society
Group Commends Gov Fubara Over Political Maturity Despite Provocations
…calls for President Tinubu’s intervention to prevent breakdown of law and order by Wike Supporters
A coalition of 100 pro-democracy groups in the country, under the auspices of National Patriotic Coalition (NPC), has commended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for demonstrating political maturity in the face of provocations.
The group noted that Fubara’s level of political maturity is rare in Nigerian politics.
In a statement signed by its President, Comrade Olusegun Johnson, and released to the press on Thursday, the NPC called on President Tinubu to once again intervene in the political crisis rocking Rivers State. The group emphasised that Governor Fubara has endured enough provocation and bullying from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and his “cultlike supporters.”
Comrade Johnson stressed the urgency for the President to intervene to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the state due to “violent protests” by Wike’s supporters.
“The National Patriotic Coalition (NPC), a coalition of 100 pro-democracy groups in the country, wishes to commend the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, for demonstrating unwavering political maturity in the face of provocations. His level of political maturity is rare in Nigerian, and indeed African, politics,” the statement said.
“However, we believe that the Governor has endured enough provocation and bullying from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and his cultlike supporters. It takes a person with the heart of a lion not to be distracted from providing good governance despite the level of provocations faced by Governor Fubara.
“There’s an urgent need for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the political crisis in Rivers State. We are aware that the President made a remarkable effort towards resolving the crisis last year by initiating the Rivers Peace Accord, which was later thwarted by Wike and his supporters, who blatantly disregarded the terms and conditions of the peace accord. But as the father of the nation, the President must not give up on the peace of any part of the federation.
“Therefore, we appeal to Mr President to once again intervene in the political crisis in Rivers State to prevent a breakdown in law and order. We’ve been reliably informed that Wike’s supporters, who have been carrying out violent protests in Rivers, are planning to take advantage of the purported nationwide demonstration against hardship to cause mayhem in the state. We hope that Mr President will call the minister and his cultlike supporters to order before D-day.”
“It would be recalled that a fatal dynamite explosion occurred among pro-Wike protesters in Port Harcourt in June. Only recently, Wike supporters led by the factional Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule disrupted a medical outreach for women organised by the state Ministry of Health at the Eliozu Health Centre in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. These and numerous other acts of terrorism and extreme forms of political expression by Wike’s supporters are why President Tinubu must urgently intervene to prevent a total breakdown of law and order in the state.
“We urge Governor Fubara and indeed, Rivers people to remain calm no matter the provocations. We hope that the police and other relevant agencies will rise to their duties to protect innocent citizens from political terrorists. Security agencies must apprehend the terrorists disguised as political supporters to guarantee the safety of lives and properties in the state. The world is watching!”
society
DISU’S APPOINTMENT SIGNALS RENEWED MOMENTUM FOR POLICE REFORM – MOGAJI
DISU’S APPOINTMENT SIGNALS RENEWED MOMENTUM FOR POLICE REFORM – MOGAJI
The Nigeria Police Force Liaison and Consultant to the United States Embassy in Nigeria, Mr. Mogaji Busayo, has congratulated the Inspector General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu, following his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
Describing the appointment as timely and strategic, Mr. Busayo stated that IGP Disu’s extensive background in operations and administration aligns with the present needs of the Nigeria Police Force. He noted that the President’s characterization of the IGP as an operational police officer is both a recognition of his field expertise and a clear mandate to strengthen operational readiness nationwide. According to him, this also calls for deeper collaboration between the Force and key stakeholders to enhance efficiency, intelligence-led policing, and public trust.
Mr. Busayo further described the recent inauguration of the State Police Implementation Committee by IGP Disu as a significant step toward structural reform and decentralized operational effectiveness. He said the initiative demonstrates proactive leadership aimed at repositioning the Force to respond more effectively to evolving security challenges.
Recalling previous engagements with the IGP, including collaborative efforts on the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) supported by the United States Government, Mr. Busayo emphasized that reform-driven partnerships remain critical to advancing capacity development, specialized training, modern equipment acquisition, and institutional strengthening.
He reaffirmed his commitment to mobilizing credible local and international partners to support initiatives that will enhance professionalism, accountability, and service delivery across commands, expressing optimism that under IGP Disu’s leadership, the Nigeria Police Force will record measurable progress in reform and operational efficiency.
society
Zenith Bank Plc Hosts 2026 International Women’s Day Seminar with Bold Call to Action
Zenith Bank Plc Hosts 2026 International Women’s Day Seminar with Bold Call to Action:
“Take It, You Own It,” Aligned with Global Theme “Give to Gain”
Zenith Bank Plc will commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day with a renewed call to purposeful action, leadership, and ownership. As part of activities marking this global celebration, the Bank will host its annual International Women’s Day (IWD) Seminar on Monday, March 9, 2026, at the The Civic Centre.
Aligned with the global theme, “Give to Gain,” which underscores the belief that sustainable progress is achieved when individuals and institutions intentionally invest in women, Zenith Bank’s 2026 IWD Seminar is themed “Take It, You Own It.” The theme reflects the Bank’s conviction that while institutions must give by creating enabling environments and equitable systems, women must also step forward to claim space, own their value, and lead with confidence. It is both an affirmation and a challenge—embrace opportunity, empower yourself and others, and take ownership of your growth journey.
