society
SOCIAL MEDIA IS NOT A BATTLEFIELD COMMAND – WHY THE NIGERIAN ARMY’S ACTION AGAINST JUSTICE CRACK IS A NATIONAL SECURITY IMPERATIVE
SOCIAL MEDIA IS NOT A BATTLEFIELD COMMAND – WHY THE NIGERIAN ARMY’S ACTION AGAINST JUSTICE CRACK IS A NATIONAL SECURITY IMPERATIVE
By Tijjani Tanko
INTRODUCTION: NATION AT WAR CANNOT AFFORD A SECOND FRONT
Nigeria is not at peace. Across the North East, North West, and North Central, our armed forces are locked in daily combat against terrorists and bandits. Thousands of soldiers are deployed forward, often without rotation, facing an enemy that watches every word on social media. In this environment, the difference between “free speech” and “subversive act” is not academic – it is life and death.
The Nigerian Army recently arrested a social media influencer, Justice Mark Chidiebere (known as “Justice Crack”), and handed him to civil authorities. His crime: systematically spreading content designed to turn soldiers against their commanders over welfare issues – beyond legitimate criticism into active incitement of insubordination. Public outcry has followed, with many calling the Army a silencer of whistleblowers. This statement argues the opposite: the Army acted lawfully, proportionately, and in the highest interest of national security.
WHAT JUSTICE CRACK ACTUALLY DID
On 2 May 2026, the Army announced the arrest of Justice Crack alongside several soldiers. Investigations showed he had built direct communication lines with frontline troops. He did not merely amplify complaints about rations or equipment – he actively urged soldiers to question their commanders’ legitimacy, refuse orders, and post videos attacking military hierarchy. Some soldiers admitted receiving small payments to share internal grievances that should have gone through proper channels.
Crucially, the Army did not court‑martial the influencer. He was handed over to civilian police for normal criminal prosecution. That is not military dictatorship; that is constitutional democracy where no one – influencer or general – is above the law.
WHY THE CRITICISM IS MISPLACED AND DANGEROUS
First, critics confuse “whistleblowing” with “subversion.” A real whistleblower reports specific, verifiable wrongdoing to lawful authorities – Defence Headquarters, Human Rights Commission, or the media with evidence. Justice Crack did none of that. He broadcast unverified, one‑sided narratives meant to make soldiers feel abandoned. In a war zone, that is not transparency; it is psychological warfare.
Second, timing is everything. Isolated welfare lapses exist in every army – including the US, UK, and Russia. But during war, amplifying those lapses in real time to combat units hands the enemy a propaganda tool. Terrorist groups already use such posts to claim “the Nigerian Army is starving” or “commanders don’t care,” lowering troop morale and encouraging desertion.
Third, the Army acted with restraint. No soldier was shot. No journalist was jailed. The influencer was detained, investigated, and transferred to civilian police – exactly the same process for any civilian who incites factory workers to sabotage production during wartime. Why should the military be held to a lower standard?
Fourth, the slippery slope argument cuts both ways. Critics fear any arrest will clamp down on dissent. But the greater risk is inaction: if the military does nothing while influencers systematically undermine command authority, the result will be crumbling discipline, friendly fire, and avoidable deaths. Which is more humane – arresting one influencer for investigation, or allowing a thousand soldiers to die because they lost faith in their leaders?
THE HARSH REALITY OF WARTIME MORALE
Military psychology is clear: a soldier who believes his nation has abandoned him hesitates. In counter‑insurgency, hesitation kills. The difference between a successful ambush and a fatal one is often split seconds. When a frontline soldier spends his rest time watching a viral video accusing his commander of stealing his meal allowance, trust in the chain of command erodes. Once eroded, it is nearly impossible to restore under fire.
The Nigerian Army has therefore not overreacted. It has sent a clear signal: social media is not a free‑fire zone against our armed forces during active hostilities. Debate military policy in newspapers or on talk shows – that is welcome. But directly engaging serving soldiers to provoke indiscipline will face the law.
CONCLUSION: ACCOUNTABILITY MUST BE SHARED
In a democracy under threat, rights come with responsibilities. The Army has a duty to protect itself from internal subversion just as it protects the nation from external enemies. The Justice Crack case was not an assault on free expression; it was a lawful intervention to prevent the weaponization of social media against combat morale. The widespread criticism – much of it based on incomplete facts – ironically proves the danger: misinformation spreads faster than truth.
Nevertheless, no institution is perfect. The military can improve, and so can influencers and the public. Therefore, the following recommendations are offered in good faith.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ALL STAKEHOLDERS
For the Nigerian Military: Establish a transparent, fast welfare grievance mechanism – a confidential hotline with a rapid‑response team that visits units within 48 hours of a complaint. Publish anonymised summaries of actions taken. Mandate pre‑deployment social media training warning personnel against communicating with civilian influencers on internal matters. Adopt a clear public policy distinguishing legitimate criticism from prohibited incitement, published in English, Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba. When future arrests occur, release initial evidence (redacted for security) within 72 hours to prevent misinformation.
