens to Subpoena Former Executives

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Abuja, November 12, 2025 – The Nigerian Senate has dismissed written submissions from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) regarding a staggering N210 trillion in financial discrepancies spanning 2017 to 2023, escalating its probe into alleged mismanagement at the state oil giant.

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts, chaired by Senator Aliyu Wadada (APC, Nasarawa West), took the decisive step during a session on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, after NNPCL management failed to appear in person despite prior agreements. The committee, tasked with scrutinizing 19 audit queries from the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation, described the company’s responses as evasive and riddled with contradictions.

“This date was chosen by NNPCL itself, yet none of their officials showed up,” Wadada told reporters, expressing frustration over Group Chief Executive Officer Engineer Bayo Ojulari’s absence. “The public deserves transparency. While we can’t conclude without their input, the committee will share our findings based on the documents provided.”

Red Flags in NNPCL’s Financial Claims

Wadada highlighted two primary issues totaling the N210 trillion shortfall: N103 trillion in purported accrued expenses and N107 trillion in receivables.

  • Accrued Expenses (N103 Trillion): The committee challenged NNPCL’s claim of paying this sum in cash calls to joint venture partners in 2023 alone. “Cash calls were abolished in 2016 under the Buhari administration,” Wadada noted. “How could NNPCL pay N103 trillion in one year when it generated only N24 trillion in crude revenue from 2017 to 2022? Where did this money come from? As far as this committee is concerned, it’s unjustifiable. The N103 trillion must be returned to the treasury.”
  • Receivables (N107 Trillion): Equivalent to about $117 billion at current rates, this figure—allegedly including funds held in defunct banks—was rejected outright for lacking specifics. “No bank or amount was named. This contradicts evidence provided by NNPCL itself,” Wadada said. “The committee is duty-bound to reject it.”

The probe also spotlighted the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), a subsidiary under NNPCL’s umbrella. Wadada accused NAPIMS of operating independently with its own accounts, in violation of legal mandates. “If the current management can’t provide answers, we’ll subpoena former GMDs [Group Managing Directors] and NAPIMS officials,” he warned.

No More Excuses: GCEO’s Presence Demanded

In a stern directive, Wadada mandated Ojulari’s personal attendance at future hearings. “Being out of the country is no longer an excuse. The next invitation requires the GCEO’s physical presence,” he stated. He further declared that the committee would no longer accept any NNPCL representations without the CEO’s involvement, signaling a hardening stance against perceived “offensive evasiveness.”

All committee members present endorsed Wadada’s position, underscoring bipartisan concern over the oil sector’s accountability.

Context of the Probe

The investigation stems from the Auditor-General’s reports, which flagged NNPCL for failing to remit or justify the N210 trillion amid broader questions on revenue transparency in Nigeria’s vital energy sector. NNPCL, restructured from the state-run Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation in 2021, has faced mounting scrutiny under Ojulari’s leadership—despite separate commendations from industry groups praising his push for “transparent leadership.”

This development intensifies pressure on NNPCL as Nigeria grapples with fuel subsidy reforms, oil theft, and fiscal shortfalls. The committee has vowed to reconvene with NNPCL officials soon, potentially invoking subpoenas to compel testimony from past executives if cooperation falters.

The full implications for NNPCL’s operations and Nigeria’s energy governance remain under watch, with Wadada emphasizing the probe’s role in safeguarding public funds.

FCT Minister’s Aide: Ex-Naval Chief ‘Scammed’ in Fraudulent Land Deal, Resorted to ‘Military Might’

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Senior Special Assistant on Publicity and Communications to Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, Mr. Lere Olayinka, has accused a retired Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo, of attempting to use military influence to enforce an invalid claim over a disputed plot in Abuja following a fraudulent land transaction.

Appearing on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Wednesday, Olayinka defended Minister Wike’s actions during Tuesday’s confrontation with Naval Officer A.M. Yerima, framing the incident as a fallout from a deliberate scam that misled the former naval chief into purchasing land never intended for private development.

Land Allocated for Public Use, Not Housing

Olayinka revealed that the contested property in Mabushi District was originally allocated in 2007 to Santos Estate Limited strictly for “park and recreation” purposes.

“That land was allocated to a company in 2007—Santos Estate Limited—for park and recreation,” he said. “It’s a parkway, a walkway, a road corridor. You don’t build there.”

He explained that in 2022, the company applied to convert the land use to commercial, but the request was rejected by the then-FCT Minister—before Wike assumed office.

“Despite the rejection, the company illegally subdivided the land and sold portions to unsuspecting buyers, including Vice Admiral Gambo,” Olayinka alleged.

