President Bola Tinubu will attend the 8th edition of the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit as the Special Guest of Honour.
The event is scheduled to take place from November 11 to 13, 2025, in Abuja.
The announcement was made on Friday during a press briefing in Abuja by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
The NDIS is an annual platform organised by NiDCOM aimed at mobilising investment from Nigerians abroad into the country’s economy.
According to NiDCOM, since its inception in 2018, NDIS has grown in size and influence, attracting diaspora investors, government officials, entrepreneurs, and business leaders to explore opportunities in Nigeria’s key sectors such as real estate, healthcare, agriculture, ICT, energy, manufacturing, and creative industries.
Dabiri-Erewa revealed that the 2024 summit generated investment deals valued at ₦673m across various sectors.
“The last edition of the Summit, held in November 2024, showed just how much momentum NDIS has built over the years.
“It welcomed over 1,500 participants, both online and in person, including 236 investors, 1,197 business owners, and 168 government officials,” Dabiri-Erewa stated.
She added that 56 investment pitches were presented during the 2024 edition, covering eight strategic sectors of the economy.
“These ideas were not just pitched but attracted about 168 deals worth about ₦673m. This shows how much momentum the Summit has built over the years,” the CEO explained.
Speaking on the forthcoming event, Dabiri-Erewa confirmed that President Tinubu would once again grace the occasion.
“We are honoured that His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, will once again serve as the Special Guest of Honour.
“We anticipate the participation of distinguished business leaders, diaspora investors, policy champions, and creative icons who continue to inspire confidence in Nigeria’s potential,” Dabiri-Erewa added.
The 2025 edition of the summit will focus on mobilising diaspora investment to boost regional and national development. (Punch)
Nigeria’s Super Eagles will square off against Gabon in the semi-finals of the African zone play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following the conclusion of the group stage on Tuesday.
The three-time African champions stormed into the play-offs with an emphatic 4–0 thrashing of Benin Republic, sealing second place in their qualifying group. Gabon also booked their spot after a 2–0 win over Burundi, aided by Ivory Coast’s victory against Kenya, which left the Panthers in second place in Group F.
Elsewhere, DR Congo edged Sudan 1–0 to finish runners-up to Senegal in Group B, while Cameroon clinched second place in Group D behind Cape Verde, rounding out the four best runners-up heading to the play-offs.
The mini-tournament will be held in Morocco from November 13 to 16, featuring Nigeria, Gabon, Cameroon, and DR Congo. The format will see the two semi-final winners face off in a single-leg final for a ticket to the inter-confederation play-offs in March 2026, where one African team will have a final shot at qualifying for the World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
According to the seeding arrangement, Nigeria—projected to remain Africa’s highest-ranked team among the four when FIFA releases its updated rankings on October 23—will face Gabon, the lowest-ranked side of the quartet. Cameroon and DR Congo will meet in the other semi-final.
Both semi-finals are scheduled for November 13, with the final taking place three days later. All matches will be single-leg encounters, with extra time and penalties to decide the outcome if necessary.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is expected to confirm the host cities and venues in the coming days.
While Africa’s nine group winners have already secured direct qualification for next year’s expanded 48-team World Cup, the play-offs offer the continent one more pathway to add an extra representative via the inter-continental route. (Vanguard)
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Diri, who announced this on Wednesday at the exco chamber in the Bayelsa State Government House.
He said his decision was for an obvious reason, but did not state the reason or the political party to which he will be moving.
“After extensive consultations, today, October 15, 2025, I wish to notify you that, in keeping with the extant protocols, I, Governor Douye Diri, do hereby resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party,” he announced.
The Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, was absent, but the governor said all those not present at the meeting were on official assignments.
He also stated that the chairmen of all the local government areas will move with him.
His decision was backed by 23 members of the House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Abraham Ngobere.
The meeting was attended by 10 members of the House of Assembly.
The 24-member House of Assembly has 20 PDP lawmakers, three All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers, and one member from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
The Speaker said the PDP does not have the ability to present a presidential candidate and win the 2027 election.
