society
Old Lies, New Excuses: How the Nigerian Government Continues to Insult Public Intelligence”
“Old Lies, New Excuses: How the Nigerian Government Continues to Insult Public Intelligence”
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
In a stunning yet all-too-familiar display of condescension toward the Nigerian people, the Nigerian Presidency has declared that “nothing new has been revealed” in the decades-old FBI and DEA reports implicating certain high-profile individuals in drug trafficking and money laundering. According to their recent statement, the information “has been public for over 30 years.” While this may be factually true, the real question is: does the age of a crime nullify its relevance or accountability? The answer, in any democracy with a shred of integrity, is a resounding no.
This is not just about dusty files or forgotten scandals. It is about integrity, national image, and the dangerous precedent of shielding political elites from scrutiny while expecting ordinary citizens to abide by the law. When governments trivialize criminal histories under the guise of “old news,” they mock the very foundations of justice and accountability.
1. The Facts: Public but Never Prosecuted
Let us begin with the basics. The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) released reports in the 1990s implicating several individuals—including now-prominent Nigerian political figures—in drug-related activities. Among these, the most infamous is the case involving Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the current president of Nigeria. According to court documents from the Northern District of Illinois (Case No. 93C4483), U.S. authorities confiscated over $460,000 linked to Tinubu as part of a drug trafficking investigation.
While Tinubu was never formally indicted in the U.S., the forfeiture of such a staggering amount, without any legal contest, is not a minor issue. In the U.S. legal system, civil asset forfeiture—especially of such magnitude—almost always suggests deep suspicion and probable cause. No ordinary citizen could forfeit nearly half a million dollars to the U.S. government without triggering career-ending investigations, but in Nigeria, it earns you the presidency.
2. If It’s “Old News,” Why Is It Still Relevant?
The Presidency’s attempt to dismiss the scandal by calling it “nothing new” is intellectually insulting. Crimes do not expire simply because time has passed. If anything, they become more pressing when perpetrators ascend to greater positions of power. Consider the case of Augusto Pinochet in Chile. His crimes against humanity were decades old by the time he was arrested in London in 1998. Yet, democratic nations supported his prosecution because the rule of law demands that no one is above accountability.
The same logic applies to Nigeria. The relevance of Tinubu’s past is not diminished by the passage of time; it is amplified by his current position. If someone once linked to drug money can become Commander-in-Chief without explanation or legal exoneration, what message does that send to the youth of Nigeria? That crime pays—especially if you’re politically connected?
3. The Global Impact: Nigeria’s Image in Tatters
The world is watching. International investors, diplomats, and foreign governments have access to these same reports. While Nigerian officials downplay the severity, external stakeholders are not fooled. The 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) by Transparency International ranked Nigeria 145 out of 180 countries. The World Bank’s Governance Indicators show a steady decline in Nigeria’s control of corruption since 2015. These metrics are not coincidental—they reflect a system that promotes impunity and suppresses transparency.
When the President of a country is associated—even by forfeiture—with narcotics and financial impropriety, global trust in that nation’s governance plummets. Foreign direct investment dries up. Credit ratings drop. Diaspora professionals become hesitant to return. Tourists and scholars think twice before visiting. The long-term economic and diplomatic damage is incalculable.
4. Weaponizing Ignorance: An Assault on Intelligence
Let us not overlook the arrogance embedded in the Presidency’s statement. It assumes the Nigerian public is too ignorant or apathetic to care. It dismisses educated critics, legal scholars, and concerned citizens with the wave of a hand. “Nothing new,” they say, as if moral decay becomes acceptable with time.
But the Nigerian people are not fools. A new generation of politically aware youth, empowered by the internet, is beginning to ask hard questions. Why was this man not investigated locally? Why do we have an EFCC that cannot probe elite politicians but enthusiastically arrests poor youths for internet fraud? Why are pastors, professors, and professionals expected to maintain ethical standards, but politicians are allowed to skate through history with blood on their hands and cocaine in their past?
5. Silence from the Legislature: Complicity in Cowardice
Perhaps even more alarming than the Presidency’s defense is the deafening silence from Nigeria’s National Assembly. The job of any legislature in a democracy is oversight. Yet, our lawmakers have chosen to be quiet spectators, perhaps fearful of implicating their own skeletons in the process.
Contrast this with the United States, where congressional hearings have investigated presidents and vice presidents for far less serious allegations. In South Korea, two former presidents have been imprisoned for corruption. In Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was jailed, released, and had to go through rigorous legal review before being re-elected. But in Nigeria, once you reach a certain echelon, your past is magically erased, sanitized, and glorified.
6. The Judiciary’s Abdication of Duty
The courts have also failed Nigerians. When activist lawyers attempted to bring these issues to court during the 2023 election, the Nigerian judiciary found clever procedural ways to sidestep the real questions. Technicalities were prioritized over substance. Evidence was deemed “inadmissible.” And so, justice was not denied, it was simply postponed indefinitely.
