society
Nigeria in Reverse: How Tinubu’s APC Borrowed More in Two Years Than Buhari Did in Eight; With Nothing to Show for It. (Opinion)
Nigeria in Reverse: How Tinubu’s APC Borrowed More in Two Years Than Buhari Did in Eight; With Nothing to Show for It. (Opinion)
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took over the reins of power in 2023, many Nigerians, even the skeptics, clung to a faint hope; hope that maybe, just maybe… the man who paraded himself as the “MASTER STRATEGIST” would finally change the economic trajectory of Nigeria. That hope, within two years, has been completely dashed. The data is damning and the suffering is deafening.
Under Muhammadu Buhari’s administration (2015–2023), the Nigerian government borrowed approximately ₦48 trillion. While the debt burden was heavy, it at least came with visible government intervention in the form of fuel subsidies, electricity subsidies, education support and other forms of economic cushioning that gave ordinary Nigerians a modicum of survival. Yet, even that regime was widely criticized for mismanagement, insecurity and sluggish governance.
But today, in less than two years, Bola Tinubu and his economic team (if one can even call it that) have borrowed ₦96 trillion, doubling Buhari’s eight-year debt figure without the shield of fuel subsidies, education support or telecom interventions. This is not just incompetence, it is daylight economic terrorism, weaponized against a helpless population.
“It is one thing to borrow; it is another to waste what you borrow while punishing the poor,” said economist Dr. Abubakar Sule in an interview with The Guardian. “Tinubu has weaponized suffering and made debt an addiction.”
The Illusion of Reform.
The Tinubu administration’s favorite buzzword is “REFORM.” He claimed that removing the fuel subsidy was a bold step towards economic recovery. Nigerians now know the bitter truth: the so-called subsidy removal was never about reform, but a revenue hijack.
Today, fuel prices have skyrocketed to over ₦900 per litre in some states. Transportation, food prices and basic goods have all become luxuries to the average citizen. Meanwhile, state-backed relief efforts remain largely cosmetic, if not completely non-existent.
Yet, the Tinubu led APC GOVERNMENT keeps BORROWING.
Where is the money going? Infrastructure? No. Healthcare? No. Education? Not even close. Security? Zero.
Instead, we’re seeing lavish government spending on luxury convoys, foreign trips, vanity projects like the N10 billion solar panels for Aso Rock and an obscene increase in the cost of governance. To quote Professor Pat Utomi, “This government behaves like a carnival of clowns dancing on the graves of the poor.”
The Death of Education and Social Protection.
Under Buhari, Nigeria’s public universities went on strike multiple times, but at least there were subsidies and dialogue. Under Tinubu, universities are crumbling, secondary school education is deteriorating and teachers are unpaid across several states. Yet the President recently announced scholarships for foreign students in St. Lucia, while Nigerian students sit idle in classrooms without chairs, teachers or hope.
How does a president remove educational subsidies at home and then dish out scholarships abroad? That is not statesmanship; it is state-sponsored stupidity.
In the words of Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, “We are living in a time when our leaders treat Nigeria as a burden they must escape from, not a country they are building.”
The Subsidy Lie and Economic Collapse.
When Tinubu removed fuel subsidies in May 2023, he proclaimed: “Subsidy is gone!” Nigerians cheered, hoping the savings would lead to increased capital projects, job creation and economic growth.
What has followed is an ECONOMIC HORROR MOVIE. The removal of fuel subsidy without any social cushioning measures has plunged millions into multi-dimensional poverty. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), over 133 million Nigerians are now classified as multi-dimensionally poor. This is not just a number; it is a nation being eaten alive from within.
Worse still, the government still pays quasi-subsidies through NNPC in a complex web of opaque forex deals. According to a report by Premium Times, the government secretly paid over ₦3.6 trillion in “under-recovery” to oil marketers in the past year alone proving that subsidy is not dead, it has just changed clothes and gone underground.
So what then was the purpose of the suffering?
A Government of Borrowers and Beggars.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) revealed in Q1 2025 that the country’s public debt now stands at over ₦121 trillion, with Tinubu’s administration accounting for ₦96 trillion of that figure. This level of borrowing in just 23 months is not only unsustainable; it is economic sabotage disguised as policy.
The Debt Management Office (DMO) has warned that the country is now spending 96% of its revenue on debt servicing. That means out of every ₦100 the government earns, ₦96 goes to repaying debt, leaving only ₦4 for education, healthcare, infrastructure and security.
This is not GOVERNANCE. This is NATIONAL ECONOMIC ENSLAVEMENT.
Agents of APC vs Agents of Change.
It must be said loud and clear: anyone who is against the coalition movement to unseat APC in 2027 is an enemy of the Nigerian people. They are either benefitting from this disaster or are complicit in its continuation. Every well-meaning Nigerian, regardless of party lines, tribe or religion, must now unite behind a people-centered coalition.
This is no longer about party politics; it is about NATIONAL SURVIVAL.
The Action Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party (LP), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and splinter PDP blocs forming a revolutionary alliance is not a threat to democracy, it is democracy’s last hope. The fear the ruling party is showing (blocking event venues, intimidating coalition leaders and promoting disinformation) is a confirmation that they are threatened by the truth.
