General News
OPPOSITION LEADERS ACCUSE PRESIDENT TINUBU OF USING EFCC FOR POLITICAL PERSECUTION
Notable opposition leaders have accused President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress of using the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as a weapon of political persecution. In a statement signed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other opposition leaders including David Mark, Bode George, and Peter Obi, the opposition leaders alleged that Tinubu is deploying state power to persecute perceived political adversaries. Raising alarm over what they called a threat against Nigeria’s multi-party democracy, they accused the Tinubu government of a plot to annihilate opposition. They therefore demanded an independent review body to examine public accounts of federal, state, and local governments from 2015 to 2025 and proposed embedding anti-graft operatives directly into government payment and expenditure processes at all levels.
The statement titled, “Anti-Corruption, Not Anti-Opposition: A Joint Statement by Opposition Leaders on the Growing Politicisation of State Institutions for Persecution of the Opposition,” reads: “We are compelled by duty to nation and conscience to issue this statement to alert our compatriots and the international community to the unfortunate and gradual slide of our country into a state where key national institutions – particularly the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission; The Nigeria Police; The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission are increasingly perceived as tools of political intimidation, selective justice and systematic persecution of opposition leaders.” They further stated, “Across our nation, there are mounting concerns that state power is being deployed not for prevention of economic crimes, but for persecution of perceived political adversaries, with the ultimate aim of weakening opposition voices and dismantling Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.”
Atiku Abubakar and the other leaders warned of a dangerous agenda unfolding, stating that more than ever before in Nigeria’s democratic experience, Nigerians have witnessed what many now describe as a covert, undemocratic agenda to ensure that all state governments fall under the control of the President’s party – not through transparent electoral contests, but by secretly intimidating opposition governors via the anti-corruption apparatus until they succumb and defect. They cited recent defections of opposition governors into the ruling party as reinforcing public suspicion that political pressure is driving this realignment. The opposition leaders accused the EFCC of a discernible pattern of persecution of the opposition with the sole objective of weakening same for the benefit of the ruling APC. They referenced a statement by former APC National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole that “Once you have joined APC, all your sins are forgiven,” which they said has come to symbolise a troubling reality. They gave examples of ministers who resigned after scandals but have not been charged by the EFCC, highlighting selective enforcement. Atiku Abubakar emphasized that such selective enforcement undermines the legitimacy of anticorruption efforts and erodes public trust.
The leaders expressed concern over the erosion of EFCC’s independence and made several demands, including depoliticizing the EFCC, returning it to its statutory mandate, defending multiparty democracy, embedding preventive anti-corruption mechanisms, and establishing an independent review body. They proposed that the independent review body be chaired by an eminent judge and composed of representatives from civil society, professional bodies, security agencies, and political parties. They called on all patriotic Nigerians to stand firm in defence of democracy, quoting Edmund Burke: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” They warned that Nigeria’s democracy is under threat and pledged to engage foreign partners, including the United States, UK, Canada, EU, World Bank, and United Nations, to express concern about the EFCC becoming a tool to weaken opposition. The statement was signed by Sen. David Mark, Alh. Atiku Abubakar, Mallam Lawal Batagarawa, Chief Bode George, Mr. Peter Obi, and Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.
General News
Alue-Do Festival Assault: First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Condemns Attack on Women, Calls for Justice
The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has strongly condemned the reported assault of women and girls during the Alue-Do Festival in Ozoro, Delta State, describing the incident as “horrific” and unacceptable.
Reacting to viral footage from Ozoro, the First Lady expressed outrage over scenes showing young girls being physically and sexually assaulted, as well as subjected to degrading treatment during what was meant to be a cultural celebration.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity, Mrs. Tinubu stressed that no tradition or custom should be used as justification for violating the dignity and rights of women and girls.
She commended the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force for making arrests in connection with the incident and urged authorities to ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice.
The First Lady also called on victims to seek immediate medical and psychological support, offering prayers for their healing, peace, and strength in the aftermath of the ordeal.
The incident has sparked widespread concern and renewed calls for stricter measures to protect women and girls during cultural and public events across the country.
General News
World Water Day 2026: Oluremi Tinubu Calls for Gender Equity Through Improved Water Access
The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has called for collective action to promote gender equality through improved access to water and sanitation, as the world marks World Water Day 2026.
In a message commemorating the day, Senator Tinubu highlighted this year’s theme, “Water and Gender,” alongside the campaign slogan, “Where Water Flows, Equality Grows,” emphasizing the strong link between water access and gender equity.
She noted that in many communities, women and girls bear the burden of sourcing water, often trekking long distances to streams, a situation that negatively impacts their education, health, and economic opportunities.
“When we ensure safe, clean, and accessible water, we do more than quench thirst; we open doors for girls to stay in school, for women to pursue livelihoods, and for families to live healthier lives,” she said.
The First Lady urged Nigerians to work together to ensure equitable access to water resources across the country, stressing that improved water systems can drive social and economic development.
She concluded by encouraging citizens to embrace the spirit of the global observance and reaffirm commitments toward building a more inclusive society.
“Let us work together to ensure that where water flows in Nigeria, equity truly grows,” she added.
World Water Day is observed annually on March 22 to raise awareness on the importance of freshwater and advocate for sustainable management of water resources worldwide.
Fresh hostilities in the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict intensified early Sunday, with Iran launching strikes near Israel’s main nuclear research centre, leaving dozens injured and raising fears of wider regional escalation.
According to reports, missiles hit areas close to the nuclear facility in Dimona and the southern city of Arad. Rescue services confirmed that nearly 70 people were injured in Arad alone, with several in serious condition and multiple residential buildings severely damaged.
The Israeli military said it had begun retaliatory strikes targeting locations in Tehran, further escalating the conflict, which has now entered its fourth week.
Iran warned that any attack on its energy facilities would trigger retaliatory strikes on U.S. and Israeli infrastructure across the region. The threat followed a statement by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned that the United States could target Iranian power plants if Tehran fails to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. Iranian authorities described such threats as provocative, vowing a firm response if carried out.
Saudi Arabia also confirmed that its air defence systems intercepted missiles and drones targeting its territory, including areas near key oil installations, with no casualties reported. In a separate incident, a projectile struck near a commercial vessel off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, causing an explosion but leaving the crew unharmed.
Iran’s state media reported that the death toll within the country has surpassed 1,500 since the conflict began, raising humanitarian concerns. Legal experts have also warned that targeting civilian infrastructure such as power plants could violate international law.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the situation as “a very difficult moment,” as emergency teams continued search-and-rescue operations in affected areas.
In Yemen, Iran-backed Houthi rebels warned they could join the conflict if attacks against Iran intensify, cautioning that further escalation could disrupt global energy supplies and economic stability.
Despite diplomatic signals, including a temporary U.S. move to ease sanctions on Iranian oil shipments, there are no clear signs of de-escalation, with both sides continuing military operations. Analysts warn the conflict risks expanding into a broader regional war with significant global implications.