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President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the killing of soldiers of the 29 Task Force Brigade under Operation HADIN KAI, following a coordinated terrorist attack on their camp in Benisheikh, Borno State.

The President, in a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, extended his heartfelt condolences to the Nigerian Armed Forces and the families of the fallen soldiers, urging them to remain steadfast despite the painful loss.

According to the Defence Headquarters, the attack occurred in the early hours of Thursday, April 9, 2026, resulting in significant casualties.

Tinubu praised the bravery and resilience of the troops, noting that they fought gallantly to repel the insurgents and prevent Boko Haram fighters from overrunning nearby communities.

While mourning the deceased, the President called on the military high command and personnel across all theatres of operation not to be discouraged, but to draw strength from the nation’s appreciation of their sacrifices.

“From the reports I have received, our Armed Forces have sustained intense land and air offensives against insurgents, neutralising several fighters and key commanders. This counterattack is a sign of desperation,” he said.

He specifically commended the fallen soldiers, led by Brigadier-General Oseni Omoh Braimah, describing their sacrifice as a defining act of patriotism in defence of the nation.

“The government will never forget their sacrifices. They will not be in vain. Because of the courage and dedication of our troops, our resolve to defeat terrorism and all forms of violence across Nigeria remains stronger than ever,” Tinubu stated.

The President further assured the military of continued government support, including the provision of necessary equipment and improved welfare for personnel engaged in frontline operations.

He also called on Nigerians and the media to support the Armed Forces in their ongoing fight against insurgency and banditry, warning against any form of sympathy or celebration of attacks on security personnel.

“These soldiers are our heroes—unforgettable and irreplaceable,” he added.

Tinubu also extended condolences to the government and people of Borno State, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to working closely with the state to restore lasting peace and achieve total victory over insurgency.

 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has filed a notice of appeal before the Court of Appeal, Lagos  seeking the setting aside of the judgment of Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos  acquitting and discharging  a former Executive Director of Projects at the Niger Delta Development Commission,  NDDC,  Engr. Tuoyo Omatsuli alongside Francis Momoh, Don Parker Properties Limited and Building Associates Limited over an alleged ₦3.6 billion fraud.

  In a Notice of Appeal filed on  Thursday,  April 9, 2026,  the EFCC,  through its counsel,  Ekene Iheanacho,  SAN,  faulted the judgment of the trial court and based its appeal at the Court of Appeal on seven grounds.   The Commission is also seeking reliefs set out in the Appeal.

  Justice Osiagor on March 3, 2026 cleared all the four defendants  of money laundering allegations stating  that the prosecution did not sufficiently establish the offences contained in the 46-count charge filed against them  by the EFCC,  despite the volume of evidence presented during the retrial, including testimonies from 16 witnesses and 34 exhibits.

 The 1st defendant had earlier been acquitted in 2020, at No- case submission while the court held that the other defendants alleged to have assisted him in laundering the funds were directed to enter their defences. This prompted the  EFCC to appeal to the Court of Appeal and the appellate court set aside the ruling of the trial court. The court also dismissed the appeal of the other defendants who had also appealed against the ruling of the trial court which held that they had cases to answer.

 In its judgment,  the  Court of Appeal found that the payment of the sum of N3, 645, 000,000.00 from  Prosecuting Witness 4,   PW4,  who was a contractor to NDDC to the 1st defendant, Omatsuli,  through his friend’s company,  the Building Associates Ltd, the 4th defendant,   amounted to an act of gratification for which the defendants needed to make explanations. The court made references to the provisions of Section 8, 17, 19 of the ICPC Act and the 5th schedule to the Constitution.

The Notice of Appeal filed by the Commission alleged that the new trial Judge,  Justice Osiagor who took over the proceeding following the retirement of the former trial Judge, Justice Saidu,  relied on the record of the previous trial but disregarded the specific findings made by the Court of Appeal on the testimony of the prosecution witness. It is the position of the  Commission in its Notice of Appeal that the trial Judge, Osiagor  did not properly evaluate the evidence before it. That the trial judge misconceived the law and the evidence lead by both PW4 and PW15 during trial which showed that PW15 who was also a director at NDDC approached PW4 , a contractor to the Commission, with the request to appreciate the members of the Board whenever PW4 was paid his fees by the Board so as to enable them sought out restive youths in the Niger Delta area.

 Accordingly , PW4 paid money to members of the Board including the 1st defendant who received his own through the 4th defendant’s  bank account. The 1st defendant who was also a signatory to the account of NDDC upon receipt of the funds,  applied most of the funds in the purchase of choice properties in Lagos in the name of the 2nd defendant which is his private company. That the N3.6bn was never used for any youth- related matters. Infact,  the properties acquired with the funds have been forfeited in a Non-conviction based asset forfeiture on the strength of the same evidence  adduced during trial. That the forfeiture was also affirmed by the Court of Appeal in the civil case.

The Commission further contends  that the trial Judge did not make reference to any of the anti corruption legislations like the ICPC Act, 5th Schedule to the Constitution, CCB Act in determining whether the money paid was proceeds of unlawful act. That the trial judge failed to appreciate the case of the prosecution on the nature of the gratuitous payment received by the 1st defendant.

