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Nigeria on the Brink: Power-Hungry Leaders Must Wake Up Before the Collapse Is Irreversible

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Nigeria on the Brink: Power-Hungry Leaders Must Wake Up Before the Collapse Is Irreversible

By George Omagbemi Sylvester

In the words of Martin Luther King Jr., “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” Today, what matters most is Nigeria the once-great “Giant of Africa” tottering dangerously on the brink of political, economic and social collapse. The warning signs are clear to both citizens and foreign observers: security has imploded, the economy is in free fall and leadership is fixated not on governance, but on power retention and elite capture.

 

The British-born foreign journalist, David Hundeyin, recently remarked: “What we are witnessing in Nigeria is not misgovernance, it is deliberate state sabotage. You cannot destroy a country this comprehensively by accident.” This chilling diagnosis encapsulates the painful reality of a nation being asphyxiated by its very custodians.

 

A Nation Under Siege

Nigeria is in a state of war. The Nigerian Security Tracker, a project by the Council on Foreign Relations, reports that over 63,000 people have been killed by Boko Haram, bandits and state security forces since 2011. Under the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who took over in 2023 amidst a disputed election and judicial controversy, insecurity has worsened. In the first quarter of 2024 alone, more than 4,000 Nigerians were either killed or abducted across the country, according to SBM Intelligence.

 

Zamfara, Kaduna, Borno, Plateau and Niger States remain theatres of bloodshed. The armed forces are overstretched, morale is low and intelligence operations are ineffective. The recent attack on a military convoy in Niger State that left 23 soldiers dead underscores the collapse of national defense infrastructure. Worse still, there has been a deafening silence from the presidency, no strategy to reverse the trend; just recycled promises and arrogant posturing.

 

As Femi Falana (SAN), renowned human rights lawyer, warned in a press briefing:
“We cannot run a country where lives are being lost daily and those in power are more concerned with traveling abroad, awarding themselves privileges and weaponizing poverty against their citizens. This is not governance, it is gangsterism.”

 

Economic Collapse: From Giant to Beggar
The economic outlook is just as grim. Nigeria’s naira has lost over 70% of its value against the dollar since June 2023, when President Tinubu abruptly removed fuel subsidies and floated the currency without a buffer plan. This triggered hyperinflation, with food prices soaring beyond the reach of the average Nigerian. As of March 2025, inflation stands at 34.1%, while food inflation exceeds 45%, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

 

The World Bank has confirmed that over 133 million Nigerians now live in multidimensional poverty, a devastating indictment of an oil-rich country whose leaders claim to be “reforming” the economy. Meanwhile, over 55% of the federal budget is used to service debt, leaving little room for capital investment or social welfare. Corruption in public finance remains unchecked and no major convictions have been recorded under this administration, despite overwhelming evidence of looting in ministries and parastatals.

 

Leadership in Disgrace

Perhaps the most dangerous aspect of Nigeria’s decline is the quality of leadership. While the country bleeds, President Tinubu has spent more time outside the country than inside, embarking on over 18 foreign trips in less than a year, according to media tallies. His handlers claim these are for investment drives, yet no tangible result has been seen. Foreign direct investment (FDI) into Nigeria fell to $468 million in 2024, down from over $2.5 billion in 2014, as investors flee a country plagued by policy inconsistency, Insecurity and poor infrastructure.

Instead of leadership, Nigeria is governed by power blocs of ethnic, religious and political cronies. State capture is now institutionalized, with critical institutions like the judiciary and electoral commission operating under executive pressure. The 2023 presidential election was marred by rigging, voter suppression and result tampering confirmed by both local and international observers like the EU Election Mission.

As Professor Chidi Odinkalu, former chairman of Nigeria’s Human Rights Commission, put it:

“Nigeria is not being governed; it is being auctioned. Those in power are only interested in who controls what, who loots what and who silences who. The people are incidental to their power calculus.”

A Time to Choose: Reform or Ruin
It is no longer enough to “pray for Nigeria.” Prayer without purpose is procrastination. Nigeria must undergo an urgent political renaissance driven by citizens, activists, professionals and ethical leaders. There must be a shift from the current political structure based on patronage and tribal loyalty to a meritocratic, transparent and accountable governance model.

First, the president must cut the cost of governance. Over N10 billion was spent on installing solar panels at Aso Rock in 2024 at a time when over 80% of Nigerians lack regular electricity. This kind of reckless spending must end. Secondly, there must be a total overhaul of the security architecture, including better funding, training, and welfare for the armed forces. Third, institutional reforms are needed: the judiciary must be independent, the electoral system digitized and the civil service professionalized.

Most importantly, the leaders must stop the obsession with 2027. Instead of jostling for succession, they should focus on salvaging a country on the edge of civil implosion. Power for power’s sake has become the most destructive disease in Nigeria’s political space.

As Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka once declared:
“Only those who are deaf to the cry of humanity can continue to pretend that all is well in Nigeria. This is a nation crying for revolution, if not by blood, then by conscience.”

