By Our Correspondent

THE ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) of the Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi (MOAUM) which commenced on June 1st , 2026 has entered its third week unabated as many shifts the blame squarely on the inefficiencies and underhand dealings by the Governing Council of the state owned institution .

The ongoing strike unfortunately coincides with Democracy Day, but while the abduction of school children across Nigeria clearly shows government ineptitude to secure lives ,the nonchalant attitude of the Governing Council of MOAUM regarding the welfare of the university, the silence of the university Visitor raises bigger concerns and questions about the will-power to sustain the gains the university has made particularly in the last five years and the lip service by Government officials and education policy drivers.

While Investigations reveal that there might be more unions joining the strike , there are also allegations of abuse of established law books , style of governance ,appropriation roles and responsibilities of the university management and Senate against the institutions Council .

More worrisome is information that some staff are called from home at late hours or odd hours to appear before councils in most dehumanized manner that falls below standards of public institutions and as if it was the private business of the chairman of the council a development that has already triggered calls for his removal in other to save the university .

A Senior lecturer in the University told our correspondent on condition of anonymity that ,”
“the staff have gradually discovered that the leadership of the Council has been playing mind games with them. It is true that he started powerfully by borrowing money to clear their earned allowances. But the staff have come to realize that all was a façade. Before now, some of us carried out a background check on his person and were shocked to discover that he had issues with ICPC and EFCC regarding TETFUND Contracts. That was when some of us began to watch more carefully.”

A Professor spoke extensively on his disappointment with his colleagues who are internal members of Council and the Union itself. “Honestly, I wonder why we allowed this man to trick us for this long. Did we not notice when he was having issues with the former VC Prof. Tor Iorapuu. But most of us in our foolishness and because, ab initio did not want an ‘outsider’ as a VC, we did not pay attention to the fact that the Council was gradually destroying the system. It is clearly an attitudinal and a mentality thing. See where we are? The Council Chairman has taken over the responsibilities of the VC, the Management and the Senate. He is appointing directors, procurement officers, acting directors, swapping staff from one position to another, suspending staff at will. Which Council does that and what instrument of power does the Council have to do that without following the law books? Two topical issues on ground are the unilateral appointment of Prof. Ubwa as the Director of CEFTER; unlawful creation of the position of a Director of Research and grant writing without due process, and the interference in the appointment of a deputy vice chancellor.”

There are deeper issues. It would seem, not only the staff are unsettled. Council members are equally unsettled. It is on the lips of teaching and non-teaching staff that the last physical Council was quite volatile. Some council members may have woken up, expressed dissatisfaction on several issues. One of them was the handling of TETFUND contracts of
over 2 Billion Naira TETFUND annual allocation, 300 million Naira TETFUND Zonal intervention, 4 billion special Tetfund presidential fund for Medicine, dentistry, Nursing and Pharmaceutical Sciences.1 Billion Naira TETFUND counterpart fund for PPP, 1600 bed spaces hostel accommodation.

An administrative staff on account anonymity recounted that some external members of Council may have realized that they have been taken for granted. According to him, “the lies, the scams and the real identities of who is who have popped out. Suddenly, some Council members are courageous to voice out.” Probing further, he said, “some courageous council members are alleging that contracts are awarded without procedures.” Our findings show that, one specific matter mentioned was the attempts to twist or cover up abuse of procurement processes under an acting VC. In fact, Council Members want a probe how Tetfund Library funds were utilized. TETFUND needs to investigate this because its staff was mentioned in connivance with Ubwa. Efforts to get the University Librarian to confirm the information failed.
A visibly angry staff who also spoke on condition of anonymity said, “nothing is hidden under the sun. In this university, we know and hear about every decision taken in Council, who participates and who sleeps. We can tell you comprehensively that very few members of Council speak.