It was also part of the grouse of the Commission that evidence was led by PW4 and  PW13 with documents in support,  which showed that in order to cover up the illicit act, the 1st defendant withdrew as a director in the 2nd defendant and pleaded with PW4 to issue a sub contract document to cover the N3.6bn payment. It stated that these pieces of evidence were neither contradicted as found by the Court of Appeal but the trial Judge disregarded those findings which were commended to the court.

 No date has been fixed for the hearing of the Appeal.

 

Former GMD of DAAR Communications Chief Tony Akiotu has been elected the new Chairman of Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria ( BON ) 

He defeated Chief Raymond Dokpesi jnr , Chairman DAAR Communications by 62 to 9 votes at the biennial election held in Abuja on Wednesday 

HIS ACCEPTANCE SPEECH

PROTOCOLS

Most distinguished friends of BON, respected colleagues, ladies and gentlemen.

We are all part of today’s epochal election and yet another milestone in the annals of our great Organisation. Permit me, most respectfully, to state that this acceptance speech will be incomplete without some historical reflection.

First on the legendary list is Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who pioneered television broadcasting in Africa in 1957 with the establishment of Western Nigeria Television (WNTV). I also acknowledge the founding fathers of the various umbrella bodies which metamorphosed  from the: State-Owned Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (SOBON), to the Chief Executives of Federal and State-Owned Radio Organisations (CEFASERO), to the Television Organisations of Nigeria (TON) and eventually BON, which was first formed during FESTAC ’77.

Much later, in 1987, the profound keynote address by Prince Tony Momoh, then Honourable Minister of Information and Culture, reinvigorated BON into the vibrant Association we know today.

I salute all past Executives, veterans, broadcast proprietors, the great workers and indeed every broadcast professional those who have paid, and continue to pay, their dues in building and nurturing a broadcast industry that remains a source of pride to our dear nation and respected across the global community.

I must also pay glowing and eternal tribute to the late High Chief (Engr.) Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi, PhD, DSc, OFR, FNSE, who pioneered independent broadcasting in Nigeria in 1993/94. He midwifed private investment and revolutionised both radio and television broadcasting, breaking barriers and opening new frontiers that contributed significantly to our socio-economic development in: Entertainment, Nollywood, Music, Sports, Content production, and the broader Creative Economy.

Personally and professionally, my indebtedness to High Chief Dokpesi remains eternal.

For his son, Chief Raymond Dokpesi Jnr., Chairman of Daar Communications Plc and indeed my respected co-contestant in this election I believe his father would be proud. Proud that his legacy continues through those who share his passion and commitment to broadcasting. In many ways, we represent two sides of the same coin united by a common heritage and commitment to the growth of our industry. Whichever way this election went, the continuation of that great work was assured.

Distinguished colleagues,

I stand before you today with a heart full of gratitude, humility, and deep responsibility.

I sincerely thank you all for the confidence you have reposed in me by electing me as Chairman of our great Organisation. This mandate is not one I take lightly. It is a collective trust, one that I accept with utmost respect for every member of BON.

To those who supported me, I am profoundly grateful. To those who may have had other preferences, I thank you equally for your commitment to the democratic process that strengthens our Organisation. Today, we are not divided by choice; we are indeed united by purpose.

I also wish to acknowledge and appreciate the leadership of our outgoing Executive Committee for their service, dedication, and the foundation they have laid. We will build on that foundation with continuity, cooperation, and renewed energy.

My  Dear colleagues,

This moment is not about one individual it is about all of us. It is about the future of broadcasting in Nigeria, the sustainability of our institutions, the welfare of our professionals, and the relevance of our industry in a rapidly changing world.

I assure you that under my leadership, BON will remain open, inclusive, and responsive. Every member large or small, public or private will have a voice. We shall work together, consult widely, and move forward collectively.

The priorities we have outlined: strengthening sustainability, supporting digital transition, enhancing skills, encouraging collaboration, and positioning BON as a thought leader will be pursued with focus, pragmatism, and measurable results.

I will count on your support, your ideas, and your partnership as we take these steps together. BON belongs to all of us, and together, we will lift it higher.

Let us move forward in unity, with mutual respect, shared responsibility, and a renewed commitment to excellence.

I equally wish to express my profound appreciation to the founder – Chief Mike Itemuagbor, Board of Directors, Management and Staff of M4S Communication Ltd for the tremendous support accorded me in this my pursuit for the exalted office of the chairman of BON. 

Worthy of note is the selfless sacrifice of my campaign team who toiled day and night to ensure this victory that we are all witnessing and celebrating now. Like I always stated, by the grace of the Almighty God I shall deliver on all my promises and our collective plans for the betterment of not only BON, the broadcast Industry, the Nigeria Media Sector and that of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at large.    

Once again, I thank you all for this honour and privilege.

I dedicate this victory to all of us gathered here, the entire membership of BON, and most importantly, to the Nigerian media.

