You lack power to sack or appoint govs, ADC tells Tinubu

The African Democratic Congress has cautioned President Bola Tinubu against interfering in the affairs of state governments, declaring that the Nigerian Constitution does not empower the President to hire or fire elected governors.

ADC, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bola Abdullahi, on Thursday, emphasised that such actions undermine democratic principles and the autonomy of states.

Siminalayi Fubara has returned to his role as Governor of Rivers State, with the State House of Assembly also resuming its legislative activities.

This follows the lifting of the six-month emergency rule earlier imposed on the state by President Tinubu.

Tinubu officially ended the emergency rule on Wednesday, bringing to a close the special measures he had declared in Rivers State on March 18, 2025.

In a speech on the cessation of the emergency rule, the President said, “The Governor, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, the deputy governor, Her Excellency Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the speaker, Martins Amaewhule, will resume work in their offices from September 18, 2025.

“It, therefore, gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State of Nigeria shall end with effect from midnight today.”

Reacting, ADC accused Tinubu of masking politics as leadership, saying his actions in Rivers will define his legacy.

It stated, “On Wednesday, September 17, Nigerians witnessed a curious spectacle: President Tinubu directing the Governor, Deputy Governor, and members of the State Assembly in Rivers State to resume duties after serving his six-month suspension from office.

“The President’s decision to arrogate to himself the power to suspend and recall elected officials in Rivers State, as he had done, is whimsically autocratic and should be recognised and condemned as a threat to our democracy.

“The African Democratic Congress reiterates that what has happened in Rivers State over the last six months is a brazen manipulation of constitutional provisions to serve narrow political interests.

“We harbour no doubts that the situation that served as the pretext for the declaration of the state of emergency was a clear act of political contrivance that only demanded the President’s unbiased political intervention. Instead, the President chose to serve the will of demagogues in his government, deploying the power of the constitution to attack what he should have protected.”

The party decried that for six months, the will of Rivers people was ignored and their elected leaders sidelined not by a court, but by a fellow elected President.

It continued, “Now, with the wave of a hand and the ink from his pen, the same President has decided to ‘allow’ other duly elected officials back to work, as though they were his political appointees.

“Let us be clear: Governors and legislators in a democracy do not draw their legitimacy from Aso Rock. They derive it from the people who elected them. Only a competent court can remove or restrain them — not a press statement or presidential proclamation. The President is not a Headmaster, and Governors are not his pupils to be sent home and recalled at his discretion. Yet, we recall that this President once claimed to be a federalist who, as a state governor himself, fought to protect the relative autonomy of his state.

“However, with this action, the President and his men have achieved their goals, and that goal was not to restore peace to Rivers State. They now have a thoroughly pacified government in Rivers State, which has learnt its hard lessons that its primary loyalty is not to the people of Rivers State, but to Abuja. More importantly, the Rivers experience would now serve as a clear warning to other state governments in the country to behave themselves.

“In keeping with their well-worn propaganda, presidential aides announced that the President had cut short his vacation to attend to the worsening security situation in the country. This claim is indeed laughable. But it is now made clear: the President did not return because Nigerians are being killed, or because life has become unbearable for the majority. He returned for one reason only to personally oversee the return of Fubara to office and bask in the glory of the dictatorial powers that he had assumed for himself.

The ADC urged the judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, to firmly address the issue, warning that it sets a troubling precedent.

It continued, “By removing a sitting governor and now personally directing his return, the message could not have been clearer: ‘I removed you, and I alone can bring you back.” This was not about law, or justice, or even governance. It was about control. It was about reinforcing the idea that, in today’s Nigeria, institutions may exist, but they remain subordinate to the will of one man.

“For avoidance of doubt, Section 305 of our Constitution, which provides for emergency power,s was never intended to be used as a tool for settling political scores or exerting unconstitutional control over a state. It exists for moments of genuine public danger, such as floods, epidemics, or insurrections, not for political convenience.

“The ADC, therefore, calls on the judiciary, especially the Supreme Court of Nigeria, to take a clear position on this matter, which has set a dangerous precedent. In moments like this, the judiciary cannot maintain silent indifference, or history will record them as collaborators in the subversion of our democracy.”

PANDEF hails Tinubu for lifting of Rivers emergency rule

The Pan Niger Delta Forum has hailed the lifting of the state of emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight, Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

In a statement signed by Board members and National Executive Committee members on Thursday, PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu for rectifying what they described as an anomaly.