Diri’s defection came 24 hours after his Enugu State counterpart, Peter Mbah, dumped the party for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Mbah officially dumped the PDP for the APC on Tuesday during a state-wide broadcast to the people of the state.
He said the move was driven by the need to better serve the interests of the people of the state, and not a betrayal.
“This is not a betrayal; it is also not abandoning.
“It is more about thinking I was entrusted with the people’s mandate by the people, and it is also a cost on me carrying that same mandate on a platform that will best serve the people,” the governor told journalists shortly after announcing his defection.
The two governors’ defection came months after Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, moved to the ruling party with all their officials and appointees earlier in the year.
But the PDP said it was disappointed by the defection of the Enugu governor to the APC.
It urged serving governors in the PDP to continue to recognise their role as leaders in the opposition party entrusted with political power by the people who voted for them.
“The PDP is utterly disappointed by those actions, having regard to what we know behind the scene. But having said that, people have a right to decide what they want to do; the consequences can follow,” the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Debo Ologunagba, said on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday.
Ologunagba also said that the PDP was aware of moles undermining the party’s progress.
He, however, assured that the PDP national convention scheduled to be held in Ibadan, Oyo State, in November would help rejuvenate the party from its foundation and reposition it for future elections.
“There are some people from within our fold that continue the undermine the party and its progress. We recognise that, but we are dealing with that,” he added.
But President Bola Tinubu said the APC would not close its doors to members of the opposition parties who chose to join the ruling party.
He also said he would neither bother about the crisis in the opposition parties nor help them fix the problems, adding that it was a pleasure to see opposition parties in disarray.
“Political parties fearful of members leaving may be better served by examining their internal processes and affairs rather than fearfully conjuring up demons that do not exist,” Tinubu said while addressing the joint session of the National Assembly in commemoration of Democracy Day.
“For me, I will not say, ‘Try your best to put your house in order. I will not help you to do so either.’ It is indeed a pleasure to witness you in such disarray,” the President added amid cheers from supporters and federal lawmakers on the platform of the APC.
When formally received by the leadership of the APC, Diri’s defection will reduce the number of PDP governors in the South-East and South-South to one — Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State — and eight nationwide. (Channels)
The Senate has confirmed Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The Red Chamber confirmed Amupitan after a voice vote conducted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and after undergoing screening and answering questions posed by the lawmakers.
Amupitan had earlier arrived at the National Assembly complex earlier, exchanged pleasantries with Senators.
He was accompanied to the chamber by the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, and other dignitaries.
At about 12:50 p.m., the nominee was ushered into the Senate chamber by the Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Abubakar Lado, and was already seated ahead of the commencement of the exercise.
Amupitan was allowed into the hallowed chamber after the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), moved that Order 12 be set aside to allow visitors into the chamber, and he was seconded by the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South).
Senate President Godswill Akpabio welcomed Amupitan, his family members, and well-wishers to the Red Chamber, commending them for their presence.
Before introducing himself to the Senators for the question and answer session to take off, Akpabio disclosed to his colleagues that the nominee had been cleared by the office of the National Security Adviser after vetting.
According to Akpabio, the office of the Department of State Services had also cleared him.
The Senate President also said that the Office of the Inspector-General of Police, having done a fingerprint search on him, cleared him and said that he had no criminal records with the police.
The screening exercise commenced at about 12:55 p.m. following Akpabio’s opening remarks, during which he outlined the procedures to be followed by the lawmakers in considering the nominee’s credentials.
The screening session focused on Amupitan’s vision for credible elections, his plans for institutional reforms within INEC, and measures to deepen the use of technology in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Following his confirmation by the Senate, Amupitan will oversee preparations for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and lay the groundwork for the 2027 general elections.
PUNCH Online earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu had nominated Amupitan, a Professor of Law from the University of Jos, to succeed Prof. Mahmood Yakubu. (Punch)
Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has officially dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He made the declaration during a state-wide broadcast to the people of the state.
The governor defended his decision to switch camp, saying the move was necessitated to connect the South-Eastern state to the central government.
“There comes always a time when everyone must make a bold choice to determine their destiny. Today, after a long reflection, we have made a decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party and join the All Progressives Congress,” Mbah stated.