May God guide us, strengthen our efforts, and bless the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, our industry, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

SHC Tony Akiotu

Chairman-Elect

Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) 2026

April 8, 2026

The Defence Headquarters has confirmed that terrorists and a few gallant soldier were k!lled when insurgents launched a coordinated attack on the 29 Task Force Brigade Headquarters in Benisheikh, Borno State.

Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday. 

While neither confirming nor debunking reports of his death, the statement said the troops, led by the Commander 29 Brigade, Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, responded to the attack with “exceptional courage, professionalism, and superior firepower.”

According to Onoja, the attack occurred at about 12:30 a.m. on April 9, 2026, when insurgents attempted to breach the defensive perimeter of the military installation.

“In continuation of the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts, troops of the 29 Task Force Brigade in Operation HADIN KAI came under a coordinated terrorist attack on their location at the Brigade Headquarters in Benisheikh, Borno State,” the statement read.

“However, the troops, led by the Commander 29 Brigade, Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, responded with exceptional courage, professionalism, and superior firepower. 

“In a well-coordinated counteraction, the insurgents were decisively engaged and forced to retreat in disarray, abandoning their mission.

“The attack is a clear indication of the desperation of terrorist elements who, having suffered significant losses in recent operations, continue to resort to futile and ill-fated offensives against well-defended military positions.

“Regrettably, the encounter resulted in the loss of a few brave and gallant soldiers who paid the supreme price in the line of duty. 

The Chief of Defence Staff honours their heroism, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the defence of the nation.”

DHQ PRESS RELEASE

TROOPS OF OPERATION HADIN KAI SUCCESSFULLY REPEL TERRORIST ATTACK IN BENISHEIKH

​In continuation of the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s (AFN) counter terrorism efforts, troops of the 29 Task Force Brigade in Operation HADIN KAI came under a coordinated terrorist attack on their location at the Brigade Headquarters in Benisheikh, Borno State. The attack occurred at approximately 0030hrs (12:30am) on Thursday, 9 April 2026, as insurgents attempted to breach the defensive perimeter of the military installation. However, the troops, led by the Commander 29 Brigade, Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, responded with exceptional courage, professionalism, and superior firepower. In a well-coordinated counteraction, the insurgents were decisively engaged and forced to retreat in disarray, abandoning their mission and leaving behind traces of their failed assault.

This attack is a clear indication of the desperation of terrorist elements who, having suffered significant losses in recent operations, continue to resort to futile and ill-fated offensives against well-defended military positions. The swift and decisive response by troops underscores the high level of combat readiness, resilience, and operational effectiveness of Operation HADIN KAI in safeguarding critical locations and maintaining pressure on terrorist groups across the North-East theatre. Regrettably, the encounter resulted in the loss of a few brave and gallant soldiers who paid the supreme price in the line of duty. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, honours their heroism, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the defence of the nation. Their courage will forever remain a source of pride and inspiration to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the entire nation. The High Command extends its deepest condolences to their families and loved ones.

In line with established military tradition and respect for the fallen, the general public and media are kindly requested to allow the Armed Forces to formally notify the next of kin before the release of further details. The public is also urged to disregard misinformation, sensational reports, and unverified content circulating across social media platforms, as these undermine ongoing operations and national security efforts.

​The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders, remain resolute and undeterred in the ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency. Additional clearance and exploitation operations are ongoing in the general area to track and neutralize fleeing insurgents, as well as to deny them any opportunity to regroup. The Chief of Defence Staff, commends the bravery, discipline, and steadfastness of the troops, whose sacrifices continue to ensure the safety, stability, and sovereignty of Nigeria. Their dedication in one of the most challenging operational environments reaffirms the Armed Forces’ commitment to restoring lasting peace in the North-East and across the country. The general public is encouraged to continue supporting the Armed Forces through timely and credible information that can aid ongoing operations. Citizens are urged to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding as security forces sustain momentum in ongoing operations.

Further updates will be provided as necessary.

 

Signed

MICHAEL ONOJA

Major General

Director, Defence Media Operations

Defence Headquarters

Abuja

9 April 2026

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) says Nigeria airspace is at the risk of losing its surveillance services due to the obsolete state of the total radar coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) system.

Farouk Ahmed Umar, managing director of NAMA, raised the concern while briefing Mahmoud Adam Kambari, permanent secretary of the ministry of aviation and aerospace development, during a familiarisation visit to the agency in Abuja.

Umar said the challenge stems from the ageing TRACON equipment and the difficulty in sourcing spare parts, noting that the technology has become outdated.

Terrorists in northeast Nigeria killed a brigadier general in an assault on a military base, a local government chairman told AFP on Thursday, the second killing of a high-ranking officer in five months.

Africa’s most populous country has been fighting a terrorist insurgency for 17 years, since Boko Haram’s 2009 uprising, which has seen the emergence of powerful splinter groups, including Islamic State West Africa Province.

In an overnight attack, unidentified terrorists killed at least 18 soldiers and torched vehicles at a base in Benisheikh, about 75 kilometres from Borno state capital Maiduguri, an intelligence source told AFP.

“Unfortunately, the brigade commander, Brigadier General O.O. Braimah, lost his life,” Kaga Local Government Chairman Zannah Lawan Ajimi told AFP in a phone interview.

