Rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mike Ozekhome, has stated that former President Muhammadu Buhari should be held accountable for the apparent preference of his successor, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to appoint individuals from the Yoruba ethnic group into prominent government positions.

Speaking at a symposium on human rights in Abuja, Ozekhome argued that the ethnic polarization of Nigeria during Buhari’s administration set a precedent that is now being followed by President Tinubu.

Ozekhome criticized Buhari’s eight-year tenure, accusing the former president of favoring northerners and Muslims in key positions, which he described as “northernisation” of Nigeria.

He pointed out that while some northerners now complain about Tinubu’s appointments, they had been silent when Buhari’s administration predominantly favored people from the north.

“I cried, I wrote articles, and even authored a book titled ‘How Buhari Mismanaged Nigeria.’ Despite the evident marginalization of other regions, many supported Buhari simply because he was from their region, neglecting the broader implications for national unity,” Ozekhome remarked.

At the event, themed “Unity in Diversity: Embracing Freedom, Equality, and Dignity for All,” Ozekhome warned those in power not to exploit ethnic and sectional divides for political gain, stressing the need for true national unity.

He also criticized Nigeria’s 1999 constitution, calling for a new constitution that reflects the diverse views of Nigerians from all ethnic and religious backgrounds.

Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, the IHRC’s Ambassador-at-Large and Head of Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, spoke on the theme of the symposium, highlighting the importance of embracing Nigeria’s diversity to foster unity.

He acknowledged the challenges posed by ethnic and religious tensions but emphasized that Nigeria’s multicultural composition holds immense potential for promoting national cooperation.

The event also marked the official appointment of new officials for the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) in Nigeria.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will run for a second term in the 2027 presidential election, according to his Special Adviser on Public Communication and Media, Daniel Bwala.

Speaking at the All Progressives Congress (APC) national secretariat in Abuja, Bwala dismissed concerns that the ruling party might lose the upcoming election, citing recent developments in Ghana as a comparison.

Bwala emphasized that President Tinubu is focused on fulfilling his mandate to Nigerians, addressing pressing issues like hunger, agricultural reform, and daily struggles of the people.

He assured that the administration’s work will secure the president’s victory in 2027, given the progress made during his first term.

“There is no cause for concern regarding the opposition or external comparisons. President Tinubu is committed to improving the Nigerian economy and addressing citizens’ concerns. The Nigerian electorate cares about real solutions, and that is what this administration is delivering,” Bwala stated.

He added that if President Tinubu remains in good health, he will continue his term according to the constitutional provisions.

Bwala expressed confidence that the electorate will reward the president with a second term, based on his performance and the policies benefiting Nigerians across the country.

President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday in Abuja, emphasized that the interests and welfare of the citizens of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger remain a priority for the leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

During a meeting with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the Presidential Villa, Tinubu, who also chairs ECOWAS, assured that the regional body would prioritize diplomacy and wisdom in efforts to reintegrate the three countries into the ECOWAS fold.

Tinubu noted that the leadership of the three countries had been reluctant to present clear transition plans with definitive timelines.

Despite this, he stressed that ECOWAS would continue to lead by example, insisting on democratic processes while ensuring that innocent citizens, who are often the victims of military leadership, are not penalized.

He reaffirmed that ECOWAS would maintain free movement and trade, even if the transition to democracy remained uncertain.

He assured the German president that ECOWAS’ doors would remain open for the return of democracy in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. “We are mindful of the wellbeing of the citizens,” Tinubu said.

“ECOWAS will stand for collaboration and will not tolerate unconstitutional governments.”

German President Steinmeier, in his response, acknowledged the significant impact the reintegration of the three countries would have on both the economy and security of the West African region.

He praised ECOWAS’ diplomatic efforts and urged Tinubu to continue using diplomacy to address the challenges, while preparing emergency plans for future economic cooperation.

Steinmeier also emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and the need for a united approach to the security and stability of West Africa.

On Wednesday, the Senate officially declared the Senate seat of Governor Monday Okpebholo vacant.

The decision follows his election and subsequent inauguration as the Governor of Edo State last month, which rendered his position as the representative of the Edo Central Senatorial District vacant.

The Senate also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to arrange for a bye-election to fill the vacant seat.

The announcement was made by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who led a valedictory session honoring Okpebholo.

Akpabio praised the Governor for his contributions to the Senate and encouraged him to continue building on his legacy as he undertakes his new role as governor of Edo State.

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Jarrett Tenebe, has come to the defense of Governor Monday Okpebholo following criticism over a mistake made during the presentation of the state’s budget estimate at the House of Assembly.

Tenebe, in a video posted on social media, stated, “No one is above mistake,” in response to the backlash that ensued after the governor’s gaffe on Tuesday.

Tenebe explained that even prominent world leaders, such as former South African president Jacob Zuma, had faced challenges with reading large figures.

He further added, “Governor Okpebholo was not familiar with figures because he has never embezzled public funds.”

The controversy arose when Governor Okpebholo struggled to read out the total amount of the state’s budget during his address at the State House of Assembly.

The budget, totaling N605.7 billion, was presented only in figures, making it difficult for the governor to pronounce the sum correctly.

After several unsuccessful attempts, the governor remarked, “Sorry, it’s confusing me,” prompting laughter from the Assembly.

Following the governor’s comment, Speaker of the House, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, intervened by calling for order and then asked the governor to come forward and officially submit the budget estimate to the Assembly.

The incident quickly became a topic of discussion on social media, with many users offering various opinions on the matter.