Politics
Who is Afraid of Peace and Stability In Kebbi State ?
Who is Afraid of Peace and Stability In Kebbi State ?
By Imam Talba
It is always an eyesore and very troubling to watch how once-powerful men descend into the abyss of desperation, clutching at straws of irrelevance while disgracefully weaponizing the very insecurities they once ignored. The latest petition authored by Abubakar Malami, who many Nigerians know as the former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, is an interesting case study of what we can term political recklessness, hypocrisy, and the dangerous misuse of national security rhetoric for personal gain.
The petition which was dated 10th September 2025 and addressed to the National Security Adviser, Director General of the Department of State Services, Inspector General of Police, and the Comptroller-Generals of Immigration and Civil Defence, Malami’s letter purportedly raises alarm about alleged plans to destabilize Kebbi State through the importation of political thugs, mercenaries from Niger Republic, and the trafficking of arms. He had the effrontery to further accuse the sitting governor of Kebbi of complicity, even going as far as linking the state government to terrorist networks.
At the surface, such a petition ought to be taken seriously and treated with gravity. But when scrutinized closely, one would discover that its authorship by the person of Malami evidently questions its credibility. This letter reeks of desperation, vindictiveness, and opportunism, being qualities that are far from the noble intervention of a patriotic elder statesman. Indeed, it exposes not the state institution, not the state governor, but the cunny Malami himself as a political clown who sought to create relevance for himself.
The timing of Malami’s petition raises suspicion. It can be recalled that under former President Muhammadu Buhari, he occupied one of the most powerful offices in Nigeria: Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice for eight years (2015–2023). During that period, Kebbi State and much of the North West suffered under the ceaseless assault of kidnappers, bandits, and terrorists. Hundreds were killed, villages were sacked, and thousands were displaced. Yet, not once was the now-concerned Malami heard publicly condemning the atrocities in his very home state, nor visit bereaved families, nor even send a perfunctory condolence letter.
This was a man who had the ears of the President, the authority of the office, and the instruments of justice at his disposal. But he chose the path of silence. He embraced complicity, and he chose political convenience over the lives of his people.
Now, after wandering around for a while, he suddenly found solace among the “IDPs” – internal displaced politicians – a coalition of rejected, rebellious, serial losers, and failed politicians, he suddenly discovered a newfound passion for Kebbi’s security. He now forces himself into our view, painting himself as a whistle-blower, screaming about foreign mercenaries, clandestine arms deals, and terrorist networks. I am surprised to ask, where was this fiery patriotism when the bodies of innocent farmers littered the fields of Danko-Wasagu? Where was his sense of urgency when schools in Zuru were shut down due to insecurity? Where was his letter-writing zeal when women were abducted on highways in Argungu?
At this point, we won’t be deceived by all his shenanigans. The hypocrisy is glaring for all to see. His action isn’t genuine patriotism, but of desperation for political recognition. Having failed to carve out relevance within mainstream politics, he now weaponizes the pain of Kebbi people for selfish aggrandizement.
The great people of Nigeria won’t forget so soon how Malami’s record as Attorney General was so scandalous. We still remember how his tenure remains one of the most controversial in Nigeria’s democratic history, characterized by allegations of corruption, abuse of office, and the shielding of politically exposed persons from justice. Nigerians still remember the suspicious deals around recovered loot, the brazen attempts to frustrate anti-graft prosecutions, the and the blatant personalization of the office of the AGF. During his dictatorial era in office, Malami’s name became synonymous with political manipulation. Even within his home state of Kebbi, his aloofness to the plight of ordinary citizens during the years of banditry has not been forgotten.
Therefore, when such a man pens a petition alleging that the governor of Kebbi is colluding with terrorists, Nigerians must interrogate not the content but the intent. Is this the voice of a patriot? Or is it the cry of a desperate politician, eager to blackmail his opponents and stage-manage insecurity as a bargaining chip? The answer is self-evident.
Malami alleges that foreign mercenaries from Niger Republic are being armed and deployed to Kebbi. He claims thugs roam freely, attacking citizens without fear of law enforcement. He insists that Governor Nasir Idris and his allies are complicit, and he even mentions links to a terrorist network.
But pause for a moment. Who, just days ago, was accused of facilitating the importation of bandits into Kebbi? Who, according to reports, has been fingered in clandestine arrangements with violent actors for political advantage? None other than Abubakar Malami himself.
