…describes Malami’s allegations against Gov Nasir as a smokescreen to promote terrorists agenda in Nigeria.

The Coalition for Justice and Equity (CJE) has called on security agencies and the international community to include former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, on their terorrism watchlist due to the potential dangers his actions pose to national stability.

The group labelled Malami’s recent allegations against Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, as a “smokescreen to promote a terrorist agenda” in Nigeria, labelling his claims as baseless, politically motivated, and a dangerous attempt to destabilise Kebbi State and undermine Nigeria’s national security.

Comrade Isaac Olayemi, Executive Director of the Coalition for Justice and Equity, emphasised that Malami’s petition represents “a brazen display of political opportunism” and “deeply mischievously fabricated with the intent to distract, destabilise, and delegitimise the progress Kebbi State has made under its current leadership.”

In a petition dated September 10, 2025, addressed to the National Security Adviser, Inspector-General of Police, Director-General of the Department of State Services, and other security chiefs, Malami alleged that Governor Idris was covertly supporting the importation of foreign mercenaries, thugs, and clandestine arms networks into Kebbi State.

However, the coalition dismissed these claims as “mischievously fabricated” and a desperate bid by Malami to deflect attention from his own alleged involvement in similar activities, including reports of him facilitating banditry in the state just 48 hours prior.

Olayemi accused Malami of hypocrisy, pointing to his silence during his eight-year tenure as Attorney General (2015-2023) under President Muhammadu Buhari.

“During that era, bandits, terrorists, and criminal gangs brutally attacked numerous towns in Kebbi and throughout Nigeria during that time. Yet, not once did Malami raise his voice in solidarity with the victims, issue letters of condolence, or used his immense power to persuade the federal government to take immediate action,” Olayemi said.

He described Malami’s sudden concern for Kebbi as “laughable and insulting,” accusing him of attempting to recast himself as a “messiah” after years of alleged negligence and corruption scandals, including “the brazen abuse of office we want to start from, the unexplained accumulation of wealth that is visible to the blind, the controversial handling of high-profile cases, or the brazen attempt to shield cronies from accountability.”

The coalition highlighted the suspicious timing of Malami’s petition, noting it came just 48 hours after reports surfaced accusing him of facilitating banditry in Kebbi.

“This is the oldest trick in the book: when caught in the act, cry louder than your accusers. This is a classic case of the guilty pointing outward to deflect attention from his own shadowy dealings—just like a hunter who is trying to pose as prey,” Olayemi stated.

The group questioned the credibility of Malami’s intelligence, asking, “Could it be that he knows so much because he is himself part of the orchestration?”

Olayemi praised Governor Idris for his proactive leadership in tackling insecurity, collaborating with security agencies, and supporting affected communities.

“Since the Governor assumption into office, he has demonstrated proactive leadership by working together with security agencies to tackle insecurities, support victims of attacks, and restore peace to troubled communities,” he said.

He called Malami’s claim that Idris has ties to terrorists “very laughable and unfounded,” arguing it is “an attempt to weaken the public’s confidence in legitimate institutions” and part of a broader conspiracy by “displaced politicians – people who have lost relevance, who the people have rejected, and who now seek to fan the embers of discord to regain political relevance.”

The coalition labelled Malami’s actions as unpatriotic and treasonable, warning that “Security is not a pawn on the chessboard of political ambition.

“The preservation of lives and property is the sacred duty of any responsible government. To politicize it, to exaggerate figures, to conjure phantom mercenaries, and to smear sitting leaders with unsubstantiated allegations, is not only unpatriotic but treasonable.”

They urged the National Security Adviser, Inspector-General of Police, Director-General of DSS, and all relevant agencies to place Malami under strict watch, subjecting “his finance, movements, networks, and people he associates must be subjected to rigorous scrutiny.”

MINISTER UNDER FIRE: Staff Welfare Neglect Sparks Call for Removal -CSO’s

A damning revelation has shaken the very foundations of the Ministry of Women Affairs. A coalition of 24 civil society organizations, known as the Coalition of FCT Civil Society Groups, has blown the lid off the deplorable working conditions and alleged negligence within the ministry. The coalition’s attention was drawn to the issue after ministry staff took to the streets in desperation, protesting over their welfare, citing unpaid allowances, lack of working tools, and poor working conditions that have made their working lives a living hell.

The staff’s plight is nothing short of heart-wrenching. Despite their tireless efforts to serve the nation, they have been left to struggle with inadequate resources, outdated equipment, and a general lack of support from their leadership. The Minister of Women Affairs, entrusted with taxpayer money, seems to have forgotten that the staff’s welfare is crucial to the ministry’s success. The neglect is so egregious that it’s a wonder the staff still show up to work, driven by their dedication to serving the nation rather than any support from their leadership.

According to Elvis Ekundina Segun, Director of Programs at the FCT Coalition of Civil Society Groups, the Minister’s neglect of staff welfare has led to a catastrophic breakdown in communication and a lack of trust between the leadership and staff. “The continuous neglect of staff welfare and lack of engagement between the Minister and staff have led to this mass action,” Elvis stated emphatically. “It’s a cry for justice, a call to action to ensure that those who serve the nation are treated with dignity and respect. The staff’s welfare is not a privilege, it’s a right.”

