Daniel Bwala's Reaction To Tinubu's Yet To Be Fulfilled Promise
Chukwuemeka Okala
Kayode Adebayo
Kayode Adebayo
Chukwuemeka Okala
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Kayode Adebayo
They [ADC] better start defecting to PRP now before its too late for them. May 10 is approaching fast. Otherwise, they would be left in woods without party. Hahaha!" - Kayode AdebayoComment:Kayode Adebayo,From which planet are you commenting? Going by your above commentary, you're certainly not living on this planet Earth at the moment. You'e totally oblivious of the current happenings in the Nigerian political landscape of the planet Earth. Please return home so we can consider political issues on the same wavelength. MekaEmeka Reuben OkalaLondon, UK"Faith and reason are not necessarily opposed. But when reason won't take you another step, faith keeps on going because it connects you to God."
On Wednesday, 22 April 2026 at 13:12:04 BST, 'Kayode Adebayo' via ||NaijaObserver|| <naijao...@googlegroups.com> wrote:
Pastor Emeka Okala:The Supreme Court has reserved your hijacker leaders' judgment until further notice, leaving your hijacker leaders hanging in the air.
Kayode Adebayo
I made mistakes, but did my best – Jonathan replies Atiku
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has countered ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar who criticised his leadership of the country.
Atiku, who is seeking the presidency under the African Democratic Congress, had recently described Jonathan as inexperienced, saying his tenure was marked by notable missteps.
“I know Goodluck Jonathan very well. He is a decent young man, but also inexperienced, and I believe that contributed to his inability to manage the affairs of the country, particularly when he was faced with challenges,” he said on Arise TV.
Reacting at the 2025 Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria awards ceremony in Abuja on Monday, Jonathan acknowledged that leadership inevitably involves errors, but rejected the notion that his age undermined his performance.
“So not too long ago, a very senior politician said, ‘Oh, Jonathan was too young and probably that’s why he made mistakes.
If I made mistakes, yes, nobody who becomes a governor or a president will say you did not make mistakes. Even when you promote yourself to the level of a god, you become a deity.
Jonathan also spoke on regional affairs, warning that political instability remains a major obstacle to economic growth across West Africa. He stressed that without stable governance systems, meaningful development in the sub-region would remain elusive.
“We cannot progress economically if we are very unstable societies politically,” he said.
Jonathan noted that while the founders of ECOWAS envisioned strong economic cooperation, persistent political crises have hindered progress, particularly in enforcing democratic standards among member states.
“That means that ECOWAS must interfere with the internal affairs of the states, and the issue of sovereignty becomes a problem,” he said.
Jonathan urged leaders in the region to work collectively towards stability, saying, “The heads of states of ECOWAS must continue to work together and agree on concrete terms and make sure that the sub-region is politically stable.”
He added that economic integration efforts would falter without solid democratic institutions and called on Nigerian diplomats to properly document foreign policy experiences for future leaders.
Paying tribute to ECOWAS founders, including former Head of State Yakubu Gowon, Jonathan described the creation of the bloc in 1975 as a bold and necessary step toward regional unity and economic integration.
Gowon, who was also honoured at the event, recounted the origins of ECOWAS, linking its formation to post-war diplomatic engagements across West Africa.
According to him, “It was as a result of the various efforts of all Nigerians when we went through a very difficult period, and I had to go to the various countries to say thank you.”
He said discussions with regional leaders at the time led to a shared vision for broader cooperation.
“Why don’t we also think about having something that we can at least have in agreement for all of us when we are working together?” he said.
Gowon emphasised that ECOWAS was the product of collective effort rather than individual ambition, crediting government institutions and civil servants for its success.
“This would not have been possible without the support of all the staff of the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Economic Development,” he stated.
He added that the recognition bestowed on him should be shared widely.
“The honour that is being done to me today should really go back to all the staff that worked so hard to make sure that this became a reality,” he said.
Also speaking, the President of the Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria, Joe Keshi, highlighted the importance of honouring excellence in diplomacy, noting that the awards celebrate dedication and service to Nigeria and the continent.
Diplomacy is one profession where success is often invisible, reflected not by news coverage, but by maintained stability, prevented conflicts, cultivated partnerships,” he said.
