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I regret serving you – FCC director writes ex-Chairman Dankaka

Published

10 months ago

July 2, 2025

Former Chairman, Federal Character Commission (FCC), Muheeba Dankaka

I regret serving you – FCC director writes ex-Chairman Dankaka

A Director at the Federal Character Commission (FCC) has written an emotional letter to the immediate past Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Muheeba Dankaka, whose tenure ended Tuesday.

Abdullah Adamu Idris, a director of special duties at the commission and one of her key aides, urged Dankaka to reflect on her tenure and how she treated people who worked with her at the commission.

A letter from the Office of Secretary to the Federal Government dated July 2 asked Dankaka to hand over to a federal commissioner as her tenure had ended.

After she left the FCC building at zone 3, staff broke into a celebratory mood, dancing and singing and expressing gratitude to God for her exit.

Idris, who served Dankaka in three capacities throughout her tenure, first as special adviser general services, then media and later as the director in charge of the executive chairman’s office, stated that he “struggled to write a valedictory speech” for Dankaka due to her alleged maladministration.

Although he expressed gratitude to her for giving him the opportunity to work with her, he stated that working with her brought him great regrets.

He said he had written over 200 speeches for her, including her inaugural speech where she espoused “beautiful policy statements’ which she never implemented.

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Idris said he also defended her alleged bad leadership and policy decisions even when he knew he was doing the wrong thing, just to show loyalty.

“I travelled with you around the country holding your handbags, visiting V.I.Ps and taking the opportunity to shower encomiums on your administration before your hosts (No wonder I was christened Rebecca because I became one carrying your handback).

“You have been under attack as soon as you resumed because of signs of maladministration. I stood day and night to defend you before the media, commissioners, and even staff.

“I became a pariah amongst my colleagues and that did not deter me.

“Today I’m being despised by all because I served you with all honesty and a sense of duty. I was loyal to the core,” he wrote.

But for his loyalty, she allegedly showed ingratitude and arrogance.

“In all these you rewarded me with nothing but abuse, humiliation and outright hate. I confronted you at a time why did you hate me?

“…Sadly, you served me real hard. You dealt with me in an unimaginable way. I was humiliated, battered and disgraced for no reason with pain and no gain.

“I could not remember your good tidings on me after serving you. As I was your longest serving staff amongst the dozens that you have used and dumped,” he stated.

Idris cited seven instances of the injustices Dankaka allegedly inflicted on him, including promoting juniors over him, not allowing him to go on any professional training and refusing to allocate any official car to him even when his juniors were given cars.

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THE WHISTLER could not verify this claim as Dankara was not available for comment.

Although he claimed in the letter that Dankaka never gave his unemployed brothers any job slot even though hundreds came to her table, he said he is now as one of her accomplices in office.

“Today and now I have to cover my head in shame as I am picked as one that worked with you to perpetuate illegality of selling slots and other vices which I do not know anything about,” he wrote, adding that he was happy to be alive “to witness what is unfolding before our eyes as power is transient.”

Staff of the Commission openly displayed their happiness at the exit of Dankaka on Tuesday, singing, dancing and drinking and posting the videos on social media.

Dankaka’s tenure was characterised by disputes with federal commissioners and staff over her administrative style.

Some commissioners even wrote petitions to security agencies and the presidency over her alleged corruption, job racketeering, nepotism, and certificate forgery, among others.

This forced the House of Representatives to conduct an investigation into the allegations in 2023 where several revelations were made, but she survived it.

Several attempts to reach Dankaka for comment were unsuccessful as her phone number was switched off.

I regret serving you – FCC director writes ex-Chairman Dankaka

THE WHISTLER

Related Topics:ex-Chairman Dankaka FCC director

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Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to Algeria, Mohammed Lele, Dies at 50

Published

6 hours ago

April 22, 2026

Trends Admin

Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to Algeria, Mohammed Lele

Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to Algeria, Mohammed Lele, Dies at 50

Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to Algeria, Mohammed Lele, has died at the age of 50 after a prolonged illness, the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, the ministry disclosed that Lele passed away on April 19, 2026, in Ankara, Türkiye, where he had been receiving medical attention before his death.

The ministry explained that Lele was serving as Director in charge of the Middle East and Gulf Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before his nomination and Senate confirmation as Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Algeria by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

It noted that although he had been confirmed for the diplomatic posting, he died before formally assuming duty as Nigeria’s envoy to Algeria.

The statement read in part: “The late Ambassador Lele, until his death after a protracted illness, was the Director in charge of the Middle East and Gulf Division in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”

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Born in Gamawa, Bauchi State, in 1976, Lele studied Economics at Bayero University, Kano, before joining Nigeria’s Foreign Service, where he built a long-standing career in diplomacy.

He served Nigeria in several foreign missions, including postings in Berlin, Lomé, and Riyadh, where he was widely regarded as a disciplined and experienced career diplomat with deep expertise in international relations.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described him as a committed officer with strong intellectual capacity and strategic insight, noting his contributions to advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives, particularly in the Middle East and Gulf regions.

“Ambassador Lele was known for his intellectual depth, strategic insight and commitment to the advancement of Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives,” the ministry added.