The coalition is demanding that the Minister takes immediate action to address the staff’s concerns and improve their welfare. However, given the Minister’s apparent disregard for the staff’s well-being, we have been left with no choice but to take further action. We are calling on the President to remove the current Minister of Women Affairs and appoint a new one who will prioritize the welfare of staff and ensure the ministry functions effectively.

The Ministry of Women Affairs is a strong pillar of our nation’s social welfare system, established to promote the welfare and empowerment of women. However, the current state of the ministry’s staff welfare undermines its very purpose. How can the ministry effectively promote the welfare of women when its own staff are neglected and deprived of basic necessities? The purpose of the ministry cannot be met when the staff supposed to drive its objectives are not properly taken care of and are being deprived of benefits that their colleagues in other ministries enjoy.

In light of this, we shall be engaging in a mass protest* to bring attention to this critical issue and demand action from the government. We will not rest until the staff’s welfare is prioritized and the ministry is led by someone who understands the importance of supporting its staff. *We urge the President to take immediate action and replace the current Minister with someone who will prioritize the welfare of staff and drive the ministry’s objectives effectively.

The fate of the Ministry of Women Affairs’ staff hangs precariously in the balance. Will the government listen to their cry for justice? Will they prioritize the welfare of those who serve the nation, or will they continue to neglect their duties? The nation watches with bated breath as the coalition prepares to take to the streets in protest. One thing is certain: the Coalition of FCT Civil Society Groups will not rest until their demands are met and the staff’s welfare is prioritized.

The clock is ticking. The staff’s welfare is not a bargaining chip; it’s a fundamental human right. The Minister of Women Affairs must be held accountable for the neglect of staff welfare. The nation cannot afford to have its public servants treated like slaves, working without adequate compensation or support. The coalition’s demands are not radical; they are reasonable and just. It’s time for the government to take action and prioritize the welfare of its staff. The future of the nation’s social welfare system depends on it.

Group Lauds COAS Oluyede’s Commitment To Troops’ Welfare

A coalition of civil society unions, Campaign Against Injustice, CAI, has lauded the Chief of Army Staff, Gen Olufemi Oluyede, for his commitment to the troops’ welfare.

CAI, in a statement issued by its convener, Abbey Jolaosho in Lagos on Monday, said this has further strengthened the resolve by the COAS to tackle headlong the security challenges facing Nigeria.
” The announcement by Gen Oluyede would boost the morale of the troops and give the necessary impetus to put in their best. “We are glad with this news as it further conformed our belief that the Army Chief has got all what it takes ‘to win the war on terrorism,’ the group added.

The group, however, called on well-meaning Nigerians to also lend a helping hands to the Army when necessary, bearing in mind that defeating insurgency requires a collective commitment.

” We are using this medium to urge all Nigerians to ‘own’ the Army and assist in whatever ways at this defining moment in our country. We have to bear it in mind that defeating this hydra called terrorism would require the support of the civilians.

” It’s expedient at this moment to also play our own part, which is incumbent on us by the Constitution as good citizens,” the group noted.

It would be recalled that Gen Oluyede last Tuesday
paid an operational visit to Godwin Ally Barracks, Ogoja, Cross River State, where he commended the resilience and dedication of officers and soldiers of 130 Battalion and 341 Artillery Regiment.

He praised their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation and assured them that the Nigerian Army, under his leadership, would continue to prioritise their welfare alongside operational effectiveness.

The visit formed part of his assessment tour of formations and units under the 82 Division Area of Responsibility. On arrival, the COAS inspected key facilities, interacted directly with the troops, and expressed appreciation for the sacrifices they continue to make in the face of difficult security challenges.

Oluyede, who has consistently underlined his belief in supporting soldiers’ families, disclosed that substantial resources were being invested in revamping schools within the barracks to ensure children and wards of personnel have access to first-class education. He also directed the immediate renovation of dilapidated accommodation blocks to provide better living standards for soldiers and their dependants.

Reaffirming his “Soldiers First” mantra, the Army Chief stressed that his administration was committed to improving the living and working conditions of Nigerian Army personnel, while equipping them with the tools needed to tackle evolving security threats.

He cited the recent increase in the Ration Cash Allowance, which has allowed commanders to provide better meals for their troops, as a measure that must be matched by renewed commitment and professionalism on the part of the soldiers.

The COAS further announced ongoing efforts to provide every soldier with new uniforms and essential military kits to ensure seamless operational performance. These measures, he said, were part of deliberate steps to standardise readiness, reinforce esprit de corps, and raise morale across the ranks.

Charging the troops to maintain the highest standards of discipline and professionalism, General Oluyede urged them to strengthen synergy with sister security agencies and engage positively with host communities. Such collaboration, he emphasised, was vital to consolidating peace and stability in Cross River and the wider region.

The Ogoja visit, like others undertaken in recent weeks, highlights the dual focus of the Army Chief’s leadership — driving operational efficiency on the frontlines while also investing heavily in welfare initiatives for the rank and file.