The Labour Party has condemned what it termed the selective application of justice in Nigeria, comparing the starkly different responses to two recent aviation-related incidents involving Ms. Comfort Emmanson and Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (K1 De Ultimate).

In a statement issued by Ken Asogwa, Senior Special Adviser to the Acting National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, the party decried the inconsistency in how justice is applied based on social or political connections.

“Last week, Nigerians were stunned by the disturbing report that a popular Fuji musician, K1 De Ultimate, a personal friend of President Bola Tinubu, allegedly endangered the lives of hundreds of passengers aboard a Value Jet aircraft by attempting to stop a taxiing plane,” the statement read.

“This flagrant violation of established aviation safety regulations was conveniently glossed over by the relevant authorities, apparently because of the musician’s proximity to the President.”

In sharp contrast, the party highlighted the rapid and harsh treatment of Ms. Emmanson, who was accused of refusing to switch off her phone, though reportedly in flight mode, on an Ibom Air flight, and allegedly assaulting a crew member.

“What followed was a swift and shocking sequence of events: Ms. Emmanson was stripped naked by aviation security, arraigned, imprisoned at Kirikiri Correctional Centre, banned for life from flying Ibom Air, and placed on the Airline Operators of Nigeria’s ‘No-Fly’ list, all within 24 hours. Who knew Nigerian justice could move with such lightning speed?” the party said.

While acknowledging that Emmanson may have breached in-flight safety rules, the LP criticized what it called her “inhumane treatment,” describing it as a clear violation of her constitutional rights.

“The message from these two episodes could not be clearer: if you are connected to those in power, you can flout the law with impunity. If you are not, the system will come down on you with crushing force. This selective application of justice is not justice at all, it is the most insidious form of pretended justice.”

The Labour Party also accused stakeholders in the aviation sector of defending K1 De Ultimate instead of addressing the serious nature of his alleged misconduct, which, they argue, could have endangered lives.

Referencing the recently reinstated national anthem, which President Tinubu signed into law, the LP reminded the government of the ideals it professes to uphold.

“Stanza two declares that ‘our flag shall be a symbol that truth and justice reign,’ and stanza three prays to the ‘God of creation’ to ‘help us to build a nation where no man is oppressed,’” the party stated.

The statement called on President Tinubu to ensure equal treatment under the law for all Nigerians, regardless of their social standing.

“What is good for the goose must also be good for the gander,” the party said.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of using anti-corruption agencies as political tools to pressure opposition figures to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement posted on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday, Atiku expressed concern that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has become a tool for political intimidation.

The EFCC on Monday detained former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal over alleged financial misconduct.

It also invited former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha over corruption allegations during his brief time in office.

Reacting to Tambuwal’s detention, Atiku said the move was politically motivated, noting:

“The only reason the EFCC has detained the former Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, is because he is a member of the opposition Coalition. It is a continuation of the Tinubu-led administration’s agenda to harrass, intimidate, and decimate the opposition.”

He added: “The reality unfolding before us today is that the Tinubu administration, as with other aspects, has objectified the fight against corruption as a political tool to coerce opposition leaders into the ruling party.”

Atiku lamented that the government is turning anti-corruption efforts into a form of bullying, saying: “We are living witnesses to a growing trend where the state and its operators have assumed the roles of a bully by making corruption and the fight against it a political agenda.”

He emphasized that this was not the purpose for which he helped establish the EFCC:

“Certainly, that is not the objective for which I worked hard during our administration to create the EFCC.”

While underscoring the importance of fighting corruption, Atiku called on civil society and Nigeria’s international partners to condemn the politicization of anti-corruption efforts. He stated:

“It is as though today, anyone who associates with the opposition is a target for phantom corruption allegations and, it is as though, as soon as they are coerced into the political agenda of President Tinubu, their ‘sins’ are forgiven.”

He warned that this approach undermines institution-building and actually encourages corruption, explaining:

“That, definitely, is not how to build institutions. That, certainly, is not how to fight the monster of corruption. Indeed, such tendencies provide the stimulant for corruption to thrive.”

Atiku further accused the EFCC of being used to weaken opposition governors and force defections to the ruling party:

“We have seen how the EFCC has been used to empty opposition state governors into the ruling party, and the tea party is not about to end anytime soon.”

He concluded by pledging that opposition leaders would stand firm against any attempts to undermine Nigeria’s democracy:

“While the genuine fight against corruption is a matter that requires the total support of all Nigerians, the objectification of it as a political agenda should be roundly condemned by all in civil society spaces and friends of Nigeria in the international community.”

The pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has denied endorsing any political coalition, describing recent reports linking it to a new alliance of opposition parties as false and misleading.

The rebuttal follows claims that Afenifere had backed a coalition effort led by several political parties, reportedly involving a visit to former President Olusegun Obasanjo at his Abeokuta residence over the weekend.