For Social Media Influencers: Before posting military content, ask three questions: Could this help an enemy? Could it break a soldier’s spirit? Have I verified the claim through official channels? If yes to any, do not post. Nigerian criminal laws on cyberstalking, incitement, and sedition apply to you. If you wish to expose genuine shortcomings, send evidence to Defence Headquarters or recognised civil society groups – not by launching a viral campaign while the nation bleeds.
For Civil Society and Human Rights Organisations: Do not reflexively defend every person the military detains. Investigate each case on its merits. In the Justice Crack matter, ask to see the evidence before condemning. Work with the military to create accredited observer programmes for detention of civilian security suspects. Such cooperation will give you moral authority to criticise when the military truly oversteps.
For the General Public and Media: Resist turning every military‑civilian clash into a viral outrage. The soldiers in uniform are your children, neighbours, and relatives. When you share a video mocking a soldier’s boots or food, you are demoralising someone who may take a bullet for you tomorrow. Report genuine welfare failures through your state governor, National Assembly member, or Ministry of Defence – not by blowing up the dam online. Extend the same presumption of innocence to the military that you demand for civilians.
This statement is issued by Tijjani Tanko, civil‑military relations expert.
Signed,
Tijjani Tanko
Abuja
4 May 2026
Old Students Association rejects alleged commercialisation of Unity School land
By Ifeoma Ikem
The Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA) has rejected the alleged commercialisation of any unity schools land under the Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) initiative.
The association made its displeasure known during their awareness walk to protest the concession of the 33 hectares of land belonging to Federal Government College (FGC) Kano yesterday in Lagos.
The members were carrying placards, some of which read “PPP: Save the Future”, “Protect Unity Schools”, “PPP must serve Education not land conversion” and “Schools are not for Real Estate”.
President-General of the Unity Schools Old Students Association USOSA Michael Magaji says Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) was designed to improve public institutions, and not strip them of assets or reduce their land.
Over 60 Unity schools members were drawn from across the nation for the awareness walk to protest against the alleged sale of the school lands.
The P-G said the association was advocating for a sustainable funding model that would preserve educational assets while improving infrastructure, manpower and learning conditions.
“Our coming together is to restore the lost glory of Unity Schools and strengthen Nigeria’s education system. Unity schools are nation-building institutions that have produced leaders across various sectors.
“Unity Schools were not just about education, they were about integration built not by spectators but by active citizens that believe in one nation.
“ The alumni support PPP but oppose the sale of educational assets. Unity never happens by chance but designed, nurtured and protected,’’ he added.
He added that the awareness walk brought about by the alumni across the nation was also to have a stronger network to revive the vision of the Unity Schools.
Mr Humphrey Nwafor, Lagos Chapter President, Federal Government College, Kano Old Students Association said that they are pushing back against the alleged commercialisation of Unity School lands.
Nwafor pointed out that the 33 hectares of land belonging to FGC Kano was concessioned without adequate consultation with stakeholders.
“We are saying there is a better option. Instead of selling our lands and assets, we would rather fund the schools ourselves.
“If the government says it does not have enough money to run the schools, the old students can provide support without taking one inch of the land,” he said.
According to him, the concession arrangement involving the school’s land will undermine the future of unity schools, which were established in the first place to promote national integration.
“These schools were established to unite Nigerians from different ethnic and religious backgrounds and we are appealing to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure that public educational assets are protected,” he added.
He called on the Federal Government to leverage alumni networks in addressing funding challenges confronting unity schools.
“We are in solution mode and impact mode and we believe alumni associations should be integrated into the process of repositioning these schools.
“We recently met with officials of the Federal Ministry of Education and discussions are ongoing toward finding mutually beneficial solutions,” he said.
Mr Alex Akindumila, President of FGC Idoani Alumni Association said the concession controversy was a national test of how public assets and educational institutions are being managed.
He said that they are concerned that reducing lands allocated to unity schools could limit future expansion, agricultural projects, sports facilities, technical workshops and staff accommodation.
“The lands allocated to unity schools were deliberate and visionary.“They were designed to ensure that the schools remain self-sustaining and adaptable to future needs.
According to him, when you shrink the land of a unity school, you do not just reduce space, but reduce possibility , reduce ability to run agricultural programs that can feed students and teach enterprise, even the space required for sports facilities that build discipline, health and national pride.
Also, Mrs Ifeoma Okeke, an alumna of FGC Nsukka, called for transparency, due process and stakeholder engagement in any PPP arrangement involving educational institutions.
She said PPP agreements should align with the public purpose of the schools and not diminish their long-term capacity.
“There must be transparency, competitiveness and proper stakeholder engagement in any concession process involving public educational assets,” she said.
society
NAPS Southwest Condemns Delay in Passage of HND,/B.SC Dichotomy Bill, Issues 30 Days Ultimatum to Nigeria Senate and Federal House of Representative
NAPS Southwest Condemns Delay in Passage of HND,/B.SC Dichotomy Bill, Issues 30 Days Ultimatum to Nigeria Senate and Federal House of Representative
The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) Southwest has strongly condemned the continued delay in the passage of the bill aimed at ending the long-standing disparity between Higher National Diploma (HND) and Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) qualifications in Nigeria. The association has described the delay as unjust, discriminatory, and harmful to the future of polytechnic education in the country.
