News

‘Buhari, APC Leading Nigeria Into Extreme Decay’

Published

5 years ago

October 2, 2020

The governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, have expressed sadness that President Muhammadu Buhari, and his All Progressives Congress regime, have not only widened Nigeria’s fault lines with divisive actions but have also supervised the nation’s slide into extreme decay within just five years in power.
The Governor Aminu Tambuwal-led PDP Governors Forum also said in spite of enviable strides recorded since Independence 60 years ago, the nation appears to be on reverse gear with the current state of affairs.
This was contained in a statement titled, ‘Reflection on Nigeria @ 60: The past, Present and Way Forward…We need a national dialogue,’ signed by the PDPGF Chairman, and made available to journalists in Abuja, yesterday.
In an apparent response to claims by their APC counterpart’s claims of steady progress, the PDP governors said, “In the last five years, under the APC-controlled administration, Nigeria has continued on the downward slide into extreme decay, with the country displacing India as the poverty capital of the world, with an estimated 87 million Nigerians living on less than $1.9 a day (Brooking Institute 2018).
“We as leaders must strive harder to make sure that poverty is minimised in all parts of the country. This is even made worse by the fact that in 2019 Nigeria ranked 93rd out of 117 qualifying countries with a score of 27.9 below Guinea and Mali in the Global Hunger index.
“It is also regrettable to note that the Buhari-led APC administration has plunged Nigeria deeper into the debt trap after the country had exited from its initial debt burden from the London and Paris Clubs under the PDP-led administration.
“It is indeed sad to observe that Nigeria’s external debt hit a 16 year high of $27billion in December 2019, just higher than the $20.8billion in external level as at 2005 when Nigeria exited from the club of its foreign creditors. Any loan acquired that is not directly tied to meaningful infrastructure that can help Nigeria progress should not be taken.
“Our country under this same administration has also scored high on the global terrorism index, reaching an all-time high of 9.01% in 2016 and 8.6 in 2018 on the global terrorism index from an all-time low of 6.31% in 2010 to 7.9% in 2012 during the period the PDP was in power. This unfortunate situation has placed our nation in the league of countries deeply wrecked by terrorism such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, Syria, etc.”
Tambuwal said he and his colleagues feel the pains of Nigerians in the North-East, North-West and other parts of the country who are victims of terror in our land.
He noted that the daring activity of the Boko Haram terrorists and other bandits which have continued to make lives difficult for Nigerians is “putting a big lie to the APC-led Federal Government’s claim that Boko-Haram has been defeated.”
“This government has failed Nigerians on issues of security and the general welfare and wellbeing of our people,” he added.

News

NCSU Lauds Fubara Over Comprehensive Renovation Of Rivers State Secretariat Complex

Published

3 minutes ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

The Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU), Rivers State Council, has showered encomiums on the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for his decisive and people-centered initiative to renovate the Rivers State Secretariat Complex in Port Harcourt.

According to the union, the ongoing renovation represents a major turning point in the history of the state’s public service, particularly in addressing long-standing infrastructural decay that had plagued the Secretariat Complex for several years.

In a statement issued by the Rivers State Council of the NCSU, the union noted that the Secretariat Complex, which serves as the administrative nerve centre of the state, had over time fallen into a state of serious disrepair. Offices, corridors, and essential facilities were described as moribund, dilapidated, and unbefitting of a modern civil service. The situation, the union said, not only affected productivity but also dampened the morale of civil servants.

The union, however, expressed delight that under the purposeful leadership of Governor Fubara, the complex is currently undergoing a comprehensive facelift. It stated that the renovation signifies renewed hope, improved working conditions, and a clear demonstration of the administration’s commitment to repositioning the Rivers State Civil Service for efficiency, professionalism, and service delivery.

As part of efforts to assess the level of work done, the Rivers State Council of the NCSU recently embarked on a monitoring visit to the renovation site. The inspection tour was personally led by the State Chairman of the union, Comrade Chukwuka Richman Osumah. Pictorial evidence from the visit showed significant progress on the project, with ongoing structural, electrical, and environmental improvements across the complex.

Speaking during the visit, Comrade Osumah commended the Governor for prioritizing the welfare of civil servants and providing an enabling environment for effective service delivery. He described the renovation as timely and responsive to the long-standing yearnings of workers in the state.

The NCSU further noted that the project aligns with Governor Fubara’s broader vision of institutional strengthening, accountability, and sustainable development. The union emphasized that a conducive work environment remains a critical factor in boosting productivity and enhancing the quality of public service delivery to the people of Rivers State.

