Senator Simon Lalong is a former governor of Plateau State and presently, Chairman of the Senate Committee on INEC and Electoral Matters. In this interview with the North-Central Bureau Chief, ISAAC SHOBAYO, Senator Lalong speaks on national issues, which include the allegation of Nigeria drifting towards a one-party state, electoral matters, and insecurity, among other […]
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Personally, by my own assessment, The appointment of Olatunji Disu as the current Inspector General of Police has ushered in a renewed sense of purpose, discipline, and institutional responsibility within the Nigeria Police Force. At a time when public confidence in law enforcement had been significantly eroded, his emergence represents a decisive shift toward restoring credibility and professionalism.
Disu has come to be widely regarded as an epitome of intolerance for misconduct, discipline in service, and accountability in leadership. His approach to policing is not merely administrative but deeply reformative, anchored on the principle that law enforcement must first be governed by law and order within its own ranks. This firm stance has sent a clear message across the force that indiscipline and impunity will no longer be tolerated.
One of the most remarkable aspects of his tenure so far is the speed with which he has begun to restore sanity and operational discipline. Units that previously operated with little oversight are now subject to stricter internal controls, while officers are being reoriented toward professionalism and respect for civil authority. These early interventions, though still evolving, are already reshaping public perception of the force.
Importantly, Disu has justified his appointment through visible actions and measurable commitment to reform. Rather than relying on rhetoric, he has demonstrated capacity through decisive leadership, prompt responses to internal challenges, and a clear insistence on accountability at all levels. His performance so far reflects a leader who understands the weight of his office and is determined to deliver results that align with public expectations.
A critical factor underpinning his effectiveness is his evident grounding in proper training and professional development. Leadership, as often said, is a reflection of preparation, and in Disu’s case, this is unmistakable. His composure, clarity of purpose, and structured approach to reforms all point to a leader shaped by rigorous training and exposure. He embodies the reality that when leaders are well trained, their decisions are measured, their actions deliberate, and their institutions better guided.
Beyond policy directives, Disu’s personal disposition reinforces his message. He leads with a quiet firmness, neither overly theatrical nor detached, but with a visible commitment to doing what is right, even when it is inconvenient. This balance of authority and responsibility is gradually becoming a defining feature of his leadership style.
In a system where public trust must be earned and not demanded, Olatunji Disu appears to understand the assignment clearly. His tenure, though still unfolding, offers a compelling narrative that with the right leadership, grounded in discipline, accountability, and proper training, even the most challenged institutions can begin to rediscover their honour and purpose.
Fanisi Babatunde, PhD writes from the Kogi State University, Kabba, Nigeria.
The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Monday distanced himself from controversies surrounding the screening of Rivers State governorship aspirants by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to Wike, he had no involvement in the process.
Wike spoke while inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects across parts of Abuja ahead of the third anniversary of President Bola Tinubu in office.
“I’m not a member of the APC, so I don’t know what is happening in their screening. Even if they publish the results, why would I comment? I don’t know the reasons they have,” Wike said.
He said he would not speculate on issues outside his political jurisdiction.
“What pertains to me is what I will talk about, not what does not concern me. I’m not a native doctor, neither am I a prophet,” he added.
On the political situation in Rivers State, the minister said an emerging “rainbow coalition” ahead of the 2027 elections would adopt strategies based on political strength across different parts of the state.
“That is the essence of the rainbow coalition in Rivers State. We’ll look at where we have strength, compare notes and vote accordingly,” he said.
Speaking on infrastructure projects in the Federal Capital Territory, Wike said several ongoing projects would be inaugurated as part of activities marking Tinubu’s third year in office.
He said contractors handling major road projects had assured the administration that outstanding works, particularly streetlights, would be completed before the end of May.
“We are very happy with what we have seen on the ground. When we went to Karsana, where we have the Renewed Hope Estate, I think it is about 500 metres remaining for them to finish the asphalt,” he said.
According to him, the road linking Dutse-Alhaji to the M5 corridor, being handled by Lubrix, was nearing completion, while the contractor had promised to complete the streetlights before month-end.
Wike also said the road project around the Body of Benchers area, being executed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, had been completed aside from streetlight installation.
“That road is already completed and the contractor, CCECC, has promised that within the next 10 days they will complete the streetlights. We are very comfortable and happy,” he said.
The minister also inspected the bridge project at Tungan Madaki and expressed satisfaction with the level of work completed.