The NAPS Southwest expressed deep frustration over what it called the unacceptable silence and inaction from the Nigerian Senate and Federal House of Representatives regarding the bill. The proposed legislation seeks to abolish the dichotomy between HND and B.Sc holders, a divide that has for years limited career progression opportunities for polytechnic graduates, particularly in the public sector.
This ongoing delay represents a significant policy gap that must be urgently addressed. The continued discrimination against HND holders contradicts the principles of equity, fairness, and meritocracy that should define Nigeria’s public service.
For years, polytechnic students and graduates have faced systemic discrimination in employment opportunities, career progression, and societal recognition an injustice that undermines the value of technical and vocational education in national development. The proposed bill represents a critical step toward equity, fairness, and the full recognition of polytechnic education in Nigeria.
We therefore call on the current administration and the National Assembly to prioritize the reintroduction and immediate passage of this critical legislation. Nigeria cannot afford to sideline a significant segment of its skilled workforce due to outdated and discriminatory policies.
It is therefore disheartening that the Nigeria Senate and House of Representatives has yet to act decisively on this matter of urgent national importance. The continued delay raises serious questions about the commitment of lawmakers to addressing the challenges faced by millions of Nigerian youths in the polytechnic system.
The NAPS southwest unequivocally calls on the Senate and House of Representatives to, without further delay, deliberate on and pass the bill to end the HND/B.Sc dichotomy. The future of countless students and graduates depends on this decisive action.
The continued delay in passing this bill is a direct attack on the dignity and future of millions of Nigerian students and graduates, the statement read. We cannot continue to tolerate a system that places artificial barriers on capable individuals simply because of the institution they attended.
Failure to meet this demand will leave NAPS Southwest with no choice but to mobilize Nigerian Polytechnic Students and Graduates across the country for peaceful but firm actions to press home our demands. We are prepared to take all legitimate steps necessary to ensure that justice is served.
NAPS Southwest has therefore issued a strong warning to the Senate and House of Representatives, urging lawmakers to prioritize and immediately pass the bill without further delay. The association made it clear that failure to act promptly would trigger nationwide protests and coordinated actions by Nigerian polytechnic students and graduates.
We urge all relevant stakeholders to initiate comprehensive reforms that will harmonize qualification frameworks, ensure equal opportunities for career advancement, and restore confidence in the civil service system.
NAPS Southwest remains committed to advocating for the rights and dignity of polytechnic students and graduates across Nigeria. We will continue to engage constructively with policymakers and mobilize support until justice is achieved.
Signed
Comr Ogunsola Adewale John
NAPS Southwest Coordinator
+234 704 720 2907
society
African Focus Historic Royal Visit of Olúkòyí of Ìkòyí Ọba Iyiola Akande Morenigbade in Los Angeles, CA —
African Focus Historic Royal Visit of Olúkòyí of Ìkòyí Ọba Iyiola Akande Morenigbade in Los Angeles, CA —
African Focus Inc. its 20th Anniversary with Goodwill Awards and Induction Ceremony in April, 2026, held at the Renaissance LAX in Los Angeles, California.
The landmark event brought together distinguished guests, cultural leaders, and members of the African diaspora for an evening of recognition, reconnection, and celebration.
The ceremony honored outstanding community leaders and cultural champions whose contributions have strengthened African heritage and unity across generations.
The evening featured an elegant dinner, and an inspiring awards presentation, commemorating two decades of impactful service.
Highlight of the event was the African Family Induction, a signature tradition of African Focus.
18 Diaspora Africans were formally welcomed into native African families for a meaningful cultural experience.
The Inductees received certificates bearing their native names, along with cultural artifacts symbolizing their new lineage.
This initiative continues to foster cultural identity, bridge generational and geographical divides, and encourage deeper engagement with the African continent.
Many past inductees have gone on to travel to Africa with their host families, strengthening cultural bonds and understanding.
This year’s event was graced by a Yorùbà monarch His Royal Majesty, Oba Iyiola Akande Morenigbade, the Olukoyi of Ikoyi in Osun State, Nigeria who doubled as special guest of honour and historically served as Royal Father of the Day.
His royal presence brought cultural significance to the celebration.
The event was hosted by Uchenna Nworgu, Founder and Director of African Focus Inc, alongside a distinguished team of Cultural Ambassadors and leaders, including Paul Babatunde, Director of Cultural Initiatives; Dominique DiPrima, Cultural Ambassador; Wole Nipede; Ojise Isedale (also known as Olubunmi Olukanni); Ade James; and other notable contributors.
The event was concluded with vibrant music and dance, reflecting the spirit of unity and cultural pride that has defined African Focus for the past 20 years.
African Focus is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reconnecting the African diaspora with their cultural roots through education, cultural exchange, and community engagement initiatives.
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