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Abiola’s Son Recovers N30bn Queen’s Drive Property from GTB over Alleged Forgery

The Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal, in a landmark decision, yesterday, upturned a 2013 judgment of the Federal High Court, in a matter between RCN Networks Ltd and Guaranty Trust Bank PLC.

The Federal High Court ruling had previously resulted in the “unlawful foreclosure” by GTB PLC of a 30 billion Naira 44-room mansion owned by AlhajiAgboolaAbiola, one of the sons of the late winner of the June 12 1993 presidential election, Bashorun M.K.O Abiola.

In a unanimous judgment in the suit with number CA/L/888/2014, the court held that the trial court had ignored glaring discrepancies on the execution page of a tripartite legal mortgage registered by the bank at the Land Registry of Lagos State against the said property.

The court found that the said discrepancies made the tripartite legal mortgage document so deficient that it was incapable of conferring on the said bank, any legal rights to foreclose on the property.

The court further found that discrepancies on the document included the fact that it was unsigned by alleged mortgagor, AlhajiAbiola.

In addition, the court further discovered that the footer therein contained handwritten alterations not present on other pages of the document, which the Appellant had alleged in the case was indicative of the fact that the document had actually been forged by the bank.

Consequently, and after establishing the facts of the case, the court discharged all legal charges levied on the property by GTBank in favour of the Appellant.

The Appellant was represented by Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips, SAN, while the respondent was represented by Mr. Norrison Quakers, SAN.

The Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal, in a landmark decision, yesterday, upturned a 2013 judgment of the Federal High Court, in a matter between RCN Networks Ltd and

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FG to Sign Over 30 MoUs as Second Nigeria-Brazil Dialogue Kicks Off Monday

•Defence, energy, agric, innovation, others top new investment drive

DejiElumoyein Abuja

The federal government is ready to sign over 30 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) as Nigeria prepares to host the second session of the Nigeria-Brazil Strategic Dialogue Mechanism (SDM) scheduled to begin on Monday, June 23, 2025.

Agriculture, energy, defence, the creative economy, and innovation are among the key sectors driving this new investment initiative.

The three-day event will provide a platform for the President Bola Tinubu-led federal government to tap into new investment flows, facilitate technical cooperation, and open pathways for enhanced strategic engagements for businesses.

This was made public yesterday, by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, during a press conference at the State House, Abuja, on the planned visit of the Vice President of Brazil, Geraldo Alckmin, to Nigeria.

According to him, the visit of the Brazilian delegation was a landmark event in Nigeria’s international diplomacy and a strategic platform for deepening bilateral relations between the two influential regional powers.

Hadejia said the session was particularly significant as it aligns seamlessly with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasises economic revitalisation, global partnerships, and the repositioning of Nigeria on the world stage.

“During the visit of the Brazilian delegation, we will engage in comprehensive discussions aimed at expanding collaboration across key sectors such as trade and investment, agriculture, energy, defence, innovation, and cultural exchange.

“These areas are critical to the sustainable development aspirations of both nations,” the Deputy Chief of Staff noted.

Also speaking, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. JumokeOduwole, said the bilateral dialogue, first established in 2013, has gained significant traction following Tinubu’s official visit to Brazil in late 2024. She revealed that a Nigeria-Brazil Business Forum would take place on June 25, bringing together government officials, private sector leaders, and over 400 million combined consumers.

A major highlight of the forum would be the introduction of sector-specific engagement platforms, including a Digital Trade Room.

“Brazil’s expertise in digital inclusion and Nigeria’s dynamic fintech ecosystem offer powerful synergies for scalable innovation,” the Minister added.

In his remarks, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator AbubakarKyari, said Nigeria and Brazil have held discussions to enhance agricultural productivity in Nigeria and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in key areas such as research and development in animal genetics, soya beans production and related areas endorsed under the SDM.

He added that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security would leverage the SDM platform to expedite the implementation of the Green Imperative Programme (GIP) – a 4.5-billion-dollar investment programme designed to establish agricultural project delivery offices across the 774 LGAs in Nigeria.

On her part, the Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, HajiyaHannatuMusawa, said the ministry would leverage the shared cultural heritage between both countries to transform the Afro-Atlantic cooperation and impact the creative and tourism industry in Nigeria.

She expressed optimism that the signing of MoUs by both countries in the sector would open new vistas for economic and cultural transformation and for the growth of businesses in the creative and tourism industries in Nigeria.

Also, the Director of Regions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and representative of the Foreign Minister, Amb. Janet Olisa, said the meeting would advance economic diplomacy between the two nations, with a strong emphasis on trade, agriculture, digital innovation, and private sector collaboration.

She added: “We are focusing on our areas of strength to bring out the best in us. We have close to 30 MOUs under negotiation across agriculture, defence, health, creative economy, and more.

“Some of these will be signed next week, while others will be concluded during the President’s state visit to Brazil. We’re ensuring every ministry brings its best.”

On her part, Technical Assistant to the President on Agriculture and Executive Secretary of the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU), Marion Moon, noted that planning has extended beyond the national level to involve states and the private sector.

“Efforts have been made towards the success of this meeting, not just at the national but also at the subnational level. We plan to host Brazilian investors and take them to states like Kebbi, Plateau, Lagos, Edo, Nasarawa and the FCT.”

The SDM being coordinated by the Office of the Vice President was designed not just as a diplomatic event but as a strategic platform to secure real investment outcomes and deepen South-South cooperation.