The governor thanked the PDP for the support through the years, stressing that the shift is imperative to achieve his administration’s goals.
“To the Peoples Democratic Party which provided us the platform on which we campaigned and won, I extend deep gratitude. The PDP supported us through a demanding campaign and joined us in celebrating the victory.
“Leadership demands difficult, even painful decisions, in the service of higher principles and goals. And there comes always a time where everyone must make a bold choice to determine their destiny,” he added.
According to Mbah, his decision to join the APC is to better serve the people of Enugu and align with the party’s vision for development and progress.
The governor also reiterated his commitment to advancing the state’s interests and expressed confidence that the APC platform would provide greater opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Mbah also commended President Bola Tinubu’s policies, saying the state has enjoyed massive support under the President.
The PDP governor, moved to the ruling party with House of Assembly members, councillors, chairmen of councils and others.
His exit from the PDP will be followed by that of Bayelsa State Governor Duoye Diri, whose defection, it was learnt, had been finalised.
Delta State Governor Sheriff Obvwevori and Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno moved to the ruling party with all their officials and appointees earlier in the year. (Channels)
Nigeria’s public, corporate, and faith communities are united in mourning the passing of Chief (Dr.) Christopher Olusola Kolade, CON, a respected broadcaster, diplomat, and corporate leader, who died on 8 October 2025 at the age of 93.
From the pulpit to the boardroom and the diplomatic stage, tributes have poured in describing Dr. Kolade as a symbol of integrity and principled service whose influence spanned generations.
In a statement issued in Ibadan, the Stsinoiz International Club, a Christian-based non-governmental organisation, described the late elder statesman as a “mentor, motivator, and moral guardian.” The Club’s President, Mr. Lekan Adebayo, and Secretary-General, Prof. Rotimi Olatunji, said his life embodied “principled leadership, humility, and an unwavering commitment to ethical nation-building.”
Appointed as Grand Patron of the Club in 2017, Dr. Kolade was said to have lent his “wisdom, grace, and moral authority” to the group’s vision of promoting ethical citizenship. The Club recalled his message during its 2024 webinar marking 25 years of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, where he urged Nigerians to “establish and sustain integrity in this environment” and to “carry on knowing that God is with us.”
Mr. Adebayo said the late diplomat’s influence on members would endure. “His vision for a just, disciplined, and value-driven society will continue to guide our engagements and inspire our programmes,” he stated.
Also reacting to his death, former presidential spokesperson, Mr. Femi Adesina, said Dr. Kolade represented “reputation, conscience, accountability and reliability.” Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Adesina recalled that former President Muhammadu Buhari held him in high regard. “My boss had so much confidence in him. A number of times I heard him talk about Dr. Kolade, and he always said very good things about him,” he said.
Dr. Kolade’s professional career began in broadcasting, where he rose to become Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), promoting standards of professionalism and balanced reportage. He later moved into the private sector as Chief Executive and Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc, where he advanced principles of corporate accountability and human development.
Between 2001 and 2007, he served as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, strengthening diplomatic relations and engaging with the Nigerian diaspora community.
The Hallmarks of Labour Foundation (HLF), where Dr. Kolade served for more than two decades — first as Vice Chairman and later as Chairman of its Board of Trustees — also paid tribute, describing his passing as “the end of an era.” The Foundation’s Executive Secretary, Mrs. Patricia Otuedon-Arawore, said his association with HLF reflected a shared commitment to promoting integrity and excellence in public life.
Quoting one of his reflections, the Foundation noted, “‘A good example can become infectious so that we all strive to attain more of the same. Excellence is on the horizon. Our job is to travel towards it.’ That was the spirit Dr. Kolade brought to our mission.”
The Foundation credited him with helping to institutionalise merit-based recognition through the Hallmarks of Labour awards, which continue to celebrate Nigerians of distinction.
Throughout his life, Dr. Kolade combined professional achievement with academic mentorship, teaching Corporate Governance and Leadership at the Lagos Business School and Pan-Atlantic University.
The Stsinoiz International Club and the Hallmarks of Labour Foundation have both called on Nigerians, particularly those in leadership, to uphold the values for which he stood. “Chief Kolade lived not for himself but for others,” the Club stated. “Through his example, we are reminded that integrity remains the truest measure of greatness.”
