society
The Real Terrorists Wear Agbada: Tinubu Doctrine of Economic Terrorism
The Real Terrorists Wear Agbada: Tinubu Doctrine of Economic Terrorism
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
In a nation as bruised and battered as Nigeria, silence is complicity. Since 2015, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has orchestrated one of the most disastrous chapters in our democratic history. Under the current leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the country is not just experiencing misgovernance, it is under siege by a form of political and economic terrorism perpetrated by those sworn to protect it.
This is not hyperbole. It is a data-backed, morally urgent diagnosis of Nigeria’s grim descent into state-enabled poverty, repression and collapse. The defenders and enablers of this administration, whether in government, media, religious institutions or the business elite are not innocent. They are co-conspirators in the slow suffocation of over 200 million people.
A Nation in Freefall
When the APC assumed power in 2015, Nigerians hoped for a clean break from corruption, economic decay and insecurity. Instead, what they got was worse than a broken promise; they got betrayal on a national scale.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), over 133 million Nigerians are now trapped in multidimensional poverty. This staggering figure includes lack of access to education, healthcare, clean water and decent living conditions. In less than a decade, the APC has presided over the largest expansion of poverty in Nigeria’s history.
Inflation is now at 33.69% as of April 2025, while food inflation soars at over 40%, making even basic meals unaffordable for the average family. The naira has crumbled to ₦1,500 to the dollar, leaving importers, businesses and households in economic quicksand. Meanwhile, the federal government continues to spend lavishly ₦10 billion on solar panels for the presidential villa, ₦15 billion to renovate the vice president’s residence and millions on globe-trotting trips while citizens sleep hungry.
If this is not a coordinated attack on the livelihood and dignity of Nigerians, what is?
Political Terrorism by Other Means
Terrorism is often defined as the use of violence and coercion for political purposes. But what do you call it when government policies systematically impoverish citizens, suppress dissent, rig elections, ignore rule of law and promote a culture of impunity?
Welcome to Nigeria under APC rule.
From the reckless removal of fuel subsidies without a safety net to the bungled naira redesign policy that froze the informal economy, every major policy has left behind a trail of economic destruction. These actions are not mistakes and they are calculated and the impact is nothing short of terroristic in scope and effect.
The late Dr. Obadiah Mailafia, former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, said it best:
“What is happening in Nigeria is not normal governance. It is a form of political and economic warfare against the Nigerian people.”
This war is being waged through budgets, policies/silence and it is killing more dreams than bullets ever could.
Tinubu’s Regime: A Travesty of Leadership
President Tinubu’s emergence in the 2023 election remains deeply controversial. His victory was marred by irregularities, voter suppression and delayed results. Former U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, John Campbell, noted that the elections were “deeply flawed” and did not meet the expectations of democratic transparency.
Since taking office, Tinubu has failed to provide a coherent plan to rescue the nation. Instead, his administration has prioritized cosmetic reforms, excessive foreign trips and elite comfort. The gap between presidential promises and lived realities has widened into an abyss.
Worse still, the president’s known past remains a source of global embarrassment. In 2024, a U.S. District Court ordered the release of FBI and DEA files linked to alleged drug trafficking associations from Tinubu’s Chicago days. These revelations further erode Nigeria’s image on the global stage and deepen the moral crisis at the heart of our democracy.
Defenders of Tyranny: Collaborators in Oppression
Those who continue to defend this administration, despite overwhelming evidence of failure are not neutral. They are enablers of oppression, cheerleaders of chaos and prophets of poverty. Whether they wear agbadas in parliament, cassocks in churches, or camouflage in barracks, their silence or worse, their praise is a betrayal of the Nigerian people.
As Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, once said:
“The worst form of oppression is when the oppressed become defenders of their oppressors.”
This psychological capture is perhaps the most dangerous legacy of the APC regime. They’ve normalized suffering, glamorized theft and demonized dissent.
Corruption as Policy, Poverty as Tool
The Auditor-General’s reports between 2015 and 2023 exposed over ₦20 trillion in unaccounted government expenditure. Yet no high-profile prosecutions or convictions followed. The Tinubu government continues to reward failure with appointments and punishes accountability with persecution.
Security agencies have been weaponized. The EFCC and DSS are used not to fight corruption, but to silence whistleblowers and opposition figures. Journalists are harassed, civic spaces are shrinking, and protests are brutally suppressed. This is not governance. It is dictatorship by stealth.
The Diaspora Question: Are We Not Nigerians?
Here lies an even deeper insult: If this government can allocate ₦10 billion for solar panels and billions more for luxury projects, why can’t they pass a bill to allow diaspora voting? Why must nearly 20 million Nigerians in the diaspora doctors, engineers, scholars, entrepreneurs remain disenfranchised?
