By Jimmy Fatunbi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday described himself as a “die-hard democrat,” urging politicians across party lines to uphold democratic ideals and respect the rule of law regardless of political interests.

Tinubu made the remarks during an interfaith breakfast held at the State House for leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), members of its National Working Committee, and representatives of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC).

The President reflected on his long involvement in Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement, noting that many activists endured detention, protests and exile in the struggle for democratic governance.
“We are all democrats and we subscribed to this democracy voluntarily. For the past 26 years, we have worked for it selflessly. Some of us bear the scars of that struggle — we were detained, we protested and some went on exile. We formed NADECO and that struggle eventually brought us here,” he said, referencing the National Democratic Coalition.

Tinubu said his belief in democracy remains a lifelong commitment tied to the unity of the country.

“I’m a die-hard democrat and I follow that belief wholeheartedly in my commitment to a united Nigeria. That philosophy will live and die with me,” he added.

Speaking directly to IPAC National Chairman Yusuf Dantalle, the President stressed that participation in political parties is voluntary and should not attract intimidation or persecution.
“We are all democrats. Party alliances and platforms are voluntary choices. No democrat should threaten another for belonging to a particular party,” he said.

Tinubu’s comments come amid criticism from opposition groups and civil society organisations over recent amendments to Nigeria’s Electoral Act, which he signed into law on February 18 after its passage by the National Assembly.
Critics have raised concerns about provisions in the law, including making electronic transmission of results optional, introducing stricter rules for party membership registers, abolishing delegate voting in primaries, and imposing a 21-day deadline for submitting digital party registers ahead of primaries.

Defending his decision, Tinubu emphasised that the rule of law is central to democracy.
“The rule of law must prevail in any democracy. The majority will have their say and their way, while the minority will have their say even if they do not have their way. That is the essence of democracy,” he said.

He urged political actors to resolve disagreements through dialogue rather than confrontation.

“Debate the issues intellectually, interrogate each other honestly and sincerely. What matters is that we are all committed to the peace and stability of the country,” the President stated.

Explaining why he assented to the Electoral Act amendment, Tinubu said the overwhelming support it received in parliament left him with little reason to withhold approval.

“I signed the Electoral Act because there was an overwhelming majority in the National Assembly that passed it. If I had serious reservations, I would have raised them. I submitted myself to the principle of rule of law and democracy. I signed it, and the rest is history. We will meet at the polls,” he said.

He also recalled his years in opposition, noting that he had always respected democratic processes except during military rule.
Earlier, Dantalle commended Tinubu as a “listening and inclusive president” but raised concerns about aspects of the Electoral Act.
He said IPAC had previously worked closely with the Independent National Electoral Commission to prevent crises during the 2023 general elections and urged the government to reconsider some provisions of the amended law.
Among the proposals he highlighted were extending the 21-day deadline for submitting membership registers linked to National Identification Numbers, restoring indirect primaries for smaller parties and reintroducing government subventions to support political party administration.

“We are not asking for money to spend recklessly, but support for basic administration of political parties. You are a product of a multi-party democracy,” Dantalle told the President.
He also appealed for federal assistance to help IPAC relocate from its current rented office.
Tinubu, however, ended the meeting on a conciliatory note, stressing the need for cooperation among political actors.

“The game is sweet only when you are winning, but we must accommodate one another. We must strengthen the democratic platform while ensuring peace, stability and respect for the rule of law,” he said

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By Jimmy Fatunbi

The Executive Chairman of Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Moyosore Adebanjo, has extended heartfelt congratulations to the Super Eagles of Nigeria on their remarkable victory over the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in Tuesday’ s encounter.

Hon. Moyosore lauded the players for their teamwork, resilience, and patriotism. He noted that the victory is a testament to the unyielding Nigerian spirit and the determination to always rise above challenges.

In his congratulatory message, the Chairman gave special recognition to Nigeria’s football sensation, Victor Osimhen, who hails from Olusosun, Ward F, Onigbongbo LCDA, for his outstanding performance and exceptional contribution of three brilliant goals that secured an emphatic win for the nation.

He further encouraged the Super Eagles to remain focused as they continue their journey towards continental and global glory, assuring them of the unwavering support and prayers of Nigerians at home and abroad.

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By Jimmy Fatunbi

The Executive Chairman of Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area, Hon. Moyosore Adebanjo, celebrated Mr. Seyi Tinubu, a remarkable and visionary leader, on the occasion of his 40th birthday.

