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An Open Letter to Kemi Badenoch

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An Open Letter to Kemi Badenoch

Dear Kemi Badenoch,

 

As the leader of the UK’s Conservative Party and a proud Nigerian by birth, your recent criticism of Nigeria has been disappointing and disheartening. At a time when our nation is striving for economic recovery and stability, such negativity undermines our efforts and casts a shadow over the progress being made.

Rather than focusing on criticism, I urge you to consider how your influence can contribute to Nigeria’s growth. Words matter, and yours have the power to either discourage foreign investors or inspire confidence in Nigeria’s potential. Let us not forget that Nigeria is not a poor country. While challenges persist, our government has made bold strides to address them, such as the removal of subsidies on petroleum and foreign exchange. These reforms signal a commitment to redirecting funds towards productive use and fostering sustainable economic growth.

Furthermore, progress has been made in addressing insecurity in the northern and eastern regions. Despite our struggles, Nigeria remains a nation deeply rooted in cultural and religious values, emphasizing community, respect, and tradition. These are qualities that set us apart and provide a foundation for resilience and hope.

While no country is without its flaws, including the UK, where issues such as rape, discrimination, and moral decline exist, Nigeria offers a unique identity and strength. It is unfair and unhelpful to compare the two in a manner that diminishes Nigeria’s dignity and achievements.

An Open Letter to Kemi Badenoch

Nigeria has never inflicted harm on another nation, unlike certain historical events in the UK’s past, such as the injustices of colonization. In our country, we honor and respect our Queen Mothers—symbols of nurturing and leadership. Let us uplift that spirit of leadership rather than tear it down.

Kemi Badenoch, as a leader, a role model, and a mother to the next generation, you carry a responsibility to inspire unity and hope. Criticizing Nigeria from afar does little to solve its challenges; instead, it risks stifling the growth and development we are working so hard to achieve.

Nigeria remains the African Giant—resilient, resourceful, and proud. Let us work together to champion its success and build a brighter future for its people.

Sincerely,
Yinka Sanusi
Concerned Citizen

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Speaker Showdown : Lagos At The Crossroads – Alhaji Arems

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Speaker Showdown : Lagos At The Crossroads - Alhaji Arems

Speaker Showdown : Lagos At The Crossroads – Alhaji Arems

The political scene in Lagos has been nothing short of a rollercoaster lately. The recent days have witnessed a dramatic tug-of-war between Mudashiru Obasa and his deputy, Mojisola Meranda, leaving citizens and political pundits alike with more questions than answers. As a long-time observer of our vibrant state’s affairs, I feel compelled to unravel the threads of this saga for you.

Speaker Showdown : Lagos At The Crossroads - Alhaji Arems
It all began on January 13, 2025, when the Lagos State House of Assembly voted to impeach Speaker Obasa amid swirling allegations of gross misconduct and financial irregularities. His abrupt removal from the speaker’s chair sent shockwaves through the corridors of power, igniting a firestorm of debates among lawmakers and the public alike. In a swift turn of events, Meranda was installed as the new Speaker, a move that many hailed as a step toward restoring order and accountability.

Yet, as with all matters of state in our dynamic political landscape, the story is far from black and white. Obasa, undeterred by the impeachment, has mounted a vigorous counter-narrative. He insists that his dismissal was nothing more than a politically motivated maneuver designed to tip the scales ahead of the 2027 elections. His supporters argue that the impeachment process was fraught with irregularities—a claim that has since found its way into court filings and heated debates in our public squares.

Adding further complexity are the ongoing legal challenges. Courts are now weighing in on the propriety of the impeachment, with petitions from both camps stirring uncertainty about whether the decision to replace Obasa was executed in strict accordance with our constitutional mandate. Each legal development seems to throw a new twist into an already convoluted dispute, leaving the House of Assembly and the people of Lagos in a state of suspended governance.

As the drama unfolds in legislative chambers and courtrooms, every statement and counterstatement seems only to deepen the mystery. The political arena in Lagos remains as divided as ever, with every faction laying claim to the title of true Speaker.

WHO IS THE REAL SPEAKER OF LAGOS STATE?

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TY Buratai Foundation Provides Free Medical Outreach, Benefiting Over 1,800 in Kano

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TY Buratai Foundation Provides Free Medical Outreach, Benefiting Over 1,800 in Kano

The TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation, in collaboration with the Tukur & Tukur Foundation, has successfully conducted a free medical outreach in Kano State, providing essential healthcare services to over 1,800 people.

TY Buratai Foundation Provides Free Medical Outreach, Benefiting Over 1,800 in Kano

The initiative was organized at the invitation of the Kano State Hisbah Board, aiming to support those who serve the community selflessly.

In a statement, the Chairman of the Foundations, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani, along with Col. Haruna Idris Zaria (Rtd), emphasized the importance of the outreach in delivering critical medical care to those in need.

The event was marked by a ceremonial presentation attended by members of the Kano Hisbah Board. Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, Commander-General of the Hisbah Board, expressed profound gratitude to the foundations for their dedication to improving the health and well-being of Hisbah personnel, their families, and the general public.