A nation where the courts fear the political elite is a nation on the brink of democratic collapse. The judiciary must regain its spine and remember that its allegiance is to the Constitution, not the cabals who occupy Aso Rock.
7. Public Reaction: Indifference or Boiling Rage?
It is true that many Nigerians have grown numb to scandal. From fuel subsidy fraud to missing billions in defense budgets, corruption fatigue is real. But apathy is a slow poison. It turns citizens into spectators and societies into graveyards of hope.
We must resist this inertia. Every university lecturer, journalist, religious leader, and civil society advocate must keep this issue alive. Not because we enjoy the drama, but because the moral health of our republic depends on it.
8. Furthermore: Accountability Has No Expiry Date
The Presidency’s statement that the reports are “over 30 years old” is not a defense—it’s an indictment of the failure of Nigeria’s justice system. Time does not absolve wrongdoers; it only reveals the depth of institutional rot.
If we allow this to slide, we are telling future leaders that no matter what crimes they commit, power will wash them clean. That is not democracy. That is a kleptocracy wrapped in stolen garments of legitimacy.
To those in power: history is watching. The world is watching. And more importantly, Nigerians are awakening. You may dismiss the truth for now, but the pursuit of justice, no matter how delayed, remains relentless. Accountability may be slow in coming, but it is inevitable.
Ajiran Youth Protest Over Deaths of Two Residents, Demand Justice
The Ajiran community of Lagos State erupted in a powerful protest on Tuesday as local youths took to the streets to express their grief and anger over the tragic murders of Prince Ademola Akintoye and Sherrif Agboworin. The demonstration follows the recent decision to reopen the murder case, an investigation that has already led to the arrest of over nine suspects in connection with the heinous crimes committed more than a year ago.
Carrying vibrant banners and poignant posters featuring the faces of the deceased, the protesters marched through the heart of their community while singing somber dirges to honor their memory. With chants of unity and justice ringing in the air, they called on both the Lagos State Government and the Lagos State Police Command to ensure that those responsible are swiftly and decisively brought to justice.
The youth leaders emphasized that peace and normalcy will remain elusive in Ajiran until all those complicit in the killings are held accountable. They articulated that true justice is the only way to restore tranquility and honor the lives of Akintoye and Agboworin, whom they described as innocent victims of a grave injustice.
Speaking on behalf of the demonstrators, youth leader Mr. Kehinde Oladele urged law enforcement to conduct a thorough and fair investigation. He asserted that every individual involved including the nine arrested suspects must face the full extent of the law. Especially Hammed Tajudeen, the principal suspect mentioned by others in custody, whom they believe should not escape scrutiny.
“The reopening of this case after more than a year is a critical first step towards achieving justice and fairness for our brothers,” Oladele said. “We urge the police to get to the root of the matter. Those mentioned during the investigation, especially Hammed Tajudeen, should not be spared.”
The atmosphere in the community grew increasingly tense last week following speculation that prominent businessman Aare Bashir Olawale Fakorede was implicated in the unrest. The speculation appeared to stem from his alleged influence on the reopening of the murder investigation. This misunderstanding escalated when a group of protesters targeted his filling station in Ikate, vandalizing his properties and disrupting business operations in the gas station based on the false assumption that Fakorede was behind the police’s renewed inquiries.
In response to the rising tensions and misinformation, Fakorede’s spokesperson, Ola Muhammed, issued a comprehensive statement denying any connection between Fakorede and the unrest. The spokesperson emphasized that rumors suggesting the businessman orchestrated the revival of the murder case were completely unfounded.
“I feel it is crucial to clarify, for the sake of transparency and historical accuracy, that this entire ordeal is in no way related to me,” Fakorede stated. “I am also very interested to see that the culprits are brought to book. I categorically affirm that I have never been involved in any business dealings with Mr. Hammed Tajudeen.”
Fakorede further elaborated that the recent protests which led to the destruction of his property were reportedly instigated by Tajudeen and others who seem determined to manipulate the narrative and cast suspicion upon him. Fakorede expressed his own strong commitment to uncovering the truth surrounding the deaths.
As the police investigation progresses, it has become increasingly apparent that all accusing fingers are pointing to Hammed Tajudeen who is currently evading capture, adding another layer of complexity and urgency to the ongoing situation. Community members have questioned why he remains at large instead of submitting himself to the police for questioning if he is truly innocent of the allegations against him.
Community leaders are now emphasizing the need for dialogue to address the root causes of the unrest and work toward restoring harmony within Ajiran, even as the demand for justice remains at the forefront of public consciousness.
Ramadan: Al-Yusuff International Travels and Tours Boss Greets Muslims
As the holy month of Ramadan begins across the globe, the Chief Executive Officer of Al-Yusuff International Travels and Tours Limited, Dr. Abdulmajeed Oladele, has extended his heartfelt greetings to Muslims worldwide.
