Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, has called on President Bola Tinubu to launch an investigation into the frequent collapses of Nigeria’s national power grid.

In a statement issued to the press in Osogbo on Sunday, Oyintiloye, who is also a former lawmaker in Osun, expressed concern over the repeated grid failures, labeling them as an embarrassment.

He emphasized that consistent electricity supply is crucial for the smooth operation of businesses and the overall economic development of the country, pointing out that these power disruptions are negatively affecting industries across Nigeria.

Oyintiloye suggested that a presidential investigation could uncover the root causes behind the recurring grid collapses and lead to lasting solutions.

“Nigeria has abundant resources that should ensure a stable power grid. It’s concerning that these collapses continue despite our potential,” he stated.

He called for urgent action to end the ongoing power crises, urging that reforms be implemented in the power sector to restore stability for the benefit of the national economy.

He further stated that if sabotage is contributing to the grid failures, a thorough investigation would reveal it.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has highlighted the importance of creating a supportive and stress-free work environment for his cabinet members to enhance their efficiency and overall health.

He attributed the improved performance of his administration to fostering an atmosphere where officials can thrive without the added pressures that often lead to health problems such as high blood pressure.

Governor Fubara made this statement during a special thanksgiving service held in honor of Dr. Tammy Wenike Danagogo, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), at St. Paul’s Nyemoni Lutheran Cathedral in Abonnema Town, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, on Sunday.

The service celebrated Danagogo’s reappointment as SSG and his installation as the head of the Da Tubofia Group of Houses, Tubofiya III.

In his remarks, Fubara explained that as a good administrator, he prioritizes creating a work environment based on mutual respect and shared goals, rather than imposing pressure on his team.

He emphasized that this approach has led to greater productivity and development in the state.

He said, “I don’t intend to give anyone stress. There is no Commissioner here with high blood pressure. We’ve removed the pressure and created an environment where people can perform without anxiety.”

He continued, “Even when I have to correct someone, I do so with understanding and love. When there’s no pressure, you see efficiency, and that’s why our government is progressing.”

Fubara also praised Danagogo’s integrity and reliability, which he credited as the qualities that earned him his reappointment.

He expressed confidence in his administration’s ability to stand by officials, ensuring they are supported to perform at their best.

Additionally, Governor Fubara announced a ₦50 million donation to St. Paul’s Nyemoni Lutheran Cathedral to support its evangelism efforts and urged local government chairmen and traditional rulers to collaborate with the government in advancing state initiatives.

Danagogo, in his speech, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work under Fubara’s leadership, which he described as a life-changing experience in a relaxed and health-conscious environment.

He thanked the governor and his community for their ongoing support.

The thanksgiving service was attended by key dignitaries, including Rivers State Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu, Speaker of the State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo, and former Governor Sir Celestine Omehia.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a suit against President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of neglecting to direct the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to investigate allegations of over N57 billion in missing, diverted, or stolen public funds from the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in 2021.

The lawsuit follows the release of a 2021 audited report by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation, which uncovered the serious financial discrepancies.

The report, issued last month, detailed the unaccounted-for funds, raising concerns over widespread corruption within the ministry.

Joined in the suit is Mr. Fagbemi, who SERAP claims should work with anti-corruption agencies to investigate and prosecute those responsible for the alleged misappropriation of funds.

Filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos under suit number FHC/L/MISC/876/2024, SERAP seeks to compel President Tinubu to instruct Mr. Fagbemi to collaborate with appropriate agencies to investigate the missing N57 billion, and to ensure that any responsible individuals are prosecuted and any stolen funds are recovered.

In the court filing, SERAP argues that investigating and prosecuting those involved would help curb impunity and restore justice, especially given the impact of such corruption on Nigeria’s poorest citizens.

The organization emphasizes that these funds should have been used to alleviate poverty and support vulnerable groups, but instead, they were allegedly diverted.

SERAP also argues that the situation reflects a broader issue of corruption within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as well as other ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), which have reportedly been involved in similar financial mismanagement.

According to SERAP, the long-term effects of this corruption are borne by citizens, who face higher costs for essential services like health, education, and public administration due to the misallocation of public funds.

The group also pointed to several other troubling allegations from the 2021 audit, including:

Over N54 billion meant for the N-Power programme (for volunteers and trainees) was not paid to beneficiaries as intended.

N2.6 billion allocated for the ‘home-grown school feeding programme during Covid-19’ was reportedly diverted, as the program was never executed.

N78 million was spent on a survey of the Ministry’s Covid-19 response, but without proper approval or documentation.

N39.5 million in personal donations was reportedly paid to the minister without accountability.

N400 million meant for stipends to independent monitors was unaccounted for.

N287 million was paid to contractors without documentation or justification.

The allegations highlight the ministry’s failure to properly account for and use allocated funds, prompting the Auditor-General’s office to call for the recovery of these missing amounts and the sanctioning of those involved.

