‘Nigeria’s Breakup Likely Inevitable,’ Ex-US Mayor Tells Congress

A former United States mayor, Mike Arnold, has told members of the US Congress that the breakup of Nigeria is “likely inevitable and just,” citing what he described as deep-rooted structural, historical, and humanitarian crises confronting the country.

Arnold made the remarks during a presentation titled “Nigeria at the Crossroads: The Case for Action,” where he argued that the country’s challenges are rooted in its colonial formation and long-standing governance issues. He called for a referendum that would allow Nigerians to determine their preferred constitutional future, including the possibility of restructuring or separation.

According to him, Nigeria’s federal system—shaped during British colonial rule—has continued to generate tensions around power distribution, ethnicity, and governance. He maintained that a referendum in Nigeria could offer a peaceful and democratic pathway to resolving these challenges.

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Arnold, who has previously expressed support for the Biafra movement, revisited the history of the Nigerian Civil War, describing the former Eastern Region as one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa before the conflict under the leadership of Michael Okpara.

He also raised allegations about the role of foreign powers during the war, particularly Britain’s support for the Federal Military Government, and the humanitarian consequences of the conflict, including widespread famine and civilian casualties.

On contemporary issues, Arnold expressed concern over insecurity in Nigeria, including religious and communal violence, claiming that conditions have worsened despite international attention. He referenced Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act, noting ongoing attacks in parts of the country.

He further criticised the handling of internally displaced persons, raising concerns about gaps in recognition and humanitarian support. According to him, such issues point to broader governance and human rights challenges.

However, analysts stress that Arnold’s views do not reflect official US government policy. Nigeria remains constitutionally a united country, and successive administrations have consistently rejected calls for secession, instead promoting national unity and reforms.

The remarks are expected to spark renewed debate around Nigeria restructuring, Biafra agitation, and the country’s political future, both domestically and internationally.

‘Nigeria’s Breakup Likely Inevitable,’ Ex-US Mayor Tells Congress

Falana Challenges Lagos Govt, Says No Law Backs Sanitation Movement Restriction

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has urged residents of Lagos State to ignore government-imposed movement restrictions during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise, insisting that there is no law backing such limitations.

Falana maintained that Lagosians are legally free to go about their normal activities during the exercise, stressing that any restriction of movement remains voluntary and not enforceable under Nigerian law. His position comes amid renewed enforcement of the sanitation programme scheduled for Saturday, April 25, between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.

However, the Lagos State Government has doubled down on its stance, insisting the sanitation exercise remains valid and binding. In a statement issued ahead of the exercise, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, dismissed claims that the programme had been nullified by any court ruling.

According to Wahab, the state government had secured a favourable judgment at the Court of Appeal, which affirmed that laws supporting the implementation and enforcement of environmental sanitation are constitutional. He urged residents to disregard what he described as misinformation and to fully comply by staying indoors to clean their surroundings.

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The sanitation exercise was formally reintroduced by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on March 14, when he, alongside Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat and other officials, monitored cleanup activities in Agege Motor Road, Mushin. The move marked a return to a policy that had been largely inactive for years.

Despite this, Falana argued that the reintroduction of movement restrictions contradicts constitutional provisions on freedom of movement and revives outdated, military-era practices. He emphasized that, based on information available to him, the government had not legally reinstated compulsory sanitation with enforceable restrictions.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the restriction of movement is voluntary and not compulsory,” Falana stated, adding that residents remain at liberty to conduct legitimate activities during the exercise.

He acknowledged that the government continues to encourage voluntary participation, urging residents to clean their environments and cooperate with waste management authorities, particularly the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), for proper waste collection and disposal.

Falana also pointed to the state’s significant budgetary allocation—reportedly about N236 billion in the 2026 fiscal plan—for waste management, drainage infrastructure, and environmental protection. He argued that such investments should be sufficient to drive compliance without infringing on citizens’ rights.

The disagreement highlights a broader legal and civic debate over movement restriction during sanitation in Lagos, with stakeholders divided on whether public health measures should override constitutional freedoms.

Residents across the state remain caught between official directives and legal interpretations, as the sanitation exercise continues to generate controversy over enforcement and compliance.

Falana Challenges Lagos Govt, Says No Law Backs Sanitation Movement Restriction

VIDEO: Resident Raises Alarm Over Sighting of Armed Street Boys in Lekki

A resident of Lekki has expressed concern after spotting a group of suspected street boys moving around with machetes in the area, raising fresh fears over public safety in Lagos.

The incident, which was shared online, showed the individuals allegedly carrying cutlasses while walking through parts of the Lekki axis, a development that has sparked anxiety among residents and commuters.

According to the resident, the sighting occurred in broad daylight, prompting worries about the increasing presence of armed street gangs in Lagos communities. The individual called on authorities to urgently intervene and ensure the safety of lives and property in the area.

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The development has triggered reactions on social media, with many users expressing concern over the rising cases of youth violence, street gang activity, and insecurity in Lagos State. Some residents said such sightings have become more frequent, especially in rapidly developing urban areas.

As of the time of reporting, there has been no official statement from the Lagos State Police Command regarding the incident. However, security experts say visible patrols and rapid response measures are critical to preventing escalation.

Residents have been advised to remain vigilant, avoid confrontations, and report suspicious movements to security agencies.

The incident adds to ongoing concerns about urban safety and the need for stronger enforcement against illegal weapons possession and street violence in Lagos.

Resident Raises Alarm Over Sighting of Armed Street Boys in Lekki

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VIDEO: Resident Raises Alarm Over Sighting of Armed Street Boys in Lekki