•Defence, energy, agric, innovation, others top new investment drive DejiElumoyein Abuja The federal government is ready to sign over 30 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) as Nigeria prepares to host the

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Telcos Begin Implementation of End-user Billing for USSD Services

Emma Okonji

The Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), the umbrella body for all licensed telecoms operators (Telcos) has stated that migration to end-user billing for the Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) took effect yesterday.

Following the successful migration, telecoms operators have commenced direct billing of telecoms subscribers who will make use of the USSD service, going forward.

This was disclosed in a statement co-signed by its Chairman, Gbenga Adebayo and its Publicity Secretary, Damian Udeh.

According to the statement, the transition marked a significant milestone in the evolution of Nigeria’s digital financial ecosystem and was being implemented per the Determination of USSD Pricing and Services issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

The determination was developed in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other key stakeholders to ensure a sustainable, transparent, and customer-friendly framework for USSD service delivery.

USSD services play a vital role in expanding access to financial services, particularly for unbanked and underbanked populations. However, the previous corporate billing model, where banks were billed by telecom operators, led to prolonged disputes over unpaid charges, service interruptions, and uncertainty for customers.

To address these challenges, the NCC’s 2025 Determination introduced the End-User Billing model, which allows mobile network operators to charge customers directly for USSD sessions.

According to the statement, “To achieve the implementation of the EUB model, the CBN and NCC have stipulated that only banks that meet certain regulatory and operational conditions are permitted to migrate.

“One of which is the notification to customers of the billing change in advance, and to ensure that customers are fully aware of the new airtime-based charges and how they will be applied.

“Accordingly, under the new billing model, USSD charges will be deducted directly from the customer’s airtime balance, not from their bank account, and each USSD session will attract a charge of N6.98 per 120 seconds.

“To enjoy the service, customers will receive a prompt to opt in and approve the charge before any deduction is made, and there will be no double billing as billing will only occur for successful sessions via airtime deductions. “ALTON wishes to reiterate that this change does not affect the availability or functionality of USSD banking services, as customers can continue to use their bank’s USSD codes as usual, provided they have sufficient airtime,” it stated.

To ensure a smooth transition, ALTON advised customers to follow certain support guidelines, which include: For access issues (e.g., inability to dial USSD codes), contact your mobile network operator; For transaction-related issues (e.g., failed transfers or service errors), contact your bank’s customer service; Both banks and mobile network operators are required to provide responsive support and ensure that customers can access and use USSD services without disruption.

ALTON further explained that alternative digital banking channels such as mobile apps, internet banking, and ATMs, would remain fully operational and available for customer convenience. ALTON also reiterated its commitment to working closely with the NCC, CBN, financial institutions, and other stakeholders to ensure that the transition is seamless, equitable, and beneficial to all parties, especially the end users.

Emma Okonji The Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), the umbrella body for all licensed telecoms operators (Telcos) has stated that migration to end-user billing for the Unstructured

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CUPP Faults FCDA’s Role in Construction of INEC Headquarters

ChuksOkocha in Abuja

The National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties, Mr. Peter Ameh, has questioned the decision by the Federal Capital Development Authority to construct a new headquarters for the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Ameh, a former National President of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, also warned about what he called the politicisation of the electoral umpire.

In a statement, the former presidential candidate said, “The recent decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission to allow the Federal Capital Development Authority to construct its new national headquarters in Abuja is deeply troubling and constitutes a direct assault on the commission’s constitutional independence.

“I strongly condemn this move as an unacceptable return to practices that undermine Nigeria’s democratic progress. The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) explicitly safeguards INEC’s autonomy under Section 158(1), which insulates the commission from external control in its operations.

“Furthermore, Section 81(3) provides for a direct line charge to INEC’s budget, ensuring financial independence through funds drawn directly from the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

“This mechanism, reinforced by the Electoral Act 2022, was designed to eliminate INEC’s reliance on politically controlled entities, thereby curing the historical problem of undue influence over the election management body.”

Ameh argued that the justification offered by INEC Chairman, Prof MahmoodYakubu, that the FCDA’s role in building the commission’s initial headquarters when it relocated from Lagos validates its current involvement, “Is outdated and indefensible.”

According to the CUPP scribe, “Nigeria’s electoral laws have evolved significantly, and such arrangements are no longer acceptable for an institution tasked with conducting free, fair, and credible elections.”

“The mere fact that FCDA was allowed to initiate and carry out the construction of the new headquarters speaks volumes. For an agency under the Federal Capital Territory Administration and subject to political oversight by NyesomWike, to fund and construct its headquarters, INEC risks compromising its impartiality and eroding public trust in the electoral process.

“This decision contradicts the purpose of the direct line charge, which empowers INEC to independently budget for its operational and infrastructural needs through appropriations by the National Assembly. Public sentiment, as expressed by so many citizens, echoes this concern, with Nigerians questioning the integrity of an electoral body that permits political actors to influence its operations.

“Equally concerning is INEC’s misplaced priority in focusing on a new headquarters while neglecting the welfare of its staff—the bureaucratic backbone of the commission. The employees who manage voter registration, election logistics, and result collation deserve competitive salaries, adequate training, and improved working conditions to enhance their efficiency and resist electoral malpractices.

“Diverting attention to a grandiose project at the expense of staff welfare undermines INEC’s mission to deliver credible elections for sustainable democracy in Nigeria.”

ChuksOkocha in Abuja The National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties, Mr. Peter Ameh, has questioned the decision by the Federal Capital Development Authority to construct a new

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Finally, A Stoic Looking Tinubu Journeys into Benue’s Wounded Soul

President Bola Tinubu Wednesday’s journey to Benue, a state which has been under the heavy yoke of uncurbed violence by marauders, went beyond symbolism, write Emmanuel Addeh and George Okoh

It was not just a visit; it was a reckoning long overdue. When President Bola Tinubu touched down in Benue State yesterday, he entered not only a physical landscape but an emotional terrain scorched by months of grief, anger, even abandonment.