‘He Was Scammed—Then Chose Military Might’

Rather than pursuing legal recourse against the fraudulent seller, Olayinka claimed, the retired admiral opted to deploy serving personnel to secure the site.

“The Chief of Naval Staff was scammed. He now realizes he was scammed,” Olayinka stated. “Instead of seeking help through proper channels, he resorted to military might.

“After selling land allocated for park and recreation for residential construction, who should he hold accountable—the scammer or the government? He chose not to pursue the company that defrauded him.”

No Valid Title, No Approved Plans

Olayinka emphasized that the Mabushi area is zoned exclusively for public and corporate buildings, not private residences.

“That portion is designated for public and corporate use—near the Ministry of Works and Environment. Residential construction is prohibited,” he said.

He further asserted that Vice Admiral Gambo lacks any legitimate title document.

“As of today, Vice Admiral Gambo does not have a title document proving ownership. He does not own the land,” Olayinka declared.

Even if a title existed, he argued, development could not proceed without mandatory approvals.

“Before any development begins, a building plan must be submitted to the Department of Development Control for approval,” he noted. “Nigerians should ask Vice Admiral Gambo: Did he submit a building plan? Was it approved?”

Broader Implications

The aide’s statements add a new dimension to the public dispute, shifting focus from the on-site clash to allegations of systemic land fraud and abuse of military privilege.

The incident has intensified scrutiny over land administration in the FCT and the role of security agencies in private property disputes, with growing calls for transparency and accountability on all sides.

Constitutional Expert Condemns Naval Officer’s Obstruction of FCT Minister Wike as ‘Breach of Law’

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and constitutional law scholar, Prof. Sebastine Hon, has strongly criticized Naval Officer A.M. Yerima for blocking Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike from accessing a disputed plot in Abuja, labeling the action a clear violation of the law.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Hon rejected Yerima’s claim of acting under “superior orders,” asserting that no lawful military directive could justify impeding the minister’s statutory duties.

“Setting aside sentiments, I condemn in its entirety the conduct of Naval Officer A.M. Yerima, who prevented the FCT Minister from entering the land under the pretext of obeying superior orders,” Hon wrote. “While obedience to superiors is a cornerstone of military discipline, the Supreme Court of Nigeria has firmly established its limits.”

Citing landmark judgments in Onunze v. State (2023) 8 NWLR (Pt. 1885) 61 and Nigeria Air Force v. James (2002) 18 NWLR (Pt. 798) 295, Hon emphasized that military personnel are not obligated to follow illegal or manifestly unjust commands.

“The order’s illegality arises chiefly because no military service law authorizes an active-duty officer to guard the private construction site of a superior—particularly under these suspicious circumstances,” he argued. “If genuine security concerns existed, the retired naval officer involved should have involved the civil police.”

Hon underscored Wike’s constitutional authority, noting that under Sections 297(2) and 302 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the President has delegated full powers over FCT land administration to the minister.

“On that day, Mr. Wike acted in loco parentis to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,” Hon stated. “Even a serving superior officer could not lawfully obstruct him. This was a direct affront to civilian authority.”

While acknowledging Wike’s confrontational style, Hon maintained that the minister’s actions were “legal and lawful in every respect.” In contrast, he said, Yerima’s obstruction violated the Constitution, military regulations, and Section 114 of the Armed Forces Act, which holds service personnel criminally liable for civil offenses.

“The officer could face court-martial for obstructing a public official in the discharge of his duties,” Hon warned.

He cautioned against glorifying the incident, predicting that impunity could erode civilian oversight of the military.

“If this young officer’s intolerable conduct is celebrated or goes unpunished, it may embolden security forces to terrorize civilians—boasting, ‘We did it to Wike and nothing happened,’” he concluded.

Background to the Clash

The controversy stems from a heated confrontation on Tuesday at Plot 1946, Gaduwa District, Abuja, where FCT officials, acting on Wike’s directive, attempted to enforce a stop-work and demolition order due to missing title documents.

Widely circulated video footage shows uniformed personnel blocking Wike’s convoy, leading to a tense exchange with Officer Yerima. The minister accused the developers and military personnel of land-grabbing and vowed not to yield to intimidation.

Speaking to journalists afterward, Wike said: “I was informed the military chased away my team earlier. Today, when they returned to enforce my directive, the military had taken over the site. I had to come myself.

“I don’t understand how a senior officer, facing an issue, fails to approach my office but uses military status to intimidate Nigerians. I will not succumb to blackmail.”

The incident has sparked widespread debate, with Hon’s intervention adding legal weight to calls for accountability and respect for civilian authority.