In a statement issued Tuesday by Jare Ajayi, the National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, the group firmly stated that it neither sent a delegation to Obasanjo nor made any public declaration aligning itself with the coalition movement.

“We are not denying the fact that at least two of the people in the delegation are notable Afenifere chieftains. They are Sola Ebiseni and Akin Osuntokun,” the statement read.

Ajayi clarified that both individuals were heavily involved in the Peter Obi 2023 presidential campaign, and their participation in the recent coalition visit was personal, not representative of Afenifere.

“It is on record that Osuntokun was the person who took over as Campaign Director of Peter Obi’s Presidential Campaign Council when late Doyin Okupe resigned from that position.
Ebiseni was the South-West Coordinator of the same council,” he added.

He further emphasized that the presence of other individuals at the meeting, such as John Ughulu and Folaseye Adabayo, the Lagos State Coordinator and Secretary of Peter Obi’s Campaign Council respectively, made it clear that the delegation was not acting on behalf of Afenifere.

“The principal, Obi, has been reported to be in the ADC Coalition presently. It is therefore logical that his supporters would be justifying the coalition,” Ajayi stated.

The group reaffirmed its non-partisan stance, noting that while it may occasionally support certain political viewpoints, it remains a broad-based Yoruba interest group that represents all Yoruba people, not just those involved in partisan politics.

“Afenifere is not against any political group. But it is not in cahoots with any political party since it is non-partisan politically. Afenifere is for all the Yorubas. As we all know, not all Yoruba people are in politics.”

“Even those who are in politics do not necessarily belong to the same political party. As such, Afenifere cannot afford to be politically partisan,” the statement read.

However, Ajayi noted that Afenifere continues to support any political or social direction that aligns with its values, especially those that promote national unity and progress.

“But since it has a political view, it can support a (socio-political) standpoint that aligns with its own position at any given time.”

He added that the organisation remains focused on nation-building efforts and supports the Federal Government’s initiatives aimed at improving the country.

“Talking about coalition or no-coalition is, therefore, a distraction that we cannot afford,” Ajayi concluded.

As the world marked International Youth Day, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) renewed its commitment to inclusive governance, promising Nigerian youths greater participation in national leadership.

During an event held in Abuja on Tuesday, the party’s Interim National Chairman, David Mark, and National Youth Leader, Balarabe Rufai, assured young Nigerians that the ADC is fully committed to youth inclusion in its policies and leadership structure.

David Mark, who was represented by Salihu Lukman, a former APC National Vice Chairman (North-West), stated that the party is building a structure where the voice of every member, particularly the youth, counts.

“We will uphold collective leadership at every level, ensuring every member has a voice. This is your party, truly owned by its members, without exception,” Mark said.

He emphasized that ADC’s grassroots operations will reflect modern realities, ensuring more robust engagement from the local to national level.

“Our grassroots structures will be revitalised to reflect modern realities. From polling units and wards to the national stage, every organ of our party will be re-energised for active participation.”

Mark further urged young Nigerians to see the ADC as a welcoming platform, not just in principle, but in practice.

“To our young people: ADC is your home. We are opening the doors for the next generation, not as a gesture, but as a commitment. Our policies, candidate selection, and leadership roles will ensure real inclusion of youths and women, not tokenism. That is why 35% of leadership positions are reserved for women, and leadership roles will include Nigerians under 40.”

He also reiterated the party’s ideology-driven approach, promising a break from transactional and elitist politics.

“Nigerians will know ADC as a party driven by clear ideology, progressive policies, and patriotic governance. We will not leave leadership direction to chance.”

Mark encouraged youth to join the party’s movement, saying it stands for equity, fairness, and national unity.

“On this International Youth Day, I call on all Nigerians to join us. ADC is the party of equal opportunity, where age, gender, religion, or region are never barriers. Our handshake is extended to all—across every divide, because the future we build is one we build together,” he added.

Also speaking at the event, ADC National Youth Leader Balarabe Rufai delivered a scathing critique of the current state of governance and its impact on young Nigerians.

He warned that no national transformation is possible without youth involvement at the grassroots.

“If Nigerian youths cannot transform their streets, they cannot transform the nation,” Rufai said. “Without changing Nigeria, Africa will remain at the mercy of others in shaping its future.”

Highlighting dire statistics, Rufai painted a sobering picture of youth disempowerment, poverty, and government neglect.

“The National Bureau of Statistics reports that 133 million Nigerians are living in multidimensional poverty. Food inflation is over 33%. The National Unemployment Report shows youth unemployment above 53%,” he said.

“UNESCO confirms that over 20 million Nigerian children are out of school, the highest in the world. This is not just a policy failure; it is a moral crime. How can the same leaders who boast about GDP growth ignore the fact that our classrooms are empty while our prisons and streets are full of young people without hope?”