The air was heavy with the weight of loss: communities decimated by gunmen, mass graves hastily dug, families torn apart, and a people desperate for reassurance that their government still sees them.

For months, the cries from Nigeria’s food basket had gone largely unanswered, seemingly, at the highest level. But yesterday, the President stood on the very soil where blood had soaked into farmland, where classrooms had emptied not from holidays but from horror.

As expected, Tinubu came bearing promises of justice, security, and healing in a place where hope has grown brittle. The visit was more than ceremonial. It was a test of his presidency, and a moment that demanded more than words.

Yet among the rubble, there flickered a fragile flame of resilience. It was that fragile ember that Tinubu went to fan, to let the people of Benue know they are not abandoned in their darkest hour. It was hope that finally, the voice of the nation was being heard in Yelwata, Logo, Ukum, and beyond.

As it were, Tinubu carried with him the solemn task of rebuilding what violence had shattered; not just structures, but hearts and trust.

Between Desperation and Hope

President Tinubu arrived in Makurdi amid palpable tension. The land, once Nigeria’s breadbasket, has become ground zero for grief and fear. Trails of blackened grain sacks and charred granary doors stared out from the wreckage, ghostly reminders of lives lost and livelihoods destroyed.

His convoy emerged onto the the tarmac in Benue, a state under siege after about 200 villagers were slaughtered by suspected herders only two nights earlier. Homes were gutted, cattle stolen or killed, with over 3,000 displaced families: men, women.

Tinubu’s arrival marked the first such presidential presence in Benue since 2023, a long-overdue acknowledgment of the suffering there. His step onto Benue soil carried both the weight of two years’ silence and the burden of massive expectations.

Confronting the Carnage

Upon disembarking, Tinubu was met by Governor Hyacinth Alia and leaders of traditional communities silhouetted against the cloudy light. Their faces, etched with grief and resignation, bore witness to unrelenting violence.

Seemingly overwhelmed with the level of carnage, Tinubu spoke quietly to grieving mothers whose eyes had dried of tears and suffering. Behind him, the security apparatus, military and police chiefs conferred anxiously.

Tinubu told them bluntly: “Enough is enough.” He demanded fresh, aggressive strategies including targeted patrols, community protection units, and rapid-response teams stationed within kilometers of vulnerable villages.

He said that those responsible must be found and prosecuted, and that federal government forces must collaborate deeply with local authorities and traditional rulers.

Voices of Aggrieved

In a hall at the state Government House, Tinubu sat among victims and displaced persons, among them persons who lost wives and children in the raging terror, including the one at Yelwata.

Tinubu listened, somber, eyes fixed. Then he addressed the room: “No mother should bury a child in such an unspeakable way. No father should stand before flames that consumed his home and harvest. This administration will not stand aside.”

He announced immediate relief packages: emergency Naira distributions, medical outreach teams, repairs for damaged schools and clinics. Yet among the crowd, suspicion hung like dust in the wind.

Echoes from the Field

Outside the formal events, the backdrop remained bleak. Fields lay untended, commerce stalled, and fear tempered every gathering. Many had fled far from their homes. A recent study found that insecurity has slashed Benue’s crop and livestock output.

The decline ripples across national food supply, feeding anxieties far beyond Benue’s boundaries. In their hearts, citizens ask: will this pivot be pivotal, or another fleeting promise?

Children as Pun

The sight of schoolchildren lining the streets of Benue State during President Tinubu’s visit, uniformed, waving flags, and chanting rehearsed praises, raised troubling questions about the priorities of governance and being sensitive in moments of national distress.

In a region still bleeding from massacres, the decision to pull children out of class to stage a reception for a politician, no matter how high-ranking, revealed a misplaced sense of pageantry over purpose. It reduced children to props in a political theatre.

Yesterday’s action was simply emblematic of a broader disconnect between leadership and lived reality. Schools in Benue, particularly in vulnerable rural areas, have been repeatedly shut due to insecurity. Many pupils have no access to safe classrooms or even basic amenities like desks and books.

Yet some of the children cheering on the roadside may well be survivors of violence themselves, or have witnessed their schools torched and peers murdered. To co-opt them into ceremonial duties under the current conditions reflected not celebration, but tone-deafness.

Moreover, the optics of the decision were at best damaging, for want of a better word. While the President came to Benue to express solidarity with a grieving population, the forced joy and choreographed reception of children inadvertently muffled the message.

Instead of solemnity and reflection, what the world saw was a hollow show of unity, one in which the most vulnerable were, once again, made to perform.

It was not merely a logistical error; it was a moral one. Children belong in school, not on parade grounds. Especially not in a state where education is under siege, and where healing, not show;off is urgently needed.

Men and Women in Black

The visit of Tinubu to Benue witnessed a handful of people who were dressed in black wears to signify the feeling of mourning due to the heinous killing of over 200 people in Yelewata in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

Billboards adorned all major roads around the state capital with welcome messages. Many residents turned out after the early morning downpour to express their solidarity with victims of the Yelewata community despite the heavy presence of security men.

From the moment the presidential plane torched down at the Tactical Air Command (TAC) Airforce base in Makurdi the mood was that of despair and anger. Many residents turned out after the early morning downpour to express their solidarity with victims of the Yelewata community despite the heavy presence of security men.

The president after arriving,was received by the state Governor Alia, SGF, Senator George Akume and other past governors of the state, who drove to the state teaching hospital where they saw some of the victims of the attack.