Citizens Must Rise
While blame rests squarely on those in power, the citizens cannot afford to remain spectators. Silence is complicity. Nigerians must demand accountability at every level: local, state and federal. Civil society must intensify advocacy, the media must remain bold, and the judiciary must regain its spine.

Young Nigerians in particular, have a role to play. The #EndSARS protest of 2020 was a powerful reminder of people power. That movement was not a failure it was a rehearsal. Another reckoning is coming and this time, it must be total, peaceful and sustained. Civic education, voter registration, peaceful protest and citizen journalism are tools the people must wield.

A Final Warning
Nigeria is tottering. Foreign analysts see it. Local observers live it. The warning lights are flashing red. If urgent, people-focused and ethical leadership is not activated, Nigeria could slip into a failed state status becoming a refugee-producing zone and a threat to regional stability.

The burden is heavy, but the time is now. There is still a narrow window to rescue Nigeria from the abyss. Our leaders must shed their obsession with power and embrace the responsibility of service. Governance is not a coronation; it is a contract. If they cannot fulfill it, they must step aside or be pushed aside by history.

As Archbishop Desmond Tutu once said:
“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”

Let us not be neutral.
Let us rise.
Let us speak.
Let us act.
Nigeria is bleeding, but it is not yet dead; there is still time barely.

Nigeria on the Brink: Power-Hungry Leaders Must Wake Up Before the Collapse Is Irreversible
By George Omagbemi Sylvester

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Hadjia Akinosun Morhiyam (Omotayenreti): A Rising Star in Islamic Music

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Hadjia Akinosun Morhiyam (Omotayenreti): A Rising Star in Islamic Music

By Taofik Afolabi

 

In a world where talent meets purpose, Hadjia Akinosun Morhiyam, popularly known as Omotayenreti, stands out as a shining light in the Islamic music scene. Young, vibrant, and exceptionally gifted, she is steadily carving a niche for herself with a voice that resonates deeply with the soul.

Blessed with a naturally sonorous and captivating tone, Omotayenreti possesses a rare ability to connect with her audience through heartfelt lyrics and spiritually uplifting melodies. Her music is not just entertainment—it is a message of faith, hope, and devotion, delivered with sincerity and grace.
Despite her youth, she demonstrates remarkable artistry, discipline, and passion that set her apart from many of her peers. Each performance reflects her deep understanding of Islamic values, as she uses her talent as a tool to inspire, educate, and uplift listeners across all walks of life.

Omotayenreti is undoubtedly a star in the making, with all the qualities needed to rise to the top of the Islamic music world. Her dedication, unique sound, and powerful voice position her as one of the most promising female Islamic singers of her generation.

As she continues to grow and evolve, there is no doubt that Hadjia Akinosun Morhiyam will leave an indelible mark on the industry—touching hearts, spreading positivity, and becoming a global ambassador for Islamic music.
Watch out for Omotayenreti, the future is bright, and her voice is just getting started.

 

Hadjia Akinosun Morhiyam (Omotayenreti): A Rising Star in Islamic Music
By Taofik Afolabi

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PDP Guber Aspirant, Ajadi Hails Olubadan, CCII Over Successful Completion Of Ibadan Cultural Festival

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PDP Guber Aspirant, Ajadi Hails Olubadan, CCII Over Successful Completion Of Ibadan Cultural Festival

 

A leading Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has commended the peaceful conduct and the success of this year’s edition of Ibadan Cultural Festival, describing it as a pride to all Ibadan Indigenes both at home and abroad.

 

Ibadan Cultural Week is an annual event and the 2026 edition was held at.the Lekan Salami Stadium Adamasingba Ibadan on Saturday.

The week celebrates the Ibadan’s rich heritage, unity, and pride, which usually features vibrant cultural displays, masquerades, and performances.

Ajadi, in a statement he personally signed on Sunday, lauded the Ibadan Cultural Festival, saying it is best of its kind not only in Ibadanland but in the entire Yoruba nation.

Ajadi said that the well conducted 2026 edition of Ibadan Week shows that the indigenes have deep love for their place of birth.

He said that Ibadan’s legacy of good culture, ambience environment and its status as the political Capital of the South West is a pride to all Indigenes.

He stated that Ibadan’s contribution to the national development and progress cannot be underestimated being the Capital of the old Western Region, which made its political status attracted many firsts to the city, which earn the city of the warriors ‘The Pace Setter.’

According to him, these include the first sky scrapper, Cocoa House, the Western Nigerian Television Services now Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), the Liberty Stadium, now Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Premier University, University of Ibadan and many others.

He therefore congratulated the indigenes especially the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu (Ladoja Arusa 1), saying his tenure will witness many more developments for the ancient city.

He called on Ibadan descendants to stand firm and ensure that the city continues to witness monumental developments.

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CSO Gives IGP 24-Hour Ultimatum Over Alleged Police Plot Against Hammed Akanbi

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CSO gives IGP 24-hour ultimatum to realise Hammed Akanbi

 

Civil society Organisation has raised concern over a disturbing sequence of events that point to an alleged high-level conspiracy within the Nigeria Police Force led by Jimoh Moshood Olorundare (AIG Zone 2), targeted at Mr. Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi.