Indeed, the timing of his petition betrays him. Less than 48 hours after attempting to silence the media from reporting his alleged connections to bandit importation, he suddenly leapt forward with this so-called petition. What clearer evidence of deflection can there be? A guilty man projects his sins on others. By rushing to accuse Governor Nasir Idris, Malami merely seeks to distract attention from his own alleged complicity.
The petition Is not a patriotic document; it is a smokescreen. It is not a warning; it is a confession disguised as accusation.
Let it be said clearly: Governor Nasir Idris has no complicity in the allegations leveled by Malami. On the contrary, the governor has demonstrated commendable commitment to the security of the Kebbi people. Since assuming office, he has taken proactive measures like working hand-in-glove with federal security agencies, providing logistic support to the armed forces, and creating grassroots security initiatives across local governments. He has built synergy with community leaders and vigilantes to restore peace in rural areas. Most importantly, he has consistently reaffirmed his government’s zero tolerance for banditry, terrorism, and thuggery.
For Malami to tarnish the name of such a proactive leader is not only mischievous but malicious. It is a calculated attempt at blackmail. Nigerians must not be deceived. Governor Idris remains innocent of these wild allegations, and the people of Kebbi know his commitment firsthand.
At a time when Nigeria battles multiple security fronts – terrorism in the North East, banditry in the North West, separatist violence in the South East, and oil theft in the South South – the last thing the nation needs right now is a reckless politician whose joblessness has positioned him as a sower of confusion for personal gain. Malami’s petition, if left unchecked, could incite violence, inflame tensions, and weaken the morale of security agencies that are daily sacrificing their lives. This is all the more reason why his actions must be condemned in the strongest terms.
I would urge the international community, particularly democratic partners, not to be swayed by his antics. They must recognize him for what he is: a desperate man seeking to launder his image through false alarms. For the record, I’m convinced that it is Malami, not Governor Idris, who ought to be placed on international watchlists for destabilization attempts and reckless political conduct.
Abubakar Malami’s petition is not the voice of conscience but the cry for recognition. It is the rant of a desperate man who is willing to drag his state and his country into turmoil for selfish ends. His record as Attorney General is littered with corruption and complicity; his silence during years of banditry speaks volumes; his sudden alarmism exposes hypocrisy; and his baseless attack on Governor Nasir Idris reveals malice.
Nigeria cannot afford to indulge such recklessness. The security agencies must treat his petition not as intelligence but as evidence of desperation from a selfish individual. The international community must place him under scrutiny. And the Nigerian people must consign him to the dustbin of political history.
In a conclusive analysis, Malami is a traitor and not a savior to Kebbi. He should be seen as a political clown, a liability, and a threat to the very peace he pretends to defend. Nigerians must see through Malami’s games and rally behind legitimate individuals, not political failures attempting to reinvent themselves as prophets of doom.
Talba wrote this piece from Birnin- Kebbi.
Lagos Lawmakers Call For Financial Autonomy For Local Government Legislative Arm
Members of the Lagos State Assembly have called for financial autonomy for the legislative arms of the Local Governments (LGs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) throughout the state.
The call was made at the Plenary session on Tuesday, September 16, presided over by the Speaker, Rt Hon Mudashiru Obasa.
The motion, titled “Call for Financial Independence for the Legislative Arms of Local Government Areas and LCDAs in Lagos,” was introduced by Hon. Sanni Babatunde, the Chairman of the Committee on Local Government Administration, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development.
Hon. Babatunde underscored that the legislative arm at the local level plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s democratic framework, bearing constitutional responsibilities for law-making, oversight, and constituency representation.
Contributing to the discussion, Hon. Obafemi Saheed highlighted that the 1999 Constitution emphasizes the separation of powers, asserting that granting autonomy at the local level would enhance representation, oversight, and independence, aligning it with practices at the state and federal levels. He argued that such measures would foster good governance at the grassroots.
Hon. Temitope Adewale, OON, who supported the motion, stressed that councilors perform functions comparable to those of state legislators. He expressed concern that many council leaders often face undue influence from local government chairpersons due to their financial reliance. He proposed that training for local government legislative leaders should involve cooperation between the Ministry of Local Government and the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Further insights were shared by Hon. Bonu Solomon, who commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing financial autonomy to local governments through direct allocations from the federation account, which has reportedly improved their operational efficiency. He insisted that similar financial independence should also be granted to local legislative bodies.
