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Category: Politics

  • Daniel Bwala Says Nigerians Earning ₦60,000 at Home May Be Better Off Than Some Who ‘Japa’

    Presidential Adviser on Media and Policy Communications, Daniel Bwala, has argued that some Nigerians earning as little as ₦60,000 monthly are better off than those who relocated abroad in search of greener pastures.

    Bwala made the remarks during an appearance on The Morayo Show, where he discussed the economic realities facing many Nigerians living overseas.

    ‘Japa is not always greener’

    According to Bwala, many Nigerians who migrated to countries such as the United Kingdom now work jobs that do not reflect their educational qualifications.

    “Some of you in Nigeria who think you are suffering, you’re better off than your colleagues that japa five years ago.”

    He described the experience of many migrants as “modern-day slavery,” claiming that degree holders are now working in care homes, warehouses and other low-skilled jobs to survive.

    Living costs consume earnings

    Bwala said although some workers abroad earn between £2,600 and £2,800 monthly, a significant portion of their income goes into rent, transportation, internet, utility bills and feeding.

    “At the end of the day, what you are left with is not much. So you are forced to do two or three jobs,” he said.

    He added that someone earning ₦60,000 in Nigeria may still benefit from support from family and friends, unlike many Nigerians living abroad who have no such safety net.

    Defends Tinubu’s social programmes

    The presidential aide also defended the administration of President Bola Tinubu, highlighting what he described as key healthcare interventions.

    According to Bwala, the Federal Government has introduced a 50 per cent subsidy on dialysis in federal hospitals and made caesarean section procedures free in public health facilities.

    He said the administration intends to expand healthcare support to cover additional medical services and prescription drugs as more resources become available.

  • Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu Admits Meeting Alleged PFIPC Fraudster, Says He Was Also Deceived

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has acknowledged meeting alleged fraudster Adeniyi Adeyemi Mathew, saying he was among those deceived by the suspect who allegedly posed as the head of the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

    Speaking during plenary on Tuesday, Kalu told lawmakers that his interaction with Mathew was based on the belief that he represented a legitimate government agency.

    Kalu: I Was Also a Victim

    Addressing the chamber, the Deputy Speaker explained that several public officials, including himself, had unknowingly engaged with Mathew because he presented himself as a genuine government appointee.

    Kalu maintained that he was a victim of the alleged deception and had no knowledge that the organisation Mathew claimed to represent was not recognised by the Federal Government.

    His remarks come after photographs and reports showing Mathew meeting with the Deputy Speaker in 2025 resurfaced following the scandal.

    PFIPC Under Investigation

    Mathew is accused of operating the fictitious Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) and allegedly using forged appointment letters and official documents to present himself as a presidential appointee.

    Authorities allege he falsely claimed to be the Director-General of the council, secured meetings with senior government officials and attempted to obtain official recognition through forged documents.

    The Presidency has repeatedly denied establishing the PFIPC, insisting the organisation has no legal backing or presidential approval.

    President Bola Tinubu has since directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the activities of the alleged council and everyone connected to it.

    Court Case Continues

    The Nigeria Police Force has filed charges against Mathew over allegations including forgery, conspiracy and impersonation.

    The case is expected to proceed in court later this month as investigations continue.

    Kalu’s statement adds to growing concerns over how the suspect allegedly gained access to senior government officials before the alleged fraud was uncovered.

  • Reps Clash Over Motion to Summon Tinubu on Insecurity, Coastal Highway Spending

    A heated debate broke out in the House of Representatives on Tuesday as lawmakers clashed over a motion seeking to invite President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the chamber on the country’s worsening insecurity and the Federal Government’s spending on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.

    The motion triggered sharp exchanges during plenary, with members expressing opposing views on whether the President should personally explain the administration’s priorities amid growing security concerns across the country.

    Lawmakers raise security concerns

    While presenting the motion, one lawmaker argued that insecurity had reached an alarming level, with kidnappings and violent attacks continuing across several parts of the country.

    “Our people are being kidnapped every day, heads are being chopped off on national television, Nigerians are suffering,” the lawmaker said, questioning the government’s decision to commit trillions of naira to the coastal highway project while many communities remain under threat.

    The debate quickly became rowdy as some members backed the motion, insisting the National Assembly had a constitutional responsibility to demand accountability from the executive.

    Others, however, defended the government’s infrastructure drive, arguing that projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway are critical to Nigeria’s long-term economic growth and should not be politicised.

    Sharp divisions during plenary

    The exchanges forced repeated interventions from the presiding officer as lawmakers shouted across the chamber while attempting to make their positions known.

    The motion highlighted growing concerns within the House over the balance between addressing immediate security challenges and funding major infrastructure projects.

    Awaiting House decision

    As of the time of filing this report, the House had not announced a final resolution on whether President Tinubu would be invited to appear before lawmakers.

    The Presidency has also not issued any official response to the debate.

  • Peter Obi Claims Government Is Targeting His Life, Businesses

    Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has alleged that the Federal Government is deliberately frustrating his businesses and personal activities, claiming the actions amount to a personal campaign against him.

