Fani‑Kayode Fires Back at Peter Obi, Defends NADECO’s Legacy

Former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani‑Kayode has sharply criticised Peter Obi over remarks perceived to diminish the role of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) in Nigeria’s democratic history, thrusting the debate over the nation’s pro‑democracy legacy back into the spotlight.

In a lengthy post shared widely on social media, Fani‑Kayode labelled Obi’s alleged comments about NADECO as “a crying shame” and warned that they “shall not go unanswered.” He accused Obi of attempting to denigrate the sacrifices of NADECO leaders and activists who opposed military rule in the 1990s.

“Peter Obi’s attack on NADECO and his attempt to denigrate the leaders of that movement and its members — who single‑handedly fought military rule and made the ultimate sacrifice for democracy in our country — is a crying shame,” Fani‑Kayode wrote.

He recalled how Obi, in his early political life, had been associated with the administration of General Sani Abacha, one of Nigeria’s most oppressive military rulers. Fani‑Kayode contrasted this with the actions of NADECO figures and footsoldiers who resisted military oppression, endured persecution and brutality, and were driven into exile for their activism.

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Fani‑Kayode stressed the heavy cost paid by NADECO members during the struggle. “Many of us were in NADECO and are living witnesses to what happened. We spoke out, wrote articles, suffered persecution, were locked up, were tortured, were killed and were forced into exile,” he said. He argued that the sacrifices made between 1992 and 1999 should never be dismissed or belittled.

The former minister also took aim at politicians linked with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including ex‑Senate President David Mark. Fani‑Kayode alleged that Mark had previously spoken against Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election whose annulment by the military regime of Ibrahim Babangida plunged the country into prolonged unrest.

He reiterated that NADECO activists faced brutal repression, including imprisonment, torture, and exile under successive military rulers, and warned that Nigeria’s current democratic freedoms and free speech are the results of those struggles.

“He (Obi) should enjoy the democracy and free speech that we have today which others fought and died for between 1992 and 1999,” Fani‑Kayode said, urging Obi and others to refrain from comments that appear to undermine the legacy of pro‑democracy figures.

Obi’s comments, though not publicly expanded in recent days, sparked discussions across political and historical circles, with analysts noting that the debate over Nigeria’s democratic heritage and the sacrifices of groups like NADECO remains politically sensitive, particularly as the country continues to grapple with governance, electoral reforms, and national identity.

Political commentators also highlighted how the exchange reflects broader tensions within Nigeria’s opposition and among public figures vying to define the narrative of the nation’s democratic journey.

As of now, Obi’s camp has not formally responded to Fani‑Kayode’s rebuttal, but the debate has garnered attention on social media and in political commentary platforms, underscoring the enduring significance of NADECO’s legacy in contemporary political discourse.

Fani‑Kayode Fires Back at Peter Obi, Defends NADECO’s Legacy

Plateau Killings: Ezekwesili Blasts Tinubu, APC Over ‘Failure to Act’

Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has strongly criticised President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over the ongoing killings in Plateau State, accusing the government of inaction and failure to protect citizens.

In a sharply worded statement posted on her X account, Ezekwesili questioned the priorities of political leaders who continue with engagements while communities are under attack. She condemned what she described as a pattern where authorities respond to violence with statements, silence, and committee formations instead of decisive security action.

Reacting to disturbing images from recent attacks in Jos, she said the blood of innocent Nigerians rests on leaders who “knew, looked away, and chose a convention hall over a command centre,” warning that such conduct reflects a deeper governance failure.

The former minister also raised concerns about the normalisation of violence in Nigeria, stressing that citizens must reject any situation where human lives are treated as expendable. She urged Nigerians to transform grief into collective action, demanding accountability, justice, and urgent reforms to address insecurity.

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Her comments come amid renewed violence in Plateau State, particularly in Jos North and nearby communities, where recent attacks have reportedly left dozens dead and many injured. The persistent crisis has once again drawn attention to the fragile security situation in Nigeria’s north-central region.

Despite increased military presence and government assurances, Plateau has continued to experience recurring attacks linked to communal tensions, armed groups, and farmer-herder conflicts. Analysts say the repeated outbreaks highlight the limitations of current security strategies.

President Tinubu had earlier condemned the attacks and directed security agencies to bring perpetrators to justice, while promising that such incidents would not recur. Additional security deployments and restrictions have also been introduced in affected areas.

However, critics argue that these responses remain largely reactive, with little progress in addressing the underlying causes of the violence. Ezekwesili’s remarks add to growing public pressure on the federal government to adopt a more proactive and coordinated approach to national security.

As outrage continues to build, many Nigerians are calling for stronger leadership, improved intelligence gathering, and decisive action to end the cycle of killings and restore confidence in government.

Plateau Killings: Ezekwesili Blasts Tinubu, APC Over ‘Failure to Act’

Tinubu Approves 1,000 Forest Guards, Orders 5,000 CCTV Cameras to Boost Security in Plateau

President Bola Tinubu has approved major security measures for Plateau State, including the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards and the deployment of over 5,000 CCTV cameras, following the recent deadly attacks in Jos.

The announcement was made by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Sunday Dare, who shared the development via his verified X handle. The approval aims to strengthen security across the state, particularly in vulnerable areas prone to communal clashes and criminal activities.

The President revealed the directives during a town hall meeting in Jos, where he met with political, traditional, and community leaders. The meeting followed the Palm Sunday attack in Angwan Rukuba, which left at least 27 people dead and triggered widespread concern over safety in Plateau State.

“The Honourable Minister for Communication is here to give you assurance that we are going to install immediately a network of cameras that will help law enforcement agencies identify troublemakers instantly, over 5,000 of them,” Tinubu said, inviting the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, to explain the operational plan.

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Tinubu also stressed the importance of holding perpetrators accountable, directing the Inspector-General of Police, Chief of Defence Staff, and the Minister of Defence to intensify efforts to apprehend the attackers. “You must unearth and find the killers,” he said, acknowledging the sacrifices of security personnel and the need for swift justice.

In addition to surveillance and security reinforcement, the President announced plans to set up a committee to assess victims’ losses and recommend compensation, including representatives from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Plateau State Government. He noted, “We cannot replace human beings, but we can give them minimum comfort.”

Governor Caleb Mutfwang thanked President Tinubu for the support, highlighting that the recruitment of forest guards would enhance grassroots security and complement existing military and police operations. The deployment of CCTV cameras, many equipped with AI-based monitoring technology, is intended to improve real-time surveillance and intelligence gathering across Jos and other high-risk areas.

The President’s visit also included engagement with victims of the Angwan Rukuba attack, including families who lost loved ones. The federal measures reflect an ongoing effort to curb violence, protect communities, and reassure residents that security agencies are actively addressing threats in Plateau State.

Tinubu Approves 1,000 Forest Guards, Orders 5,000 CCTV Cameras to Boost Security in Plateau