Building on the success of previous editions, including the 2025 seminar themed “Winning On All Fronts,” the 2026 programme is designed to deepen meaningful engagement around women’s empowerment, leadership, and sustainable impact. Over the years, Zenith Bank’s International Women’s Day initiatives have convened women leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and emerging talents for dynamic dialogue, inspiration, and shared learning on gender equity, professional growth, and inclusive opportunity.
More than a commemorative gathering, the 2026 seminar is positioned as a convergence of influence, insight, and inspiration, bringing together accomplished women and progressive leaders across business, governance, creative industries, technology, and social impact.
Speaking ahead of the seminar, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Adaora Umeoji, OON, who will deliver the welcome address, said:
“International Women’s Day is a reminder that progress requires intentionality. ‘Give to Gain’ speaks to the responsibility institutions have to create real opportunities, while our theme, ‘Take It, You Own It,’ challenges women to step forward boldly and lead. At Zenith Bank, we are deliberate about building environments where women are supported to grow, thrive, and shape outcomes—not only within our institution but across the communities and industries we serve.”
The seminar will feature sessions focused on leadership insight, professional empowerment, wellbeing, and collaboration, offering participants opportunities to engage deeply with thought leadership and practical strategies for advancing equity.
With a carefully curated programme comprising keynote addresses, panel discussions, interactive Q&A sessions, and creative interludes, Zenith Bank’s 2026 International Women’s Day Seminar is poised to serve as a catalyst for meaningful action.
Through its alignment with “Give to Gain” and its bold seminar theme, “Take It, You Own It,” Zenith Bank reaffirms its belief that when institutions give intentionally and women lead confidently, entire ecosystems rise. As conversations around inclusion continue to shape the future of business and society, the Bank remains steadfast in its mission to create platforms where women’s potential is recognised, amplified, and fully owned.
society
Stakeholders Petitions Tinubu Over Alleged Diversion Of 50 FG-Donated CNG Buses, Accuses Minister, Aide, Ex-NANS Leaders Of Criminal Infiltration
Stakeholders Petitions Tinubu Over Alleged Diversion Of 50 FG-Donated CNG Buses, Accuses Minister, Aide, Ex-NANS Leaders Of Criminal Infiltration
A group of concerned stakeholders within Nigeria’s student movement has written an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alleging large-scale corruption, diversion of public assets and criminal infiltration within the leadership structures of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
In a letter obtained by SaharaReporters on Wednesday the group accused the Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande Wisdom, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Student Engagement, Asefon Sunday Dayo, and two former NANS leaders — Akinteye Babatunde (popularly known as Babtee) and Lucky Emonefe — of misappropriating federal government interventions meant for Nigerian students.
The petitioners alleged that about 50 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses donated by the Federal Government to ease transportation challenges on tertiary campuses were diverted, shared among individuals, and in some cases sold.
According to the letter, the buses were allegedly retained for private commercial arrangements or disposed of outright, rather than deployed to campuses as intended. The group claimed that only a handful of the vehicles are traceable within student communities, while others are unaccounted for.
They called on the President to order an immediate audit to determine the total number and current location of the buses and to retrieve any found to have been wrongfully diverted.
Beyond the buses, the petition accused the same officials and former student leaders of diverting funds raised for NANS conventions and allegedly selling government-facilitated employment opportunities meant for former student leaders.
The group alleged that monies sourced in the name of organising student conventions were mismanaged, leaving delegates stranded without accommodation and logistics support despite substantial funds reportedly being mobilised.
It further claimed that employment slots facilitated through government channels were either sold for millions of naira or allocated to associates with no background in student activism, thereby creating resentment within the student body.
The letter also raised concerns over the alleged sale of food palliatives meant for indigent students during festive and fasting periods.
In a more explosive claim, the petitioners accused one of the aspirants for the 2026 NANS presidency, Akinteye Babatunde, of alleged involvement in an international cyber fraud network, commonly referred to in Nigeria as “yahoo yahoo.”
They alleged that individuals linked to the aspirant use NANS-branded number plates on luxury vehicles to evade scrutiny from security agencies.
The group warned that invoking the name of the President and his son, Seyi Tinubu, in internal NANS politics could damage the Presidency’s image if not addressed.
They alleged that some actors within the student movement frequently claim endorsement from the Presidency to influence convention outcomes and suppress opposition candidates.
The petitioners urged President Tinubu to direct anti-corruption and security agencies to: Conduct a full audit of all CNG buses donated to NANS; Investigate the allocation of government employment opportunities linked to student leaders; Probe allegations of diversion of convention funds; Examine claims of cybercrime involvement among aspirants to NANS leadership; and Ensure that individuals with alleged criminal antecedents are not endorsed or shielded by state actors.
They argued that the student movement, once known for its radical activism during the military era, is now facing what they described as “a crisis of credibility,” warning that failure to act could deepen distrust among Nigeria’s over 40 million students.
The letter framed the controversy as a broader struggle over the future of student unionism in Nigeria, urging the President to distance his administration from any individual accused of exploiting government goodwill for personal gain.
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