Hon. Adebanjo reflected on the impactful and humble lifestyle of Mr. Seyi Tinubu. “Your life continues to inspire countless young people across the nation, teaching us the value of humility, hard work, and dedication to service.
You have proven that true leadership is not about titles, but about influence, impact, and the willingness to uplift others,” he stated.

He wished Mr. Seyi Tinubu much strength, wisdom and grace to continue leading by example and touching lives positively as he added another meaningful year.

“Happy Birthday, my leader, ” he heartily and admirably celebrated the king of boys.

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Gondomar, Portugal — Under grey, weeping skies, Portugal stood still today as the nation laid to rest two of its beloved sons, Diogo Jota, the celebrated footballer, and his younger brother, André Silva. The funeral, marked by overwhelming grief and moments of solemn grace, drew together family, friends, teammates, dignitaries, and heartbroken fans who came to say goodbye to the brothers, whose lives were tragically cut short in a car accident earlier this week.

The funeral mass was held at the historic Igreja Matriz de Gondomar, where hundreds of mourners packed into the church’s ancient nave, while thousands more gathered silently outside, listening to the service through speakers set up in the square. Inside, amid flickering candles and the soft strains of hymns, the coffins of Diogo and André rested side by side, draped in the Portuguese flag and adorned with floral wreaths shaped like football jerseys — Diogo’s No. 20 and André’s No. 30 — a tribute as poignant as it was heartbreaking.

Presiding over the ceremony, Bishop Manuel Linda of Porto delivered a homily that spoke of loss, love, and the enduring power of memory. Addressing the couple’s children, the bishop’s voice faltered with emotion as he assured them: “There are no words that can soothe this pain, but there are feelings, and today the entire nation feels with you.”

The tragedy that brought Portugal to this moment unfolded on July 3rd, when the brothers’ sports car veered off Spain’s A-52 motorway near Cernadilla and burst into flames. Spanish authorities have indicated that a tire blowout may have caused the fatal crash, though investigations continue. The accident claimed both lives instantly, sending shockwaves through the footballing world and beyond.

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Today’s funeral drew a remarkable assembly of mourners from across the footballing fraternity. From England, Liverpool FC’s delegation was led by manager Arne Slot, accompanied by stars such as Virgil van Dijk, Andrew Robertson, Darwin Núñez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Joe Gomez. They stood in silent solidarity, their expressions etched with sorrow as they honored their fallen teammate.

The Portuguese national team, too, was out in full force — Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Rúben Dias, Rúben Neves, João Cancelo, and João Félix among them. In an especially moving gesture, Rúben Neves — fresh from an emotional Club World Cup fixture — served as one of Diogo’s pallbearers, helping to carry the casket of the man he called a brother both on and off the field.

From the realm of public life, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Prime Minister Luis Montenegro were present, reflecting the magnitude of the loss that transcended sport to touch the heart of the nation.

Perhaps the most heartrending figure was Rute Cardoso, Diogo’s wife, who just two weeks ago stood at the altar beside him in joy, and today stood beside his coffin in grief. Flanked by family, she helped bear his casket out of the church, her face a mask of quiet devastation.

As the funeral procession made its way to the cemetery, silence fell over Gondomar, broken only by the muffled sobs of mourners and the low tolling of the church bell. Side by side, the brothers were laid to rest, their graves covered with flowers and scarves in the colors of Porto, Liverpool, and Portugal — the teams they loved, and that loved them in return.

The final words of Bishop Linda seemed to linger in the air, as if carried on the wind across the hills of their hometown: “Their story does not end here. Diogo and André live on in our hearts, in every match played, in every goal scored, in every act of kindness inspired by their memory.”

And so, with heavy hearts and tear-filled eyes, Portugal bade them farewell — a last, lingering look at two lives that burned brightly and ended far too soon. Eyes look your last, and with them, an entire nation wept.

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Kurokeme, who disclosed this during an interview with journalists on Sunday, also highlighted Etete’s enduring legacy, especially his bold policies in the 1990s that laid the groundwork for Nigeria’s present gains in local content development.

According to him, the foresight of Etete in pioneering local content is the foundation for the recent dynamic Nigeria First Policy by President Bola Tinubu.