Two intelligence sources confirmed Braimah’s death to AFP.

His death follows the killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba by ISWAP in November. He was the highest-ranking military official to die in the long-running conflict since 2021.

“They overran the brigade,” one of the intelligence sources said, giving the death toll as “at least” 18.

The second intelligence source said that “the terrorists killed several troops” and “burnt vehicles and buildings before they withdrew,” without giving a toll.

The army and Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

– Rising terrorist violence –

Researchers have warned of an uptick of violence since 2025.

 DHQ confirms deaths of terrorists, soldiers in Borno attack

Borno capital Maiduguri has seen two suicide bombings since December — the type of bloody, urban attacks reminiscent of the insurgency’s peak a decade ago.

On Wednesday, the US State Department said in a notice it was authorising “non-emergency US government employees” to leave Abuja “due to the deteriorating security situation”.

While the insurgency is concentrated in the northeastern countryside, terrorists from Nigeria and the neighbouring Sahel have made inroads western Nigeria, where organised crime gangs known as “bandits” have been raiding villages and extorting farmers and artisanal miners for years.

Gunmen killed at least 90 people across several remote villages in northwest Nigeria this week, according to an AFP tally of tolls given by local and humanitarian sources.

Among the attacks was an assault in Kebbi state that police blamed a local terrorist group known as Mahmuda, which is affiliated with Al-Qaeda.

Kebbi sits on Nigeria’s border with Benin and Niger and since 2025 has been targeted by a rising number of terrorist attacks.

Conflict monitor ACLED says there has been a surge in violence in the area carried out by militants affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group.

In nearby Kwara state, in October, fighters from the Al-Qaeda-affiliated JNIM claimed an attack after years of researchers warning that the terrorist conflict ravaging the Sahel risked spreading south towards coastal West African states.

In December, the United States, with Nigerian assistance, bombed northwest Sokoto state, targeting Islamic State Sahel Province fighters usually found in neighbouring Niger, along with Mali and Burkina Faso.

AFP

In a few days’ time, on April 29, Dr. Mike Adenuga, Jr., the quintessential architect of enterprise and trillionaire Chairman of Globacom, will mark his 73rd birthday. 

To think that time has dimmed his fire would be profound misjudgement. For the man, fondly called the “Spirit of Africa” by close associates, life, even in the 70s, remains an unrelenting pursuit of accomplishment. Achievement is not an episode in his life’s journey; it is the story itself. Across five remarkable decades, he has not merely participated in the theatre of business; he has defined its tempo, reshaped its contours, and elevated its possibilities. 

Dr Adenuga’s extraordinary achievements are such that long before the age of 50, he had already ascended to the summit of one of Africa’s most formidable business empires, spanning oil and gas, telecommunications, aviation, banking, construction, and real estate.

Indeed, so much has been written about his stupendous wealth, and expansive influence across the continent. Equally celebrated is his quiet, yet overwhelming, generosity – an almost mystifying benevolence that has transformed countless lives. However, beyond fortune and philanthropy lies a deeper inquiry: what really drives the man Adenuga? 

While he is reputed for his subterranean tenacity, generally credited for his successes, the answer to the question resides more in his business philosophy which he articulated on April 29, 1993, to commemorate his 40th birthday. In the absence of a formal biography, which many of his admirers still hope he will one day commission, the treatise, entitled “Achieving”, stands as a timeless manifesto and compass for those aspiring to conquer the business terrain:

Lesson I: Cultivate the Spirit of “Achieving”

For Dr. Adenuga, Achieving is everything. It is forged in resolve, sustained by persistence, and crowned by consistency.  “Achieving is a thing of resolve and persistence. It is the state of attaining success as a goal through sustained consistency. The achiever is a leader, a winner, all the time, not just once. Achieving is an attitude”, he says. This is what defines Adenuga. To conquer the business terrain, you must have the same Achieving attitude. This ethos was vividly demonstrated in his rough ride into telecommunications. After the unjust revocation of his initial license and the loss of a $20 million deposit, he did not retreat as many would have done. Instead, he returned with greater force, winning a bigger licence and ultimately launching Globacom and revolutionising the industry with the “Per Second Billing” model that disrupted the Nigerian market.

Such resilience evokes the spirit of Elon Musk, whose perseverance through repeated failures with SpaceX ultimately redefined space exploration. Both men embody a singular truth: tenacity is the mother of greatness.

Lesson II: Aspire Beyond Second Place

In the books of Dr Adenuga, there is no second place. The Achiever must strive to lead all the time: “Leading the pack is the only worthwhile resolve for the achiever. There is no room for second place. It is often said that it is not the winning that counts, but the participation”. This adage, he contends, does not reflect an achieving attitude. “It is not the mere participant, but the achiever, the winner, the leader who makes the difference that advances the course of humankind in the judgement of history”. For him, to be first is not vanity; it is vision sharpened into obsession. Leading, therefore, is an obsession. 