Dr. Christopher Kolade is survived by his family and a generation of Nigerians who continue to draw inspiration from his life of service, integrity, and faith. (Guardian)
President Bola Tinubu, the Christian Association of Nigeria, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria have joined the Christian body to mourn the death of the founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association and co-founder of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Dr Uma Ukpai, who died on October 6, 2025, at the age of 80.
In a personal tribute issued on Monday, Tinubu described the late evangelist as “an anointed crusader of the faith and a firebrand,” whose life and ministry shaped generations across Nigeria and beyond.
“With a heavy heart, I mourn the passing of one of God’s generals, Dr Uma Ukpai,” the President said. “Reverend Ukpai was not just another preacher; he was an anointed crusader of the faith, filled with fire and ice for the gospel, restoring humanity to discipline, love, and good neighbourliness.”
Tinubu recalled that the renowned evangelist, born in Asaga, Ohafia, Abia State, overcame humble beginnings and many challenges to answer God’s call, leading powerful revival movements in Nigeria and parts of Africa.
“He was one of the leaders in the Lord’s army who brought the fervour of revival sweeping across Nigeria in the 1980s. I recall his Greater Ibadan for Christ Crusade in 1982 and Greater Lagos for Christ Crusade in 1985, two phenomenal events in proportion and impact,” he said.
The President praised Ukpai’s lifelong efforts to unite the Christian fold, promote peace, and uplift the underprivileged through schools, hospitals, and charitable foundations.
“Dr Ukpai’s mission was clearly to unite the Christian fold and spread harmony. He was a builder—of men, bridges, and faith,” Tinubu added. “He fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.”
Tinubu extended condolences to Ukpai’s widow, Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai, their children, and the entire ministry, praying that God grants them strength and solace.
The Christian Association of Nigeria described Rev Ukpai as “a towering figure in the Church in Nigeria,” whose evangelistic ministry spanned over six decades.
In a statement signed by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association said Ukpai’s life was dedicated to preaching the gospel, nurturing faith, and advancing the cause of Christ across denominations and regions.
“His unwavering commitment to the work of God and his passion for the salvation of souls left an enduring mark on the Christian community in Nigeria and beyond,” Okoh stated. “Generations of believers have been inspired by his message of faith, healing, and hope in Christ Jesus.”
CAN extended its condolences to his wife, family, the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, and the global Christian community, praying that “the Almighty God will comfort them and grant the strength to bear this great loss.”
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, described the late evangelist as “a soldier of Christ who has gone to be with the Lord,” noting that his death created a massive vacuum in Christendom, the state, and the nation.
In a statement by his media aide, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Otti said Ukpai was “a revered man of God and one of Abia’s most celebrated religious ambassadors,” recalling their long-standing father-son relationship.
“Our father in the Lord, Rev Dr Uma Ukpai, has, to the joy of the heavens and celebration of angels, gone to be with the Lord,” Otti said. “He was a generational teacher who yielded himself to Christ and became a potent instrument for healing the sick and salvation of souls.”
The governor described his passing not as death but as “a journey to higher glory,” praying that God would strengthen his family and uphold the enduring fire of faith he ignited in the vineyard of the Lord.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria also paid tribute to the late cleric, describing him as “a father of faith, a trailblazing evangelist, and one of the founding voices of the Pentecostal movement in Nigeria.”
In a statement signed by its National President, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, the Fellowship said Ukpai’s passing came at a sensitive time, as preparations were underway for the PFN’s 40th anniversary celebrations.
“Pa Uma Ukpai was not only one of the founding voices of the Pentecostal movement in Nigeria but also a unifying force in the Body of Christ,” Bishop Oke said. “His tireless labour in soul-winning, revival crusades, and interdenominational harmony remains an eternal legacy.”
He added that the forthcoming PFN @ 40 Thanksgiving and Celebration would be officially dedicated to Ukpai’s memory “as a national thanksgiving unto God for the gift he was to our generation.”