Sheikh Daurawa highlighted the pressing need for medical intervention, noting that many Hisbah officers are elderly, with some in their 90s, and suffer from serious health conditions.

“This medical outreach is critical. Many of our officers struggle with severe visual impairments, hearing loss, and other chronic ailments. Addressing these health challenges will enhance their productivity and overall well-being,” he said.

He also extended appreciation to Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for supporting the initiative and commended the foundations for prioritizing the health of Hisbah personnel.

“We sincerely thank you for dedicating your time and resources to provide this vital health support. We pray for divine blessings upon the founders and benefactors of these noble foundations,” Sheikh Daurawa added.

He further acknowledged the visionary leadership of the Grand Patron of the Tukur & Tukur Foundation, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (Rtd), for spearheading health-focused initiatives that positively impact underserved communities.

Sheikh Daurawa concluded by offering prayers for all stakeholders and healthcare professionals involved in the outreach, emphasizing that supporting health, education, food security, and vocational empowerment is essential for societal growth.

“By uplifting humanity, we uplift the entire society,” he said.

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NADECO Chieftain Blasts Babangida: ‘Shameless, Unremorseful Over June 12 Annulment’

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NADECO Chieftain Blasts Babangida: ‘Shameless, Unremorseful Over June 12 Annulment’

NADECO Chieftain Blasts Babangida: ‘Shameless, Unremorseful Over June 12 Annulment’

A chieftain of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Ayo Opadokun, has launched a scathing attack on former Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB), over his recent admission of wrongfully annulling the June 12, 1993, presidential election. Opadokun labeled Babangida’s so-called confession as pretentious, dubious, and devoid of any genuine remorse.

Babangida, in his newly released 420-page autobiography, Journey in Service, acknowledged the annulment of the historic election, which was widely believed to have been won by Chief MKO Abiola. However, Opadokun dismissed the admission as a desperate attempt at revisionism, accusing the former military ruler of seeking to manipulate history rather than confront his role in one of Nigeria’s darkest political betrayals.

‘Babangida is Dancing on the Graves of Innocent Nigerians’

Speaking on Wednesday, Opadokun did not mince words, condemning Babangida for what he described as shameless posturing and a calculated effort to rewrite history.

“The so-called admission is not only pretentious, but it is also deeply dubious and entirely lacking in remorse. In his 420-page book, General IBB engages primarily in revisionism, obscurism, and escapism. He has not disclosed anything new,” Opadokun declared.

Beyond the annulment itself, the NADECO leader lashed out at Babangida for showing no remorse for the bloodshed and national chaos that followed his decision. He accused the former dictator of “dancing on the graves of innocent martyrs” who died fighting for democracy.

“He is shamelessly dancing on the graves of innocent Nigerians who were killed simply so he, a military dictator, could cling to power and continue looting public funds for himself, his family, and his allies,” Opadokun fumed.

‘June 12 Bloodshed is on Babangida’s Hands’

Recalling the violent aftermath of the election annulment, Opadokun painted a grim picture of military repression, extrajudicial killings, and state-sponsored violence against pro-democracy activists. He pointed to the assassination of Kudirat Abiola, the widow of the acclaimed election winner, as a chilling example of the brutality that followed Babangida’s decision.

“In Ikorodu, when we attempted to bury three young victims, security forces overpowered us. They ordered us to tell the families to retrieve their loved ones’ remains without any ceremony. They even slapped mourners to silence them,” he recounted, emphasizing the merciless crackdown on dissenters.

Opadokun argued that Babangida should be held accountable for treason, given the far-reaching consequences of his actions. He recalled watching an interview with Professor Humphrey Nwosu, Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), where Nwosu confirmed that collation had been completed and that Abiola had indisputably won the election—even defeating his opponent, Bashir Tofa, in his home state of Kano.

“There is nothing new in what Babangida has said. It was already public knowledge that Abiola won, as polling unit results were displayed up to the state collation centers. Even his former political adviser, Professor Omo Omoruyi, affirmed this in his own book,” Opadokun added.

‘Babangida’s Betrayal Will Never Be Forgiven’

Opadokun went further to blame Nigeria’s stagnation on prolonged military rule, stating that the military’s intervention in politics—beginning with the January 15, 1966 coup—marked the country’s decline.

“The military’s reckless interference has stunted Nigeria’s growth. Their forceful takeover in 1966 arrested our national development and reduced us to nothing,” he lamented.

Rejecting any notion that Babangida’s admission could lead to reconciliation, Opadokun insisted that the former dictator remains morally culpable for the lives lost in the aftermath of June 12.

“Too many lives were lost because of him. Too much blood is on his hands, yet he still pretends to be a statesman,” he said.

Concluding, Opadokun declared that Babangida’s legacy will forever be tainted by the annulment of Nigeria’s freest and fairest election, and that his latest remarks were nothing more than a failed attempt to sanitize his image.

“History will not absolve Babangida. He stole democracy from Nigerians and plunged the nation into darkness. No amount of revisionism can change that,” Opadokun asserted.

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