He also cited Nigeria Security Tracker figures showing over 12,000 deaths from violent attacks in 2024 alone, many of them in youth-dominated communities.

“In Zamfara, Katsina, Niger, and Kaduna, rural youth are kidnapped for ransom while urban youth are hunted down in the name of ‘security operations.’ And yet, our so-called leaders spend more money on convoy fuel than on community policing.”

Rufai criticized the SDG framework for ignoring the local realities of African countries and called on the United Nations to take more nuanced, contextual action.

“Under the theme Local Youth Action for SDGs and Beyond, we must confront the hard truth — in Nigeria and across Africa, young people’s efforts toward achieving the SDGs are shackled by bad government policies, poor budgetary allocations, and a lack of political will.”

“With just five years left before 2030, the gap between developed and developing nations is glaring, and a one-size-fits-all SDG framework is failing to address our unique challenges.”

“The African Democratic Congress, guided by its constitution and vision beyond Nigeria, calls on the United Nations to urgently adopt differentiated goals for developed and developing countries so that the realities of poverty, unemployment, insecurity, and educational decline in our societies are not ignored but directly addressed.”

“The youth of Africa cannot continue to be judged by the standards of nations whose histories, economies, and governance structures are worlds apart from ours.”

Emphasizing that the ADC is not beholden to tribal or regional interests, Rufai said the party stands for all Nigerians.

“The ADC’s loyalty lies with Nigeria, not any tribe, region, or the selfish ambitions of a few.”

He also issued a rallying cry to Nigerian youth:

“I am not here to tell you to wait. I am here to tell you that e don reach. As the streets say, no be who first start na him dey finish race. The incumbents may have started with power, but if the youth organise, we will finish with victory.”

“I speak as someone who has queued for fuel at midnight, borrowed to pay school fees, and seen friends take dangerous journeys across the Sahara and Mediterranean because home gave them no reason to stay. These chains can break, but only if the people wearing them rise together.”

Rufai concluded by outlining ADC’s vision to empower youth through concrete actions:

“The ADC is ready to give young Nigerians a seat at the table, not as decoration, but as decision-makers. We will champion policies that create real jobs by investing in agro-processing, renewable energy, and tech startups.”

“We will fund education like our lives depend on it—because they do. We will bring security to our communities not by empty promises, but by empowering local security structures and addressing root causes.”

In celebration of this year’s International Youth Day, the Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Area, Hon. John Ogbodo, has called on young people across the state to rise above social distractions and take charge of their future by actively contributing to nation-building.

Speaking to newsmen on Tuesday, Hon. Ogbodo praised the resilience and creativity of Nigerian youth, particularly in Nkanu West, but expressed concern about the growing influence of social media trends that, in his words, “often prioritize popularity over purpose.”

“We are celebrating the energy and intelligence of our youth today, but let this not just be a celebration, let it be a wake-up call. Our young people must understand that they are not just leaders of tomorrow; they are leaders of today,” he said.

“Too many brilliant ideas die in silence due to lack of support. So, our commitment is to invest in the future of our youth,” he added.

The Nkanu West council boss also appealed to parents and community leaders to allow youth voices to be heard in local decision-making.

“When we include young people at the table, we get new ideas, new energy, and a future that actually works,” he stated.

International Youth Day is celebrated annually on August 12 to recognize the role of young people in global development.

Former Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, has issued a stern warning to the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Anambra State, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, over the unauthorized use of his image in campaign materials.

Ngige expressed his displeasure at campaign posters circulating online, which feature his photograph alongside those of Ukachukwu and his running mate, Senator Uche Ekwunife.

He described the act as misleading and cautioned against any attempt to associate him with the campaign.

The former governor’s reaction was conveyed in a statement released on Tuesday and signed by his Special Assistant on Media Affairs, Hyggy Obialo.

“Our attention has been drawn to the online poster in circulation with the photograph of our principal, His Excellency, Senator Chris Nwabueze Ngige, ‘Onwa-na-etiliora’, featuring together with the Anambra State APC governorship candidate, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu and his deputy, Senator Uche Ekwunife,” the statement read.

“We want to use this medium to inform the general public that neither the consent nor approval of our principal was sought and/or obtained, respectively, before the said publication was disseminated to the general public.”

The statement emphasized that Ngige has stepped back from partisan politics to take a well-earned break after over two decades of public service.

“We further wish to inform the general public, that Senator Chris Nwabueze Ngige, a former Governor of Anambra State (2003–2006), former Senator who represented Anambra State Central Senatorial District in the seventh Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (2011–2015), and a two term Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment (2015–2023), is on sabbatical from active partisan politics for now as he is taking his well-deserved rest after 25 years of active partisan politics and public service.”

The statement concluded with an appeal to those behind the posters to honor Ngige’s decision to stay out of politics.

“We, therefore, advise the perpetrators to respect the wishes of our principal, who has indicated in many fora that he is out of partisan politics for now.”