SERAP also draws attention to the constitutional and international obligations that the Nigerian government has to combat corruption, noting that Article 26 of the UN Convention against Corruption requires effective sanctions against grand corruption.

By seeking judicial intervention, SERAP hopes to hold the government accountable and ensure that the alleged stolen funds are returned to the public treasury, to address the systemic corruption plaguing Nigeria’s MDAs.

The court has yet to set a date for the hearing of the suit.

The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) in Taraba State has strongly criticized the proposed Tax Reform Bill under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, alleging that it is strategically designed to benefit the South at the expense of the North.

In a statement released during a press conference in Jalingo, Taraba State’s capital, the group voiced concerns over the economic hardships faced by Northern Nigerians, attributing them to recent federal policies, including the tax reforms, land-border closures, and the removal of petroleum subsidies.

The group’s coordinator, Comrade Idris Ayuba, expressed that the impacts of these policies are disproportionately felt in the North.

He argued that the new Tax Reform Bill would worsen regional inequalities, particularly by reducing the North’s share of revenue, which would further hinder its development and worsen poverty.

“We believe the Tax Reform Bill, along with other policies like the land-border closure, unfairly favors the South while exacerbating the challenges faced by the North,” Ayuba remarked.

“The subsidy removal, for example, has only led to a decline in economic activities, with fewer people affording petroleum products.”

The group also took issue with the federal government’s land-border closure, which they claim has had a more negative economic impact on the North, which traditionally relies on cross-border trade.

Ayuba argued that the policy disproportionately boosts the Southern economy by increasing the demand for locally produced goods and customs revenues, while also skewing economic opportunities toward Southern Nigeria.

“By closing the land borders, the South has gained significantly, while the North, which is more dependent on cross-border trade, has faced huge losses,” he said.

“The closure has led to increased customs duties and taxes in the South, further consolidating their economic advantage.”

The CNG warned that the proposed tax reforms, including changes to the revenue-sharing formula, would reduce Northern Nigeria’s revenue allocation.

This, the group believes, would exacerbate the region’s developmental challenges, including poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to quality education and healthcare.

“The North already faces significant challenges, and these reforms would only increase the gap between the North and South,” Ayuba added.

“A more favorable revenue-sharing formula for the South would lead to more investments and opportunities in the South, while the North risks further economic decline.”

The group also highlighted the North’s contributions to Nigeria’s economy, especially through agriculture, which they feel has been overlooked in the proposed reforms.

They called for a fairer allocation that takes into account the North’s unique economic and developmental challenges.

“Instead of addressing the long-standing disparities between the North and South, the Tax Reform Bill seems to deepen them,” said the group’s statement.

“We call on policymakers to take into account the North’s significant role in national food production and agriculture, which has often been neglected.”

The group also criticized the federal government for failing to complete critical infrastructure projects in the North, citing delays of over 40 years in the Mambilla Hydroelectric Project, which could generate 3,050 megawatts of electricity, and the Jalingo-Numan Road project, which has been stalled for more than 15 years.

“These uncompleted projects only deepen the development gap between the North and South. Without the completion of these vital projects, the North will continue to lag behind in terms of business opportunities, job creation, and overall economic growth,” Ayuba concluded.

The race for Nigeria’s 2027 presidential elections has already begun, and both the Labour Party (LP) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are facing internal challenges that are diminishing their political strength.

While the PDP is embroiled in a leadership crisis, with key members resigning, the LP has been particularly hard-hit by a mass exodus of elected representatives from the House of Representatives, who are abandoning the party in favor of other platforms, particularly the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The LP, which had made significant strides in the 2023 elections with 35 seats in the House of Representatives, has seen a dramatic drop in its parliamentary presence.

The defections started soon after the 10th National Assembly convened, with many LP lawmakers leaving the party citing internal instability.

Among those who recently defected are Tochukwu Okere (Imo), Donatus Mathew (Kaduna), Bassey Akiba (Cross River), Iyawe Esosa (Edo), and Daulyop Fom (Plateau).

These defections have left the party with just 17 seats in the House, down from its initial 35, a significant blow to its influence in the National Assembly.

Senator Francis Onyewuchi from Imo East also joined the APC, reportedly with the influence of Governor Hope Uzodinma.

Analysts believe the internal divisions and alleged APC infiltration within the LP are key factors driving the defections.

In response to these challenges, LP leaders, including presidential candidate, Peter Obi and Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, attempted to restructure the party.

A 22-member caretaker committee led by Senator Nenadi Usman was appointed, but this move faced resistance from the party’s National Chairman, Julius Abure, who is seeking to legally validate his position.

The restructuring is currently under legal scrutiny, with the dispute unresolved.

The defections have also sparked tensions within the LP, with party leaders such as National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh claiming the party remains united under Abure’s leadership.

However, critics, including LP chieftain Chief Peter Ameh, argue that the defections show a lack of respect for the party’s constitution and its voters, suggesting that the party’s ability to address internal crises is in question.