Keshi noted that the event coincides with the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS, describing the organisation as “a bold experiment in regionalism,” and urged diplomats to adapt to evolving global challenges.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waheed Shaibu, also praised Gowon, describing him as a symbol of national unity and visionary leadership.
He said the recognition offers a chance to reflect on a legacy “defined by visionary leadership, courage, and unwavering commitment to the unity, stability, peace, and progress” of Nigeria.
Shaibu added that Gowon’s leadership reflected “patriotism, resilience, and a profound sense of duty,” while commending ARCAN for its continued contribution to diplomatic discourse and Nigeria’s global engagement.
Gee Kay
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Gee Kay
Kayode Adebayo
Kayode Adebayo
Kayode Adebayo
Kayode Adebayo
femi Olajide
Regards,
Femi Olajide
Kayode Adebayo
FG raises allowances, boosts welfare for civil servants
The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved a sweeping increase in peculiar allowances and other welfare benefits for civil servants, in a move aimed at improving take-home pay and boosting morale across the public service.
The announcement was made on Friday by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, during a press briefing in Abuja, where she outlined key reforms endorsed by the Federal Executive Council.
According to Walson-Jack, the review affects workers under both the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS) and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), ensuring a broad-based impact across all cadres.
She said the revised peculiar allowances have been structured to reflect across all grade levels, resulting in a meaningful increase in earnings for both junior and senior officers.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved a sweeping increase in peculiar allowances and other welfare benefits for civil servants, in a move aimed at improving take-home pay and boosting morale across the public service.
The announcement was made on Friday by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, during a press briefing in Abuja, where she outlined key reforms endorsed by the Federal Executive Council.
According to Walson-Jack, the review affects workers under both the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS) and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), ensuring a broad-based impact across all cadres.
She said the revised peculiar allowances have been structured to reflect across all grade levels, resulting in a meaningful increase in earnings for both junior and senior officers.
In addition, the government approved an upward review of several key allowances, including duty tour allowance (DTA), estacode, and book allowance. Walson-Jack noted that virtually all allowances listed under the Public Service Rules have now been revised.
A major highlight of the reform is the approval of 100 percent Duty Tour Allowance for civil servants attending approved training programmes, regardless of whether travel is involved.
Even if you are based in Abuja and attend training within Abuja, you are entitled to full DTA,” she said.
Beyond salary-related adjustments, the government also introduced a new exit benefit scheme for retiring civil servants under the Contributory Pension Scheme. The scheme provides 100 percent of a retiree’s total annual emoluments as an exit package, in addition to their pension, effective January 1, 2026.
Walson-Jack described the move as a step toward ensuring dignity in retirement, stressing that no public servant should leave service without adequate financial support.
The government also confirmed the operationalisation of the Employee Compensation Scheme, designed to provide financial protection for workers who suffer job-related injuries or death.
The reforms come amid growing calls from labour unions for improved welfare, as rising living costs continue to put pressure on workers. Analysts say the combined measures could significantly enhance financial stability for civil servants and improve overall productivity in the public sector.
Kayode Adebayo
Gbam! Gbam! I said it a few months in these forums that El-Rufai will face new and amended charges later, because what they charged him with at the time was very light weight. His offence is serious National Security breach. It goes beyond simple wire tap charge. Wiretapping charge is what you charge someone who just listened on another person's phone call through illegal means. That's paper weight. Tapping and listening on the National Security Adviser's phone conversations through wiretapping, breaches Nigeria's National Security. It's like tapping the president's phone line. It implies that information obtained could be passed to Nigeria's enemies, not only in Nigeria, but also abroad. Like Boko Haram, IPOB, Bandits, Kidnappers and other terrorists. It has serious National Security implications. Nigerians wonder why there have been increased insecurity in Nigeria lately. It's extremely serious and that's a life imprisonment sentence and it happened just like I predicted. It's bad enough that he committed a serious offense. But also bragging about it to the public on National TV that you tapped the National Security Adviser's phone as if you're bragging in High School to your school mates is beyond pale. That's what you would expect from kindergarten kids or High School kids looking for social status among his friends. Not from a grown up kid like El-Rufai who was not only a one time Governor but also a one time Minister.