Lesson III: Strategy, Not Luck, Determines Destiny

Enterprise, in his view, is akin to a battlefield, demanding clarity of purpose, precision of strategy, and total engagement of the self. Luck is neither a plan nor a principle. You must get your strategy right from the beginning. He explains this vividly: “High profile corporate game playing is an arena where the pervading zeal is on achieving in every single endeavour: to be the first, and always the first; to be the one who holds the aces that determine the pace of play. You do not enter the arena to depend on luck. You match your wits against others, with your entire constitution springing to action. Every fibre from innermost recesses of your being, to the fore, becomes combative in a synchronised zeal to achieve. He argues that with this strategy, you’re never going to come off the arena a loser.

When Globacom entered a market already occupied by giants such as MTN and Airtel, it did not imitate. It innovated. By democratizing access through bold pricing and disruptive models, it reshaped the competitive landscape.

Similarly, in oil exploration, while others divested, he invested, committing over $100 million to what became a historic breakthrough, as his company emerged the first indigenous producer of oil in commercial quantities.

Lesson IV: Build for the Future You Cannot Yet See

Greatness is rooted in foresight. His vision is long term. Like Warren Buffett, he believes that shade exists because someone once planted a tree. Adenuga has consistently invested in tomorrow.  His investment in the Glo-1 international submarine fiber optic cable is his way of planting a tree for the digital future of an entire continent. The Glo 1 facility, commissioned in 2010, has become a silent engine powering Nigeria’s digital transformation, enabling innovation across governance, commerce, education, healthcare, banking, entertainment, etc.

Lesson V: Master the Art of Strategic Advantage

An entrepreneur who wants to succeed must aim to outwit the other man. “Essentially, running a business is similar to leading a military operation or orchestrating a political campaign, or performing as a great athlete. The fundamental principles are the same. The overriding objective is to outmanoeuvre the opposing forces; to outsmart the other party; to out-perform the competition; to outwit the other guy – to achieve. This may sound harsh. But that is the way it is”, submits Adenuga. If you want to understand this perspective, look again at the strategy behind the launch of Glo in 2003 and how he altered the balance of power and left established competitors reeling. 

Lesson 6: Team wins 

No empire rises on solitary strength. To be able to achieve success, entrepreneurs must engage the best hands, those with a competitive spirit and winning attitude. Adenuga pays special attention to recruitment in his companies. According to him, “Success is the goal of every business, and the most successful businesses engage the most competitive men. They are there to compete – to savour the grind and brutal discipline of epic combat – and to achieve”.

In all his businesses, Dr Adenuga spares no cost in attracting and retaining the best hands from across the globe. Despite all his wealth and godlike stature, he personally intervenes to keep exceptional individuals within his fold, a testament to both humility and strategic wisdom. Yet, he is equally unwavering in his intolerance of mediocrity, and will not hesitate to show idlers  the exit door.

Lesson 7: Delegate, but never disconnect

Although Dr. Adenuga believes in delegating, he has a hands-on approach to running his businesses. A business, he insists, does not thrive on autopilot. It must be guided, observed, and continuously refined.

“You have to close-mark it because a business doesn’t work very well on its own. You have to close-mark it very well from one day to the other”,  he often says. Adenuga applies this by being deeply involved in the running of his companies. This philosophy finds resonance in Jeff Bezos, whose meticulous attention to detail at Amazon underscores a universal truth: mastery lies in understanding the minutiae.

Lesson VIII: Let Humanity Temper Ambition

Notwithstanding the steel of his business philosophy, Adenuga affirms faith in God, fairness, and the enduring value of goodwill. Achievement, he insists, must never come at the expense of humanity.

“Let my words not be misunderstood. I do not believe that men must be dehumanised or brutalised to acquire an achieving attitude. I am a staunch believer in the Divine Presence of God, and recognise the necessity of human decency and goodwill. But at the same time, I strongly believe that a corporate player’s greatest fulfilment is that critical moment when he engages in that epic corporate combat with all he’s got and emerges as the man of the moment: the achiever.

“In the end, the achiever has a moral obligation to reflect upon the general condition of humanity in the larger field of play. Such a reflection should materialise in a philanthropic attitude – that which is responsible, organised and reasoned – as well as promotion of knowledge…”

So, true success, Dr. Adenuga asserts, carries with it a moral responsibility – to uplift, to give, and to contribute meaningfully to society. In a world such as ours where governance is gridlocked, such a philosophy is not only admirable, it is essential.

At 73, his life stands not as a chronicle of wealth, but as a testament to vision, discipline, resilience, and enduring impact – a lesson for all who aspire not just to succeed, but to achieve.

– Arinze Anapugars, a Media and Public Relations Consultant, wrote in from Lagos (anapugars@yahoo.com)

Operatives of  the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  have arrested  one Osagie Destiny Etinosa for alleged N11 million fraud.

 The EFCC in a statement released, said the suspect, who was arrested through an open source intelligence, had been parading himself on Instagram account @ officialking _ etto. as a football agent who specialises in linking footballers with foreign clubs for trials and recruitment.

The agency said in one instant case, Etinosa allegedly collected the sum  of N11,000,000 from one Samuel Beke Ohazuruike with the promise of securing trials for him in Romanian and Bulgarian clubs which never materialised. Efforts by the victim to recover his money proved abortive.