The statement was co-signed by Co-Chairmen, PANDEF Board of Trustees, Alfred Diette-Spiff and Obong Victor Attah, National Chairman Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, and National Secretary, Beks Dagogo-Jack.

PUNCH Online reports that Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on the 18th of March, 2025, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Deputy Governor, and members of the state House of Assembly for six months in the first instance.

In place of the governor, the President appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd) as Sole Administrator.

However, Tinubu announced the suspension of the emergency rule on Wednesday, stating, “It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State shall end with effect from midnight today (Wednesday).”

The Forum commended Fubara’s unwavering perseverance and “faith in the divine will of Almighty God,” while also commending the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Odu, the Speaker, and members of the House of Assembly, who were equally affected by the suspension.

“The Board and National Executive Committee of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, the apex socio-political organisation representing the South-South geopolitical zone, joins millions of Nigerians in welcoming the lifting of the state of emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight, Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

“While PANDEF had expressed strong reservations regarding the erstwhile emergency rule, we commend His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for taking this bold step to rectify the anomaly.

“We welcome Governor Siminalayi Fubara back to his elected office and salute his unwavering perseverance and faith in the divine will of Almighty God. We extend similar commendations to the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Oduah, the Speaker, and members of the House of Assembly, who were equally affected by the suspension,” the statement read.

Addressing Rivers people, the forum declared, “Light has returned to the state and a new glorious dawn has come. A moment in which the bitter pains of the past months will inspire all to rededicate themselves to true mutual forbearance, new alignments and forward movement.”

They urged political leaders and citizens to put the past behind them and work towards the collective good of the state, while pledging to support Rivers’ developmental trajectory under Fubara.

“All hearts and hands must therefore be joined together to put the past behind us and work towards the collective good of the state.

“We look forward to the State’s return to normalcy and the resumption of its developmental trajectory under the leadership of Governor Fubara and his team. PANDEF reiterates its commitment to supporting the government and people of Rivers State in their pursuit of progress and development,” the statement added

20 Years Gap: Edo Lawmaker Gushes Over 2Baba on 50th birthday

Natasha Osawaru, the Deputy Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, has poured glowing tributes on her husband, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, as the Afrobeats legend clocked 50 on Thursday.

In an Instagram post, Osawaru described the music star — who is 20 years older than her — as “the love of my life,” adding that waking up beside him daily was “one of the greatest gifts ever.”

“Happy birthday to the love of my life. You are 50!!!!! Oh wow!!!!!! You spaced me with 20 years and you look younger than I do…

“Innocent Ujah Idibia my husband… words cannot express the joy you’ve brought into my life. My joy is complete with you in it,” she wrote.

The lawmaker and the multi-award-winning singer tied the knot in a private traditional wedding in Benin City in April, barely months after 2Baba ended his long marriage with actress Annie Macaulay-Idibia.

The traditional rites, held at the residence of the Esama of Benin, drew close family and associates but were kept off-camera in a bid to preserve the ceremony’s privacy.

2Baba had earlier, in February, confirmed his relationship with Osawaru publicly, declaring: “Yes, I love her. I want to marry her.”

Revolutionizing Nigeria’s Energy Future: The Gbenga Komolafe Story

By Moses Udo

Among the constellation of Nigeria’s leadership, there are individuals whose vision and tenacity do more than just inspire people, they are representation and an architect of transformation. Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, helming the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), is irrevocably one such luminary. His leadership over this critical agency has been exceptionally administrative; it is emblematic of the purposeful reform which has become one of the answers to the clarion calls within the broader framework of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Komolafe’s leadership is one that has yielded structural innovations, an article which can be likened to a Master builder who is laying the foundation for a high skyscraper. He is constructing a new framework for the Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. And for the record, he has championed non-kinetic strategies to quell crude oil theft, a feat which has remarkably reduced losses to 5,000 barrels per dau, and has stabilized production at 1.7 million barrels per day. Under his Project 1 MMBOPD initiative, there is an expectancy for additional million barrels per day by December 2026. This type of gains are what cannot just be conjured from rhetoric, but only from disciplined execution by a focused leader.

However, what we can call the most compelling evidence of Komolafe’s reformative ascendancy lies in report of N5.21 trillion mid-year revenue generated by the NUPRC in the first half of 2025 alone. To put this in better context, this figure represents a 42.7% of the record N12.2 trillion garnered in the entire year of 2024. Even against the N15 trillion target of 2025, this constitutes 34.7% already achieved in just six months. This is a sterling pace amid global oil market volatility and domestic production challenges. This monetary performance is not merely impressive, it is massive, and undoubtedly transformative.