The President who was visibly shocked at the sight of the survivors of the Yelewata killings expressed sadness over the attack while sympathising with those receiving treatment in the hospital.

One of those at the airport to welcome the president was the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Shippers Council, Mr Pius Akutah, who disclosed that the president’s coming was timely and assuring.

He said: “The president coming will lift the mood of the people who have suffered this terrible tragedy and it is a very good thing that he came. We in Benue have continue to suffer these attacks and I expect that President Tinubu will put a stop to it because of his experience and profesionalism”

Many people on social media platforms expressed misgiving over the president’s coming, insisting that it will not have an effect on the senseless killings in the state.

Directive to Military

Tinubu also directed the security chief to arrest perpetrators of last Friday’s massacre in Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. “Christopher… We need to get our ears to the ground.

“Let’s get those criminals. Let’s get them out,” Tinubu told the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa. To Alia, he said, “Your political enemies don’t want you to succeed…Are you just realising that?” He called on leaders from across the region to work together.

He added: “We cannot do without another. I will want us to create a leadership committee now to meet in Abuja to fashion out a strategy for lasting peace. And I am ready to invest in that peace,” he said.

Tinubu earlier visited persons recovering from last Friday’s attack by armed herders at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital.

Tinubu also directed the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun to immediately arrest killer herders who perpetrated the heinous killing of people. The governors of Kwara, Imo, Kogi, Plateau, Ondo, and Nasarawa also attended the meeting.

Particularly, Tinubu called out the Inspector General of Police to know why arrests have not been made.

“How come no one has been arrested for committing this heinous crime in Yelewata. Inspector General of Police, where are the arrests? The criminals must be arrested immediately,” Tinubu said.

He urged the heads of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) to intensify surveillance and gather actionable intelligence to apprehend the perpetrators.

Advising Governor Alia on the importance of stakeholder management for peaceful and progressive governance, the President urged the governor to set up a peace committee in the state that will include former governors of Benue, elders, traditional rulers, federal government officials, and non-indigenes living in the state.

Tinubu urged Alia to allocate land for ranching and directed the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security to follow up.

President Visits Injured Survivors

Tinubu also visited victims of the recent brutal attack in Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, where over 59 people were killed and many others injured.

Arriving at the Tactical Air Command, Nigerian Air Force Base in Makurdi around 12:58 p.m., Tinubu went directly to the hospital to see survivors of the massacre.

Following his hospital visit, the President proceeded to the new Banquet Hall of the Benue State Government House for a closed-door meeting with key stakeholders to address the spate of violent attacks in the state.

It formed part of a wider effort to find a lasting solution to the escalating crisis affecting several rural communities in Benue. Aside Alia, governors from the North-central region, National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, were among other top officials.

He called for blood donations to support the injured receiving treatment at the Benue State Teaching Hospital, where he had earlier visited victims and medical staff.

While underscoring the importance of peace for sustainable development, President Tinubu implored the Governor to ensure Benue is peaceful, adding that the circumstances of his visit this time should not have been a reason to visit.

“I wanted to come here to commission projects, to reassure you of hope and prosperity, not to see gloomy faces. But peace is vital to development,” he said.

“The value of human life is greater than that of a cow. We were elected to govern, not to bury people”, he stressed. He charged Governor Alia with working with the federal government to restore peace.

“Governor Alia, you were elected under the progressive banner to ensure peace, stability, and progress. You are not elected to bury people or comfort widows and orphans. We will work with you to achieve that peace. You must also work with us.

“Not everyone will like you in politics. They hate me, too—like hell. But here I am, still your President. I made a promise to protect democracy, freedom, and prosperity, even for my abusers and accusers. That’s leadership,” the President emphasised.

Tor Tiv: It’s Full-scale Genocidal Invasion

Chairman of the Benue State Traditional Council, Tor Tiv, Orchivirigh Prof. James Ayatse, took time to address misinformation and mischaracterisation, saying that land grabbing was at the heart of the decades-long conflict.

“Your Excellency, it is not herder-farmer clashes. It is not communal clashes. It is not reprisal attacks or skirmishes. What we are dealing with here in Benue is a calculated, well-planned, full-scale genocidal invasion and land-grabbing campaign by herder-terrorists and bandits.”

He cautioned that mischaracterising the crisis had led to inadequate responses and accused some political actors of exploiting the situation for selfish gain.

“We hear that some politicians would even prefer that the crisis worsens, so it would serve as a basis for declaring a state of emergency. This is unfortunate. Any politician who prays for more people to die for such a project is working against the wishes of the people of Benue State,” he said.

Hope?

As the President left, planes slicing across a darkening sky, behind them remained thousands in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, injured bodies, traumatised children. Ahead lay new promises, reform, security, reconstruction.

But just promises are not enough. Tinubu’s visit must translate into swift action: villages secured, displaced returned, cattle destroyed and herders relocated, harvests resown.

If leadership is to be measured not by rhetoric but by results, then Benue’s journey back from the precipice must begin now, with deeds, not words.

President Bola Tinubu Wednesday’s journey to Benue, a state which has been under the heavy yoke of uncurbed violence by marauders, went beyond symbolism, write Emmanuel Addeh and George Okoh

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BLOODBATH IN BENUE

The people deserve justice, writes

MARCEL MBAMALU

The recent killings in Benue State, which claimed over 200 lives in a brutal nighttime attack, has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation across Nigeria and beyond. The attack, linked to the long-standing herder-farmer conflict in the region, has left deep scars and raised questions about the government’s response to the crisis.