The union assured the Governor of its unwavering support and cooperation in the implementation of policies and programmes aimed at improving the welfare of workers and advancing the socio-economic development of the state. It also urged contractors handling the project to adhere strictly to specifications, maintain high quality standards, and ensure timely completion.

In conclusion, the NCSU described the renovation of the State Secretariat Complex as a landmark achievement of the present administration and a clear indication of Governor Fubara’s commitment to responsive governance and the well-being of the Rivers State workforce.

The union also appealed to Governor Fubara not to be distracted by the actions of some members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, whom it described as enemies of the progress and development of the State, saying, his administration owes well meaning Rivers people a sacred duty to remain focused in providing the dividends of democracy to them.

News

Akpabio Celebrates S’Eagles Bronze Medal

Published

2 hours ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has congratulated the Super Eagles of Nigeria for clinching the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, describing the feat as a source of inspiration to millions of Nigerians.

The Super Eagles secured third place in the continental tournament after defeating the Pharaohs of Egypt 4–2 on a penalty shootout.

Akpabio conveyed his message in a statement released yesterday, and signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh.

He said, “The match against the Pharaohs of Egypt was a testament to your skills and determination, and I commend you for your exceptional performance. Your victory is a testament to the talent and resilience that Nigeria is renowned for, and we are proud to have you represent our country on the international stage.

“I urge you to celebrate this achievement with pride and use it as a motivation to strive for even greater heights in your future endeavours. Your achievement is a source of inspiration to millions of Nigerians, and we look forward to seeing your continued success.

“Once again, congratulations to the Super Eagles on this remarkable achievement. May your bronze medal serve as a reminder of your capabilities and the heights you can reach with hard work and determination.”

The Senate President’s commendation comes amid widespread praise for the national team’s resilience and character following a challenging AFCON campaign that saw Nigeria narrowly miss out on a place in the final.

Nigeria secured a record-extending ninth Africa Cup of Nations bronze medal after defeating Egypt 4–2 on penalties following a tense, goalless third-place play-off at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca on Saturday.

The Super Eagles and the Pharaohs, two of Africa’s most decorated football nations, were inseparable after 90 minutes of attritional football, with both sides failing to find a breakthrough in regulation time before the contest was decided from the spot.

The victory preserved Nigeria’s flawless record in AFCON third-place play-offs, as the Super Eagles have now won all eight such matches they have contested.

Nigeria entered the match seeking consolation after their dramatic semi-final defeat to the host team, Morocco, where they lost 4–2 on penalties following another goalless draw.

Egypt, on the other hand, were aiming to bounce back from a narrow 1–0 semi-final loss to Senegal, which brought an end to their long-standing dominance at that stage of the competition.

News

NDLEA Nabs Wanted Drug Kingpin 12 Years After Killing Three Officers

Published

2 hours ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a long-wanted drug kingpin, Lekan Jimoh, also known as “Kanmo-Kanmo,” 12 years after his alleged involvement in the killing of three NDLEA officers.

Jimoh was arrested last Friday, January 16, 2026, in Owode town, Ogun State, following intelligence-led operations by tactical teams of the agency.

A search of his hideout led to the recovery of 69 kilograms of skunk, a strain of cannabis.

A statement released yesterday by the agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, said the suspect has been on the NDLEA wanted list since June 15, 2014, when he allegedly mobilised armed thugs to attack NDLEA officers who attempted to arrest him at his enclave.

He said, “Following his involvement in the brutal killing of three NDLEA officers, Kanmo-Kanmo, who is notorious for drug trafficking, evading arrest and mobilising armed thugs against security agents, was on Friday, 16th January 202,6 tracked to his hideout in Owode town, Ogun State by tactical teams of the agency following credible intelligence. During the clinical operation, the suspect was found in possession of 69 kilograms of skunk, a strain of cannabis.

“The arrest marks a significant breakthrough in the agency’s commitment to ensuring that no fugitive, regardless of how long they evade justice, remains beyond the reach of the law.

“?Lekan Jimoh’s criminal history is marked by extreme violence and lawlessness. As a result, he had on 15th June 2014 orchestrated a barbaric mob action against a team of NDLEA officers who had attempted to arrest him at his enclave. The attack resulted in the cold-blooded murder of three NDLEA officers, including Rabiu Usman Kazaure and two others, who were killed by armed thugs mobilised by Jimoh. While the suspect managed to escape the scene that day, the agency remained resolute in its pursuit of justice for the fallen heroes.”