Moreover, Engineer Komolafe strategies have strengthened the confidence of investors and also repositioned Nigeria’s upstream sector as a reliable sector for the country’s revenue. It’s no mean feat that the nation now holds the largest gas reserves and the second-largest oil reserves in Africa; this enviable status owes much to the labor and strategic framework he has painstakingly put in place.

It is also worth nothing to state that Komolafe’s tenure is equally defined by transparency, sustainability, and inclusivity. In achieving this feat, he has pioneered the Nigeria Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP) and the Carbon Credits Earning Framework, becoming a twin initiative which is positioned at the intersection of environmental responsibility and economic sustainability. These flagship projects aimed at not just eliminating the challenges of gas flaring but also reducing methane emissions, encouraging carbon capture technologies, monetizing the decarbonization strategy, remaining at the vanguard of the country’s energy transition, and promoting sustainable energy practices.

In complementing these, he established the Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) and an Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre (ADRC), which help to create a participatory governance and further fostering conflicts resolutions that once marred upstream operations.

Under his leadership, the upstream sector has achieved fiscal discipline through metering reforms, transparent cargo declarations, and simplified royalty frameworks as a result of his adoption of progressive regulation, which is a plan that is rooted in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the 10-Year Regulatory and Corporate Strategic Plan (2023–2033), and the 2024 Regulatory Action Plan.

The Energy Policy Advancement Centre (EPAC) lauded this performance as a salient testament to strategic governance, foresight, and institutional discipline. Their Director-General, Dr. Ibrahim Musa, asserted, “NUPRC has moved beyond passive regulation to active value generation”, and he further emphasized that what sets this leadership apart “is not just the quantum of revenue but the discipline with which it is being pursued”

Musa also praised NUPRC’s debt recovery drive, which yielded $459,226 from outstanding obligations — part of a cumulative $1.436 billion owed from crude oil lifting contracts.
He said: “Debt recovery may not attract headlines, but it is the backbone of fiscal discipline. Every dollar recovered is a step towards stabilising government finances and strengthening our economic resilience. The NUPRC’s persistence in this regard is commendable,”

But why do all these matter within President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda? At its heart, the president agenda seeks to restore public confidence, strengthens institutional capacity, and rejuvenate Nigeria’s struggling economy. Fortunately for Nigerians, Engr. Komolafe’s conduct encapsulates these ideals. Komolafe is not merely an agent of reform; he is an embodiment of that agenda’s promise. His work is the praxis through which Renewed Hope becomes a loved reality, and more than just a campaign slogan it used to be known for.

History praises visionaries, because they alone perceive possibilities where others see only patches, and Komolafe exemplifies this through his strategic foresight in curbing theft and production stabilizaion within the oil and gas sector. His holistic reforms has integrated environmental imperatives, enshrined accountability within the NUPRC, and created community welfare; His ability to leverage policies and frameworks to recalibrate oil and gas governance has fostered institutional renewal; and his ability to deliver tangible gains for the federation’s revenue base has ensured fiscal prominence.

As we have found ourselves in an era where grandiloquence often eclipses genuine progress, and political ambitions serves personal interest, the tenure of Eng. Gbenga Komolafe in NUPRC is one which has stand among others as impactful, transformative, and substantive. He is not a mere bureaucrat, he is an architect of modern Nigeria’s energy future, who builds a legacy of reforms, and not rhetoric.

His contributions ripple outside the confmes of the oil and gas sector, nourishing the ethos and reinforcing the Renewed Hope Agenda upon which our collective future depends. Thanks to him, the oil Industry is now much more efficient as a result of the implemented strategic reforms which have drastically reduced capital and operational expenditure in oil production.

Indeed, a man of vision is not just an asset but a lodestar to his nation, and In Gbenga Komolafe, we find a man of vision who is unequivocally an invaluable asset to our great nation.

Udo is a public affairs analyst writing from Glasgow, United Kingdom.

FALEKE: Understanding Trust and Loyalty in Leadership

By William Ochonu

Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke stands as a towering figure of loyalty and transformative leadership, his name etched in the annals of Nigeria’s history for his unwavering commitment to public service. Faleke’s career radiates strategic brilliance and selfless dedication.