Human rights groups like Amnesty International have condemned the “nearly daily violence” and called on the government to end the relentless killings.

Protests erupted in the state capital, Makurdi, with citizens demanding justice and accountability, criticising what they see as a muted federal response to one of the deadliest massacres in recent years. Social media has been flooded with calls for urgent government action, highlighting the perception of neglect and the failure to protect lives. The Catholic Pope also reacted.

As usual, President Bola Tinubu has described the violence as “inhuman and anti-progress” and ordered security forces to end the killings. However, the persistence of attacks underscores the need for a comprehensive strategy addressing root causes such as land disputes, ethnic tensions, and resource competition as well as the inhuman efforts of foreign interests to destabilize Nigerian communities for the sake of exploiting resources unchecked.

The humanitarian toll is severe, with thousands displaced and agricultural productivity plummeting, further deepening food insecurity in a state known as Nigeria’s food basket.

Interestingly, the president visited Benue on yesterday, June 18, to confirm and commiserate with the people. But who arms these terrorists with AK-47s? The government always mentions security when it knows the situation is beyond the current strategy of Nigerian security operatives. Just days ago, the country condemned the attack on Iran by Israel. It is not just about commenting. Can Nigeria ever use the kind of strategy employed by foreign security operatives to resolve this kind of crisis?

Since May 2023, Benue State has witnessed a horrifying surge in violence, with over 1,043 people killed between May 2023 and May 2025, according to security experts.

From February to May 2025 alone, over 150 fatalities were recorded in Guma, Logo, and Ukum LGAs, with a separate 25 May attack in Gwer West claiming at least 20 more lives. The violence escalated further this June 2025 with the horrific Yelewata and Daudu massacres in Guma LGA, where suspected herdsmen killed over 200 people, burning homes and overwhelming local security forces. This is in addition to incidents in other states like Enugu, Ebonyi, and Plateau.

Despite government promises and security operations, the violence continues unabated, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive peacebuilding and protection efforts.

The Federal Government has been criticised for a selective response to security crises, focusing mainly on attacks linked to the opposition or politically sensitive areas, while downplaying or delaying action on the devastating killings in Benue State and the South East. Such a government’s response has been viewed as muted compared to its swift reactions to attacks involving the active party or politically charged power struggles ahead of the 2027 elections.

This is evidence that the government prioritises security responses based on political calculations, focusing resources and attention where it affects political rivals or power dynamics rather than addressing the root causes of violence in Nigeria comprehensively.

One widely held view is that President Tinubu’s cautious or muted response reflects a political calculation to avoid alienating influential northern power blocs. Maybe the president who hails from the Southwest may be navigating a complex political landscape where taking a strong stance could risk fracturing alliances critical for his administration’s stability and his political future, especially with the 2027 elections approaching. Of course, anyone who saw how the APC seized power would feel so.

Another perspective links the government’s silence to the broader geopolitical context. Nigeria’s vast natural resources have historically attracted foreign interests, and some narratives suggest that external powers, often labelled as colonial or neo-colonial actors, may have vested interests in destabilising Nigeria to maintain economic and strategic advantages. Whatever anyone thinks, this angle remains a deep-seated suspicion among many Nigerians about foreign interference in internal affairs.

Ultimately, Tinubu’s silence or selective engagement may be an attempt to balance national unity with political survival. Nigeria’s ethnic and regional diversity makes governance challenging, and presidents often tread carefully to avoid exacerbating divisions. This balancing act sometimes results in perceived inaction or silence on urgent issues, frustrating citizens who demand decisive leadership.

The brutal massacre in Benue State, where so many lives were lost in a single night, is not just a tragedy. So if allowed to continue, it means three days are enough to clear a state. It is a glaring indictment of a silence that has stretched too far, dangerously bordering on complicity. When a government, sworn to protect its citizens, responds to such carnage with muted statements and delayed actions, it risks becoming an accomplice to the violence.

This silence is not only deafening. It sends a message to perpetrators that their actions will go unpunished, that lives lost are mere statistics, and that justice is negotiable. Worse still, it deepens the wounds of a nation already fractured by distrust and fear.

Silence in the face of such atrocities is not neutrality. It is tacit approval. It emboldens armed groups and undermines the rule of law.

What is worse is that the government reacts when victims react: For example, after the horrific massacre in Yelewata and Daudu communities, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, only visited the area and condemned the attacks following widespread outrage and protests by victims and civil society. He pledged increased security deployment, but this came after the bloodshed and public outcry. This further supports the claim that security agencies only come to inspect corpses and do not fight the terrorists.

As always in Nigeria, in Makurdi, peaceful protests demanding justice for the killings were met with tear gas and force by police, escalating tensions rather than calming the situation. Protesters under the Stop Benue Killings banner were dispersed violently despite calling for protection and government action. Others said the government began to comment on the issue only when it noticed the matter had reached international recognition. While others said the president used the term ” warring communities instead of genocide or massacre.

The government and media officially report the death toll from the recent Benue massacres as “at least 100,” but residents and eyewitnesses insist the number is far higher, 200 or more. This discrepancy raises serious questions. Why does the government consistently understate the death toll? Are they ashamed of their failure to protect citizens, or are they deliberately hiding the true scale to downplay the crisis?

Prince Aondona Isaka Ornguga, who lost 23 relatives, openly challenged official figures, accusing authorities of concealing the real numbers. So, if up to 23 people were affected in one family, how many houses and families, children, and mothers were affected? In short, the government and the media’s habit of hiding or downplaying death tolls while failing to prevent attacks deepens the tragedy.