“When the government is more afraid of a coalition than Boko Haram, you know the system is collapsing,” said activist and writer Aisha Yesufu.
APC Must Go: 2027 is Non-Negotiable.
The 2023 election was marred by INEC’s failure, judicial compromise and massive electoral manipulation. Despite the controversy, Bola Tinubu was sworn in; but legitimacy cannot be enforced by courts alone, it must be earned through service, competence and results.
Tinubu has failed on all three counts.
The APC has destroyed the ECONOMY, eroded HUMAN DIGNITY and CRIMINALIZED the right to PROTEST. Under their watch:
The naira collapsed from ₦450/$ to over ₦1,500/$.
Inflation soared to over 34% as of May 2025.
Food prices have more than tripled, with basic items like rice costing over ₦70,000 per bag.
Unemployment and underemployment have become the norm.
Nigerians cannot afford another four years of this nightmare. 2027 must be the end of APC and the beginning of a people-first era.
Final Word.
We must not be fooled by propaganda, token gestures or last-minute giveaways as 2027 approaches. Nigeria is on life support and the ventilator is failing. The debt crisis, the collapse of social systems and the impoverishment of the masses are all signs of a failed state in the making.
We can still change the story. The coalition is the beginning of Nigeria’s rescue mission and those who oppose it are either afraid of change or accomplices in destruction.
“When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty.” ~ Thomas Jefferson
In 2027, Nigerians must choose resistance. The future of over 200 million people is at stake.
#EndAPCMisrule #CoalitionForRescue #NigeriaWillRiseAgain
Written by George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
society
How Primate Ayodele Foretold Sack Of Ousmane Sonko As Senegal’s PM Months Ago (VIDEO)
How Primate Ayodele Foretold Sack Of Ousmane Sonko As Senegal’s PM Months Ago (VIDEO)
Before the election that saw the end of Macky Sall’s reign in Senegal, Nigerian prophet, Primate Elijah Ayodele, revealed that there would be a revolution in Senegal and that the opposition would defeat the ruling party.
Despite the fact that the opposition leader, Ousmane Sonko, was in prison, the prophet made it known that if the opposition leader had a way out of prison, he would defeat the candidate of the ruling party.
Even though it looked impossible, at the end of the day, Sonko-backed candidate Diomaye Faye won the election in the first round by a landslide.
While the people of Senegal were celebrating in the euphoria of the victory, Primate Ayodele warned again that the president and Ousmane Sonko, who was later appointed Prime Minister, would have a political crisis that would collapse their relationship.
It was unbelievable at that time because Sonko singlehandedly won the election for Faye, and as he was seen as Sonko’s little brother, it was impossible for them to have issues, but subsequently, Primate Ayodele made it known that both of them would have a political crisis.
These were his words:
“In Senegal, Sonko and Faye, I see a sort of disagreement and separation. Something is about to happen. Watch out. You will have differences that will separate you; watch out for this.”… this was just a few months after the government came to power.
As he warned, the political crisis happened suddenly to the surprise of many and unexpectedly, it has taken a different turn with the sack of Ousmane Sonko as the Prime Minister of the nation.
The shock announcement was made on state television in a decree read out by presidential aide Oumar Samba Ba, who said Faye “has ended the duties of Ousmane Sonko… and consequently those of the ministers and secretaries of state who are members of the government”.
No details were provided on the appointment of a new prime minister.
Meanwhile, Primate Ayodele had weeks ago made it known that he sees that Sonko will be sacked as the Prime Minister of the country.
These were his words:
“Faye will sack Sonko as the Prime Minister of Senegal. In a couple of months, he will be removed from office, that is the message of the Lord.”
@primateayodele Before the crisis became public… before the tension turned into open confrontation… the prophecy had already gone forth. Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele warned that there would be serious disagreement and political conflict involving Senegal’s President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, and former Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko. At that time, many doubted the prophecy. Many questioned the warning… but today, events have begun to unfold exactly as spoken. The conflict became visible. The division became clear. And now, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has officially sacked Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. Prophecy is not noise. Prophecy is not politics. When God reveals, time confirms. This is another reminder that divine warnings should never be ignored. The voice of prophecy speaks ahead, so nations and leaders can be guided with wisdom, caution, and prayer. May God continue to reveal hidden things and preserve nations from confusion and crisis. #senegalaise_tik_tok #ousmanesonko #senegalaise #faye #senegaltiktok
With the new development, this has been fulfilled already.
society
Insecurity: General Buratai Advocates Youth-Driven National Security Strategy
Insecurity: General Buratai Advocates Youth-Driven National Security Strategy
Former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusuf Buratai, has stressed the need for increased youth participation in Nigeria’s security architecture, warning that failure to engage young people meaningfully could further aggravate insecurity across the country.
Buratai made the assertion while delivering a lecture titled, “The Armed Forces of Nigeria and National Security: The Youth and National Security Aspirations,” at the University of Ilorin.