Are we not Nigerians? Do we not send home over $23 billion annually in remittances? Don’t we have the same constitutional rights as those forced to vote under duress and propaganda?
Our exclusion is deliberate. It is political. It is unjust.
It is easier for the APC to manipulate domestic voting populations than to engage a diaspora community that is educated, exposed and uncompromising. By shutting us out, they silence voices that cannot be bought or bullied.
This is not democracy. It is strategic disenfranchisement.
A Global Embarrassment
Under the APC, Nigeria’s stature has plummeted globally. Once the “Giant of Africa,” Nigeria is now mocked for its leadership dysfunction. In 2024, Transparency International ranked Nigeria 150th out of 180 countries in its Corruption Perceptions Index. The World Bank’s Human Capital Index shows Nigeria near the bottom, as children suffer malnutrition and graduates flee the country in droves.
Meanwhile, the brain drain continues. Doctors, engineers, academics and everyone with a shred of hope is finding the exit door. The APC is not just losing the future, it is chasing it away.
As Prof. P.L.O. Lumumba warned:
“Any nation that entrusts criminals with leadership must prepare for the funeral of its democracy.”
A Call to Conscience
This is no longer a partisan issue. It is a humanitarian emergency. We are not dealing with bad governance; we are facing organized political and economic terrorism. And those who defend this administration are accomplices in a grand national tragedy.
They are not just misguided, they are dangerous.
If Nigeria must rise again, then this regime and its supporters must be held to account. There must be an end to this impunity. There must be a reckoning.
Let the world know: Nigerians are not silent because we agree. We are silent because we are bleeding.
And when a people bleed for too long, history teaches us that something eventually breaks.
We have reached that moment. Enough is enough.
Byline: George Omagbemi Sylvester is a political commentator, diaspora advocate and writer based in South Africa. He writes extensively on democracy, leadership and African development.
Banwo Questions Bwala’s Credibility After Al Jazeera Interview
Public commentator, Dr. Ope Banwo, has criticised Daniel Bwala, the Presidential Spokesperson on Policy Communication for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following a contentious interview on Al Jazeera, describing the appearance as damaging to the credibility of Nigeria’s public communication.
Bwala had appeared on a programme hosted by journalist Mehdi Hasan, where he faced a series of questions about past statements attributed to him. During the exchange, Hasan presented video clips of previous remarks by the government spokesman and asked him to reconcile them with his responses during the interview.
The exchange, which has since circulated widely online, drew attention after Bwala appeared to dispute statements that were subsequently played back during the programme.
Reacting to the development, Banwo said the episode reflected poorly on Nigeria’s representation on international media platforms.
According to him, the availability of digital records and online archives means public officials must be prepared to defend their past statements whenever they appear on global television.
“In the era of instant fact-checking, any public figure going on international television must assume that every previous statement can be easily retrieved,” Banwo said.
He added that the controversy surrounding the interview was particularly troubling because the contradictions presented during the programme were supported with video evidence.
Banwo noted that while political interviews can be confrontational, government representatives should expect tough questioning when appearing before international audiences.
The founder of Naija Lives Matters also expressed concern over Bwala’s reaction during the interview, especially his claim that he was not informed he would be required to defend his personal record.
“A government spokesman should never be surprised by questions about his own public statements,” Banwo said.
During the programme, Bwala also responded to criticism of Nigeria’s governance challenges by arguing that similar problems exist in other parts of the world.
However, Banwo argued that such comparisons do not address the specific issues raised about Nigeria.
According to him, the episode should serve as a reminder of the importance of preparation and credibility when Nigerian officials appear before international media platforms.
The interview has continued to generate reactions across social media and political commentary circles, with observers debating both the conduct of the interview and the implications for Nigeria’s global image.
society
THE IMPERIAL GOLD COIN OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS UNVEILED AS SYMBOL OF SOVEREIGNTY AND HERITAGE
THE IMPERIAL GOLD COIN OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS UNVEILED AS SYMBOL OF SOVEREIGNTY AND HERITAGE
_[Atlantis City, United Kingdom of Atlantis – March 2026]_ – The United Kingdom of Atlantis proudly announces the introduction of its *Imperial Gold Coin*, a magnificent emblem of sovereignty, authority, and imperial heritage. The exquisite gold coin has been crafted to represent the nation’s regal tradition, economic strength, and the visionary leadership of its monarch.
The centerpiece of the coin features the dignified portrait of *His Imperial Majesty, Professor Solomon Wining*, depicted in full royal regalia. Crowned with a majestic golden crown and adorned with intricately crafted ornaments, the portrait embodies honor, wisdom, and noble leadership befitting a sovereign ruler. The depiction celebrates the monarch’s reign, which is associated with wisdom, development, and the pursuit of justice.