Yet, killings remain the shame of the government, the media, and everyone helping the carnage through silence. To end this shameful chapter, all stakeholders must break their silence, demand accountability, and prioritise the protection of innocent lives.

President Bola Tinubu and his administration must recognise that leadership demands courage, the courage to speak out unequivocally, the resolve to protect all citizens without bias, and the commitment to root out the causes of violence. Anything less is a betrayal of the social contract and a step closer to complicity.

Dr Mbamalu, Jefferson Journalism Fellow, member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors and Media Consultant, is the publisher of Prime Business Africa

The people deserve justice, writes MARCEL MBAMALU The recent killings in Benue State, which claimed over 200 lives in a brutal nighttime attack, has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation across Nigeria

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WHEN RAPE BECOMES WEAPON OF WAR

FAIZAT BADMUS-BUSARI argues the urgent need to end sexual violence in Sudan

On June 19 annually, the world marks the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict. It is a day dedicated to honoring survivors, demanding accountability, and renewing the commitment to justice. But for too many women and girls in Sudan, this day will pass in silence, because their stories remain unheard, their pain unseen, and their suffering weaponized.

Sudan is experiencing one of the gravest crises of our time. Since April 2023, brutal fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has devastated cities, displaced millions, and left women and girls exposed to widespread and systematic sexual violence. Conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) in Sudan has been deliberately used by the warring parties as a weapon of war to terrorize, dehumanize, displace, and destroy.

According to the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) Network, which has been documenting these atrocities across Sudan since the war began in April 2023, the patterns are undeniable. A vast majority of the 386 cases verified involve gang rape, some with as many as 12 perpetrators at a time violating a single woman or child. In many instances, women are abducted, held in inhumane conditions, and subjected to prolonged sexual torture. Children account for almost 25% of these documented cases, exposing a horrifying level of brutality.

In our documentation work, we have spoken to women who survived unimaginable brutality. One woman, abducted in El Geneina, West Darfur, was passed from soldier to soldier, and she described herself as being treated “like a gift.” When she was finally released, she walked back into her displacement camp, bloodied, in pain, and in silent torment. In another case, a mother sobbed as she recounted how both she and her teenage daughter were taken away. She was eventually freed after days of assault, but her daughter never returned. “Every morning, I wake up and wait,” she told us. “But the sun keeps rising, and she’s not here.

These are not isolated crimes. They are part of a deliberate strategy, a campaign of gendered terror designed to humiliate communities, punish dissent, and assert dominance. And yet, there has been no accountability. Armed actors continue to operate with impunity. While Sudanese women cry out, the global community remains largely silent, treating this war and the women it targets as though African lives are less important and unworthy of the world’s full attention. The international system continues to respond selectively, where some conflicts are considered emergencies, and others, such as Sudan, are often forgotten.

For Nigeria, these accounts should strike a chord. We have seen how Boko Haram used abduction and sexual slavery as tools of terror. We know the scars left behind by insurgencies, from the Northeast to the Middle Belt. But we also know the power of collective outrage, the global call to #BringBackOurGirls showed that global solidarity is possible, yet Sudanese women continue to be met with silence. Sudan needs that same solidarity now. #KeepEyesOnSudan.

Despite multiple United Nations (UN) briefings and African Union (AU) resolutions, there has been little concrete progress in delivering justice to survivors or in ending the war that continues to place them at risk. While some courts remain operational, most survivors have no safe or trusted pathway to report. Fear of retaliation, lack of protection, and deep-rooted social stigma silence many. With a lack of access to or the availability of safe shelters and severely damaged medical infrastructure, survivors are left to navigate trauma in isolation, often without the hope of redress.

We must ask ourselves: What will it take for Sudanese women to be seen? Nigeria as a leading voice in Africa and a member of the African Union Peace and Security Council can no longer afford to be silent. We must support Sudanese organizations to: Call for a hybrid tribunal on Sudan that includes CRSV as a core pillar, ensuring an end to the cycles of impunity and that perpetrators of crimes are finally held accountable; Fund survivor protection and recovery programs across Sudanese refugee camps in Chad, South Sudan, and Egypt; Support Sudanese women’s organizations already doing frontline response work with little to no resources; and Push the UN, AU, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to include CRSV in all peace and mediation processes, not as a side note, but as a central issue of justice.

The crisis in Sudan demands a continental reckoning with how war continues to target women’s bodies and with how the absence of justice has allowed war to repeat itself. This is not the first time sexual violence has been used as a weapon in Sudan, and it will not be the last, unless impunity ends. Justice must no longer be an afterthought. It must be central to our progress.

On this International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, Nigeria must move beyond words towards action. I call on Nigerians to join me in naming the violence, the perpetrators, and standing with the survivors — not just in words, but through action, funding, and political will.

Because until we do, the war on women’s bodies will continue. History will remember those who stood by and watched, versus those who chose to act.

Dr. Badmus-Busari is a Nigerian Lawyer and the Regional Programme Manager of SIHA Network, a pan-African feminist organization working across the Horn of Africa

FAIZAT BADMUS-BUSARI argues the urgent need to end sexual violence in Sudan On June 19 annually, the world marks the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict. It

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June 19, 2025
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FALLACY OF CONSTITUENCY PROJECTS

I must acknowledge that there are numerous fallacies that require correction. Firstly, crude oil prices during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s growth period were not impressive, hovering around $25. It was during President Goodluck Jonathan’s tenure that crude oil prices surged to $100. I don’t agree with Obasanjo on many things but they was a lot of fiscal discipline under him.