Bishop Oke extended condolences to Ukpai’s family and ministry, praying that “the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, strengthen us all at this time.” (Punch)
Donald Trump was heckled by left-wing politicians as he told Israel’s parliament the Gaza peace deal marks “the historic dawn of a new Middle East”.
Addressing the Knesset for more than an hour before signing the peace deal in Egypt on Monday afternoon, the US president said: “This is not only the end of a war.
“This is the end of an age of terror and death and the beginning of the age of faith and hope, and of God.
“It’s the start of a grand concord and lasting harmony for Israel and all the nations of what will soon be a truly magnificent region. I believe that so strongly. This is the historic dawn of a new Middle East.”
He added: “Against all odds, we have done the impossible, and brought our hostages home.”
The US president entered the Knesset to a two-minute standing ovation, before several members of the US and Israeli negotiating teams had their names read out to cheers and applause.
There was a particularly enthusiastic reaction for America’s envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Mr Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner who spearheaded the negotiations for the US president.
As Mr Trump heaped praise on Mr Witkoff, saying how he was a “great negotiator because he’s a great guy”, two left-wing Knesset members, Ayman Odeh and Ofer Kassif, heckled the president before being swiftly removed from the chamber.
Mr Trump said he has now stopped eight wars in eight months, claiming his personality “is all about stopping wars” – in reference to Hillary Clinton previously saying he has a personality that’s all about war.
The president called the peace deal, agreed on Thursday, an “incredible triumph” for Israel and the world to have so many nations working together for peace, and said the US joins Israel in “two everlasting vows – never forget, and never again”.
Mr Trump said “generations from now” this moment “will be remembered as the moment that everything began to change, and change very much for the better”.
“From Gaza to Iran, those bitter hatreds have delivered nothing but misery, suffering and failure,” he said.
The “total focus” of Gazans must be on restoring the fundamentals of stability, safety, dignity and economic development, he said.
“At last, not only for Israelis, but also for Palestinians and for many others, the long and painful nightmare is finally over, and as the dust settles, the smoke fades, the debris is removed and the ashes clear from the air,” he said.
During the lengthy speech, Mr Trump went off script, to much applause, as he called on Israeli President Isaac Herzog to pardon Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is accused of corruption.
Earlier on Monday, Mr Trump simply said “yes” when asked by Israeli media if the war with Hamas was over.
In the Knesset gallery, a few people were wearing red hats that said: “Trump, The Peace President.”
Knesset speaker Amir Ohana announced he and US speaker of the house Mike Johnson will “rally speakers and presidents” from around the world to submit a nomination for Mr Trump for next year’s Nobel Peace Prize, to which the president smiled broadly.
Speaking ahead of the president, Mr Netanyahu said Mr Trump is “the greatest friend the state of Israel has had in the White House” and thanked him for the peace deal that returned all the remaining hostages.
He said the agreement “achieves all our objectives” and “opens the door to a historic expansion of peace in our region and beyond”.
Mr Netanyahu said he is “committed to this peace” as he admitted Israel has paid “a high price for this war”.
“But our enemies now understand just how powerful and just how determined Israel is,” the Israeli PM added.
“They understand that attacking Israel on October 7th was a catastrophic mistake. They understand that Israel is strong and that Israel is here to stay.”
Just before Mr Trump addressed the Knesset, the remaining 20 living hostages – all men – were released by Hamas to Red Cross officials, the Israeli military said.
The bodies of the remaining 28 dead hostages are also expected to be handed over as part of the deal, although timings remained unclear.
Palestinians were also awaiting the release of hundreds of prisoners held by Israel as part of the peace agreement.
The peace deal comes two years after Hamas stormed Israel on October 7 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages.
Israel’s military offensive has killed more than 67,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, which the UN deems reliable, and a famine has been declared in parts of the area. (SkyNews)
Renowned Nigerian evangelist and spiritual leader of Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, is dead.
This was confirmed in a statement on Monday by his family, who said he passed away on October 6 2025 at the age of 80.
The family described his passing as a “glorious transition” from a life of devoted service to eternal rest.
Ukpai, widely recognised as a spiritual general and founding father of faith, dedicated over six decades of his life to evangelism, dynamic teaching of the Word, and prophetic demonstrations of God’s power.
