Author: Adekunle

The recent incident involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary on Thursday, February 19, 2025, has sparked necessary discourse on the sanctity of Nigeria’s legislative processes. While some have framed the altercation as a “democratic struggle,” closer scrutiny reveals a troubling departure from protocol—one that risks undermining the Senate’s institutional integrity in pursuit of social media validation. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public challenge to the Senate President over seating arrangements escalated into a confrontational spectacle, disrupting proceedings and disregarding established norms. Her refusal to comply with directives, coupled with inflammatory remarks such as, “I am not…

By Ayobami Oyalowo You might have heard that Nigeria’s government “spent $8 billion to support the naira.” But what does that *really* mean? It’s important to understand the difference between “supporting” and “defending” a currency. WHAT DID THE GOVERNMENT DO? Clearing Backlogs: Under the previous leadership, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had accumulated a backlog of foreign exchange (FX) obligations. This meant they’d promised to provide dollars to businesses and individuals, collected the naira equivalent, but hadn’t delivered the actual dollars. The current CBN leadership cleared approximately $7 billion of these outstanding commitments. This is a…

The Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) is one of the most pivotal yet often misunderstood institutions in any government. While many people would easily recognize the role of security agencies such as the military, intelligence services, and the police, few understand the critical function the NSA plays in ensuring that national security remains well-coordinated, strategic, and proactive. Here are 11 key responsibilities of the NSA that you may not : 1. The President’s Closest Security Adviser As the name suggests, the NSA serves as the President’s chief adviser on national security. This role…

By Mr. Bernard Okri Few would dispute that the last 19 months have been some of the most economically turbulent in Nigeria’s history. The removal of fuel subsidies and the harmonisation of the foreign exchange market were two long-overdue reforms that sent shockwaves through the economy. Prices skyrocketed, businesses struggled, and ordinary Nigerians bore the brunt of these changes. But despite the immediate hardships, these reforms were necessary steps towards a more sustainable and self-sufficient economy. As the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun emphasized recently, the Nigerian economy is finally…

In recent times, Bauchi State has been embroiled in allegations of corruption implicating high-ranking officials and close associates of the state’s leadership. Central to these allegations is Shamsudeen Bala Mohammed, son of Governor Bala Mohammed, and the Commissioner of Finance, Yakubu Adamu. It is alleged that they have utilized a network of companies to divert state funds for personal enrichment. All in a bid to run for Guber and Senatorial seats in 2027. Alleged Conduit Companies for Diverting State Funds 1. RZI Ventures Global Resorts: This company is purportedly used to disburse monthly stipends to Shamsudeen and his associates.…

By Abdullahi O Haruna Haruspice In the golden years of Nigerian diplomacy, the world did not condescend to Nigeria. It did not dare. The voice of Nigeria on the global stage was clear, deep, and reverberating. It was the era of Brigadier General Joseph Nanven Garba, a towering diplomat, a soldier of intellect and influence, who never walked into international negotiations as a beggar, nor did he permit Nigeria to be patronized as a second-class entity. When he spoke, the world listened—not out of courtesy but out of the sheer weight of Nigeria’s sovereign authority. Garba’s tenure as…

The Federal Government of Nigeria notes with concern the outrageous allegations, misinformation, and defamatory statements being disseminated by Tigran Gambaryan, an American personnel of Binance who was recently tried in Nigeria for financial crimes. While the Federal Government of Nigeria is reluctant to engage Mr. Gambaryan, due to the high-level diplomatic intervention that resolved his case, we are compelled to set the record straight to prevent his falsehoods from gaining traction. The first visit of Mr. Gambaryan and his colleagues to Nigeria was at their own discretion, and the Government was not officially involved. However, when the…

Nigeria today boasts of only a handful of statesmen who would take a stand—fearlessly—for the right thing, caring less whose ox is gored. Mallam Nuhu Ribadu is one of those few men who fall within the quarters of this kind of upright standing. Historically, those who know his pedigree can attest. His remarks, on Thursday at the annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies (AANISS) is proof of this, again. Responding to the remarks of the Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa, who told the audience that the Canadian High Commission in Nigeria…

The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, led Nigeria’s delegation in high-level negotiations and coalition-building efforts to secure a key position within the African Union’s (AU) peace and security architecture. This diplomatic achievement reaffirms Nigeria’s leadership in African diplomacy and its unwavering commitment to continental peace and security. Through strategic coordination and effective diplomacy, Nigeria secured the re-election of Ambassador Bankole Adeoye as the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, with an overwhelming 46 out of 48 votes. Additionally, the country retained its seat on the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC),…

A member of the Labour Party (LP) in the House of Representatives Honourable George Ozodinobi (Deputy Minority Whip) representing Njikoka/Anocha and Dunukofia federal constituent of Anambra State has publicly commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its bold tax reform bill, describing it as a critical step toward restructuring Nigeria and fostering national unity. The lawmaker, whose remarks struck a rare bipartisan tone, revealed he initially viewed the bill as a “near-perfect document” during its first presentation. However, following consultations urged by the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, he deepened engagement with constituents and stakeholders. He expressed gratitude to the National…