    Obi made the remarks during an interview on With Chude, where he spoke about what he described as growing pressure on his private life and means of livelihood.

    ‘They are after my life’

    Expressing his concerns, the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate said he believes the government is intentionally making it difficult for him to carry out his legitimate business activities.

    “They are after my life. Every single thing I do for a living, this government is deliberately frustrating it. The government is attacking me personally. They’re not even providing me with things I should be entitled to.”

    Obi, however, did not provide specific examples of the alleged actions or identify the government agencies involved during the interview.

    Political tensions ahead of 2027

    The comments come amid increasing political activities ahead of the 2027 general election, with Obi remaining one of Nigeria’s most prominent opposition figures.

    In recent months, he has repeatedly criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu over issues including insecurity, the economy and governance, while calling for reforms to improve the country’s leadership and public institutions.

    Mixed reactions

    Obi’s claims have sparked debate on social media, with supporters describing his remarks as evidence of political intimidation against an opposition leader.

    Others challenged the allegations, urging him to provide evidence to support the claims, while some argued that any grievances should be addressed through the appropriate legal channels.

    As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency had not issued any official response to Obi’s allegations.

  • 2027: Peter Obi Believes in Biafra, Is Pursuing Nigeria’s Division, Ali Modu Sheriff Alleges

    Former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff has alleged that the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi is pursuing the division of Nigeria because of his perceived support for the Biafra movement.

    Sheriff made the claim on Monday during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television while reacting to Obi’s recent call for President Bola Tinubu to resign over the country’s security and economic challenges.

    Sheriff questions Obi’s stance

    According to Sheriff, Peter Obi has not publicly distanced himself from the Biafra cause.

    “Peter Obi, up to this moment, is pursuing the division of Nigeria because he believes in Biafra,” he said.

    The former governor also claimed Obi has never openly condemned Biafra or the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), insisting the former Anambra governor should clearly state whether he supports Nigeria’s unity.

    ‘Leaders must stand for one Nigeria’

    Sheriff argued that anyone seeking to lead the country must be fully committed to preserving Nigeria’s unity rather than promoting sectional interests.

    “Anybody aspiring to lead Nigeria must be someone who stands for Nigeria, not for any section,” he said.

    The remarks come as political activities ahead of the 2027 general election continue to gather momentum, with leading opposition figures and members of the ruling party exchanging criticisms over governance, security and the country’s future.

  • Umahi Defends Remi Tinubu, Says ‘My Mother Sold Akara, My Father Was a Farmer’

    Minister of Works David Umahi has defended First Lady Oluremi Tinubu over criticism of her recent remarks encouraging Nigerians to embrace vocational skills and small-scale businesses, saying her advice was genuine and should not be ridiculed.

    Speaking at a public event, Umahi said every Nigerian must develop a strong work ethic, adding that not everyone can pursue the same profession.

    ‘My mother sold akara’

    The minister recalled his upbringing, saying his family earned a living through farming and petty trading before he rose to public office.

    “My mother was selling akara. My mother was a farmer. My father was a farmer. But it doesn’t necessarily mean that having used that to train me, I will continue to farm at their scale or continue to sell akara at their scale,” he said.

    He urged Nigerians not to dismiss practical advice simply because it involves humble beginnings.

    Supports First Lady’s message

    Umahi said the First Lady was encouraging young people to become productive rather than remain unemployed.

    “When our First Lady, our Mother of the Nation, was trying to encourage the youths, we must change our work attitude. Everybody must be working. Everybody must have something to do,” he said.

    He added that developing practical skills remains important for national development.

    “Why do we make joke of every genuine advice? Will everybody be a banker at the same time? So, let us be serious, for once,” he added.

    Responds to Lagos flooding claims

    The minister also rejected claims that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway contributed to the recent flooding experienced in parts of Lagos.

    Responding to comments by Arise Television presenter Rufai Oseni, Umahi said infrastructure experts should be allowed to address technical issues.

    “Leave this profession for us. We, the professors of infrastructure, leave it for us,” he said.

  • INEC to Introduce Downloadable PVCs for Lost, Damaged Cards Ahead of 2027 Elections

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to introduce downloadable Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) for registered voters whose physical cards have been lost, damaged or defaced ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The initiative is part of the commission’s wider efforts to modernise Nigeria’s electoral system and improve access to voter services.

    Who qualifies for the digital PVC?

    INEC said the downloadable PVC will only be available to registered voters who had previously collected their physical voter cards before they were lost or damaged.

    The commission explained that the digital option will not apply to new registrants or individuals who have never collected their original PVCs.

    Eligible voters will still be required to complete the official replacement process at INEC offices and meet the stipulated deadline of at least 90 days before an election.

    Digital card recognised for accreditation

    According to INEC, the Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections 2026 recognise both a valid physical PVC and a downloadable copy for voter accreditation, alongside the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

    The commission said the initiative is expected to reduce the cost and logistical burden of reprinting replacement voter cards while making the process more convenient for affected voters.

    The Electoral Act 2026 also contains provisions allowing eligible voters to print downloadable replacement copies of their PVCs after completing the necessary procedures.