Like I said before, the fool will never be released on bail. Never. He is in a revolving door. He will be going from prison to court and back to prison or SSS Gulag. His offence is not bailable.
Kayode
Wiretapping: El-Rufai pleads not guilty, faces fresh charges
The Federal Government, on Thursday, expanded the criminal case against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, introducing fresh allegations bordering on interference with critical national infrastructure and unauthorised access to classified information.
The new counts are contained in a further amended five-count charge filed on April 13, 2026, before the Federal High Court in Abuja, replacing an earlier three-count charge instituted on February 16, 2026.
At his arraignment on Thursday before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, El-Rufai, however, pleaded not guilty to all counts after the court granted the prosecution’s request to substitute the initial charge.
The Department of State Services, through its counsel, Oluwole Aladedoye (SAN), told the court that the amended charge significantly revised the allegations against the former governor, urging the court to adopt the new processes.
In a separate and newly introduced count, the prosecution alleged that El-Rufai, “without authorisation, intentionally secured access to classified information” relating to Ribadu, including details of his arrest and detention order issued on February 12, 2026.
This count marks a shift from the earlier framing of the case, which was limited to claims of intercepted communications, to a more serious allegation involving breach of classified state information.
The amended charge also retains and restructures earlier allegations. Count four accuses the defendant of unlawfully intercepting the NSA’s communications, while count five alleges that he and others still at large used technical systems that compromised public safety and national security, thereby instilling fear among Nigerians.
Part of count four reads, “That you, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, adult, male, intentionally and without authorisation, intercepted the communications of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, as admitted by you on 13th February, 2026, while appearing as a guest on Arise TV Station’s Prime Time Programme in Abuja… and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes Act.”
Count five further states, “That you… did use technical equipment or systems which compromised public safety, national security and instilling reasonable apprehension of insecurity among Nigerians… and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 131(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.”
The February charge had contained only three counts, focusing on alleged admission of unlawful interception, failure to report individuals involved, and actions capable of undermining public safety.
However, the amended charge introduces two additional counts and separates previously combined allegations into distinct offences, effectively broadening the scope of criminal liability.
Defence counsel, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), confirmed receipt of the amended charge and did not oppose its substitution.
Following this, the court struck out the earlier charge and proceeded with the fresh arraignment.
After the plea was taken, the prosecution applied for an accelerated hearing, seeking three consecutive trial dates.
The defence objected, arguing that El-Rufai’s access to legal counsel could be affected due to his custody under the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.
The defence also drew the court’s attention to a pending bail application filed on February 17, noting that an earlier missing affidavit had been located.
The DSS informed the court that it was not opposing the bail request.
In another application, the prosecution sought to shield the identities of two witnesses, requesting that their names be replaced with pseudonyms in court records, citing security concerns.
The defence opposed the request, insisting that it violated the defendant’s constitutional right to know his accusers and that no concrete threat had been demonstrated.
Further arguments arose over access to proof of evidence, with the defence urging the court to compel disclosure to enable proper preparation for trial.
The prosecution opposed the application, describing it as procedurally misplaced.
The defence also filed a motion seeking to quash the amended charge, while the prosecution asked the court to dismiss it as lacking merit.
After listening to both sides, Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter to May 18, 19 and 20, 2026, for hearing.
Bail bid fails
The PUNCH gathered that the Kaduna State High Court refused El-Rufai’s bail application on the grounds that the seriousness of the allegations against him, as well as concerns over possible interference with investigations, outweighed the arguments advanced for his release.
The ruling was delivered on 21 April 2026 by Justice D.H. Khobo of the Kaduna Judicial Division in Charge No: KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/2026, filed by the Federal Republic of Nigeria through the ICPC.
El-Rufai had approached the court via a motion dated 25 March 2026, seeking bail “either on self-recognisance or upon such liberal terms as the court may deem fit.”
His application, brought under Sections 35(4) and 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and provisions of the Kaduna State ACJL 2017, argued that the offences were not capital in nature and, therefore, carried a presumption in favour of bail.
He further contended that he had strong community ties, fixed addresses, and substantial assets, which, according to him, eliminated any risk of flight.