His ministry impacted millions of lives in Nigeria and around the world, shaping destinies and nurturing spiritual growth across generations.
“He was a faithful soldier of the cross who devoted his life to spreading the gospel with passion and integrity.
“His teachings, prophetic insights, and mentorship have left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire believers for years to come,” his family said.
Over the course of his ministry, Ukpai became known for his fiery evangelistic campaigns, transformative teachings, and commitment to empowering both clergy and lay leaders.
Beyond his spiritual work, he was also celebrated as a loving husband, devoted father, and mentor to countless individuals who regarded him as a guide in faith and life.
The family expressed gratitude for the life and work of Ukpai, highlighting that while they mourn his physical absence, they rejoice that he has “finished his race and is now resting in eternal praise.”
They assured the public that details of his obsequies would be shared in due course.
Ukpai’s ministry, spanning over sixty years, leaves behind a profound spiritual and social legacy, with churches, educational initiatives, and humanitarian efforts that continue to influence communities globally.
His life, the family said, was a testament to the biblical truth that “to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). (Punch)
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has openly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s latest use of the presidential pardon, describing it as a reckless action that undermines the principles of justice and accountability.
In a statement posted on his X handle on Sunday, Atiku Abubakar noted that the presidential prerogative of mercy is intended to balance justice with compassion.
However, he criticised the most recent round of pardons, saying it has reduced the process to a mere triviality.
President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, granted clemency to 175 convicts and former convicts, including notable figures such as the late Major General Mamman Vatsa, Major Akubo, Professor Magaji Garba, Maryam Sanda, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and the other members of the Ogoni Eight.
According to a statement from the Presidency, the decision was based on recommendations from the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
The presidential pardon also extended clemency to individuals convicted of various serious crimes, including homicide, illegal mining, and fraud.
Reacting to this, Atiku condemned the inclusion of such offenders, arguing that it undermines public confidence in the criminal justice system and, in his words, “emboldens criminality.”
He maintained that the exercise of clemency should never serve as an accomplice to crime or erode the foundations of justice.
“Ordinarily, the power of presidential pardon is a solemn prerogative, a moral and constitutional instrument designed to temper justice with mercy and to underscore the humanity of the state. When properly exercised, it elevates justice and strengthens public faith in governance.
“Regrettably, the latest pardon issued by the Tinubu administration has done the very opposite. The decision to extend clemency to individuals convicted of grave crimes such as drug trafficking, kidnapping, murder, and corruption not only diminishes the sanctity of justice but also sends a dangerous signal to the public and the international community about the values this government upholds.
“At a time when Nigeria continues to reel under the weight of insecurity, moral decay, and a surge in drug-related offences, it is both shocking and indefensible that the presidency would prioritise clemency for those whose actions have directly undermined national stability and social order,” the statement said.
Atiku specifically pointed to the number of individuals convicted of drug-related offences among the pardoned, describing the move as especially concerning in light of Nigeria’s ongoing battle against drug abuse and the vulnerability of its youth population.
“Particularly worrisome is the revelation that 29.2% percent of those pardoned were convicted for drug-related crimes at a time when our youth are being destroyed by narcotics, and our nation is still struggling to cleanse its image from the global stain of drug offences.
“Even more disturbing is the moral irony that this act of clemency is coming from a President whose own past remains clouded by unresolved and unexplained issues relating to the forfeiture of thousands of dollars to the United States government over drug-related investigations.
“It is, therefore, no surprise that this administration continues to demonstrate a worrying tolerance for individuals associated with criminal enterprise.”
The former Vice President further stated that “A presidential pardon is meant to symbolize restitution and moral reform. Instead, what we have witnessed is a mockery of the criminal justice system, an affront to victims, a demoralization of law enforcement, and a grave injury to the conscience of the nation.”
He added, “Clemency must never be confused with complicity. When a government begins to absolve offenders of the very crimes it claims to be fighting, it erodes the moral authority of leadership and emboldens lawlessness. “Nigeria deserves a leadership that upholds justice, not one that trivializes it.” (Channels)
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