“The Chairman decides on anything he wants and they concur. Look, Council Members have information that the former VC, Prof. Tor Iorapuu had received over 2billion annual allocation for 2025, 300million Zonal intervention, and 4billion Special Presidential fund for the Medical School and I billion Naira as counterpart support for PPP students’ hostels. That the former VC made this information available in Council. However, every contract was awarded with speed withing months that Prof. Iorapuu was on forced leave. Council Members cannot explain how the decisions to award any contract were arrived at. The only thing Council members know is that the VC who succeeded Professor Iorapuu when he was on leave facilitated through one agricultural company account the sum of 1.7million Naira to the account of Council Members in December 2025. What is not clear is if internal Members of Council got the same amount with the External Members. Some other staff of the University like the Procurement officer got 800 thousand Naira. Now, here is a curious question.

“This Acting VC was no longer the acting VC, when Prof. Tor Iorapuu handed over. Is it not worrying that he was still involved with the administration to the extent of facilitating funds to Council Members?
The conversations regarding the strike are equally in the town. Indigenous contractors are warming up. Information filtering out is that there is sufficient displeasure that all the contractors are from Anambra.
For people who are quite familiar with ASUU strikes, will read the handwriting on the wall and act smartly. ASUU may as well be sending a message to the Visitor that the Council Chairman has no polling unit in Benue.
“This is not a threat; it is statement of fact and a warning. Fr. Alia who today is the Visitor should know better because he was a neighbour of the university.
“To end this strike, some of the issues raised here are critical. Fr. Alia as the Visitor needs to revisit his illusions. If your expectations have not been met, please act now. You are between truth and survival. Knowledge of the activities and operations of Campus unions is the beginning of wisdom. The truth is before you to unpack.”

By George Mgbeleke

The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, has called on Nigerians to embrace unity, vigilance, and active participation in nation-building as the country marks 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance.

He commended Nigerians for their resilience and support for democracy despite some low moments.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, In a Democracy Day message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity,Hon Eseme Eyiboh mnipr, Senator Akpabio noted that Nigeria’s democratic experiment is a testimony of endurance despite years of agitations.

“On behalf of the 10th National Assembly, I congratulate every Nigerian for the sustenance of democracy for close to three decades. Mistakes have been made in the course of this journey but we will surely get to the desired destination with your support”

He urge Nigerians to continue to believe in democratic governance and not give into attempts by elements of backwardness, whose sole aim is to derail the process.

According to him, “Democracy should extend beyond the conduct of elections and be anchored on accountability, justice, compassion and service to the common good”.

The Senate President called on the youth to participate actively in the nations political process stressing that the younger generation forms the fulcrum of leadership succession.

He said “As we commemorate June 12, I wish to encourage the youth not to sit on the fence but be active participants in the nation’s political activities. The youths constitute the fulcrum of those who will succeed us tomorrow.

“Let us therefore rededicate ourselves to the ideals of freedom, transparency and accountable government, social justice, and active citizen participation, especially the youths”.

On insecurity, Akpabio appeal to Nigerians to unite with one another and cooperate with the government to tame the monster that has befallen the nation.

He assured citizens that the President Tinubu administration remains committed to ending insecurity and securing the release of all persons in captivity.

“I urge every Nigerian to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in her efforts in fighting terrorism. We understand the pains you are going through but the government is not resting on its oars and hopefully we shall overcome this current challenge and all will be well with Nigeria.

Hon Eseme Eyiboh mnipr
Special Adviser, Media & Publicity and Official Spokesperson to the President of the Senate

Fellow Nigerians

Today, we celebrate democracy and the enduring Nigerian spirit. For 27 unbroken years, since May 29, 1999, Nigerians have chosen their leaders through the ballot, witnessed peaceful transitions of power, and resolved disagreements in courtrooms and legislative chambers—not through violence. We have experienced the longest stretch of civilian rule in our history. Our democracy is not perfect, but it is ours, and we must continue to defend and strengthen it.

In the coming days, Ekiti and Osun States will hold elections. I urge INEC, security agencies, and all parties to ensure these polls are peaceful and credible. Democracy fails when citizens doubt the process. To our National Assembly, Judiciary, the Press, and Civil Society: you are the guardrails of our republic. Criticise me, disagree with me, but never stop believing in Nigeria.

To our young people: Nigeria is your home and your future. Build here, code here, work here, and vote here. Every great nation was built by those who stayed to solve problems, not by those who abandoned ship.