Kayode Adebayo
Natasha rejects ₦1bn judgment, heads to Appeal Court
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has rejected a ₦1 billion damages award against her in a defamation suit filed by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, citing her right to defend herself against terrorism allegations.
The Kogi State High Court in Lokoja ruled that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s comments on Arise Television’s “The Morning Show” on November 4, 2022, were defamatory, awarding ₦1 billion in damages to Bello.
The judgment, delivered by Justice A. S. Ibrahim in suit number HCL/16/2023, arose from comments made by the senator during a live appearance on The Morning Show on Arise Television on November 4, 2022.
During the broadcast, Akpoti-Uduaghan made allegations against Bello which the court subsequently ruled to be defamatory.
In his decision, Justice Ibrahim held that the statements made by the defendant were injurious to the claimant’s character and reputation and were not justified by the evidence presented before the court. He noted that the issues formulated for determination in the suit were resolved in favour of the claimant.
The Kogi State High Court in Lokoja ruled that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s comments on Arise Television’s “The Morning Show” on November 4, 2022, were defamatory, awarding ₦1 billion in damages to Bello.
The judgment, delivered by Justice A. S. Ibrahim in suit number HCL/16/2023, arose from comments made by the senator during a live appearance on The Morning Show on Arise Television on November 4, 2022.
During the broadcast, Akpoti-Uduaghan made allegations against Bello which the court subsequently ruled to be defamatory.
In his decision, Justice Ibrahim held that the statements made by the defendant were injurious to the claimant’s character and reputation and were not justified by the evidence presented before the court. He noted that the issues formulated for determination in the suit were resolved in favour of the claimant.
The interview granted by the defendant on 4/11/2022 on Arise TV programme ‘The Morning Show’ is defamatory to the claimant’s character and reputation,” the judge ruled. “The said interview… in which the defendant described the claimant as a murderer, killer, perpetrator of evil acts, and a terror to the people of Kogi State was without justification.”
The court equally granted a perpetual injunction restraining the senator, her agents, privies, and associates from making further defamatory statements against Bello across television, radio, and other media platforms. Additionally, the court awarded ₦1,000,000,000 as general damages in favour of the former governor.
While reacting to the judgement, in a statement by her Media Office, in Abuja, on Saturday, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan said, “I reject this judgment in its entirety. We presented substantial and credible evidence before the court, which, in our view, clearly justified our position. Unfortunately, these were not given due consideration.”
She also explained that her comments on Arise Television’s “The Morning Show” were a response to Bello’s accusations, adding “If there is anybody to be accused of terrorism, it should be Yahaya Bello and not me.
“My comments were rooted in the experiences of our people and the need to speak truth to power.”
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan insisted that the court failed to properly evaluate her evidence, saying her statements were made in the public interest and not out of malice. “We presented substantial and credible evidence… which were not given due consideration.”
She further stated that, “My statements were based on information available at the time and were made in good faith, in the interest of accountability to the people of Kogi State,” she stated.
“I firmly believe that the truth was not adequately reflected in the court’s findings. We are heading to the Court of Appeal. This is not the end of the matter. We will pursue all lawful avenues to ensure that justice is served,” she added.
Kayode Adebayo
Kayode Adebayo
Kayode Adebayo
Kayode Adebayo
Join our party – NDC urges Obi, Kwankwaso
In a post on X on Sunday, the party said the two politicians have about two weeks to switch over and secure its presidential ticket.
“All we need right now. Just all we need. Two weeks to deadline,” the party wrote.
The post included a photo of Obi and Kwankwaso shaking hands with the caption, Nigeria will be OK.
This comes shortly after supporters of both men launched the “OK Movement” to build support for a possible joint presidential bid ahead of 2027.
The group’s spokesperson, Justin Ijeh, also announced new appointments into its national and state structures.
Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where both politicians belong, is facing internal leadership problems that could affect its chances in the next election.
On April 22, the Supreme Court reserved judgement in a case between factions led by David Mark and Nafiu Bala.
At the same time, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has set May 30, 2026, as the deadline for political parties to submit membership lists and nominate candidates.
Opposition parties, including the ADC, a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), have asked INEC to extend the timeline to the end of July.
They argued that the current schedule is unfair and could put them at a disadvantage.