Akpabio: Insecurity in Nigeria Will End Two Weeks After Elections

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has attributed Nigeria’s rising insecurity to political activities ahead of upcoming elections, expressing confidence that the situation will subside shortly after the polls. Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja at the commissioning of the Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS) Corporate Headquarters, Akpabio said the surge in violence is being driven by individuals allegedly sponsoring unrest due to desperation linked to the electoral process.

According to him, Nigeria insecurity, election violence, and political unrest are interconnected, stressing that the trend will reverse once elections are concluded. He stated that within two weeks after the elections, insecurity across the country would significantly reduce, insisting that those behind the acts are politically motivated. His comments come amid growing concerns over banditry in Nigeria, terrorism, and kidnappings, which continue to affect several regions.

Akpabio also strongly defended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying the government is making progress despite criticism. He argued that opponents of the administration, unable to counter its performance, are resorting to sponsoring instability. The Senate President urged Nigerians to remain patient, noting that ongoing reforms under the current government would yield positive results.

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Taking a swipe at the opposition, Akpabio suggested that it is fragmented and lacks direction. In an apparent reference to Peter Obi, he criticised what he described as political inconsistency, claiming that opposition figures are abandoning their platforms while blaming the ruling party for the country’s challenges.

The Senate President also used the occasion to commend the Executive Chairman of the NRS, Zacch Adedeji, describing him as a tax administrator widely accepted by Nigerians. He noted that unlike traditional perceptions of tax officials, Adedeji has earned public trust and is driving reforms in the country’s revenue system.

The high-profile event was attended by top government officials, including Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. Several governors were also present, including Babagana Zulum, Charles Soludo, Caleb Mutfwang, Hope Uzodimma, and Usman Ododo.

The newly commissioned Nigerian Revenue Service headquarters is described as a world-class facility designed to enhance tax administration in Nigeria and boost revenue generation. The complex features three towers spanning 16 floors, with capacity to accommodate about 3,000 personnel. The development follows the signing of the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act in June 2025 by President Tinubu, transforming the former FIRS into the NRS as part of broader economic reforms in Nigeria.

Akpabio’s remarks have sparked debate among analysts and stakeholders, with many questioning the claim that insecurity is largely politically sponsored. While the Senate President maintains that the end of elections will bring relief, experts argue that addressing Nigeria security challenges requires deeper structural reforms beyond the political cycle.

Akpabio: Insecurity in Nigeria Will End Two Weeks After Elections

Group Accuses Ogun Govt of Plot to Transfer Public Schools to Political Allies

A civic group, Rights and Freedom Advocates (RIFA), has accused the Ogun State Government of planning to unlawfully transfer ownership of public schools to private individuals and political associates, describing the alleged move as “unconstitutional” and “a form of stealing by proxy.”

The allegation was contained in a press statement issued by the group’s president, Luqman Soliu, on April 13, 2026, in response to reports that the state government had decided to “return” some public schools to former owners or affiliated organisations.

RIFA, however, dismissed the claim of “returning” schools, insisting that the policy under consideration amounts to the “donation of public schools to cronies of government officials.”

According to the group, such a move would amount to abuse of public trust and a violation of constitutional provisions guiding the management of state assets.

“What Ogun State government plans to do is not return of public schools but donation or stealing by proxy of public schools,” the statement said, adding that the alleged plan is “dubious and fraudulent.”

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The organisation argued that the schools in question have undergone significant public investment over the years and should remain fully under government ownership, warning that any attempt to transfer them outside public control would amount to mismanagement of state resources.

RIFA further contended that some of the schools had previously been acquired by the government from private owners who were compensated at the time of takeover, stressing that reopening ownership claims could set a “dangerous precedent.”

The group also criticised the justification for the alleged plan, suggesting it could be linked to political patronage. It alleged that government officials may be attempting to reward political allies with public assets instead of investing in new educational infrastructure.

It warned that such actions, if carried out, could undermine access to affordable education, particularly for students from low-income families who depend on public schools.

RIFA further referenced past transitions in the state’s education sector, recalling previous administrations that undertook reforms in public schools, and argued that the focus should be on improving infrastructure rather than altering ownership structures.

The group urged the state government to abandon any plan that could be interpreted as privatising or reallocating public educational assets without broad stakeholder consultation.

It also called on civil society organisations, education stakeholders, and the public to closely monitor developments to ensure accountability in the management of public property.

The Ogun State Government has not yet issued an official response to the allegations at the time of filing this report.

Group Accuses Ogun Govt of Plot to Transfer Public Schools to Political Allies

Relief for Nigerian Doctors as FG Begins CONMESS Arrears Payment

The Federal Government has commenced the payment of long-awaited doctors’ salary arrears in Nigeria, offering relief to members of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) after months of delays tied to the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review.

The association confirmed the development in an official communication signed by its Publicity and Social Secretary, Abdulmajid Ibrahim, noting that disbursement is already underway across various institutions.

According to NARD, the salary arrears payment covers between one and six months for affected doctors, with many members already confirming receipt. The association described the development as a significant step toward resolving lingering welfare concerns in Nigeria’s health sector.

“The leadership of NARD is pleased to inform all members that payment of the outstanding 25/35 CONMESS review arrears has commenced,” the statement read, highlighting progress on the implementation of the revised salary structure.

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Despite the progress, NARD disclosed that the August component of the arrears is currently experiencing minor administrative delays. The association explained that the issue is being addressed and that payments for that period may take an additional one to two weeks to be completed.

Doctors who are yet to receive their payments have been urged to remain patient, as the Federal Government continues the phased disbursement nationwide.

The CONMESS review, which determines salary scales and allowances for medical and dental practitioners in public hospitals, has long been a source of tension between doctors and the government. Delays in implementing the structure and settling arrears have, in the past, triggered industrial actions by NARD, disrupting healthcare services across the country.

Resident doctors—who form a critical part of Nigeria’s tertiary healthcare system—have repeatedly raised concerns over poor welfare, unpaid salaries, and challenging working conditions. These issues have contributed significantly to the rising brain drain in Nigeria’s health sector, with many professionals relocating abroad in search of better opportunities.

Industry observers note that the loss of medical personnel has worsened Nigeria’s already strained doctor-to-patient ratio, placing additional pressure on healthcare facilities nationwide.

The commencement of the payment of doctors’ arrears is therefore seen as a strategic move by the Federal Government to stabilise the sector, improve morale among healthcare workers, and avert potential industrial unrest.

NARD further advised members who experience any discrepancies after the disbursement process to channel complaints through their respective institutions for prompt resolution.

Reaffirming its commitment, the association commended members for their patience and resilience, assuring them that efforts to improve welfare conditions will continue.

Relief for Nigerian Doctors as FG Begins CONMESS Arrears Payment