The retired military officer described Nigerian youths as the nation’s greatest strength, noting that their creativity, patriotism, and innovation must be effectively channelled towards combating terrorism, banditry, cybercrime, separatist agitations, and other security threats confronting the country.
According to him, the Armed Forces of Nigeria had transformed from a colonial constabulary institution into a formidable force responsible for protecting the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He observed that persistent insecurity across the North-East, North-West, Middle Belt, and South-East remained a major threat to national unity, adding that meaningful youth engagement in security initiatives would play a decisive role in ensuring stability and sustainable development.
Buratai further outlined the constitutional responsibilities of the Armed Forces, including defending Nigeria against external aggression, suppressing insurrection, and supporting civil authorities in maintaining law and order.
The former army chief also reviewed Nigeria’s security landscape, identifying Boko Haram insurgency, ISWAP activities, banditry, oil theft, separatist violence, and transnational organised crimes as some of the major challenges confronting the country.
Drawing comparisons with counter-insurgency operations in Colombia and Sri Lanka, he urged Nigeria to adopt a combination of military operations and socio-economic reforms in addressing insecurity.
He also encouraged Nigerian youths to embrace careers in the Armed Forces, noting that the military offers opportunities for leadership development, discipline, skills acquisition, career advancement, and national integration.
Buratai proposed the recruitment of 50,000 youths annually into the Armed Forces over the next five years, alongside the establishment of state intelligence fusion centres and a national civic security training programme for graduates.
He concluded by urging Nigerian youths to actively support efforts aimed at promoting peace and national security, stressing that enduring peace could only be achieved through justice, inclusion, and development.
society
Court Warns Police: Your Role in Debt Recovery is Illegal; Awards N50m in Favour of Man Detained for 6 Months Over Failed Forex Deal
Court Warns Police: Your Role in Debt Recovery is Illegal; Awards N50m in Favour of Man Detained for 6 Months Over Failed Forex Deal
The Lagos State High Court has declared the six-month detention of businessman Bassey Ikpi Ubi over a failed foreign exchange transaction illegal and unconstitutional, ordering the police and private respondents to pay N50 million in damages for torture and unlawful detention.
Justice O. O. Adewunmi-Oshin held that the Nigeria Police Force has no legal authority to act as a debt recovery agency or to mediate private civil disputes.
The ruling was delivered on Monday, 11 May 2026, at the Lagos Judicial Division, High Court No. 49, in Suit No. LD/18019MFHR/2024.
Mr. Ubi, Managing Director of MC COY IKPI BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED, had sued the Inspector General of Police, the Assistant Inspector General Zone 2, the DSS, the EFCC, and 11 private individuals and corporate entities.
He alleged that he was arrested and detained on Friday,16 February 2024, tortured almost to death in custody, denied bail, and had his Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Tecno phones forcibly taken and hacked.
The applicant told the court that the dispute arose from a failed foreign exchange transaction and that the police were being used by private respondents to recover civil debts.
Justice Adewunmi-Oshin stated unequivocally that “the police are not debt collectors and the detention cell is not a venue for settling private disputes.”
The court observed with concern what it called a recurring trend whereby officers of the Nigeria Police Force arrest and detain citizens under the pretext of criminality while the underlying dispute amounts to nothing more than a breach of contract or a failed commercial transaction.
“This Court observes with concern the recurring trend whereby officers of the Nigeria Police Force arrest and detain Citizens under the pretext of Criminality, while the underlying dispute amounts to nothing more than a breach of contract or a failed commercial transaction,” the judge said.
“Such conduct finds no warrant in law. Sections 4 of the Police Act 2020 above cited does not confer any power to act as debt collectors or to mediate private civil disputes.”
Citing _Fawehimi V Inspector General of Police_ (2002) 7 NWLR pt 767 pg 606, the court reiterated that
“the Police must not allow themselves to be used as tools for the enforcement of Civil obligations.”
The judge also referenced Section 6 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, which makes clear that arrest shall only be made for a reasonable suspicion of a criminal offence, not for the recovery of debts or enforcement of contractual obligations.
On the applicant’s detention, the court found that holding him for six months without bringing him before a court violated Sections 33, 34, 35, 36, 37 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution, as well as Articles 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The judge further declared that the seizure and hacking of the applicant’s phones by the 4th respondent infringed his right to privacy and personal liberty guaranteed under Sections 35 and 37 of the Constitution.
Consequently, the court granted 11 orders. It restrained the 1st to 5th respondents from acting as recovery agents or from further arresting and detaining the applicant and officers of his company.
It ordered the 4th respondent to unconditionally release the seized phones. The court awarded N50,000,000 jointly and severally against all respondents for general, aggravated and exemplary damages, to be paid within 30 days.
It also directed the respondents to publish a public apology to the applicant in a full-page advertorial in a national daily newspaper within 14 days, in line with Section 35(6) of the Constitution.
“The practice is condemned in the strongest terms and the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force is expected to take immediate disciplinary and administrative steps to eradicate it,” Justice Adewunmi-Oshin ruled.
The applicant was represented by Kennedy Osunwa with J. Akor, while M. O. Bajela appeared for the 4th respondent. The 18th and 24th respondents had earlier been struck out of the suit.
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