The PDP, on its part, is also struggling with leadership issues that are undermining its unity and effectiveness.

In Delta State, the defection of Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu to the APC is a significant blow to the party’s standing in the Niger Delta, a region that has been a stronghold for the PDP since 1998.

At the national level, the PDP is in the midst of a leadership power struggle between factions loyal to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and those aligned with the party’s acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum.

The crisis has intensified since the resignation of former National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu, and factions are working to control the party’s direction ahead of the 2027 elections.

The defections and internal strife are casting a shadow over the opposition’s ability to challenge the ruling APC in the upcoming elections.

With the APC benefiting from these defections, experts warn that Nigeria’s democracy may suffer if opposition parties continue to weaken, especially as the 2027 presidential race draws closer.

Some party members, such as Chief Peter Ameh, argue that the current political environment undermines the essence of democracy, which requires a strong opposition to hold the government accountable.

He suggests that constitutional reforms should be made to prevent lawmakers from defecting without losing their seats, as this undermines the trust of voters.

Meanwhile, the PDP’s internal conflict is far from over.

Despite attempts to resolve the crisis, the party remains divided, with some members calling for a return to its founding principles of justice, fairness, and equity.

The current leadership, including acting Chairman Damagum, faces intense pressure from rival factions, particularly those sympathetic to Nyesom Wike, a key figure in the G-5 Governors’ group.

Wike’s faction is reportedly working to extend Damagum’s tenure until 2025, potentially allowing the PDP to shift its focus towards rebuilding the party’s base.

However, critics argue that Atiku’s ongoing presidential ambition is exacerbating divisions within the party and distracting it from addressing its internal issues.

Some PDP leaders believe that the party can only regain its strength if it reunites around a common goal, one that respects the party’s constitution and fosters fairness across all regions.

They warn that without such efforts, the APC will continue to dominate, and the opposition will remain fragmented.

As political strategies unfold, both the LP and PDP must address their internal crises to remain viable contenders in the 2027 presidential race.

However, with defections, power struggles, and a divided opposition, the path to victory for these parties appears increasingly challenging.

Chief Olabode George, former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has called on both the party’s Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagun, and presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, to take decisive steps to address the ongoing crisis within the party.

In a recent interview on Arise TV, George expressed concern over the internal divisions threatening the PDP, emphasizing that the party risks undermining its prospects for the 2027 presidential election if the crisis remains unresolved.

The dispute stems from issues surrounding Damagun’s tenure and the battle for the PDP’s presidential ticket in the upcoming election.

George dismissed rumors circulating that the PDP is dead, reassuring stakeholders and supporters that the party still has a future.

He stated that the party will recover and regain its political strength despite the ongoing strife.

“You hear a lot of comments, with some even saying that our party is dead, but that is not true. Our party is not dead. There are ongoing discussions, and yes, we have three major factions now: the Damagun group, the Atiku group, and some other factions,” George said.

As a life member of the PDP’s Board of Trustees (BoT), George stressed the Board’s critical role in resolving internal crises, serving as the custodian of the party’s assets and liabilities and mediating conflicts.

He advocated for unity, emphasizing that the party could still resolve its issues if handled effectively.

“We can disagree without being disagreeable. This situation is not beyond control. If we manage ourselves properly, we can convince the electorate in 2027. And once we come to power, we will be able to handle any future crises,” he explained.

While George made it clear that he was not taking sides with either Damagun or Atiku, he urged all factions to come together to prevent repeating the mistakes that affected the party in previous elections.

“There were reasons why we allowed every zone to contest. People seem to have forgotten the events of the convention floor. We must not let those mistakes happen again. There were valid reasons for those decisions, but now, it feels like those reasons no longer matter, including Damagun’s actions. We need to be honest with ourselves,” he said.

George reiterated that his only concern was ensuring the PDP does not collapse, stressing the importance of preserving the party’s legacy.

“The Founding Fathers worked hard to bring us to where we are today. Let’s look at this issue holistically, so we don’t repeat the errors of the past,” he concluded.

Rabiu Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate for the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the 2023 elections, on Saturday, visited former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The meeting, held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), also included former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke.

Kwankwaso shared details of the meeting on his X (formerly Twitter) account, revealing that the discussions focused on pressing national matters, particularly the future of Nigerian politics and governance.

“I was honored to be in the company of my friend, HE Donald Duke, and other associates during our courtesy visit to President Olusegun Obasanjo at his residence in Abeokuta. Our conversation revolved around significant national issues, with a special emphasis on the future of politics and governance in Nigeria,” Kwankwaso wrote.

“We are grateful to Baba for his warm support and hospitality. – RMK,” he added.

The meeting comes after Obasanjo attended Kwankwaso’s daughter’s wedding in November 2024, where he was seen wearing a red cap, a symbol of the Kwankwasiyya movement.

The former president was warmly welcomed by Kwankwaso and Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf at the wedding, which was attended by numerous prominent political and business figures.