The agency added that the suspect will soon be arraigned in court.

 

The Peoples Democratic Party bloc, backed by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, held a meeting on Wednesday with former Senate President David Mark and ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola of the African Democratic Congress, as part of a political realignment for the 2027 election.

The party leaders reportedly agreed to form a strategic alliance aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu in the forthcoming polls.

Impeccable insiders within the PDP and ADC camps, who requested anonymity due to lack of authorisation to speak publicly, disclosed that the closed-door meeting held at David Mark’s Apo, Abuja residence centred on collaboration between the PDP and ADC, the choice of platform, terms of engagement, and power-sharing arrangements, as consultations continue to deepen.

However, the camp of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in a statement issued by the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led National Working Committee through its National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, dismissed reports linking the PDP to any alliance talks with the ADC.

Speaking to journalists after the two-hour high-level meeting, Gov Makinde described the gathering as ‘’a show of solidarity.’’

The major opposition parties, the PDP and ADC, are currently grappling with internal leadership crises, marked by the emergence of rival factions and ongoing court disputes.

Additionally, following a recent Court of Appeal ruling, the camp of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has tightened its grip on the PDP, while the Independent National Electoral Commission, on April 1, de-recognised the David Mark-led ADC.

Opposition leaders who were at the Wednesday meeting include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, factional PDP National Chairman Tanimu Turaki, SAN, former Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, former Governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (Kano), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Peter Obi (Anambra), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, and PDP National Secretary, Taofeeq Arapaja.

Others were the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, and his PDP counterpart, Ini Ememobong.

Makinde stated that the meeting aimed to reaffirm their commitment to a genuinely democratic environment in the country.

“We came here to visit the leadership of the ADC. We are on a solidarity visit. We have seen what has been happening within the political space, including the protest today.

“So, we came to show solidarity and to commit to a truly democratic space in our country.”

The governor declined further comment when asked if they had agreed to work together.

After the meeting, Ememobong issued a statement noting that the gathering underscored the need for vigilance against actions that could threaten democratic principles and political plurality.

He said, “The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party paid a solidarity visit to the leadership of the African Democratic Congress over the recent political attacks targeted at Nigeria’s opposition parties.

“During the visit, the PDP acknowledged the growing and shared threat confronting opposition political parties in the country, noting that similar pressures have been experienced by the PDP in recent times. The delegation emphasised the need for vigilance in the face of actions capable of undermining democratic principles and political plurality.”

“In their response, the ADC leadership expressed appreciation to the PDP for the visit and reiterated the existential threat facing democracy in Nigeria, particularly through the targeted weakening of major opposition parties. Both parties affirmed the need for continued engagement in defence of democratic values and institutions.”

A source confirmed that the parties have agreed to collaborate on a common platform to unseat President Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress.

He stated, “So, this is an expanded stakeholders’ meeting. If you recall, Makinde, Atiku, and a few others met some time ago in Minna. But this time around, it is expanded, and they discussed quite a number of issues.

“They deliberated on developments within the political parties, mainly the opposition parties, and how the Tinubu administration is allegedly attempting to stifle the opposition, including through the judiciary.

‘’On that basis, they resolved that they must work and strategise together on all fronts to ensure there is a credible alternative for Nigeria. The opposition leaders are determined to prevent a one-man or one-party state.

“They also resolved to form an alliance and work together to unseat Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. Regarding the platform to contest on, they agreed that, with only a few days left before INEC begins to require submissions from political parties ahead of the 2027 elections, they will closely monitor developments.’’

“They noted that some matters in the PDP are still pending before the courts, and they will also observe developments surrounding the ADC, including issues involving INEC. While they agreed in principle to operate on a common platform, whether it will be the ADC, PDP, or another opposition party will be decided in the coming days after reviewing these developments,” the insider explained.

Another high-ranking source revealed that the conditions for working together were deliberated on and would be made public after briefing their members.

“Yes, they have agreed to work together at the meeting. It was a session where they discussed certain conditions and arrangements on how they will operate as a team. Some of these conditions will be made public after further deliberations.

“They agreed to work together to confront the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, while also ensuring that INEC is held accountable to perform its duties effectively, and that the judiciary is similarly held to account. They also discussed several conditions and resolved that members should return to brief their respective groups.

‘’They will reconvene soon to finalise other issues, including the choice of platform and other related matters.”

In response, the PDP bloc backed by the FCT minister disclaimed the planned collaboration between the PDP and the ADC.

Mohammed in statement on Wednesday stated, “The Peoples Democratic Party has noted with concern the circulation of misleading reports alleging that it held a meeting with the African Democratic Congress.

“The PDP categorically states that it has not held any meeting, formal or informal, with the ADC or any of its representatives.

“The PDP firmly states that no such meeting was convened or authorised by the party. Any persons reported to have participated in such engagements did so purely in their individual capacities and cannot be deemed to represent the PDP in any form.

“Accordingly, the party urges its members, supporters, and the general public to disregard these baseless claims, as they do not reflect the position or activities of the party.