The golden coin itself signifies *prosperity, stability, and the enduring legacy* of the Atlantis Kingdom. Gold, historically a universal symbol of power, wealth, and permanence, reflects the strength and vision of the kingdom’s leadership and its aspirations for lasting greatness.
Encircling the royal portrait is the carefully engraved inscription *“United Kingdom of Atlantis”*, reinforcing the state’s identity any the authority of its sovereign ruler. The lower rim of the coin prominently displays the name *Solomon Wining*, commemorating the monarch whose leadership is linked to noble governance and national advancement.
The phrase *“Gold Coin”* highlights not only the currency’s intrinsic value but also its symbolic significance as a representation of the kingdom’s economic structure and royal treasury. Beyond its aesthetic elegance, the coin serves as a *mark of sovereignty*, a seal of authority, and a reminder of the royal institution governing the United Kingdom of Atlantis.
The Imperial Gold Coin represents:
– *Unity* among citizens,
– *Loyalty* to the crown,
– A vision of a kingdom built upon *justice, prosperity, and noble leadership*.
Every detail—from the engraved crown to the polished golden surface—makes the coin a timeless emblem of imperial prestige and national pride. It stands as both a symbol of wealth and a monument to the legacy of royal leadership, reminding all who behold it of the enduring power and majesty of the United Kingdom of Atlantis.
The United Kingdom of Atlantis is a sovereign nation dedicated to upholding traditions of regal governance, cultural heritage, and economic prosperity, guided by the wisdom of its imperial leadership.
_Notes to Editors_:
The Imperial Gold Coin is intended for commemorative and symbolic purposes, representing the nation’s imperial heritage and royal authority.
Ajadi Visits Ibadan Chief Imam, Receives Blessings
The leading gubernatorial aspirant in Oyo State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to the Grand Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Imam Abdul Ganiy Abubakir Agbotomokekere, at his Oja’ba residence in Ibadan, where discussions centred on leadership, integrity, and the role of prayers in governance.
Ajadi, who described the revered Islamic cleric as a spiritual pillar in Oyo State, said his visit was to seek prayers and wise counsel as he continues consultations ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
While addressing the Chief Imam, Ajadi commended his consistent prayers for Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria, noting that religious leaders remain critical stakeholders in nation building.
“I have come to seek your prayers and spiritual blessings because of your important role in promoting peace, unity and moral guidance in our society,” Ajadi said.
“I also want to appreciate your continuous prayers for the progress of Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole. My prayer is that Almighty Allah will continue to grant you sound health and long life to witness many more Ramadan seasons on earth.”
Speaking further, the PDP gubernatorial aspirant emphasised the need for leadership driven by compassion, fairness and accountability, stressing that his political aspiration is rooted in service to the people.
“My ambition is not just about occupying an office but about serving the people with sincerity and fear of God. We must continue to encourage politics that will bring development and improve the welfare of our people,” he added.
While speaking with journalists after the visit, Ajadi also assured the people of Oyo State and Nigerians at large that the internal crisis and political tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been brought under control by the grace of God. He expressed optimism that the party would emerge victorious in all elective positions in the 2027 general elections.
In his response, Sheikh Agbotomokekere advised the governorship hopeful to remain focused on the principles of good governance, warning against corrupt practices often associated with politics.
The respected Islamic scholar noted that while politics is practised differently by individuals, only leaders with integrity and fear of God can truly deliver the dividends of democracy.
“Politics is practised by different kinds of people. Some play politics in a corrupt way, while others practise it with sincerity. My prayer is that you will be among those who will practise democracy in the right way if you become governor,” the Chief Imam said.
He reminded the aspirant that human ambition can only be fulfilled by divine approval, stressing that ultimate power belongs to God.
“Whoever is seeking a position should know that only Allah can make such an ambition come true. Whether a person becomes famous or remains unknown is also by the will of Allah,” he said.
Offering prayers for the politician, the cleric added: “Many people may be struggling for a position meant for one person, and it is only God who knows the rightful person. I pray that Almighty Allah will make you the chosen one among all the contenders.”
Using a football analogy to further illustrate his point, the cleric advised Ajadi to be wary of political distractions and misleading influences.
“On the football field, sometimes spectators believe they understand the game more than the players themselves. I pray that you will not be misled by so-called political gurus and that God will guide your steps aright,” he said.
Sheikh Agbotomokekere, the 18th Chief Imam of Ibadanland, is widely respected across South-Western Nigeria for his scholarship, spiritual leadership and advocacy for peaceful coexistence among religious and political groups.
Observers say the visit forms part of Ajadi’s ongoing consultations with key stakeholders, traditional rulers and religious leaders as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the next electoral cycle in Oyo State.
The cleric offered special prayers for peace in Oyo State, successful leadership, and continued unity among the people despite political and religious differences.
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