The CSO in a press conference addressed by its leader Com Kolawole Emmanuel , gave the Inspector General of Police a 24-hour ultimatum, demanding the immediate transfer of Mr. Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi to a neutral and independent investigative unit and unrestricted access to his legal representatives and family members.

It said: “Our findings reveal that this matter is not isolated but deeply rooted in the long-standing crisis within the Ojomu Royal Family of Ajiran in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State; a crisis that predates the tenure of Jimoh Moshood Olorundare as Commissioner of Police, Lagos State.

“At the core of this crisis is the control and allocation of vast ancestral lands spanning over 22 communities. This dispute has polarised the community into factions: those aligned with the Kabiesi and those loyal to Mr. Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi, who serves as Chairman of the Youth Wing of the Ojomu Royal Family.

“A troubling dimension emerged with the alleged ambition of Bashir Fakorede to ascend the Ojomu stool while the current monarch remains alive. Credible allegations indicate that Bashir Fakorede identified Mr. Akanbi as the principal obstacle to this ambition and openly declared his intention to “crush” him.

“It is further alleged that Bashir Fakorede enlisted the support of Muiz Banire (SAN), who purportedly assured him of leveraging institutional connections, including the office of the Attorney General of Lagos State, to ensure the prosecution and conviction of Mr. Akanbi.

“In furtherance of this alleged scheme, Bashir Fakorede reportedly conspired with Jimoh Moshood Olorundare who was then the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, now Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Zone 2.

“It is alleged that inducements, including four plots of land at Chevron Drive valued at about ₦1.2 billion, were offered to Jimoh Moshood to secure cooperation in orchestrating Mr. Akanbi’s arrest and eventual elimination.

“Subsequently, a previously investigated and resolved murder allegation was resurrected under questionable circumstances. Individuals were allegedly arrested at random and coerced into making incriminating statements falsely linking Mr. Akanbi to the death of one Sheriff Salami.

“Despite Mr. Akanbi being outside Nigeria on medical grounds, he was declared wanted on 19th February 2026 by Jimoh Moshood Olorundare, a move widely regarded as procedurally defective. This declaration allegedly triggered sponsored acts of violence, including the destruction of his property in Ajiran.

“Legal proceedings initiated by Mr. Akanbi at the Ikeja High Court (Suit No: ID/21447MFHR/2026) challenged this action. Notably, an earlier arrest and remand order obtained through Charge No: Misc/60A/2026 was set aside by the same court due to misrepresentation and concealment of material facts.

“A subsequent application (Charge No: MISC/126/2026) was also refused, with the court directing proper procedure upon his return.

“Following a petition dated 23rd February 2026, the Inspector General of Police directed that the matter be transferred to the X-Squad, FCID, Alagbon. However, in a controversial turn of events, Jimoh Moshood Olorundare, now AIG Zone 2, allegedly insisted on retaining control over the matter.

“Following the clear directive of Court in charge no: MISC/126/2026 that proper procedure be followed by inviting Mr. Akanbi, he was enroute Nigeria from France through Benin Republic when he was eventually arrested in the Benin Republic but the Police on the claim that they have information that he was declared wanted by Jimoh Moshood.

“He was thereafter transferred to Nigeria on 17th April 2026. Since then, he has allegedly been subjected to degrading and inhumane treatment, including:

“Being publicly exposed in handcuffs by associates linked to Bashir Fakorede, particularly one Rukayat Omolara who is alleged to have over the internet with the photographs and video of Akanbi in hand and leg chain, a recording she made while he was in custody of Jimoh Moshood; denial of access to legal counsel and family; interrogation in the presence of individuals allegedly linked to the law firms of Muiz Banire (SAN) and Olumide Fusika (SAN), who are not law enforcement officers; personal supervision of his detention by Jimoh Moshood Olorundare, including signing detention orders and placing him in a private cell at SCID Panti; continuous use of hand and leg restraints while in custody.

“Most alarming are intelligence reports suggesting a deliberate plot to poison Mr. Akanbi with substances designed to cause delayed fatal consequences after release.

“These actions, if proven, constitute egregious violations of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and fundamental human rights protections.

“In light of the foregoing, we hereby issue a 24-HOUR ULTIMATUM to the Inspector General of Police demanding: the immediate transfer of Mr. Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi to a neutral and independent investigative unit; unrestricted access to his legal representatives, family members, and medical professionals; a thorough, transparent, and independent investigation into the roles of all officers and individuals implicated, particularly Jimoh Moshood Olorundare; full compliance with subsisting court rulings and strict adherence to due process.

“Failure to comply within 24 hours will compel us to escalate this matter through all lawful protest and institutional mechanisms, including judicial actions, petitions to oversight bodies, and coordinated civil advocacy at both national and international levels.

“This is a defining moment for the rule of law in Nigeria. We call on the Inspector General of Police to act decisively and restore public confidence in the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force.”

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