He said, “I wish to state with high sense of responsibility that Chief Dan Atete did not have direct interest in OPL 245. It was the directors of Malabu that appointed him as a consultant to the oil firm

“For the record, Etete was the one that set up Marginal Field Decree of 1998 for the benefit of all Nigerians to be included in the oil and gas industry.

“Please note that the foresight of Etete in pioneering local content is the foundation for the recent dynamic Nigeria First Policy by President Bola Tinubu that places emphasis on made in Nigeria goods.

“By the end of 2024, Nigeria achieved an unprecedented 56 percent local content participation in oil and gas, as reported by the NCDMB. But we must never forget that this journey started with the visionary leadership of Chief Etete.

“He was a pioneer who dared to challenge foreign monopolies and empowered Nigerian entrepreneurs at a time when it was unpopular, even dangerous to do so.”

Kurokeme also noted that Etete’s tenure from 1995 to 1998, under the regime of late General Sani Abacha, coincided with a politically volatile era marked by international scrutiny and deep-rooted foreign dominance over Nigeria’s oil resources.

He added that despite the turbulent environment, Etete championed the allocation of oil blocks to Nigerian-owned companies—including the now-famous OPL 245 to Malabu Oil and Gas—in a bid to promote economic sovereignty.

He said, These allocations were not arbitrary handouts. They were strategic interventions aimed at transferring wealth, building local capacity and giving Nigerians a direct stake in their oil wealth.”

Kurokeme further defended the former minister’s controversial involvement in the OPL 245 saga, noting that since Etete did not have any interest in OPL 245, no court—domestic or international—has found him guilty of corruption.

He also cited court rulings in Italy and Nigeria affirming the legality of Malabu’s claim, stating that Etete’s actions were wrongly criminalized because they challenged entrenched corporate interests.

He said, “The Malabu case is a classic example of how nationalist efforts in the Global South are vilified when they threaten the interests of international capital. Etete wasn’t perfect, but he was a patriot who wanted Nigerians—especially the Niger Delta people—to benefit directly from their God-given resources.”

Born in the Ijaw heartland, Etete, Kurokeme recalled, had a strong affinity with the struggles of oil-bearing communities and advocated for greater resource control, environmental remediation, and Niger Delta development long before such issues became mainstream.

Kurokeme also disclosed that companies such as Seplat, Aiteo, Sahara Energy, and Oando owe their rise to the indigenous oil sector reforms initiated during Etete’s time and emphasized the philosophical link between Etete’s policies and the 2010 Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act, which formalized local content obligations.

“Today’s gains are the fruits of trees he planted decades ago. He deserves credit, not condemnation,” Kurokeme declared.

He also described Chief Etete, who recently turned 80, as a “misunderstood reformer” whose role has been deliberately downplayed in Nigeria’s economic history.

Kurokeme said, Though one may not always agree with his political leaning, you cannot but honour his far above petty politicking disposition. He is a typical example of politics without bitterness, and never the one to court the vagaries of double speak in the often volatile terrain of Nigeria’s political discourse.”

Kurokeme also urged the Federal Government to formally recognize Chief Dan Etete’s contributions and initiate national conversations to restore what he termed a “distorted legacy.”

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Ibadan, Nigeria – Bisola Ajimobi Kola-Daisi, the first daughter of the late former governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi, has passed away at the age of 42.

Reports indicate that she died in the early hours of Thursday in the United Kingdom. Until her passing, she served as the Special Adviser to the Minister of Budget and Planning, Atiku Bagudu.

Confirming the development, Bolaji Tunji, a former Special Adviser to Governor Ajimobi, told journalists in Ibadan, “Yes, it has been confirmed.”

Bisola was married to Kolapo Kola-Daisi and was known for her contributions to governance and development planning in Nigeria. Further details surrounding her passing remain undisclosed.

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Abuja, March 26, 2025 – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed the receipt of contact details from representatives of the petitioners seeking to recall the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.

In a statement released on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, and signed by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information & Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, INEC stated that the petitioners had provided their contact address, phone numbers, and email addresses in a letter addressed to the Commission’s Chairman.

Following this development, INEC has formally notified the affected senator about the recall petition, in line with Clause 2(a) of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024. The notification letter has been delivered to the senator’s official address, copied to the presiding officer of the Senate, and published on INEC’s website.

