By George Mgbeleke

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the federal government following reports that only about 7 percent of the Nigerian Army’s budget for security equipment was released in 2025. The party described as outrageous the report that, out of N336.76 billion approved for security equipment in the year, only a paltry N16.71 billion was released, while nothing was released for key logistics such as transport and aircraft fuel, as well as military barracks.

In a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party also lamented that, at a time when the nation faces unprecedented security challenges, the Federal Government chose to concentrate resources on the maintenance of the presidential fleet while military aircraft languish due to a lack of funds. The party described this as an unpardonable misplacement of priority.

The ADC further argued that the underfunding of military equipment and operations significantly explains why the security situation in the country continues to deteriorate, with insurgents and terrorists becoming more emboldened by the day. The party pointed to the recent abduction of over 400 women and children in Ngoshe, Borno State, where Boko Haram has issued a N5 billion ransom demand and a 72-hour ultimatum, as evidence that the APC government has lost control of the fight against terror. It also noted that, in the month of April 2026 alone, more than N12 billion has been demanded in ransom by various insurgent groups.

The full statement reads:

The African Democratic Congress is appalled by recent reports that only about 7 percent of the Nigerian Army’s budget for security equipment has been released in the 2025 fiscal year. Out of the N336.76 billion approved, only a paltry N16.71 billion has reportedly been disbursed, while nothing has been released for critical logistics such as transport, aircraft fuel, and military barracks. At a time when Nigeria is battling widespread insecurity, this is not just disturbing, it is indefensible. It is yet another example of a government that talks tough on security but fails to back it up with action.

Even more alarming is that this disclosure comes as Nigerians confront yet another national tragedy. Reports indicate that over 400 women and children abducted in Ngoshe, Borno State are now the subject of a ₦5 billion ransom demand by Boko Haram, with a 72-hour ultimatum and a chilling threat that the victims may be dispersed and never seen again if the government fails to act. This is the painful reality of our country today: a country where terrorists feel bold enough to issue deadlines to the state; a country where hundreds of citizens can be held hostage while the government underfunds the very military meant to protect them.

The connection between these two realities is direct. When only a fraction of security funds is released, when nothing is provided for logistics like mobility and fuel, and when equipment procurement is delayed, the result is predictable: a weakened security system. And when the state looks weak, those who threaten it grow stronger, with devastating consequences for ordinary Nigerians.

Even more troubling is the contrast in priorities. While the military struggles with chronic underfunding, the federal government has reportedly ensured full funding for the luxurious presidential air fleet enjoyed by President Tinubu and his immediate family, even as military aircraft remain grounded due to a lack of resources. This paints a troubling picture of a government that is more concerned with comfort at the top than safety on the ground.

A government that releases only 7 percent of security equipment funds, and nothing for critical logistics, cannot claim to be serious about winning the war against terror. You cannot starve our brave men and women in uniform of the tools they need and expect them to defeat a determined and well-armed enemy. This is not just a budgeting failure, it is a failure of leadership.

The consequences are clear. Communities remain exposed. Farmers cannot return to their farms. Businesses continue to operate under fear. And now, hundreds of women and children face an uncertain fate in the hands of terrorists.

The ADC believes that security funding must be treated as a first-line responsibility. Budgetary allocations must translate into real, timely releases for equipment, logistics, training, and intelligence. Anything less weakens both the morale of our armed forces and the safety of our people.

Nigeria does not lack resources. What we lack is the discipline to put those resources where they matter most. The ADC stands with the families of those abducted and calls on the federal government to act with urgency, clarity, and resolve to secure their safe return, while addressing the deeper failures that have made such tragedies possible.

The ADC remains committed to building a Nigeria where security is not just promised, but properly funded, carefully managed, and truly delivered.

By David Owei

Immediate past Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has said the pace of development of Bayelsa has left him emotional.

Speaking at Oporoma community, headquarters of the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, on Monday during a grand reception in his honour, the former Vice President said he was impressed by the people-oriented projects of the Senator Douye Diri administration, stressing that the governor understood the reason for governance.

A statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, quoted Prof. Osinbajo as recalling his visit to the state on February 19, 2022 for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Angiama-Oporoma bridge project, saying he had his doubts when he saw that the area was a forest.

Osinbajo, however, expressed delight that Governor Diri had proved him wrong by ensuring the completion of the 630-metre bridge and the access road to Oporoma, which had been on the drawing board for over six decades.

He said by his development strides, Diri had proved that God did not make a mistake in his choice as governor and that the people of Bayelsa were happy with him.

He hailed the completion of the referral hospital in Oporoma, which he also inaugurated, saying that he was impressed that the hospital, initiated 53 years ago in 1973 but was completed by the Diri administration, was already performing surgeries.

