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ADC to Tinùbu :Which Court Order did You Direct EFCC to Vacate – Says president’s press statement curious, unusual.

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By George Mgbeleke
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s directive to reverse the freezing of the Osun State Government’s accounts but questioned his claim that the EFCC acted on the basis of a court order, noting that the President was either misinformed or he had deliberately misrepresented the situation.
In a statement signed by Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, the party argued that the President’s admission that he directed the EFCC to discontinue the action undermines claims of the agency’s independence or neutrality, thereby confirming that the President actually directs the operational conduct of the anti-graft agencies.

The party also describes the reversal as a response to sustained public outrage rather than a voluntary act of restraint, noting that the anti-graft agency would not have acted so recklessly in the first if it did not presume the authorisation of the federal government.

The full statement read:

While the African Democratic Congress (ADC) welcomes President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision directing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately discontinue its attempt to freeze the accounts of the Osun State Government, the President’s statement has raised far more troubling questions than it answers.

What we find most curious about the statement is the President’s repeated reference to an alleged court order authorising the freezing of the Osun State Government’s accounts. This is a remarkable new twist. In all of its public statements on this matter, the EFCC never once claimed that it had obtained a court order. The Commission consistently defended its actions on the basis of its statutory powers and what it described as “preventive mandate.”” At no point did it inform Nigerians that a court had authorised its actions.

The obvious question, therefore, is: where did the president obtain the information that a court order existed? If such an order exists, why was it never mentioned by the EFCC in its statement while defending one of the most controversial actions it has taken in recent times? Why was it not mentioned by the EFCC spokesperson when he appeared on Arise Television on Thursday morning? If no such order exists, why would the president introduce one into the public narrative? It is either the President was misinformed or he had chosen to misrepresent the facts. Either possibility is deeply disturbing.

The President also insists that he does not interfere in the operational activities of anti-corruption agencies, yet in the same statement he publicly announces that he has directed the EFCC to approach the court, vacate the alleged order, and discontinue its case. That admission raises an uncomfortable question.

If the President possesses the authority to direct the EFCC to withdraw from court proceedings because the political consequences may affect an election, then it follows that he possesses the authority to direct the Commission in other operational matters as well. The net implication is that the carefully cultivated argument that these agencies operate entirely independently collapses under the weight of the President’s own statement.

Indeed, the presidency’s attempt at strategic distancing has achieved precisely the opposite. Rather than demonstrating institutional independence, it confirms that the presidency could whimsically intervene or direct one way or another based on political considerations.

Another curious feature of the statement is its form. This is not a communication issued through the Office of the President, the Presidency, or the usual government channels. It is a personal statement signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu himself. This is quite unusual, and it raises the question of why the President feels the need to personally sign a press statement on a matter such as this? If all that the President wanted to achieve was to get the EFCC to reverse itself, why did he not simply tell them to do so instead of issuing a press statement signed by the President himself. This solo performance by the president actually exposes more than it was intended to conceal.

The truth is that it was not a sudden concern for democratic integrity that produced this dramatic reversal. It was the overwhelming condemnation from Nigerians, civil society, political parties, and the wider public who recognised the account freezing for what it was: an extraordinary abuse of state power meant to influence the outcome of the governorship election.

Finally, since the President has now demonstrated that he can direct federal agencies to discontinue proceedings based on pretension to public interest or democratic fairness, perhaps he should also consider directing the ICPC and its counsel to stop opposing the bail application of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.

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Gov Gov Fubara Pledges Administration’s Commitment To Enhancing NYSC Scheme In Rivers

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Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers state, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, scheme in the state through deliberate support and improved welfare for corps members.

Fubara gave the assurance on Friday at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Nonwa-Gbam, Tai Local Government Area, during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II corps members.

The Governor, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Bureau, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Promise Oguzie, said the state government would remain intentional in providing the necessary support to enhance the scheme and the overall experience of corps members deployed to Rivers State.

He charged the corps members to be exemplary, dedicated, and committed in their service, and to serve as role models and nation-builders in their host communities.

“I charge you to be exemplary, dedicated and committed in all you do. Take full advantage of all the camp programmes and activities to enrich yourselves,” he said.

Governor Fubara further urged the Corp members to uphold the ideals of the NYSC by promoting unity, discipline, and national integration during their service year.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Rivers State NYSC Coordinator, Mr. Moses Oleghe, described the deployment of corps members to the state as “a veritable opportunity to make meaningful contributions to the growth of the state in particular and Nigeria at large.”

He charged them to serve with integrity, discipline, and the fear of God, especially as some of them will be engaged as ad-hoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for the 2027 general elections.