In a related operation on August 12, 2023, NDLEA operatives raided Jimoh’s residence in Ado-Odo, Ogun State, where 139 sacks of skunk weighing 1,922 kilograms were recovered.

The suspect again evaded arrest at the time. The property, which was used as a drug warehouse, was later forfeited to the Federal Government following court proceedings.

In a separate operation, Babafemi said NDLEA operatives in Edo State on Tuesday, January 13, raided Arokpa forest in Uzebba town, Owan West Local Government Area, arresting a 53-year-old suspect, Isihor Edika, and seizing 320 kilograms of skunk and cannabis seeds.

In Abuja, Babafemi said a 44-year-old woman, Yinka Agboola, at Kaura District, over the alleged online sale of illicit drugs was arrested.

He said items recovered from her residence included 2.2 kilograms of skunk and quantities of cannabis oil.

Babafemi said, “In the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, operatives on Friday, 16th January, tracked and arrested a 44-year-old lady, Yinka Agboola, following intelligence on her online sale of illicit substances.

“At the time of her arrest, 2.2kg of skunk and litres of cannabis oil, which she produces in her kitchen and sells through online advertisement, were recovered from her home at the Kaura district, Abuja. Another suspect, Tordue Pius Richard, 30, was on Tuesday, 13th January arrested with 148.3 grams of cocaine and skunk at his 12 Biskira Street, Abacha Estate, Abuja home.”

In Lagos, he said NDLEA officers seized 118.1 kilograms of skunk from Dauda Kareem and Saheed Obisesan at Fadeyi, Mushin, last Friday, January 16.

On the same day, 116 kilograms of skunk were recovered from a warehouse at New Market area of Enugu, Enugu State.

Meanwhile, along the Onitsha–Asaba Expressway in Delta State, Babafemi said two suspects, Zaharadeen Yahaya, 25, and Sanusi Maman, 23, were arrested on Thursday, January 15, while transporting 410,800 pills of tramadol, 84.2 litres of codeine syrup, 82,250 tablets of diazepam, 900 tablets of swinol and 65 pills of Molly.

“In Oyo State, Adetunji Ahmed Abayomi, 33, was nabbed on Thursday, 15th January at Moniya, Ibadan, with 321 litres of skuchies, and 2.5kg Colorado, a synthetic strain of cannabis, while Rasheed Ajao, 28, was caught same day at Odo-Ona, Ibadan, in possession of 5.4kg Scottish Loud; 1.696kg skunk and 2.5kg Colorado, bringing the total weight to 9.696 kilograms.

In another raid at Agbeni area of the state capital, 52,430 pills of tramadol and bromazepam were recovered from the store of Orji Edwin, currently at large, on Saturday, 17th January, ” the statement added.

In Kwara State, NDLEA officers on Tuesday, January 13, raided a residence at the Gamo area of Ilorin, where 42 bags of skunk weighing 387.40 kilograms were seized.

In Jigawa State, Babafemi said an ex-convict, Gaddafi Ammani, 26, and his accomplice, Ahmed Sani, 32, were arrested on Saturday, January 17, at Nassarawa GRA, Ringim Local Government Area, with quantities of skunk and exol-5 pills.

He added that Ammani attempted to escape during the operation and injured an officer.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), commended officers across Ogun, Lagos, Apapa, Edo, Delta, Oyo, the FCT, Enugu and Kwara states for the arrests and seizures, and urged them to sustain ongoing drug control efforts.

He described the arrest of Kanmo-kanmo as a triumph of justice and a testament to the Agency’s long memory, adding that the arrest sends a clear and unambiguous message to all drug barons and fugitives.

“You may run, and you may hide for a season, but the long arm of the law will eventually find you.

?“The arrest of Lekan Jimoh is particularly significant because it closes a painful chapter that began on June 15, 2014. For twelve years, this individual lived with the blood of our gallant officers—Rabiu Usman Kazaure and two others—on his hands. He mistakenly thought that time had erased his crimes,” he added.

Jimoh had been on the agency’s wanted list since 2014 following the killing of three NDLEA officers during an attempted arrest in Ogun State.

His arrest comes amid a series of coordinated raids across several states, reflecting the agency’s renewed push to tackle illicit drug production, distribution and trafficking, and to bring fugitives linked to past attacks on law enforcement to justice.