His death has been described as a major loss to Nigeria’s diplomatic service, with officials noting his role in strengthening the country’s international engagements and diplomatic relations.

His remains were received in Abuja by officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before being moved to Kano State for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

Further arrangements for condolence visits and official tributes are expected to be announced by the federal government and the diplomatic community.

Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to Algeria, Mohammed Lele, Dies at 50

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CBN Raises Alarm Over Fake Messages, Cyber Hack Attempts on Nigerians’ Accounts

Published

6 hours ago

April 22, 2026

Trends Admin

CBN Warns Nigerians Over Fake Messages, Rising Cyber Hack Attempts on Bank Accounts

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a fresh alert to Nigerians over increasing cyber hack attempts targeting personal and bank accounts through fraudulent messages and emails falsely claiming to originate from the apex bank.

In a statement signed by its Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi Ali, the regulator said it had identified a surge in phishing attacks designed to deceive members of the public and gain access to sensitive personal information.

According to the CBN, the fraudulent communications—circulating via emails, SMS, and online platforms—often contain misleading claims about the bank’s leadership, licensing activities, and policy decisions, while prompting recipients to click on suspicious links.

The apex bank warned that such messages are crafted to trick unsuspecting users into revealing confidential details such as banking credentials, passwords, and verification codes, which can then be used to compromise accounts.

“The official website of the Central Bank of Nigeria remains www.cbn.gov.ng. Members of the public are strongly advised to refrain from clicking links or sharing personal information on suspicious websites,” the statement said.

The CBN urged Nigerians to always verify the authenticity of any communication purportedly from the bank through its official website and recognised media platforms, stressing that it does not request sensitive information via unsolicited messages.

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It also advised the public to report any suspected fraudulent emails, websites, or messages to law enforcement agencies and relevant authorities for prompt action.

The warning comes amid a broader rise in cybersecurity threats in Nigeria’s financial sector, as increased digital banking adoption continues to attract cybercriminal activity.

In response, the CBN said it is strengthening its cybersecurity frameworks in collaboration with financial institutions, law enforcement agencies, and other regulators to safeguard the integrity of the financial system.

Recent developments have heightened concerns over digital vulnerabilities. On April 15, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) confirmed a cyberattack on its information systems, raising alarms about data security within critical government platforms.

Similarly, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) recently launched an investigation into an alleged data breach involving Remita Payment Services Limited and Sterling Bank, alongside other entities.

Experts say these incidents highlight the urgent need for stronger digital protection measures, as cybercriminals increasingly exploit weak security practices and user vulnerabilities.

The CBN reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigerians’ financial data and urged individuals and organisations to remain vigilant, adopt secure online practices, and promptly report suspicious activities to prevent financial losses.

CBN Raises Alarm Over Fake Messages, Cyber Hack Attempts on Nigerians’ Accounts

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BREAKING: Power Minister Steps Down, Eyes Oyo 2027 Election

Published

7 hours ago

April 22, 2026

Trends Admin

Adebayo Adelabu

BREAKING: Power Minister Steps Down, Eyes Oyo 2027 Election

Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has officially resigned from office to pursue his long-standing ambition of contesting the Oyo State governorship election, bringing days of speculation to an end.

In a resignation letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Adelabu said his decision was driven by the need to fully concentrate on his gubernatorial bid in line with the provisions of the Amended Electoral Act 2026, which requires political office holders to step down before seeking elective positions.

The letter was submitted through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, following a meeting between the former minister and the President on Tuesday, where he formally communicated his intention to exit the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

“My decision to step down is informed by my intention to focus fully on my gubernatorial ambition in Oyo State,” Adelabu stated, noting that the aspiration dates back to 2016 during his tenure as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adelabu previously contested the Oyo State governorship election in 2023 under the Accord Party but lost to incumbent governor, Seyi Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

During his tenure, Adelabu said his administration implemented power sector reforms aimed at stabilising Nigeria’s electricity market, including tariff adjustments and a N4 trillion debt restructuring programme.

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According to him, these measures significantly boosted market revenue—from about N1 trillion in 2023 to N1.7 trillion in 2024 and N2.3 trillion in 2025—while improving investor confidence and setting the sector on a path toward long-term sustainability.

He also cited progress in rural electrification and renewable energy deployment, which expanded access to electricity in underserved communities, including schools and healthcare facilities across the country.

Despite these gains, Adelabu acknowledged that the sector continues to face critical challenges such as gas supply constraints, infrastructure vandalism, and inefficiencies across the electricity value chain.

To address these issues, he recommended the implementation of cost-reflective tariffs with targeted subsidies for vulnerable Nigerians, recapitalisation of distribution companies, accelerated nationwide metering, and sustained investment in transmission infrastructure to improve grid stability.

He further proposed the creation of a Coordinating Minister for Energy to oversee strategic alignment across power, gas, water resources, and environmental sectors, noting that such integration would enhance both thermal and hydroelectric power generation.

Adelabu’s resignation is widely seen as part of early political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly in Oyo State, where he is expected to be a key contender.

The Presidency is expected to announce a replacement or interim leadership for the Ministry of Power to ensure continuity in ongoing reforms and projects within the sector.