A total of 3,584 corps members, comprising 1,421 males and 2,163 females, were sworn in by the Chief Judge of Rivers State, represented by Justice Godspower Aguma, in the ceremony attended by government officials, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders. Fubara Pledges Administration’s Commitment To Enhancing NYSC Scheme In Rivers

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*NDC Sets Up National Reconciliation C’ttee to Strengthen Party Unity Ahead of 2027 Elections*

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Ahead of 2027 general elections and following the successful conclusion of its party primaries, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially inaugurated a National Reconciliation Committee to address concerns and disputes arising from the primary elections.

The inauguration took place at the party’s National Headquarters in Wuse II, Abuja.

Addressing members during the ceremony, the National Chairman of the NDC, Senator Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe, stated that the committee was established to promote peace, unity, and reconciliation among party members across the country. He stressed that a united party is essential for electoral success and urged members of the committee to carry out their assignment with integrity, fairness, transparency, and diligence.

National Reconciliation Committee

1. Prof. Pat Utomi – Chairman
2. Engr. Buba Galadima – Co-Chairman
3. Barr. Mohammed Sani Takori, MNI – Vice Chairman
4. Comrade Babatunde Ali – Secretary
5. Mrs. Dudu Mamman Manuga – Member
6. Hon. Salvador Adegoke Moshood – Member
7. Alhaji Haruna Pai – Member

Northern Sub-Committee

8. Mainasara Sani Abubakar – Chairman
9. Barr. Fatima Musa Abba – Secretary
10. Comrade Solomon Ndah – Member
11. Dr. Tanko Yusufu – Member
12. Arc. Dr. Toma Audu Gana – Member

South East Sub-Committee

13. Senator Victor Umeh – Chairman
14. Sir Patrick Akwara – Secretary
15. Barr. Eze Chikamnayo – Member
16. Dr. Patrick Eziechukwudi – Member
17. Chief (Barr.) Isaac Chinaka Anumudu – Member
18. Stefiny Amaka Eugene – Member

South South Sub-Committee

19. Senator Ben Birabi – Chairman
20. Senator Clever M. Ikisikpo – Secretary
21. Bishop Isaac Idahosa – Member
22. Esther Archibong – Member
23. Apostle David Stephen Okon – Member

In his acceptance remarks, the Chairman of the National Reconciliation Committee, Prof. Pat Utomi, expressed appreciation to the leadership of the party for the trust placed in him. He assured members that the committee would work tirelessly to promote harmony, strengthen internal unity, and advance the collective vision of the party.

Also speaking, the Co-Chairman, Engr. Buba Galadima, applauded the leadership for establishing the committee and pledged his unwavering commitment to ensuring genuine reconciliation among members at all levels of the party.

Speaking on behalf of the South-South Sub-Committee, Bishop Isaac Idahosa outlined practical measures for resolving post-primary disagreements. He called on party members, leaders, and stakeholders to put aside personal interests and embrace unity in order to secure victory for the NDC in the forthcoming general elections.

The leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress reaffirmed its commitment to internal democracy, fairness, inclusiveness, and party cohesion as it continues preparations to present credible candidates and a strong alternative platform to Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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Osun Election: CP Samuel Erale Etaifo Brokers Peace Between Accord , APC Over Final Campaign Schedule

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As part of proactive measures to ensure a peaceful, credible, and violence-free environment ahead of the forthcoming Osun State Governorship Election, the Commissioner of Police (Elections), CP Samuel Erale Etaifo, psc, mnips, convened a strategic meeting with the leadership and representatives of the Accord Party and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to address the clash in the dates and venues of their respective final campaign rallies.

This was disclosed in a statement issued to newsmen by the Police Public Relations Officer Osun State Command DSP Abiodun Ojelabi on Friday in Osogbo

The meeting, he siad held in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and cooperation, was aimed at preventing any situation that could lead to a breakdown of law and order or unnecessary confrontation between supporters of the two political parties.

Following fruitful deliberations, both parties reached an amicable resolution. It was mutually agreed that the Accord Party will hold its final campaign rally on Wednesday, 12th August, 2026, at Fakunle, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) will conduct its final campaign rally on Thursday, 13th August, 2026, at Freedom Park.

The Commissioner of Police commended the leadership of both political parties for demonstrating maturity, patriotism, and a commitment to peaceful democratic engagement by embracing dialogue over conflict.

CP Etaifo further urged all political actors to caution their supporters, loyalists, and foot soldiers to conduct themselves peacefully before, during, and after the campaigns. He emphasized that while the Nigeria Police Force remains neutral and committed to providing adequate security for all lawful political activities, the Command will not tolerate any act capable of disrupting the existing relative peace in the state.

He warned that anyone found engaging in violence, intimidation, thuggery, incitement, or any other act capable of causing a breach of the peace will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Osun State Police Command reassures residents and all stakeholders of its unwavering commitment to ensuring a secure environment throughout the electioneering period and calls on members of the public to remain law-abiding and promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest police formation.

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