Secondly, many individuals misunderstand Keynesian theory, which advocates for increased spending and constituency projects to stimulate growth and development. However, a crucial aspect of Keynesian theory is the presence of functional institutions with adequate accountability; otherwise, the funds will be squandered. For instance, I recall a former governor who claimed that his solution to unemployment was infrastructure development, but I argued that this approach does not create jobs but rather targets interventions. I was correct,today his state still has a high unemployment rate. It’s not about throwing money around.

In a Keynesian framework, he believed that building infrastructure was sufficient, but the money failed to boost aggregate demand due to limited circulation. Therefore, I reiterate that effective Keynesian institutions cannot exist without accountable institutions; it is akin to burning cash on a barbecue stake. Moreover, I am astonished that my comparison of LAPO’s impact to constituency projects was intentionally distorted. My argument is that instead of allocating funds to constituency projects, it would be more beneficial to invest in a viable credit scheme for development. If all constituency funds per local government were channeled into a credit bank with proper oversight and loan repayment, it would ensure sustainability rather than the one-off distribution of items like Keke Marwa, which lacks accountability. Local government autonomy has already been established by the Supreme Court, making it a law that requires implementation and adherence to the rule of law. This further supports my argument, as a society that disregards its highest court cannot effectively operate a Keynesian model, and the funds will remain in the hands of politicians. Finally, it is essential to acknowledge that Keynesian spending leads to inflation, which offsets any intended gains, highlighting the need for structural intervention.

Rufai Oseni, rufaioseni@gmail.com

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June 19, 2025
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Strategic Governance and Leadership: Steering Excellence in Turbulent Times

In today’s volatile and uncertain environment, organisations and their leaders in Nigeria are confronted with a complex web of strategic challenges that demand more than operational excellence. Indeed, they require courageous governance, visionary foresight, and agile execution. One of the most critical issues is the persistent gap between short-term survival and enduring profitable growth. Boards and executive teams often find themselves reacting to daily fires, unable to pause, reflect, and recalibrate their organisations to remain resilient and relevant in a world of constant disruption. The story of Volkswagen Nigeria serves as a cautionary tale in this regard. Once a beacon of industrial promise, it failed to adapt to evolving market realities and industrial policy shifts, eventually shutting down. What could have been a thriving automotive hub turned into an emblem of missed strategic renewal. Fast forward to recent years, even multinational giants have not been immune—GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), after operating for over five decades in Nigeria, exited in 2023, citing a harsh business environment and supply chain disruptions that leadership failed to foresee or sufficiently mitigate.

Stakeholder trust, once easily assumed, is now increasingly fragile. Governance lapses, inconsistent communication, and a disconnect between leadership decisions and societal realities have eroded confidence. Today’s leaders must move beyond compliance and embrace strategic empathy, while boards must evolve from ceremonial oversight to active custodians of purpose and accountability. This erosion of trust was palpable in the downfall of Savannah Bank. The bank once held strong public confidence, but inadequate risk management, weak board oversight, and governance failings undermined its credibility and led to its eventual revocation. The lessons are clear: trust, once lost, is hard to regain, and its loss has institutional consequences that can be existential. Procter & Gamble (P&G), another global powerhouse, also closed its Nigerian manufacturing operations in 2023. While they remain present via imports, the strategic withdrawal from local production reflected not just currency volatility, but a deeper governance gap in adapting to regulatory shifts and aligning operations with evolving local realities.

As digital disruption accelerates, many organisations remain stuck in outdated modes of operation. Executives may lack the fluency to drive innovation, and boardrooms often struggle to frame the right strategic questions around cybersecurity, platform shifts, and future-of-work dynamics, leaving critical blind spots unaddressed. The collapse of NITEL exemplifies this. As Nigeria’s national telecoms provider, NITEL stood at the centre of a digital revolution it failed to lead. Mired in bureaucracy and bereft of bold leadership, it missed pivotal transitions to mobile and data-led services. Private competitors surged ahead while NITEL clung to outdated infrastructure and hierarchical governance models. What was once a national asset became a casualty of digital stagnation and strategic inertia. Similarly, Sanofi, the French pharmaceutical giant, halted local operations and shifted to an import-based model in 2023. This decision reflected the consequences of poor long-range planning and an overdependence on fragile supply chains without the buffers or scenario plans that effective boards ought to oversee.

The dissonance between strategy and execution is another silent saboteur. Grand visions articulated in the boardroom frequently lose momentum as they cascade, if at all, through layers of management. Performance frameworks remain fixated on lagging indicators, missing the very metrics that drive agility, innovation, and stakeholder impact. Today, similar gaps are visible in the retail sector. Shoprite, once hailed as the gateway to modern retail in Nigeria, exited in 2021. Rising operating costs, insecurity, and supply chain challenges were contributing factors, but at the heart of it was an inability to localise strategy, strengthen stakeholder partnerships, and empower in-market leadership to execute effectively in a dynamic environment.

Meanwhile, few leadership teams are truly prepared for the geopolitical shifts and regulatory unpredictability that increasingly shape the African and global business terrain. Boards and executives must cultivate the ability to read these signals early and act with speed, clarity, and conviction. Those who fail to anticipate disruption often become overwhelmed by it. The experience of Niger Insurance offers yet another telling lesson. Once a strong player in Nigeria’s insurance sector, its fall was driven by undercapitalisation, regulatory breaches, and insufficient board oversight on financial sustainability. Strategic drift over the years, worsened by governance complacency, led to regulatory sanctions and loss of market relevance. Its story reflects the cost of reactive, rather than anticipatory, leadership.

