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.
society
PDP Guber Aspirant, Ajadi, Hails Makinde For Approving Monthly Transportation Support For Workers
PDP Guber Aspirant, Ajadi, Hails Makinde For Approving Monthly Transportation Support For Workers
A leading Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) Governorship Aspirant in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo has commended the State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde over the N10,000 monthly transportation support allowance for civil servants due to the current hike in the prices of petroleum products prices
It could be recalled that Governor Makinde approved N10,000 monthly transportation support allowance for civil servants in the state.
Makinde announced this on Monday during the supervision of the YEAP-SAFER support disbursement and stakeholder engagement programme at the Fashola Agribusiness Hub in Oyo town.
He said that the initiative would be implemented for an initial period of three months.
In a statement he personally signed on Tuesday, Ajadi commended Governor Makinde saying that with this development, he has shown that he cares for the welfare of the civil servants.
He said that when he succeeds Gov Makinde as the Governor of Oyo State in 2027, he will continue his good works in the state, especially as it concern the welfare of workers.
According to him, “I hereby commend our Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde on the approval of N10,000 transportation support allowance for the civil servants to cushion the harsh effects of the hike in the prices of petroleum products.
“This action has shown that Gov Makinde is a friend of the workers and masses, that he cares for their welfare.
“When by the Grace of God I become the Governor of the state in 2027 under Omituntun 3.0, I will prioritize the welfare of civil servants and continue other good works of our leader, Engr. Seyi Makinde
Banwo Rejects ‘Fairness Is a Curse’ Claim, Warns Against Ethnic Justifications
Public commentator and Mayor of Fadeyi, Dr. Ope Banwo, has rejected claims that fairness is a disadvantage in Nigeria, warning that such arguments could legitimise ethnic bias and weaken democratic accountability.
Banwo was reacting to a widely circulated article suggesting that fairness may be counterproductive in Nigeria’s political environment.
Describing the claim as dangerous, he said reframing fairness as a liability risks encouraging leaders and supporters to prioritise ethnic loyalty over merit and transparency.
“Calling fairness a curse is simply an attempt to justify what we once criticised in others,” he said.
He referenced ongoing national debates surrounding the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that public scrutiny of governance decisions remains a key part of democracy.
Banwo argued that criticism of government actions should not be dismissed as disloyalty or ethnic betrayal, stressing that accountability must apply regardless of who is in power.
“We cannot say something is wrong when others do it and suddenly defend it when it benefits us,” he said.
He warned that normalising what he described as “strategic tribalism” could deepen divisions and undermine national cohesion.
While acknowledging that ethnic considerations often influence Nigerian politics, Banwo insisted that intellectual leaders have a responsibility to rise above such tendencies.
He added that supporting a leader from one’s region is not inherently wrong, but must not override fairness and justice.
Banwo concluded that Nigeria’s progress depends on maintaining consistent standards in public life.
“Justice must not depend on which tribe holds power,” he said.
Celebrating Chinedu Nsofor’s birthday with the Bethnews Publisher
…A visionary expert and a distinguished writer
~By Oluwaseun Fabiyi
Oluwaseun Fabiyi, a Lagos-based journalist and publisher of BethNews Media International magazine, celebrates Chinedu Nsofor’s birthday, extolling the young man’s dynamic character and exceptional writing abilities.
In a formal statement released on Tuesday, Oluwaseun commended Chinedu Nsofor as an influential young leader whose enduring legacy will transcend time. The statement read: “Today, I personally celebrate your birthday and the profound impact you are making. As a trusted associate, astute politician, successful entrepreneur, and dedicated community developer, your visionary leadership has catalyzed significant growth and created numerous opportunities for those around you. We at Work While in School Media BethNews Media are honored to be part of your remarkable journey and contributions.”
Your consistent support throughout our journey has harmoniously combined faith and teamwork, fostering our confidence and ambitions. May this special day overflow with joy.
Your trailblazing career serves as a powerful inspiration to young people, shining like a beacon of excellence. With leadership skills honed in Nigeria and abroad, you embody perseverance, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to achieving exceptional results.
Your stories of perseverance and resolve, where you’ve skillfully turned challenges into opportunities and brought your vision to life, have undoubtedly enhanced our collective experiences, and we are forever grateful for the honor of acknowledging your accomplishments.
As I commend your wisdom and divine direction in life, may your future days flourish with success and rapidity.
Your stature as a globally renowned technocrat is matched by the humility and brilliance that define your illustrious career. May your birthday celebration be a testament to your success, with divine wisdom guiding your path and peace filling your heart.
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