Author: Gbenga Oluranti Olaleye

Jamiu Abiola, son of late democracy icon Chief MKO Abiola, has said that Nigeria would have achieved far greater economic progress had his father been allowed to assume the presidency following his victory in the annulled 1993 general election. Speaking on Thursday during a special June 12 Democracy Day broadcast on Channels Television, Jamiu lamented what he described as a lost opportunity for national advancement during a period of global economic prosperity. “Nigeria would have been better because, at that time, it was a very special time in global times; that 1993 period was a time when the world itself…

The National Leader of Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, has called on Nigerian leaders and citizens to revisit the foundational principles of federalism as outlined in the 1963 Constitution, describing it as the most effective framework for fostering national unity and sustainable development. In a statement released on Wednesday to commemorate Democracy Day, Fasoranti urged the country to adopt the 1963 Republican Constitution, which, he said, promotes true federalism by granting Nigeria’s diverse regions a degree of autonomy to govern themselves in line with their unique cultural and socio-economic realities. “To ensure an enduring framework for unity…

Two prominent political leaders in Cross River State Barrister Alphonsus Eba of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Barrister Venatius Ikem of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have added their voices to the growing call for a single six-year term for Nigeria’s president and state governors. Speaking in separate exclusive interviews on Thursday to mark Democracy Day, both party chairmen emphasised the need for reform, stating that a single term would ease the pressures of re-election and improve governance. APC chairman Alphonsus Eba said, “I totally agree with the popular call for a single tenure of six years because it…

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, on Wednesday held a high-level meeting with representatives from 15 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to coordinate plans and security arrangements for this year’s Democracy Day commemorations. In a statement issued by the Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, it was revealed that the meeting focused on ensuring public safety, law and order during the events scheduled for 12 June. According to Hundeyin, all participating groups expressed a shared commitment to maintaining peace throughout their activities. Half of the CSOs signalled their intention to hold peaceful celebrations, while the other half…

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has revealed that the proposed N1.48 trillion 2025 budget makes provision for the return of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other political officeholders. Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday while appearing before the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight, Ibas said the budget anticipates a restoration of constitutional governance in the state, following the emergency rule declared earlier this year. “The draft budget prudently retains provisions for the offices and functions of suspended political actors, some of whom have already drawn on allocated resources in the first…

The Oyo State Government has announced the postponement of the Adire Carnival and Exhibition, which was originally scheduled to hold on Friday, 20th June 2025. The announcement was made in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, on behalf of the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun. According to Olatunbosun, the decision to postpone the event was taken to ensure it meets global best practices and delivers a seamless, high-quality experience for attendees and guests. He assured the public that a new date would be announced in due course and that…

Posters of popular Ibadan-based broadcaster, Hamzat Oriyomi, have appeared across the city, sparking speculation about a possible political ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections. The posters, bearing the slogan “2027 Oyo n pe o” (Oyo is calling you), feature a black portrait of the veteran Yoruba broadcaster. However, they do not indicate the specific political office he may be seeking. In a video posted by a support group on Wednesday, the founder of Agidigbo FM was seen engaging warmly with a crowd at an event, where supporters repeatedly urged him to “answer the call” of the people. “Okiki (Hamzat),…

Prominent sociopolitical activist, Aisha Yesufu, has criticised President Bola Tinubu following the renaming of the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja after him. The facility, recently renovated by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration, was officially renamed the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre and unveiled by the President on Tuesday. Speaking at the commissioning, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, said the renovation was necessary as the previous state of the centre was an embarrassment to Nigeria in the eyes of the international community. He accused former managers of mismanaging the facility and pledged an end to such…

A member of the Ekiti State Waste Management Board, Mr Wale Ade-Oba, has announced his resignation from the Biodun Oyebanji-led administration, citing dissatisfaction with the state government’s performance and direction. In a statement released on Tuesday, Ade-Oba criticised Governor Oyebanji for what he described as a lack of meaningful development across the state despite significant budgetary allocations. He accused the governor of being frequently absent from the state and pursuing an “unclear agenda,” which he claims has led to ineffective governance and neglect of loyal party members. READ ALSO: Oyebanji urges more police presence in Ekiti, seeks tighter border security…

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has officially renamed the Abuja International Conference Centre as the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, in recognition of the leadership of President Bola Tinubu. The announcement was made on Tuesday during the formal inauguration ceremony of the rehabilitated facility in Abuja. The Minister also revealed that several other halls within the centre have been named after key figures in Nigeria’s government, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun. Speaking at…