Equally pressing is the issue of talent flight and the growing leadership vacuum. Experienced professionals leave, promising talent becomes disillusioned, and without deliberate action, the winning culture erodes. Succession becomes reactive rather than strategic, and organisations lose the very people who should shape their future. Underpinning all of this is the absence of a compelling strategic narrative. In too many organisations, there is no single, shared story that inspires alignment, enables execution, and rallies internal and external stakeholders around a unifying purpose. When the narrative is unclear, the mission falters. When leadership is silent or misaligned, organisations lose their moral and strategic compass—and eventually, their market position.

These challenges, while daunting, are not insurmountable. They are inflection points. They are urgent calls for directors, executives, and public sector leaders to think differently, lead boldly, and govern strategically. This is exactly what TEXEM’s powerful executive development programme, Strategic Governance and Leadership: Steering Excellence in Turbulent Times, scheduled between 16–17 July at Wheatbaker, Ikoyi, is designed to deliver. It is a transformative platform for those ready to lead their organisations with clarity, courage, and a deep sense of purpose.

Guided by an exceptional faculty, this programme brings together rare insight and practical relevance. Bradley Jones, Executive Director of the UAE–UK Business Council, offers participants the benefit of a global perspective shaped at the highest levels of government and corporate diplomacy. His expertise is shaped by his work as a former advisor to five foreign ministers in the UK and his proven experience in equipping leaders to navigate complexity, drive performance, and lead change. Leveraging TEXEM’s tested and proven methodology, he will provoke critical thinking, challenge assumptions, and foster deep learning that endures long after the programme ends.

What makes TEXEM different is not just what is taught, but how it is delivered. This isn’t passive learning—it’s an immersive experience that blends robust academic content with experiential techniques. Participants engage in simulations, live case studies, reflective assessments, gamified learning, and peer-driven dialogue. It is a rich, dynamic environment where knowledge is not just acquired but tested, contextualised, and applied. This methodology ensures leaders leave not with notes, but with new mindsets, frameworks, and strategies they can immediately put to work.

For organisations, the value is tangible and lasting. Boards emerge better equipped to steer strategic direction and ensure long-term value creation. Executive teams gain the confidence and capacity to lead in uncertainty and translate vision into measurable impact. Governance mechanisms are recalibrated to reinforce strategic priorities, enhancing performance and stakeholder alignment. Transparency and accountability become cultural anchors, not mere aspirations. The ability to lead digital and structural transformation becomes embedded, rather than outsourced. Internal leadership pipelines are reinvigorated, and the seeds of succession are planted with intention. And, perhaps most powerfully, a shared strategic language begins to emerge—one that cuts through noise, dissolves silos, and aligns the entire organisation behind a common purpose.

The exits of GSK, P&G, Sanofi, and Shoprite from Nigeria serve as sobering reminders of what happens when strategic misalignment, weak foresight, and inadequate governance go unaddressed. TEXEM’s programme empowers leaders to anticipate disruption, align boards and management with clarity of purpose, and embed resilience into the very fabric of the organisation. It is not just an opportunity—it is an antidote to organisational fragility, a lifeline for those who wish to lead with impact, and a strategic imperative for those determined to thrive in turbulent times.

•For more information, visit https://texem.co.uk/strategic-governance-and-leadership-steering-excellence-in-turbulent-times/

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June 18, 2025
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Navy: Hydrography, Bedrock of Maritime Safety, Economic Devt, Ocean Governance

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Nigerian Navy has said that hydrography is the bedrock of maritime safety, economic development, environmental sustainability, and ocean governance.

The Navy also restated its commitment to leveraging hydrography for maritime safety, regional cooperation, sustainable ocean governance, and indeed regional diplomacy.

The Hydrographer of the Federation, Rear Admiral Ayodeji Olugbode, stated this while addressing a press conference on World Hydrography Day Celebration/West Africa Hydrographic Summit, yesterday in Abuja.

He also revealed that the West Africa Hydrographic Summit, scheduled to hold in Abuja between 19th and 21st June, will bring together ECOWAS navies to discuss challenges and opportunities in maritime governance.

He said, “Last year, we celebrated the role of hydrography in maritime safety. This year, we took a bold step by addressing regional gaps and aligning global frameworks, as well as regional frameworks, like the African Continental Free Trade Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14, titled ‘Life Below Water.”

He stressed that the sea, which accounts for 71 percent of the earth’s surface, is a critical factor for the sustenance of mankind.

Regretting that only 23 percent of the ocean floor has been mapped to modern standards, the hydrographer of the federation said, “We think this is a time for us to take a lead in driving Africa, and indeed West Africa, towards complying with that responsibility from a national perspective.”

He added, “In recognising the ocean as vital for food security, economic growth, and the overall health of the environment, the goal aims to address the challenges facing the marine ecosystem, including pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction.

“The activities and highlights of the West African Hydrographic Summit and the 2025 Hydrographic Day celebration feature a packed package and agenda. On 19 June 2025, the event will open with an exhibition and industry presentation, as well as showcasing the proposed amendments for the West African Regional Office and Training Centre for the International Hydrographic Organization, which is going to be hosted by Nigeria.”

He added that the Navy will also showcase cutting-edge maritime and hydrographic technologies, including unmanned vehicles and some AI technologies, which the Service has emplaced in the agency in the last year.

Stating that the ocean is the lifeblood of the undiscovered territory of mankind, Olugbode said, “it is not left to hydrographer or marine scientists alone. It is a global responsibility for everyone who seeks to live on this planet.”

Linus Aleke in Abuja The Nigerian Navy has said that hydrography is the bedrock of maritime safety, economic development, environmental sustainability, and ocean governance. The Navy also restated its commitment