In his message, the respected business mogul expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the privilege of witnessing this year’s sacred month.
“We glorify Allah for granting us the grace and opportunity to witness this year’s month of blessings. Ramadan is a sacred and special month for all Muslims, a month greater than many others, filled with piety, mercy, and abundant blessings.
I congratulate all Muslims across the world. Let us faithfully observe the requirements of Ramadan. May Allah (SWT) grant our heart’s desires and make this period easy and rewarding for us all.”
Dr. Oladele urged Muslims to embrace the spiritual significance of Ramadan through devotion, charity, self-discipline, and prayers for peace and prosperity.
UKA UNVEILS THREE-TIER ATC PLATFORM AS MONARCH ANNOUNCES $10BN GOLD-BACKED MILESTONE
Emperor Nobilis Prof Solomon Winning declares global recognition of ATC ecosystem, urges citizens and partners to embrace unified digital, crypto and gold-backed financial structure
The Reigning Monarch of the United Kingdom of Atlantis (UKA), Emperor Nobilis Prof Solomon Winning, has formally announced what he described as a historic milestone in the financial evolution of the Atlantis nation and empire worldwide, the consolidation and global recognition of the ATC financial ecosystem backed by a $10 billion gold reserve.
In a voice message released from the Office of the Throne, the Monarch expressed gratitude to God and to citizens and partners across the globe for what he termed a “defining achievement” in the journey of the United Kingdom of Atlantis.
According to him, the ATC asset structure, supported by a $10 billion gold-backed certificate, has now been positioned among the world’s leading capitalisation financial platforms, ranking number 12 globally.
“We appreciate God for the milestone achieved of our 10 billion gold-backed certificate of ATC assets. We are delighted to inform our esteemed citizens, partners, viewers and friends all over the world that ATC has come to stay,” the Monarch declared.
Three Distinct but Interconnected ATC Platforms
Emperor Winning explained that the UKA Government and the Atlantis nation have officially released three integrated ATC platforms to the general public. He emphasised that while each platform serves a distinct purpose, they are structured to interact seamlessly for effective management, business transactions and global trading operations.
1.ATC Digital (Government Platform)
The first platform, known as ATC Digital, is the official government-backed digital transaction system. It is designed to facilitate digital financial operations within the UKA ecosystem and serve as the administrative and transactional backbone of the nation’s digital economy.
The Monarch described it as the formally recognised digital framework governed directly by the government under the Throne.
ATC Gold Version (Business and Trade Platform). The second platform, referred to as the ATC Gold Version, is primarily tailored for business trade, commercial exchange and transactional fluidity. It is structured to enhance business-to-business engagement, exchangeability and broader economic interaction.
“This version is mainly for business trade, business exchange and commercial transactions,” he clarified.
ATC Crown Coin (Crypto and Visitor Platform)
The third platform, known as the ATC Crown Coin, represents the Atlantis Crown Coin and is linked to what the monarch described as the Atlantean Bank Gold structure. This version operates as a crypto and digital hybrid, including visitor engagement capabilities and broader exchange functions.
(atlantisgoldbank.org
The Digital/Cryto currency Version
Atlantian Crown Gold (E-ATC) https://share.google/a7Jns9VtrMKCZ6Prk
The E-ATC purely for Trading and Exchang
Atlantean Crown (ATC) – The Future of Digital Currency https://share.google/1EhdkkDBFvBLLgfR1
The Digital version for Government
We also Have DEOS INTERNATIONAL Bank (DIB)
And ATCB)
The Monarch indicated that all three platforms are interconnected to ensure efficiency, transparency and global recognition.
“Please do not be confused. The United Kingdom of Atlantis has three major versions of ATC. Two are crypto-based, one is digital; one is also a hybrid of crypto and digital. All three interact together for effective management and effective business transactions.”
Global Recognition and Expansion Vision
Emperor Winning further asserted that the ATC ecosystem is already recognised internationally and positioned within the global financial framework. “Our platforms are presently recognised in the whole world,” he said, while encouraging existing holders of ATC assets to remain confident in the system.
He congratulated all ATC holders and reiterated the Throne’s commitment to strengthening the ecosystem’s credibility, usability and cross-platform functionality.
A Strategic Financial Architecture
Observers say the three-tier structure reflects an attempt by the United Kingdom of Atlantis to create a multi-layered financial architecture combining government-regulated digital systems, crypto-based trade platforms and gold-backed reserve credibility.
By integrating digital governance with cryptocurrency and gold certification, the UKA appears to be positioning ATC as both a sovereign-backed asset and a tradable global instrument.
As the UKA advances its financial ambitions, the monarch’s message signals a push for adoption, participation and global engagement with the ATC ecosystem.
“If you are a holder of ATC, congratulations to you from the Throne. God bless you,” the monarch concluded.
The development marks another significant chapter in the evolving digital and gold-backed finance narrative emerging from the United Kingdom of Atlantis.
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