Hon. Aro Moshood added that empowering local government legislatures is essential for effective governance, suggesting that lawmakers should actively observe local legislative sessions to understand the issues faced by councilors without autonomy.
The lawmakers decided to urge Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to instruct the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development to formulate a strategy for the independent financing of Legislative Councils within Lagos State.
Speaker Obasa echoed the importance of financial independence for councilors to effectively perform their oversight roles. He noted the increased allocations to local governments and emphasized the need to empower grassroots legislatures to maintain proper checks and balances for the benefit of the citizens.
The House resolved to instruct the Commissioner of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development to prioritize ongoing training and capacity-building programs for councilors in financial management, budgeting, and legislative practices. They also urged the Ministry to pursue the enactment of a self-accounting law that would secure financial autonomy for the legislative arms in all local governments and LCDAs.
Politics
NNPP Chieftain, Ajadi Urges Govt, Private Schools To Stop Frequent Change Of Textbook On School Resumption
NNPP Chieftain, Ajadi Urges Govt, Private Schools To Stop Frequent Change Of Textbook On School Resumption
-Johnson Akinpelu
As schools resume across most states, South West Chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has cautioned both government and private schools against the frequent and unnecessary change of textbooks every academic session.
Ajadi, who is also a businessman and philanthropist, expressed concern over the economic strain on parents, stating that many families are already struggling under the weight of the current economic hardship.
He noted that in the past, it was common practice for younger siblings to reuse textbooks passed down from older ones, a practice that helped ease financial burdens on households.
Ajadi said in a statement on Monday that, “the attitude of both private and government schools in changing text books every term has forced the parents to continuously buy new books every term for different classes.
“During our time, siblings were using textbooks of their elders. I am urging the government to stop changing textbooks every term or year, parents are groaning in pains.
“I called on the Minister of Education and the State Governors to stop this habit as parents are going through hell. I also call on the governments both at the state and the Federal level to subside prices of text books to help the parents.
“I pity parents who are forced to buy different sets of textbooks for their children every term. This should not be happening,” Ajadi said.
He called on the government to intervene by subsidizing textbooks for students as a way of supporting families and promote access to education amid economic difficulties.
Politics
A Hollow Order of Injustice: How Wike’s Court Ruling Becomes Tinubu’s Weapon Against Democracy
A Hollow Order of Injustice: How Wike’s Court Ruling Becomes Tinubu’s Weapon Against Democracy.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Sahara Weekly
When the judiciary bends, democracy breaks; Nigeria must resist this orchestrated assault on justice.
Introduction: The Court as a Weapon, Not a Sanctuary.
In a country where the judiciary should serve as the last hope of the common man, Nigeria has tragically descended into a terrain where the gavel has been hijacked by political gladiators. The latest ruling (widely seen as a hollow order) emanating from a judge loyal to Nyesom Wike, has revealed once again how President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are using the courts as instruments of destabilization rather than bastions of justice.
This is not merely a legal misstep; it is a calculated attempt to cripple democracy in Nigeria. When courts become pawns in the political chessboard, democracy does not just weaken, it collapses under the weight of judicial compromise.
Wike’s Shadow Over the Bench.
Nyesom Wike, a political strongman with a well-documented history of coercion and manipulation, now casts a long shadow over the judiciary. Since his emergence as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), his influence has been systematically extended into the judiciary, where certain judges appear to dance to his drumbeats.
Legal experts have pointed out that the order in question carries the hallmarks of political interference. According to Professor Itse Sagay, a respected constitutional lawyer, “When judicial orders begin to align suspiciously with political interests, one must question whether the courts are still guided by law or by unseen puppeteers.”
This so-called ruling is less about law and more about consolidating power for Tinubu’s APC, with Wike serving as the enforcer of the new political order.
The Judiciary in Chains.
Nigeria’s judiciary has historically faced accusations of compromise, but the present climate is dangerously unprecedented. A 2024 report by Transparency International placed Nigeria among the top 30 countries where judicial corruption is “systemic and politically motivated.”
Instead of functioning as impartial interpreters of the constitution, judges are increasingly being deployed to deliver predetermined outcomes. The hollow order from Wike’s judge is a glaring example of this trend.
The late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa once said, “A judge who has sold his conscience for political reward is worse than an armed robber, for he robs not just one man, but the entire nation of justice.” Today, those words echo like a warning bell across Nigeria’s fragile democracy.
Tinubu’s Playbook: Undermine to Dominate.