As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s steadfast ally, his pivotal leadership in the 2023 presidential campaign and resolute embrace of the Renewed Hope Agenda have solidified his title as the “dependable ally.” Through his sharp legislative insight, profound humility, and remarkable ability to unite diverse stakeholders, Faleke not only drives Nigeria’s progress but also forges a lasting legacy of trust and sacrifice, paving the way for a united and prosperous future.

Born on December 25, 1959, in Ekinrin Adde, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Chief Faleke has built a remarkable career defined by dedication, integrity, and loyalty. Rt. Hon. Faleke’s political journey began with his appointment as the pioneer Executive Secretary of Ojodu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos State, a role he held from 2003 to 2004. His diligent service earned him the trust of the people, who subsequently elected him as the substantive chairman of the LCDA for two tenures, serving until 2011.

In 2011, Rt. Hon. Faleke was elected to represent Ikeja Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, a position he has held with distinction. His legislative contributions, marked by insightful debates and impactful work, have been notable. He has served as Chairman of the House Committee on Anti-Corruption, National Ethics and Values, and later as Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, earning widespread respect for his commitment to public service.

Rt. Hon. Faleke’s exemplary performance, patriotism, and steadfast support for both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) culminated in his appointment as the National Secretary of the APC Presidential Campaign Council for the 2023 election. His strategic leadership and dedication were pivotal to the campaign’s success.

If a new word were to be added to the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary as a synonym for loyalty, it would undoubtedly be Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke. His unwavering faithfulness to President Tinubu is legendary, comparable to few in Nigeria’s political history. For instance, the bond between Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto and Premier of Northern Nigeria, and Alhaji Maitama Sule, a close associate, exemplified such loyalty.

Maitama Sule’s dedication to Bello’s vision for Northern Nigeria mirrors the commitment Faleke demonstrates. Similarly, Anthony Enahoro’s unwavering loyalty to Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s ideals reflects the same steadfast allegiance Faleke shows toward Tinubu’s vision.

In the complex dynamics of principal-agent relationships in politics, where loyalty can waver amid power and wealth, Rt. Hon. Faleke remains a beacon of trust and dependability. His loyalty to President Tinubu has been proven time and again, most notably through his strategic and decisive contributions to Tinubu’s emergence as president during the 2022–2023 campaign. Despite daunting challenges, criticism, and opposition, Faleke’s resolute support for Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda has earned him the moniker “dependable ally” and “workhorse” from the President himself.

Faleke’s commitment is further reflected in his alignment with Tinubu’s governance priorities, including transparency, anti-corruption, and youth empowerment. As Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, he has consistently championed these ideals, demonstrating his belief in the President’s vision through his public stands and legislative efforts.

A man of integrity and reliability, Faleke has never taken his decades-long relationship with President Tinubu for granted. Instead, he has worked tirelessly as a servant of the President’s agenda, prioritizing empowerment, inclusivity, and teamwork. His leadership style mirrors Tinubu’s, reflecting a shared commitment to building a united and progressive team without pursuing personal political ambitions.

Faleke’s trustworthy demeanor has inspired confidence in others, who rely on his sense of responsibility, compassion, and understanding. His humility and approachable nature have become a source of strength, drawing many to President Tinubu’s camp. By valuing others’ input and consistently following through on commitments, Faleke has earned respect and built a strong track record as a leader.

Strategically aligned with President Tinubu’s vision, Faleke’s legislative contributions and innovative insights make him an effective confidant and advisor. His ability to navigate complex challenges and deliver results has solidified his reputation as a dependable leader. President Tinubu trusts Faleke’s judgment, often seeking his counsel on critical issues, leveraging his deep experience to shape policies and decisions.

Faleke’s emotional intelligence, humility, and collaborative spirit have positioned him as a vital bridge between President Tinubu and various stakeholders. His ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds has earned him recognition as a unifying force in Nigerian politics. His tireless work ethic and passion for results underscore his commitment to public service.

Indeed, Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke has proven beyond doubt that he is willing to go to great lengths for President Tinubu. As a kingmaker in Abuja, he works relentlessly to achieve results, embodying the essence of trust and loyalty in leadership.

Ochonu is a public affairs analyst writing from Abuja.