Innagurating the Agbura-Oxbow Lake road in Yenagoa Local Government Area, the former VP described the project as impactful, saying it not only linked communities but also reduced travel time and connected communities to key federal government offices such as the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board, Central Bank of Nigeria and the Federal Secretariat.

While commending Diri, Osinbajo said he is a man that keeps to his words and that it was rare to find such quality within the Nigerian political space.

His words: “I am privileged to be alive and to be a part of history. This is a very special day for me; an emotional one.

“I was here for the groundbreaking (of the bridge at Angiama). At that time, it was a dream because there was no access road to one of the most prolific oil producing local government areas in the country.”

Osinbajo profusely commended the Bayelsa governor.

“I had my doubts but here we are today witnessing history. I believe that once a leader understands the reason God gave him the opportunity to serve, the people will be happy. Douye Diri has proved that God did not make a wrong choice in him. He proves every day that he is the right man for the job.

“Let me thank my brother and friend for the kind invitation to be here because it is not often that you find men and women able to keep their words in politics. He is a man a character, who keeps his promises; faithful and loyal to his friends. Any man who keeps his promises will be faithful to his people.

“I commend him for doing what he ought to do, providing facilities to make life easy for the people. I pray for the governor that the progress today is only the beginning and the Almighty God will enable you achieve more and Bayelsa will prosper.”

In his remarks, Governor Douye Diri appreciated the immediate past vice president for accepting to visit the state again to inaugurate key projects executed by his administration.

He said Osinbajo loves development and the people of Bayelsa as exemplified in his readiness to always respond positively whenever he was invited.

Diri stressed that the essesence of governance is to bring happiness to the people, assuring that his administration will continue to embark on people-oriented projects.

He said the referral hospital had not only been completed but had also been fully equipped, and promised to construct the road from Oporoma to the hospital at Osokama as well as fence the hospital.

He said: “A few years ago, on February 19, 2022, as Vice President, you visited and was part of the process that marked the beginning of the Angiama bridge. Our collective prayers have been answered as that project was commissioned by President Bola Tinubu on April 10.

“Today you have graciously returned to celebrate with us. For that staedfastness and support, we are grateful. You are a true son of Bayelsa State.

“These projects you have inaugurated are important to our people. Development must be felt in our communities. For us, there is nothing like difficult terrain. This is what God has given us and it is our duty to tame it.

“Today, this government has not only completed the referral hospital, it has been equipped and ready to serve the whole of constituency 2 and 3 in Sputhern Ijaw. Your government is bringing healthcare to your doorsteps.“

Earlier at the Agbura-Oxbow Lake road commissioning ceremony, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Moses Teibowei, remarked that the 6.72km road will create easier and shorter access to Swali and other parts of Yenagoa thereby reducing travel time.

He thanked Governor Diri for his visionary leadership and expressed optimism that Bayelsa wil witness more infrastructural development under the incumbent administration.

At Oporoma, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, said the people of Southern Ijaw were grateful to the administration for giving them access road after decades of neglect despite being one of the local governments with the highest production of crude oil in the country.

The event featured the presentation of gifts to Osinbajo and a cultural performance by the Bayelsa State Council for Arts and Culture troupe.

Jonas Ezieke, Abuja
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‎Emmanuel Iheakachukwu Odoemelam, Legislative Aide to Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and a Ph.D candidate in Chemistry at the Beijing University of Chemical Technology (BUCT), has released a heartfelt birthday tribute hailing the former Abia State governor’s “selfless, sacrificial, and pragmatic leadership” as Kalu marks his 66th birthday.
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‎In a statement personally signed by the aide, Odoemelam joined millions of admirers worldwide to celebrate a leader whose impact, he said, has given meaning to countless lives across Nigeria and beyond.
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‎“The universe is a better place because men like you were born,” Odoemelam wrote. “You have created immense value across every sphere of human endeavor, and you remain equipped to do even more for humanity.”
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‎The warm tribute singled out Kalu’s rare ability to balance family life, business, politics, and philanthropy a discipline Odoemelam described as “truly exemplary” and a source of inspiration for people from all walks of life. He further praised the senator’s wisdom, interpersonal skills, and time management, noting that Kalu remains “kind, open-minded, and deeply detribalized, with a high degree of emotional intelligence.”
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‎Odoemelam, who is pursuing his doctorate in Chemistry at BUCT while serving on the senator’s legislative team, fervently prayed for Kalu’s continued health and mental acuity.
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‎“May God grant you continued good health and a sound mind, so that you may complete the work of social transformation and human upliftment that He has placed upon your shoulders,” he said. “Happy Birthday and congratulations!”
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‎Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, who represents Abia North Senatorial District, has remained a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and business. His 66th birthday has drawn similar tributes from President Tinubu, national leaders, colleagues and constituents,

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