President Tinubu’s administration has consistently relied on a pattern: weaken institutions, manipulate the judiciary, and control narratives. During the 2023 elections, multiple cases were dismissed or decided in ways that raised eyebrows among observers. Amnesty International and the European Union Election Observation Mission both flagged “judicial complicity” in electoral disputes.
The hollow order is not isolated, it is part of Tinubu’s broader playbook. By destabilizing legal processes, the APC ensures that opposition voices are weakened, dissenting platforms are strangled and democracy is reduced to an empty slogan.
As Chinua Achebe warned in The Trouble with Nigeria, “The problem is unwillingness or inability of its leaders to rise to the responsibility, to the challenge of personal example, which is the hallmark of true leadership.” Tinubu’s reliance on judicial manipulation demonstrates precisely this unwillingness.
Democracy Under Siege.
The danger of this trend cannot be overstated. Democracy thrives on separation of powers; executive, legislature and judiciary acting independently. Once the judiciary becomes a tool of the executive, dictatorship is born under democratic disguise.
Political analyst Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed notes, “The greatest danger to Nigeria today is not even corruption or insecurity, but the collapse of institutions meant to protect us from bad governance. The judiciary is top of that list.”
The hollow order from Wike’s judge is not a legal pronouncement; it is a political strategy. It is designed to silence opposition, intimidate civil society and normalize executive overreach. If this trend persists, Nigerians will wake up one day to realize that democracy was overthrown, not by soldiers in uniform, but by judges in robes.
Facts Behind the Hollow Order.
Let us be clear: NO SERIOUS LEGAL FOUNDATION EXISTS FOR THIS RULING. Analysts have described it as vague, contradictory and unenforceable in any constitutional democracy. The order lacks jurisprudential depth and fails the basic test of legal reasoning.
Fact-checking the order reveals:
Constitutional Contradictions ~ Several provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) clearly nullify the premises of the order.
Absence of Precedent ~ No judicial precedent supports the decision, suggesting it was crafted for political convenience rather than legal clarity.
Conflict of Interest ~ The judge’s known proximity to Wike raises ethical questions about impartiality, contravening the Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct.
Thus, describing it as hollow is not hyperbole; it is a fact.
Scholars and Experts Weigh In.
Respected voices across law, governance and civil society have condemned the trend.
Professor Akin Oyebode, international law scholar: “When courts become marketplaces for political bargains, justice dies. Nigeria is approaching that dangerous precipice.”
Dr. Jibrin Ibrahim, political scientist: “The judiciary has become the last nail in the coffin of Nigeria’s democracy. Unless Nigerians resist, the APC will use the courts to legitimize tyranny.”
Nelson Mandela, though speaking decades ago, provides timeless wisdom: “Our freedom is incomplete without the rule of law.” Nigeria’s current reality proves Mandela right – without law, freedom is fiction.
The International Dimension.
The world is watching. The hollow order has already triggered concerns among international observers. The U.S. State Department, in its 2024 Nigeria Human Rights Report, warned about “judicial partiality and undue political interference.”
If Nigeria continues on this trajectory, it risks isolation. Investors will flee, fearing instability. Civil liberties will shrink. And Nigeria, Africa’s largest democracy by population, may slide into the ignominy of authoritarianism.
The People’s Mandate: Resist Judicial Capture.
At this critical juncture, Nigerians must refuse to accept hollow orders as legitimate. Civil society must intensify pressure, the Bar Association must defend its oath and ordinary citizens must raise their voices. Silence is complicity.
As Martin Luther King Jr. declared, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Allowing APC and Tinubu to weaponize the judiciary endangers not just political opponents but every Nigerian seeking justice tomorrow.
A Call to Action.
The judiciary must be reclaimed from political hijackers. Reform is urgent:
Judicial Independence: Appointment processes must be insulated from political manipulation.
Accountability: Judges complicit in political rulings must face disciplinary and legal sanctions.
Civil Resistance: Nigerians must demand that the courts serve people not politicians.
The hollow order should be remembered as a turning point – where citizens decided that enough was enough.
Final Word.
Nigeria’s democracy is bleeding and the latest ruling is a dagger in its heart. Wike’s influence and Tinubu’s manipulation have combined to transform the judiciary into a weapon of oppression. But history teaches us that hollow orders cannot stand against a determined people.
The court may have spoken, but its words ring hollow. The people must now speak louder.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Sahara Weekly
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