    Mixed reactions trail announcement

    The proposed digital PVC has generated mixed reactions among Nigerians.

    While many welcomed the move as a step towards improving electoral services and reducing costs, others raised concerns about possible security risks, implementation challenges and the potential for abuse if adequate safeguards are not put in place.

    INEC also reiterated its plans to introduce full online voter registration as part of its ongoing electoral reforms and advised Nigerians to rely only on its official platforms for information regarding voter registration and PVC replacement.

    The commission said additional guidelines on accessing and downloading the digital PVC will be released in the coming weeks.

    For more information, eligible voters can visit INEC’s Continuous Voter Registration portal at https://cvr.inecnigeria.org.

  • Akpabio: I’ve Never Seen Any Nigerian President Commission This Many Projects in Two Years

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s performance in office, saying he has not seen any Nigerian president commission as many projects within two years as the current administration.

    Akpabio made the remarks while representing President Tinubu at the commissioning of the Old Keffi Road in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    ‘This president is doing miracles’

    Highlighting recent infrastructure projects, the Senate President recalled the commissioning of Gaduwa Road in the FCT and other projects in Nasarawa State, where he said residents welcomed the developments with excitement.

    According to him, another major road project linking Akwanga in Nasarawa State to Jos in Plateau State was also being flagged off during the same period.

    “This president is doing miracles. This president is doing miracles,” Akpabio said.

    He added that he had never witnessed a Nigerian president commission so many projects within the first two years of an administration.

    Calls for performance-based voting

    Akpabio urged Nigerians to make performance the deciding factor during elections.

    “We must now bring up a standard for elections that says, ‘Show me your works and I will vote for you,’” he said.

    The Senate President also criticised politicians who, according to him, had spent decades in public office without tangible achievements.

    He commended Tinubu’s record, saying the President had maintained the same commitment to planning and delivering projects since serving as governor of Lagos State.

    Akpabio said he was honoured to represent the President at the inauguration of the Old Keffi Road, describing the project as another example of the administration’s focus on infrastructure development.

     

  • Sowore Pledges to Scrap JAMB, Replace NYSC With Two-Year Voluntary Job Corps

    African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has promised to abolish the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and replace the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with a voluntary National Job Corps if elected president in 2027.

    Sowore unveiled the proposals in a statement shared on his X account on Thursday, describing them as part of his plans to reform Nigeria’s education and youth development sectors.

    Sowore proposes end to JAMB

    The  presidential candidate said tertiary institutions should be responsible for admitting their students without going through what he described as an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy.

    “When I become President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, JAMB will be abolished. Admission into tertiary institutions should be determined by the institutions themselves under a transparent, merit-based system, not by another layer of bureaucracy,” he wrote.

    He argued that universities, polytechnics and colleges of education should have greater control over their admission processes while maintaining transparency and merit.

    Plans to replace NYSC

    Sowore also proposed replacing the current compulsory one-year NYSC scheme with a two-year voluntary National Job Corps.

    According to him, the new programme would focus on guaranteed employment, practical skills, entrepreneurship support and pathways to permanent careers.

    “Nigeria’s young people do not need more compulsory schemes. They need opportunities, jobs, skills, and the freedom to choose their future,” he said.

    His proposal comes days after the Federal Executive Council approved major reforms to the NYSC, including the appointment of civilian leadership and a stronger focus on technology and skills development.

    Proposal sparks debate

    Sowore’s announcement has generated mixed reactions online.

    Supporters described the proposals as bold reforms capable of reducing bureaucracy and improving opportunities for young Nigerians.

    Others, however, questioned the feasibility of scrapping JAMB and replacing the NYSC, arguing that both institutions still play important roles in maintaining educational standards and promoting national integration.

    The proposals are expected to feature prominently in Sowore’s campaign as political activities ahead of the 2027 general election continue.

  • Remi Tinubu Defends Empowerment Programme, Says It Supports More Than Akara Sellers

    Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has defended her empowerment programme, saying it is not limited to akara sellers but also supports thousands of petty traders across the country.

    Her remarks come amid public debate over the initiative, with critics questioning whether the programme is sufficient to address the country’s economic challenges.

    ‘It Is Not Only Akara Sellers’

    Speaking about the programme, the First Lady said the intervention was designed to benefit different categories of small-scale traders whose livelihoods depend on daily business activities.

    “It is not only akara sellers. We are also supporting tomato sellers, bole, maize sellers, vegetable sellers, and many other petty traders,” she said.

    She explained that the initiative was created to provide financial support to small business owners and help improve their businesses.

    First Lady Dismisses Criticism

    Responding to criticism surrounding the programme, Remi Tinubu said the beneficiaries appreciate the support they receive and insisted the initiative would continue.

    “I know the beneficiaries appreciate it, and we’re not intimidated by the wrong reports,” she added.

    She maintained that the programme remains focused on empowering vulnerable traders across different communities.

    Programme Sparks Debate

    The First Lady’s comments have generated fresh reactions on social media, with Nigerians expressing mixed opinions about the scope and impact of the empowerment initiative.

    While some welcomed the clarification, others argued that broader economic policies are needed to improve the living conditions of small business owners and other Nigerians.