PMAN Backs Police Report on Kukwaba Land Dispute, Cuts Ties with Olusco

PMAN Backs Police Report on Kukwaba Land Dispute, Cuts Ties with Olusc

Abuja, Nigeria — The Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has endorsed the findings of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Unit on alleged fraudulent activities linked to Olusco Heritage & Investment Ltd and its Managing Director, Mr. Olufemi Olumeyan, in relation to Plot 504, Kukwaba, Abuja.

According to the police investigation, there is a prima facie case of fraud, intimidation, violence, and breach of peace arising from unauthorised dealings on the land. PMAN, the rightful title holder, said the report confirms long-standing concerns about irregular transactions and thanked the police for their professionalism.

The controversy began in 2023 when PMAN signed a joint venture agreement with Olusco. The agreement, however, was subject to the payment of a premium which Olusco never fulfilled, leaving it unenforceable. Despite this, Olusco allegedly went ahead to advertise and sell portions of the land.

PMAN said the situation worsened after Olusco requested that foreign investment funds be paid into a personal account, a move the association rejected. Later, it emerged that Olusco had struck a separate ₦350 million development deal with G & D Building & Engineering Ltd before disputes arose, leading to petitions to the police.

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The Monitoring Unit also flagged the involvement of former PMAN officials, including Mr. Boniface Itodo and entertainer Mr. Zakky Azzay, who were accused of impersonating executives after their dismissal, thereby misleading the public and aggravating the crisis.

On December 7, 2024, PMAN formally terminated its arrangement with Olusco, citing breaches and risks to the public. The association has since tightened security on the site with police support. During one operation, officers dispersed trespassers, and one person sustained a minor injury while fleeing. PMAN clarified that no shots were fired, countering sensational online reports.

National President, Pretty Okafor, said PMAN’s focus is now on accountability and protecting members of the public. “Anyone who paid money to unauthorised parties should come forward. We are working with the IGP Monitoring Unit and EFCC to trace funds, identify victims, and ensure justice,” he said.

PMAN stressed that no sale or allocation on Plot 504 is valid without its written approval and urged potential buyers to exercise caution

Tinubu hails former VP Sambo’s integrity on 71st birthday

President Bola Tinubu on Saturday congratulated a former Vice President and elder statesman, Namadi Sambo, on his 71st birthday.

Sambo, who was born on August 2nd, 1954 served as the Vice President of Nigeria from May 19, 2010 to 29 May 29, 2015.

He was the Governor of Kaduna State from 2007 to 2010.

Tinubu, in a press statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, titled, “President Tinubu felicitates former Vice President Sambo on his birthday,” described Sambo as a renowned architect.

According to Tinubu, Sambo is a man of integrity and loyalty who is deeply committed to Nigeria’s unity and stability.

“As a prominent leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, Sambo worked closely with President Jonathan, serving with dedication and maintaining a relationship of mutual respect in and out of office.

“President Tinubu appreciates Sambo’s continued leadership and statesmanship in Nigeria and the West African subregion, including his support for Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani in advancing religious tolerance, peace, and stability statewide.

“Sambo led the ECOWAS Observation Mission to Ghana’s December 2024 Presidential Elections. Before this, he headed a similar mission in the Republic of Niger in December 2020 and the run-off poll in that country in February 2021,” the statement noted.

The President also wished Sambo many more years in good health and continued service to the nation.

NIS warns Nigerians against misusing US visas

The Nigeria Immigration Service has issued an advisory urging Nigerians to use their U.S. visas responsibly and in strict compliance with the stated purpose of their application.

This follows concerns raised by the U.S. Government over the misuse of visas by some Nigerian citizens.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, the Service Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, said Nigerians holding U.S. visas must adhere to the terms and conditions under which the visas were granted.

“The Nigeria Immigration Service wishes to inform the general public of concerns raised by the United States Government regarding the misuse of U.S. visas by Nigerians.

“All visa holders are advised to strictly adhere to the purpose stated in their visa applications

“U.S. authorities conduct security screening beyond the initial point of entry into the country. Any breach of immigration or other laws can lead to visa revocation or deportation.

“Breach of visa conditions, including overstaying, may attract severe penalties, including removal from the U.S. and permanent ineligibility for future travel,” he said.

According to him, the U.S. remains committed to maintaining a secure and transparent visa process and expects all visa holders to comply fully with its immigration regulations.

He also advised Nigerian students in the U.S. to remain in active study programmes and refrain from unauthorised withdrawal or absenteeism.

He noted that such actions could result in visa cancellation and the loss of future eligibility for U.S. travel.