2027 Election: Tinubu, APC Unstoppable, Declares Kalu

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on South East Development Commission and former Abia State Governor, has dismissed any notion of credible opposition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential race, framing the contest as “Tinubu versus Tinubu.”

In a wide-ranging interview with the Senate Press Corps at the National Assembly foyer on Tuesday, the Abia North representative hailed the All Progressives Congress (APC) as deeply entrenched nationwide, crediting Tinubu’s policies with steady gains in economic stabilization and security. “Our party is fully on the ground and fully with the people,” Kalu asserted. “Nobody can say we don’t have the people on our side. We will continue to do what we can to help the Nigerian masses progress.”

Kalu likened the scenario to Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo’s re-election bid, insisting Tinubu faces no viable challengers. He reaffirmed the National Assembly’s backing of the administration under Senate President Godswill Akpabio, prioritizing legislation to alleviate economic woes. “Whatever the problem, the Senate is more interested in making laws that will help President Tinubu overcome the economic challenges our people are facing,” he said. “We are focusing on redeeming Nigerians so they can eat three times a day.”

Backs Trump’s Remarks on Killings: “He Told the Truth”

Kalu endorsed recent comments attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump on Nigeria’s escalating violence, rejecting claims of bias and emphasizing the non-sectarian toll. “If it’s a lie, then the answer is that it’s not a lie because he said the truth,” Kalu stated. “Nigerians are being killed whether they are Christians or Muslims. There are jihadists who just want to destroy Nigeria. We should blacklist them without pity so that they will be smoked out.”

Drawing from personal diplomacy, Kalu disclosed consultations with two former U.S. presidents—one Republican, one Democrat—and six current U.S. senators, all expressing willingness to aid Nigeria’s anti-terrorism efforts. “Before President Trump says a word, the American intelligence community must have found out where these terrorists are located,” he noted, pointing to recent Nigerian Air Force strikes as evidence of fruitful U.S.-shared intelligence. “That’s how it should be.”

While identifying as “pro-America,” Kalu critiqued U.S. foreign policy legacies, linking the 2011 killing of Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi and Iraq’s Saddam Hussein to unchecked arms proliferation across Africa. “When you killed Gaddafi and Saddam Hussein, it became a problem because those people were maintaining their borders,” he explained. “After their deaths, light and heavy arms spilled all over the world, and we are suffering from it today.”

He quashed rumors of U.S. antagonism toward Tinubu’s government, clarifying: “Nigerians are clapping hands, and political opponents are thinking that the U.S. is after Tinubu’s government. No! They are going after the jihadists.”

Dismisses Defection Rumors, Predicts APC Gains in Southeast

On speculation surrounding Abia Governor Alex Otti’s potential shift from the Labour Party to the APC, Kalu denied any coercion. “Neither me nor other senators, the Senate President, or President Tinubu have ever forced anybody to join our party,” he said. “I have met with my governor; he is my brother and used to be my banker. Whether he joins or not is up to him.” Nonetheless, Kalu vowed full commitment: “As for me, I will work 100% for the APC, campaign in the state, and ensure victory for President Tinubu and every APC candidate.”

Kalu was more bullish on Soludo’s trajectory, predicting the APGA governor’s eventual alignment with the APC post-re-election. “Soludo is a progressive like myself, President Tinubu, Senate President Akpabio, and the governors of Imo, Ebonyi, and Enugu,” he said. “He has no alternative than to come and join us—it’s confirmed.”

Economy: Macro Gains Amid Micro Hardships

Assessing Nigeria’s fiscal landscape, Kalu conceded the daily struggles felt by many while highlighting positive macroeconomic trends. “As a businessman, I am feeling the pain too,” he admitted. “The macro economy is doing well, but the micro economy is not. Foreign investors are coming in, and what is left is for this progress to trickle down to the masses so that people can eat daily and return to farming.”

He lauded Tinubu’s personal investment in reforms and the Senate’s complementary role in fostering food security and growth. “President Tinubu has put his life into revamping the economy, and the Senate is also doing its best to ensure that Nigerians feel the progress.”

Senate Unity: Impeachment Rumors “Family Misunderstanding”

Addressing early whispers of an impeachment plot against Akpabio, Kalu downplayed the discord as internal friction swiftly resolved. “There were attempts, but we didn’t allow that to happen,” he said. “We are one big family, and it’s not going to happen.”

Kalu’s statements reflect staunch loyalty to Tinubu and the APC, a collaborative approach to security with international allies, and measured optimism that targeted interventions can surmount Nigeria’s intertwined economic and stability hurdles.

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