“Furthermore, the PDP wishes to inform its members that preparations for the conduct of Party primaries have progressed significantly. Further details regarding timelines and guidelines will be communicated in due course.”

Mohammad added that the PDP remains focused on its internal processes and is committed to providing credible leadership and direction for the Nigerian people.

Earlier on Wednesday, the leaders of the ADC, including Atiku, Obi, Amaechi,  Kwankwaso and other party stakeholders, stormed the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Abuja, demanding the formal recognition of the David Mark-led National Working Committee and the resignation of the commission’s chairman, Prof. Joseph Amupitan.

The opposition leaders, alongside hundreds of supporters, converged at the Maitama Roundabout in Abuja before marching to the INEC headquarters, displaying placards with inscriptions such as ‘Save Democracy,’ ‘Tinubu, Why Are You Afraid?’ ‘Let the Opposition Breathe,’ ‘All Eyes on the Judiciary,’ ‘Operation Defend Democracy,’ ‘INEC Must Recognise Mark-Led ADC,’ and ‘Mark Is Our Leader,’ among others.

In a protest letter dated April 8, submitted to INEC, signed by the party’s embattled National Chairman, Mark, and National Secretary,  Aregbesola, the ADC warned that any failure by the commission to meet their demands would prompt a range of lawful and constitutional measures to enforce accountability, including court action and coordinated civic mobilisation nationwide.

hat the party and its allies would firmly resist any attempt to undermine democratic governance, stressing that Nigerians would not allow the enthronement of dictatorship under any guise.

On his part, Obi called on Nigerians to rise in defence of the nation’s democracy, urging citizens to actively participate in safeguarding democratic values and institutions from erosion.

On April 1, the INEC disclosed that it had delisted prominent figures of the ADC, including Mark and Aregbesola, from its official records.

The commission argued that the decision was in compliance with a court order directing it to maintain the status quo pending the final determination of the case at the trial court.

The party has remained embroiled in a protracted leadership crisis since 2025, following the emergence of a new NWC under Mark’s leadership in July.

The dispute stems from disagreements over the tenure of former chairman Ralph Nwosu, which expired in August 2022. While Nwosu was reported to have endorsed the 2025 transition, his deputy, Nafiu Gombe, insisted he should assume office as acting chairman after Nwosu’s departure.

The rift subsequently escalated into factional struggles for control, leading to multiple legal battles at both the Appeal and Supreme Courts, and raising concerns about the party’s readiness for the 2027 elections.

In response, Mark, on April 2nd, called for Amupitan’s resignation and affirmed that the party would proceed with all its planned activities.

In another development, a faction supported by the ADC’s 2023 presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, on Tuesday in Abuja, unveiled a caretaker committee during a National Executive Committee meeting convened by some state chairmen of the party.

Consequently, the party has now splintered into three factions: one led by Mark representing the coalition bloc, another under Gombe and a NEC-backed group aligned with Kachikwu, headed by Kingsley Ogga, the Kogi State ADC chairman.

In the latest response, contained in a protest letter submitted on Wednesday to the INEC chairman, the ADC leaders stated that recent developments have heightened doubts about Amupitan’s suitability to remain in office as the head of the commission.

The letter read, “Your recent media interview was not only disgraceful and unbecoming of the high office you occupy, but it also exposed a troubling willingness to descend into partisan controversy and to assume roles far outside the constitutional mandate of the Commission.

“Of grave concern is your attempt to constitute yourself as an interpreter of judicial pronouncements. This is wholly unacceptable. The interpretation of court judgments is the exclusive preserve of the judiciary.

‘’For the chairman of INEC to publicly assume that role, offering partisan constructions of legal outcomes in a manner that appears to favour a particular individual, amounts to a serious constitutional breach and an affront to the doctrine of separation of powers.

“Your conduct, taken together with INEC’s earlier correspondence to the African Democratic Congress, reinforces the perception that the commission under your leadership has abandoned neutrality and has instead aligned itself with factional interests. This is not only improper; it is dangerous for the credibility of our electoral system.

“Furthermore, it is a matter of record that the individual in question attended the National Executive Committee meeting of the ADC at which the National Working Committee led by Chief Ralph Nwosu, of which he was a member, was duly dissolved. Having participated in that decision, any subsequent reliance on his former authority, position, or signature is fundamentally flawed, contradictory, and devoid of legal credibility.”

The ADC leaders maintained that INEC’s stance on the matter raises significant concerns about partiality and excessive institutional authority.

It further said, “INEC is not a court of law. It is not an advocate. It has no mandate to interpret judgments to suit a preferred narrative. Its duty is clear: to act strictly within the bounds of the Constitution and the law, with absolute neutrality and professionalism.

“Beyond these infractions, we unequivocally condemn what can only be described as a dangerous and unacceptable attempt to undermine and destroy Nigeria’s multi-party democratic system.

‘’Any action, policy, or conduct that tilts the electoral playing field, elevates an aggrieved party member to factional leader, or interferes with the internal autonomy of political parties strikes at the very heart of democratic pluralism. And all of these you have done.

“We state, without equivocation, that the African Democratic Congress will resist any such attempt—lawfully, firmly, and resolutely. Nigeria’s democracy was built on the foundation of political plurality, and no individual or institution will be allowed to erode that foundation through partisan conduct and administrative overreach.