To our armed forces, police, and intelligence services: Nigeria salutes your sacrifice. To our traditional rulers, faith leaders, and community heads: thank you for your support of peace and reconciliation. The government cannot do it alone.

Today, we honour the resilience of Nigerians who refused to surrender their faith in freedom, and the courage of those who stood firm against intimidation. We pay tribute to patriots who endured persecution, imprisonment, exile, and even death so that future generations could enjoy democracy. I salute labour leaders, journalists, activists, students, women, professionals, political leaders, and soldiers—both those who have passed and those still with us—for their patriotic contributions.

Though this year’s mood is dampened by the abduction of our children in Oyo and Borno, we remain hopeful for their safe return. Democracy without security is not solid enough. That is why this administration declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 new police officers and thousands of military recruits. Our 2026 budget commits N5.41 trillion—our largest ever—to defence and security. Our administration is ever ready to do much more to secure our people.

We have moved from training with our allies, the United States, France and other European countries, to precision targeting. In Arege, Borno State, we degraded ISWAP’s command centre. Terror-related deaths are down by 81% since 2015. Over 13,000 terrorists have been neutralised in the past year. But we also keep the door of surrender open. Over 124,000 fighters and dependents have laid down their arms since 2023 through Operation Safe Corridor.

To bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror: Surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State. These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. No mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians.

At a time like this, let us not assign blame or point fingers. Crime has no ethnicity. We must stand united and be assured that the enemies of our nation shall soon be history. We will triumph over terror and continue to build a more prosperous nation.

June 12 occupies a sacred place in our national memory. It represents more than an election; it is a defining chapter in our story. We remember Chief M.K.O. Abiola, who won a pan-Nigerian mandate transcending ethnicity and religion. We remember Alhaja Kudirat Abiola.

We also remember Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Alfred Rewane, Pa Abraham Adesanya, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Dr Beko Ransome-Kuti, Frank Kokori, Arthur Nwankwo, Chima Ubani, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and the many other heroes and heroines of democracy whose sacrifices helped secure the freedoms we enjoy today.

As beneficiaries of their struggle, we have a duty to strengthen and deepen the democratic institutions for which they fought. The greatest tribute we can pay is to build a Nigeria where freedom is protected, justice is upheld, opportunity is expanded, and government is accountable.

June 12, 1993, revealed the possibility of a true Nigerian nation. The heroes of June 12 secured political freedom. Our challenge is to secure economic freedom. Democracy must be felt in the quality of people’s lives—in opportunities for youth, in prosperous farmers, successful entrepreneurs, and the dignity of our workers.

The reforms we are undertaking were not chosen for ease, but for necessity. Three years ago, our public finances were under severe strain, investment was discouraged, and economic uncertainty threatened our future. We chose to act, embracing reforms to advance Nigeria’s economic freedom.

Since 2023, our reforms have restored stability and credibility to economic management. Federation revenues have risen, providing states and local governments with more resources for infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security. Fiscal transparency has improved, leakage has been reduced, and public funds are better directed to national priorities. Investor confidence has returned, with investments in agriculture, energy, manufacturing, technology, mining, transportation, and the creative industries growing.

Domestic refining capacity has increased, strengthening energy security and reducing our reliance on imported petroleum products.

By 2023, when we came on board, the electricity sector was characterised by chronic generation shortfalls, an unreliable gas supply, and transmission infrastructure so fragile that it could not evacuate available power. Distribution companies were burdened by massive losses and a metering deficit of over four million. Worst of all, the value chain was drowning in legacy debt. The result was a sector that generated less than the 13,500 Megawatts installed capacity, a sector that transmitted less than it generated, distributed less than it transmitted and collected revenue far below what it needed to sustain itself.

To address the problems besetting the sector, I signed the Electricity Act, which grants states authority to generate, transmit, and distribute power. The Presidential Power Sector Task Force is working hard to reduce the metering deficit. It has also been authorised to raise N4 trillion bond to settle verified legacy debts. The Rural Electrification Agency, supported by the World Bank and the African Development Bank, has deployed off-grid and mini-grid power to underserved communities, universities, markets, and hospitals. Electricity is a democratic dividend we owe every Nigerian. We intend to deliver it.