The Commission will now proceed to verify the signatures attached to the petition to confirm that more than half of the registered voters in the constituency have endorsed the recall process. INEC assured that the scrutiny would be conducted in the coming days and the outcome made public, which will determine the next steps in the recall procedure.

Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, INEC stated, “We once again reassure Nigerians that the process will be open and transparent.”

The recall process, a rare political occurrence in Nigeria, is being closely watched as it unfolds.

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The House of Representatives has approved a bill seeking to formally recognize Lagos State’s 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) as full-fledged Local Government Areas (LGAs). If enacted into law, the bill will increase the total number of LGAs in Lagos from 20 to 57, making it the state with the highest number of local governments in Nigeria.

The proposed legislation, titled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) to Accommodate the Thirty-Seven (37) Development Area Councils of Lagos State as Full-Fledged Local Government Areas, Increasing the Total Number of Local Government Areas in the Federation to Eight Hundred and Eleven (811), and for Related Matters (HB. 1498)”, was among the 42 constitutional amendment bills passed by the House on Wednesday.

Sponsored by Hon. James Abiodun Faleke (Ikeja Federal Constituency), Hon. Babajimi Benson (Ikorodu Federal Constituency), Hon. Enitan Dolapo Badru (Lagos Island I Federal Constituency), and 19 other lawmakers, the bill successfully scaled its second reading during plenary, presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

If passed into law, Nigeria’s total number of LGAs will increase from 774 to 811. Lagos will also surpass Kano (44 LGAs) and Katsina (34 LGAs), solidifying its administrative structure as the state with the highest number of local governments.

The bill’s approval is expected to rekindle debates on state creation and resource allocation, as other states may seek similar constitutional amendments to accommodate their LCDAs. Advocates argue that recognizing these development councils as LGAs will improve governance, revenue allocation, and grassroots development. However, critics warn of potential challenges in implementation, especially in revenue-sharing formulas and administrative restructuring.

With the House’s approval, the bill will now proceed to the Senate for further legislative processes before it can be signed into law by the President.

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The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct has recommended a six-month suspension for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central. This recommendation follows investigations citing her for violations of Senate rules.

The committee’s chairman, Senator Neda Imasuen, presented the report during Thursday’s plenary session. The recommendations include locking Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s office, barring her from accessing the National Assembly premises during the suspension, and withdrawing her salaries along with those of her legislative aides. Additionally, she would be prohibited from representing Nigeria in any official capacity as a senator during the suspension period. The committee also suggested that she may submit a written apology for the Senate to review her suspension.

The Senate is expected to vote on this recommendation, which, if upheld, would strip Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan of all legislative privileges for the duration of her suspension.

This development is the latest in the ongoing dispute between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The conflict began over a seating arrangement issue and escalated when the senator accused Akpabio of sexual harassment. On Wednesday, the same committee dismissed her petition alleging abuse of office, sexual harassment, and obstruction of legislative duties, describing it as “dead on arrival.” Despite this, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan resubmitted the petition during Thursday’s plenary.

The committee has been directed to investigate the resubmitted petition and report back to the Senate within four weeks.

The post Breaking: Senate Committee Recommends Six-Month Suspension for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Amid Ongoing Dispute with Senate President Akpabio appeared first on The Lagosian Magazine.

Kiagbodo, Delta State – February 18, 2025

Nigeria has lost one of its foremost statesmen and South-South leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, who passed away at the age of 97 on Monday night, February 17, 2025.

A former Federal Commissioner for Information and a prominent Ijaw nationalist, Clark was a key figure in Nigeria’s political landscape, having served in the administrations of military governor Samuel Ogbemudia and former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon.

His death was confirmed in a statement issued by his family, signed by Prof. C. C. Clark. The statement read:

“The Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, Delta State, wishes to announce the passing of Chief (Dr.) Sen. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, OFR, CON, on Monday, 17th February 2025. The family appreciates your prayers at this time. Other details will be announced later by the family.”

Clark, the leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), was a vocal advocate for the rights of the Niger Delta region, championing resource control and political equity for the South-South zone. Over the decades, he played a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s political discourse, particularly in advocating for regional development and justice.

His passing comes just days after the death of another elder statesman, Afenifere leader Chief Ayo Adebanjo, who died at the age of 96.

As tributes pour in from across Nigeria and beyond, Chief Clark’s legacy as a fearless advocate, politician, and nationalist remains firmly etched in the nation’s history.

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