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Over 80 CSOs: Opposition’s sponsored calls for arrest portraying EFCC’s investigation of Yahaya Bello as political persecution

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Again, scores of activists hit the streets of Lagos on Saturday demanding an end to what they described as the mischievous use of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission platform to malign perceived enemies by opposition forces.

The activists, who frowned at the consistent call for anarchy in a democratic setting by those that their investigations had established to be working for known opposition figures in Kogi State, called on the EFCC to ignore the “sponsored, desperate calls” and focus on toeing the path of the rule of law.

The over 80 Human Rights Civil Society Organizations, under the broad umbrella of Citizens Action Against Lawlessness, said those calling for the EFCC to ignore an ongoing court process and forcefully arrest a defendant, former Governor Yahaya Bello, were not only ignorant of the rule of law and up to some mischief, but also tools in the hands of desperate political actors to rubbish the integrity of the Commission.

While commending the EFCC for heeding the calls of reasonable, unbiased Nigerians and CSOs for the Commission to correct past mistakes and avoid disregard for the rule of law, the activists labelled those calling for Yahaya Bello’s arrest as anarchists who the EFCC boss must be wary of.

“The same way this particular group of people have spread falsehood against judges, who they earlier boasted were for them, against prominent figures perceived to be close to President Bola Tinubu, and against APC governors that they felt were supporting them during the election in Kogi and at the Tribunal, is the same way they will turn against the EFCC boss with baseless allegations. It is their stock in trade. The EFCC boss and other relevant authorities must detect this and put them in their place,” Segun Abegunde, Co-Convener of the Joint CSOs platform, said.

Abegunde, who is also the Coordinator of the South West Progressive Youths Organisation stated, “We insist that this is beyond corruption investigation but political persecution. Some sponsored anarchists still went to the EFCC Zonal office today to call on the Commission to use military force to attack the defendant’s known residences and abduct him. There have been insinuations that they are even planning to use fake soldiers in order to inflict maximum damage.”

“The target of these anarchists is to provoke crisis so that a state of emergency can be declared in the state. If they’ve lost at the polls and at the Tribunal, they most likely think they can create a crisis that will still serve their purpose. Why the desperation to hunt the man down at all costs? Many who understand the politics in the state know that these calls are nothing more than a revenge mission for a botched Igala agenda, believed to be the sole fault of Bello, as well as a way for other political enemies in the state to get their pound of flesh,” the activists noted.

According to them, “these anarchists” must be called to order as they have allowed their insatiable appetite for revenge turn them into agents of destruction for the country.

“We call on President Bola Tinubu to call on the security agencies to be at alert as nothing bad must happen to Yahaya Bello or any of his family members.

“Let the courts decide Yahaya Bello’s fate. Desperate opposition forces should not plot to kill him by all means. We demand due court processes. We say no to political persecution. We say no to opposition politicians using EFCC to attack Yahaya Bello who they consider their political enemy.

“EFCC must avoid anarchists bent on tarnishing its image. They should rather sharpen their political skills and leave the anti-graft agency alone. We will always give our unflinching support to the EFCC to carry out its duties strictly in line with the rule of the same law that set it up,” the activists said.

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Prince Akintoye Akinrinade Celebrates Chief Amodu at 85

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Prince Akintoye Akinrinade Celebrates Chief Amodu at 85

 

Prince Akintoye Akinrinade, son of Late Kabiyesi Adetunji Anthony Akinrnade have sent congratulatory message to Chief Theophilus Amodu,the Baba Ijo of St. Paul African Church, Agbado, on the occasion of his 85th birthday.

In a released sent this morning, he described Chief Amodu has a towering figure of integrity, devotion, and unwavering courage.

He said, “At 85, Baba stands not only as a symbol of longevity but as a beacon of truth and righteousness in a world often clouded by compromise. His years have not merely been counted in time but measured in impact on the church, the community, and the hearts of all who have been privileged to know him.

Prince Akinrinade also stated that Pa Amodu faithfulness to God and his sacred duties in the house of the Lord have remained steadfast and exemplary.

“” As Baba Ijo, he has led with humility, wisdom, and a deep spiritual conviction, nurturing the flock of Christ and strengthening the foundations of our church through prayer, counsel, and sacrificial service.

“Yet, beyond the pulpit, Baba has also distinguished himself in the affairs of Agbado land. In the face of the recent chieftaincy tussle, where fear and pressure could have silenced many, Chief Pa Amodu stood firm, not for self, not for gain, but for truth. Despite threats, intimidation, and various forms of oppression, he chose the path of justice and honor. His courage in standing for what is right, even when it came at great personal cost, has inspired countless others and will be remembered as a defining moment in the history of our community.

He further stated that Amodu legacy has written not only in years but in the lives he have touched, the truth he upheld, and the God he faithfully served.

In conclusion, he thank God for preserving him, and pray for more years of good health, peace, and joy. “May your wisdom continue to guide us, your faith strengthen us, and your life remind us all that truth, when upheld with courage, shall always prevail”.