“We acknowledge that the INEC was, and is still populated by many men and women of conscience and integrity who have laboured over the years in the service of our country and the sanctity of its electoral process. But you have appeared willing to lay their sacrifices to waste by your very conduct, which today has effectively brought the Commission into disrepute and has significantly eroded public confidence.”

The ADC insisted that the basic process which led to the emergence of the Mark-led executive was with INEC’s knowledge, adding that the commission knew the truth but only chose to distort or ignore it.

According to the party leaders, as stated in the letter, the NWC, acting on the directive of the NEC of May 15, 2025, on July 2, 2025, set up a Caretaker Committee to oversee the party’s affairs amid its coalition process and internal restructuring.

They further explained that the Caretaker Committee/Interim NWC, led by Senator David Mark as caretaker National Chairman, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as caretaker National Secretary, Abdullahi as caretaker National Publicity Secretary, among others, is mandated to manage the party’s affairs for a minimum of twelve months.

It added, “There was not a single objection or dissenting voice. The report of this NEC meeting was submitted to INEC as directed by the NEC by Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu and Alhaji Saidu Baba Abdullahi. It was on the basis of this open, transparent process that INEC accepted the new leadership and uploaded the principal officers to its electronic portal.

“From the foregoing, therefore, no member of the former NWC of the party has any right or claim to any office thereafter. You must also be aware that INEC’s own affidavit, deposed at the Federal High Court on September 12, unequivocally confirms all of the foregoing.

‘’We must also bring to your notice that we are aware of efforts being made by INEC under your directive, as well as the pressure being mounted on conscientious INEC officials to recant their testimonies, which contradict the agenda that you have decided to pursue. This is indeed unconscionable.

“In light of all the foregoing, we hereby demand: Your immediate resignation from office in the interest of preserving the integrity of INEC or your immediate removal by the appropriate constitutional authorities for gross misconduct, abuse of office, and violation of constitutional boundaries.’’

The opposition party further demanded the ‘’immediate withdrawal of INEC’s offensive correspondence to the ADC; A formal apology to the party; and a clear commitment to refrain from further interference in the internal affairs of political parties.’’

“Take note that failure to comply will leave us with no option but to activate all lawful and constitutional mechanisms to ensure accountability, including judicial proceedings and coordinated civic action.

‘’The integrity of Nigeria’s democracy cannot and will not be sacrificed on the altar of institutional compromise.”

In a statement posted on his X account on Wednesday, Atiku said the protest was intended to challenge perceived bias in the electoral system and to defend Nigeria’s democracy against authoritarian inclination.

“Other leaders and I of the ADC are peacefully protesting against the partisanship of the electoral umpire. Our patriotic stance is aimed at safeguarding our democracy and preventing the enthronement of a dictatorship,” Atiku stated.

Addressing supporters, Obi emphasised the need to protect democratic values and resist what he described as a troubling shift toward a one-party system.

“We, members and leaders of the ADC and other well-meaning Nigerians, lovers of democracy, are saying that our democracy must not be killed.

“We say no to a one-party system, and for that reason, today we are calling on Nigerians who believe in unity, peace and the security of our country to join us as we defend democracy in our land,” Obi said.

Punch

The federal government has dismissed claims that Nigeria is on the brink of collapse, describing such assertions as exaggerated and misleading.

A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) had on Tuesday warned that the country was “on the brink of collapse,” citing worsening insecurity, rising poverty, and what it described as a breakdown in governance.

In a joint statement signed by over 50 groups, the coalition called for urgent reforms to address what it termed deepening national crises.

However, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, rejected the claims on Wednesday, insisting that Nigeria remains stable, resilient, and on a path to recovery and growth.

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Speaking at the 81st General Assembly and 23rd Annual General Meeting of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) in Abuja, Idris said: “I want to unequivocally refute the insinuation that Nigeria is on the brink. On the contrary, we are demonstrating resilience daily and tackling our security and economic challenges more decisively.”

On security, he assured Nigerians of steady progress through sustained military operations and improved intelligence coordination. He cited recent operations in Zamfara and Niger states, where security forces neutralised bandits and foiled planned attacks.

“Coordinated efforts by the Armed Forces and other security agencies have yielded gains across several regions. Incidents of large-scale insurgent control have declined significantly, and we are strengthening intelligence and rapid response systems to safeguard lives and property,” he said.

On the economy, Idris pointed to improving indicators, including stronger foreign reserves and renewed investor confidence. He noted that ongoing reforms in both oil and non-oil sectors are expanding revenue streams and stabilising public finances.

“These decisions, though difficult, are fostering transparency and creating a more stable economic environment,” he added.

The minister also urged the media to uphold responsible and accurate reporting, especially ahead of another election cycle. He emphasised the critical role of broadcasters in shaping public perception and promoting national unity.

“The airwaves are a public trust. Broadcasting must inform, educate, and unite our people while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and fairness,” he said.

Idris reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a free and responsible media environment and called for stronger collaboration to combat misinformation and promote national cohesion.