“Now we are here at Tungan Madaki. The job is almost completed. The bridge has been launched. In fact, they have started the one we directed them to do from here to Zuba. It is a wonderful thing, so we are happy,” he said.
Wike described the projects as evidence of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to infrastructure renewal in the capital city.
“All these will be part of projects to be inaugurated by Mr President during his third year anniversary. Quality jobs done by very good contractors. We are happy. The excellence is there,” he added.
The minister also reacted to complaints over alleged harassment by officials of the Abuja Municipal Area Council during tax enforcement operations, saying tax compliance remained a challenge among residents.
“There must be a civilised way of collecting taxes, but knowing our taxpayers, people don’t like to pay tax. When tax collectors come, they find one excuse or the other,” he said.
He, however, said no formal complaint had been received by the FCT Administration against officials of the council.
Don’t Drag Me Into APC Screening Controversy, Wike Warns is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
A supporter of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, Ahmad Saidu, popularly known as Abba, has explained why he held the speaker’s attire during a recent political event in Zaria.
Saidu, who spoke with journalists in Zaria, on Monday, also apologised to the Speaker over the incident which occurred during Abbas’ declaration for re-election at the Mallawa Eid Ground, Zaria.
According to him, he sustained a serious fracture on his right hand in an accident, leaving the hand broken in three different places.
He said he had earlier received treatment at the Traditional Orthopaedic Centre, Likoro, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, before he was referred to the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna.
Saidu explained that financial difficulties prevented him from continuing with the treatment after support from some individuals stopped.
“We could not continue with the treatment because we cannot afford the medical bills after the support we received stopped,” he said.
He added that after learning the Speaker would attend the declaration event, he decided to go there in the hope of personally appealing for assistance.
“As one of the supporters of the Speaker, I went to the event hoping to seek his help. When I got close to him, I held his gown while trying to show him my fractured hand, but security personnel dragged me away,” he said.
Saidu expressed regret over the development, saying he never intended to embarrass the Speaker publicly.
“If I had known the incident would cause such national embarrassment to the Speaker, I would have preferred to continue living with the pain.
“I am one of his supporters and I appreciate the interventions and assistance he has been rendering to people, which prompted my action,” he added.
Also speaking, the victim’s father, Malam Sa’idu-Ibrahim Abubakar, apologised to the Speaker and alleged that political opponents had exploited the incident to spread false narratives.
He said the family had struggled for more than two years to fund treatment both at ABUTH and the 44 Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna but could no longer cope with the expenses
The father, however, commended the Speaker for agreeing to shoulder the medical bills of his son despite the incident at the event venue.
ALEXANDER Pope (1688–1744), the 18th-century English poet and satirist, is known for his numerous famous quotes from his works. However, the one believed to be his most famous is the one referred to as Alexander’s ‘Ninth Beatitude.’ It was part of his October 6, 1727 letter to John Gay (1685–1732), a fellow Tory satirist and […]
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By: Gideon Alabi THE recent hike in the prices of commodities has caused a great deal of untold hardship for many Nigerians today. Those who can no longer cope with the high cost of living now battle depression, with some even contemplating suicide. For many salary earners, monthly income is no longer enough to clear […]
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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has written to the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), demanding urgent action to halt rising xenophobic attacks against African migrant workers in South Africa, warning that the violence threatens the unity and future of the continent’s working class. In a strongly worded solidarity letter addressed to the president […]
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The National Programme Manager, National Social Safety-Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO), Dr. Funmi Olotu, on the sideline of a recent stakeholders engagement with local government chairmen in Abuja, told journalists why the Office chose to engage the chairmen in NIN integration for Social Safety-Nets. CHRISTIAN APPOLOS, presents the excerpts: What informed NASSCO’s decision to engage all […]
The post ‘LG chairmen are key to NIN integration for social protection delivery’ appeared first on Tribune Online.
Former workers and pensioners of the defunct Nigeria Airways have urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the alleged exclusion of their outstanding N36 billion severance and pension entitlements from the 2026 budget, warning that many retirees are living in hardship and uncertainty years after the liquidation of the national carrier. In a letter […]
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A former Governor of Kano State and chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has declared his readiness to serve as running mate to Peter Obi or any southern candidate that emerges as the party’s presidential flagbearer ahead of the 2027 general elections. Kwankwaso made the declaration on Monday during an appearance on […]
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