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CHINEDU NSOFOR SLAMS NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OVER ₦6.93 TRILLION BUDGET PADDING SCANDAL

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CHINEDU NSOFOR SLAMS NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OVER ₦6.93 TRILLION BUDGET PADDING SCANDAL BY JOSEPH MONDAY

CHINEDU NSOFOR SLAMS NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OVER ₦6.93 TRILLION BUDGET PADDING SCANDAL

BY JOSEPH MONDAY

Owerri Imo State– Chinedu Nsofor, Nigeria’s Programmes Director at Asia Pacific Sports International, a seasoned technocrat, professional social worker, and an International Development Expert, has strongly condemned the National Assembly following disturbing revelations that lawmakers allegedly inserted projects worth ₦6.93 trillion into the proposed 2025 national budget.

CHINEDU NSOFOR SLAMS NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OVER ₦6.93 TRILLION BUDGET PADDING SCANDAL
BY JOSEPH MONDAY

According to a recent investigation by BudgIT, a leading civic technology organisation advocating for transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s public finance which was reported by Sahara Reporters, this staggering insertion was made without due process, accountability, or alignment with pressing national development goals. The exposé alleges widespread duplication of projects and the allocation of funds to vague and non-essential items.

“This is not just financial recklessness; it is economic terrorism against the Nigerian people,” Chinedu Nsofor stated firmly. “At a time when the nation is bleeding from inflation, debt, unemployment, and insecurity, our lawmakers have chosen to loot through legislation rather than lead with integrity.”

The amount in question reportedly represents over 30% of the entire national budget, which should trigger national outrage and investigation of massive corruption in the National Assembly. Nsofor lamented the misplaced priorities of some members of the National Assembly, stating that the country deserves better.

“₦6.93 trillion could fund thousands of schools, revamp our hospitals, boost food production, and improve our power sector,” he continued. “Instead, it is being siphoned through shady constituency projects and political patronage.”

Nsofor called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Budget Office to withstand legislative pressure and defend the integrity of the 2025 budget. Chinedu further called on the EFCC, ICPC, and civil society organizations to conduct a comprehensive forensic audit of the padded components of the budget and ensure that all those responsible are held accountable. He is also advocating for an institutionalized annual audit across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) by the EFCC and ICPC, emphasizing that such routine scrutiny would deter budget padding, promote transparency, and restore public confidence in the budgeting process.

“This brazen act must not go unpunished. We must reset the culture of public service in Nigeria. If we tolerate this, then we have institutionalized corruption as a national policy,” he warned.

Chinedu Nsofor reaffirmed his commitment to fighting for transparency, participatory governance, and budget justice — not only as a civic advocate but also in his vision for a new Nigeria.

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TY BURATAI HUMANITY CARE FOUNDATION LAUDS PRESIDENT TINUBU AND MILITARY LEADERSHIP FOR ELIMINATION OF KEY TERRORIST LIEUTENANT

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Budget Constraints, Infrastructure Woes Stall Diplomatic Deployment

TY BURATAI HUMANITY CARE FOUNDATION LAUDS PRESIDENT TINUBU AND MILITARY LEADERSHIP FOR ELIMINATION OF KEY TERRORIST LIEUTENANT

In a commendatory statement released today, the TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation has praised President Bola Tinubu, the Defense Ministry, and Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Gwabin Musa, Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede alongside other military leaders, for their decisive military operation that led to the elimination of Alhaji Shaudo Alku, a prominent lieutenant of notorious terrorist leader Bello Turji.

Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, the chairman of the Foundation, signed the statement, which praises the theatre command of Operation Fansan Yamma for their dedication and perseverance in the fight against banditry. It also highlights the successful airstrike that was carried out on May 18 as part of Operation Fansan Yamma. This operation targeted terrorist camps situated near Tunfa Primary School in Isa Local Government Area, as confirmed by sources within the Nigerian Air Force.

The Foundation commended General Musa for his strategic military initiatives, which have produced significant results in the ongoing fight against terrorism. “Thousands of bandits have been neutralized, including infamous leaders such as Halilu Sububu,” the statement read.

The Grand Patron of the Foundation, His Excellency Amb Lt Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai CFR (Rtd), former Chief of Army Staff, also expressed his appreciation for the Tinubu Administration and the military leadership for this monumental achievement. He emphasized the importance of sustained military efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and restore peace in the country.

During his tenure as Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen TY Buratai (Rtd) was the longest-serving COAS in Nigeria, facing security threats on all fronts. He effectively utilized the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to liberate towns such as Gamboru Ngala and Baga. His proven counter-insurgency expertise remains invaluable and must guide future operations.

The recent airstrike not only resulted in the death of Alku, who was reported to have crossed from the Niger Republic to Nigeria for a terrorist meeting, but also led to the elimination of several other fighters and suspected commanders in the raid. This operation underscores the Nigerian military’s commitment to enhancing national security and stability.

As the Foundation looks to the future, the Grand Patron remains hopeful that ongoing efforts will continue to pave the way for lasting peace and security across the nation. The TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation stands firm in its support of the military’s mission to protect the lives and livelihoods of Nigerian citizens.

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