The NIS warned that the U.S. consular officers reserve the right to deny tourist visas to applicants suspected of intending to travel to give birth, in a bid to secure U.S. citizenship for their children.

“The NIS will continue to collaborate with the U.S. Mission in Abuja to ensure Nigeria is not included in any expanded visa restrictions,” he said.

“We are calling on all Nigerian citizens to comply with U.S. visa rules as such conduct is essential to safeguarding legitimate travel opportunities.

Amnesty International condemns closure of Niger radio station

Amnesty International has condemned the order issued by the Governor of Niger State, Umar Bago, directing the closure of Badeggi 90.1 FM Radio in Minna.

The human rights organisation said the allegation that the radio station was “inciting violence” and the subsequent directive to revoke its licence represent an abuse of power.

In a statement on Saturday by the Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, the organisation said the order for the closure of the radio station is misguided and unjustifiable.

Sanusi criticised the state government’s focus on media clampdown amid worsening insecurity in the region, including killings and mass displacement by armed groups.

He said, “Amnesty International strongly condemns the lawless and repressive order issued yesterday by Governor Umar Bago of Niger State for the closure of Badeggi 90.1 FM Radio Minna – which is an independent sources of news for the people of Niger state.

“The governor’s allegation against the radio station of ‘inciting violence’ and his order that ‘the licence of the dadio station be revoked’ clearly show abuse of power and unacceptable intolerance of critical voices. The order for the closure of the radio station is misguided and unjustifiable.”

He called on Bago to immediately withdraw the order, stating that under Nigerian law, state governors lack the authority to shut down broadcast stations.

Sanusi said, “While bandits and insurgents are ravaging the Niger state through killings and massive displacements of rural communities, with both the Federal Government and Niger State failing to protect lives, pointing accusing fingers at a radio station clearly shows a failure of leadership.

“Attacking Badeggi 90.1 FM is part of a wider pattern of attempts to create climate of fear across newsrooms in Nigeria and to make it harder for journalists to do their job.

“Governor Bago must immediately withdraw his unlawful order. “Under Nigerian laws, the governor has no power to order the closure of a radio station. Choosing to bizarrely blame a radio station for the inexcusable security failures of the government is an open attack on media freedom.

“Targeting independent media is solely aimed at depriving the people of the opportunity to receive fair and objective reporting of issues affecting their lives.”

Recall that on Thursday, the governor ordered the closure of Badeggi FM Radio Station for inciting violence.

The governor gave the directive during the expanded Niger State APC Caucus meeting held at the Government House, Minna.

According to him, the decision was taken because the daily activities of the Radio station have been unethical.

I was blind, Dino Melaye regrets backing APC

Former Kogi senator, Dino Melaye, has expressed regret for previously backing the All Progressives Congress, describing his past support as a mistake.

He also expressed confidence in the African Democratic Congress to present a strong contender capable of unseating President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme aired on Friday, Melaye acknowledged his past alignment with the ruling party but said he had since turned a new leaf.

“Once I was blind, now I can see. I regret in totality.

“Just like you confess your sins daily in the Lord’s prayer, I ask for forgiveness.

“Anyone who has moved with the devil, anyone who has aligned with an unholy tendency, should regret it,” the former lawmaker said.

Melaye slammed the APC administration for worsening socio-economic conditions, saying hunger and poverty have reached dangerous levels across Nigeria.

“You don’t need a prophet to tell you what is happening in this country. It is visible even to the blind and audible to the deaf.

“The hunger in the land is shattered. People are dying of malnutrition in rural communities.

“Take a trip today to your village and just announce that you want to share two bags of rice.

“If you are not careful, there will be dead casualties from the struggle to get something,” he said.

Turning to 2027 politics, Melaye said the ADC was focused on building a stable party platform that would produce a credible presidential candidate to defeat Tinubu.

“Especially those of us in the ADC, we need to create a comfortable, stable platform.

“I believe that platform will produce a candidate that will unseat President Ahmed Bola Tinubu in 2027,” he said.

When asked if he would support former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Melaye declined to endorse any aspirant, saying his focus was on strengthening the party first.

“I will not be talking about a presidential candidate or preference for anybody until we get the party completely stabilised and organise a transparently honest convention,” he said.

Although Atiku has not officially declared interest in the 2027 race, Melaye praised his ongoing political efforts.

“What Atiku is doing is rescuing this country, bringing together men of honour and valour to correct and palliate the satanic manifestation of the APC,” Melaye added.