Across the country, infrastructure projects are connecting producers to markets and creating opportunities for enterprise and employment. The National Agricultural Development Fund is deploying 10,000 tractors over five years. Over 1,000 SMEs have been certified for export. Non-oil exports grew by 21% last year.

Yet, many Nigerians still face economic hardship. We remain focused on reducing inflation, expanding food production, creating jobs, improving living standards, rebuilding confidence in our economy, and creating conditions for sustainable prosperity.

We are moving from uncertainty to stability. The next phase is about accelerating growth and ensuring the benefits are felt in every home, every community, and every region. We believe that Democracy must be felt in the pocket.

Recognising that democracy is undermined when people do not feel its impact, my administration has sought financial autonomy for our 774 local councils. A fundamental challenge to our nation’s advancement has been ineffective local government administration. The insecurity we are addressing is partly due to the collapse of grassroots governance. The Renewed Hope Agenda is about ensuring that all Nigerians benefit from governance.

Every generation has a defining responsibility. The generation of our founding fathers secured independence—the generation of June 12 secured democracy. Our generation must secure prosperity.

Let us move forward together—rejecting division, cynicism, and despair; embracing unity, hope, and confidence. Let us build a Nigeria united by a common purpose, strengthened by diversity, where justice is accessible, liberty is secure, and opportunity is abundant.

Among the architects of modern democratic Nigeria, we honour General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua for his vision of national partnership. In recognition of his contributions, the Federal Government has approved the revitalisation and renaming of the completed Institute of Petroleum Studies, Kaduna, as the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology.

I am also pleased to announce national awards to the following Nigerians, who suffered persecution, endured indignities, exile, incarceration, and, at times, solitary confinement, so that we have democracy today.

Barrister Ayoka Lawani

Tunde Fagbenle

Oladele Alake

Olatunji Bello

Louis Odion

Segun Babatope

Sam Omatseye

Sir Ademola Osinubi

Bola Bolawole

Lade Bonuola

Femi Kusa

Debo Adeniran

Chief Ayo Opadokun

Chief Ralph Obiora

Ose Osayande

Barrister Osa Director

Prof. Sylvester Odion-Akhaine

Dr Arthur Nwankwo (Posthumous)

Dr Osagie Obayuwana

Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin

Barrister Titus Mann

Joe Igbokwe

Richard Akinnola

Ben Charles-Obi (Posthumous)

George Mbah

Dr Niran Malaolu

Major-General Ishola Williams (rtd)

Femi Aborisade

Jenkins Alumona

Gbemiga Ogunleye

Muyiwa Adekeye

Babajide Kolade-Otitoju

Ike Okonta

We also recognise the soldier-democrats of the June 12 struggle:

Major General MA Garba

Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa

Col Umar Farouk Ahmed;

Col Sambo Dasuki;

Col Lawan Gwadabe;

Brigadier Jonathan Ndam Temlong

Col Musa Shehu;

Major General Chris Eze;

Major General Harris Dzarma;

Col Isa Jibrin;

Maj. General Joseph Oshanupin;

Col Olusegun Oloruntoba, Olugbede of Gbede Kingdom)

Lieutenant Colonel Happy Kefas Bulus

Col J Okai;

Col Emmanuel Ndubueze;

Lt Col Yakubu Muazu

Brigadier Yahaya Abubakar, the Current Etsu Nupe, who is already the holder of the CFR title.

The honours list will be released in the next few days.

Fellow Nigerians, 27 years ago, many doubted democracy would survive here because of our diversity. Today, our diversity sustains our democracy. The road ahead is steep. But June 12 reminds us: Nigerians do not break. We bend, we bleed, but we do not break.

Let us renew our covenant: That the labours of our heroes past shall never be in vain, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from this land.

May God bless the heroes of our democracy. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. May God continue to bless us all.

Happy Democracy Day.

BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR

President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces

Federal Republic of Nigeria