ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

…say President’s directive to EFCC exposes contradictions as caucus alleges pattern of political pressure ahead of governorship poll

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives Minority Caucus has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of issuing what it described as a “panicky, belated afterthought” directive to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the freezing of Osun State Government accounts, insisting that the development exposed contradictions within the Federal Government and an alleged attempt to intimidate the state ahead of next week’s governorship election.

In a statement jointly signed by the Minority Leader, Rep. Fredrick Agbedi, and the caucus spokesperson, Rep. Afam Ogene, and made available to journalists in Abuja on Friday, the lawmakers argued that the President’s instruction directing the anti-graft agency to vacate the order freezing the state’s accounts was prompted by widespread public criticism rather than a commitment to the rule of law.

According to the caucus, the directive revealed what it described as “a government at war with itself.”

The lawmakers pointed to conflicting public statements issued by the EFCC and the Presidency on Thursday.

While EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, reportedly stated during a television interview that the freezing of Osun State’s accounts was carried out “without a valid court order,” the Presidency later directed the commission to approach the court to vacate what it described as an existing order.

“So, which is it? Was there a court order or not?” .

“Is the President not aware of what his own appointees are saying and doing? Has the President lost control to his army of sycophants who behave like lords over the people? Or are they simply trying to hide an illegality that has already been exposed?”, the caucus questioned.

The Minority Caucus further alleged that senior presidential aides were among the first to circulate and defend the EFCC’s initial statement on the matter.

“It is, therefore, insulting for the President to pretend ignorance. Nigerians are not fools,” the lawmakers said.

The caucus maintained that the controversy surrounding the freezing of Osun State’s accounts was only the latest in what it described as a sustained pattern of actions targeting the state.

According to the lawmakers, the Federal Government had, for months, withheld statutory allocations meant for local government councils in Osun State.

“For months, the Federal Government has illegally withheld and seized statutory allocations due to Osun Local Governments. This is economic strangulation aimed at crippling governance at the grassroots ahead of elections,” the statement said.

The caucus also alleged persistent violence by members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and what it described as imported thugs, accusing the police of failing to respond appropriately.

It further condemned what it called the “Gestapo-style arrest and detention” of the Secretary to the Osun State Government, Teslim Igbalaiye, and others.

According to the lawmakers, the arrests amounted to “a direct attack on the institution of the state government.”

They also criticised the conduct of the Osun State Commissioner of Police and the outcome of a recent visit by the Inspector-General of Police, particularly allegations that the Osun State Government was harbouring hoodlums within Government House.

“This is not policing. It is partisan propaganda in uniform,” the caucus stated.

The opposition lawmakers further accused some presidential appointees of making what they described as “shocking, unpresidential, and inciting statements” capable of undermining public confidence in the administration.

“The mask is off. Nigerians can now see clearly that the APC has weaponized federal institutions against opposition states – a dress rehearsal of what is to come in the 2027 general elections.

“Yes, Mr. President hails from Osun, but the state can not be a personal fiefdom; he must therefore allow the people to freely choose who governs them.

“The people of Osun should be given the enabling environment to freely exercise their constitutional right to vote, without fear, coercion, or voter apathy engineered by state terror.

“Violence, intimidation, economic sabotage, and the misuse of federal agencies have NO place in a democracy”, it noted.

The caucus warned against any attempt to influence the outcome of the forthcoming governorship election through the use of state institutions.

The lawmakers also called on civil society organisations and the international community to closely monitor developments before, during and after the election, urging them to hold both the APC and the Federal Government accountable for any breakdown of law and order.

“Osun is not a conquered territory. You will not rig this election through EFCC, through the Police, or through thuggery.

“Osun people will vote. Osun people will be protected. And democracy will prevail.” the statement added.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

By Austin Ojomah

Members of Igbale Community in Ikole-Ekiti, Ekiti State, have petitioned the Nigeria Police Force over allegations of harassment, threats and disturbance of peace involving one Mr Lere Oni.

The petition, signed by the Igbale-in-Council and concerned members of the community, was addressed to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Ikole Division, and urged the police to investigate the allegations and take necessary steps to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

The community alleged that Oni had on several occasions visited their family farmland, known as Ugbo Omo Farm, accompanied by individuals described as touts, where he allegedly harassed and intimidated tenants occupying and working on the land.

According to the petition, the affected tenants had complained of threats and actions capable of disrupting their farming activities.

The community further alleged that Oni had ignored interventions and warnings from elders and the Sagbale-in-Council, the recognised leadership body of Igbale Community, despite efforts to resolve the matter peacefully.

“We are law-abiding citizens who believe strongly in peaceful coexistence and respect for constituted authority,” the petition stated, adding that the alleged activities were causing distress among residents and raising concerns over public safety.

The community requested that the police invite Oni for questioning, investigate the allegations and take appropriate lawful action to prevent further tension.

The petition also referenced a previous complaint submitted to the Elekole of Ikole-Ekiti in 2015 over alleged cases of hooliganism and disturbances within the community.

In that earlier appeal, community leaders accused some individuals, including Lere Oni and another person identified as Jimoh Oloodan, of engaging in activities that allegedly threatened peace in Igbale and its surroundings.

The community leaders called for intervention from traditional authorities and security agencies to restore peace and ensure harmony among residents.

Reacting to the development, a media practitioner and politician, Mr Sanni Kayode Arewa, accused Oni of allegedly engaging in activities that he said had negatively affected the community.

Arewa alleged that Oni had been involved in the sale of lands belonging to his family and other members of the community, warning prospective buyers to be cautious.

“Lere has sold all the land belonging to his family, and I have called him several times to remember what his children and future generations will inherit. It is unfortunate that after selling his family land, he is now coming to other families’ lands and attempting to sell them,” Arewa said.

He further alleged that Oni lacked the background and skills required to contribute positively to the community, claiming that his activities had created concerns among residents.

“How can someone who has no value terrorise a whole community? This kind of situation must stop,” he added.

Arewa also criticised the handling of the matter by some security officials, alleging that the process had not been fair to community leaders.

He claimed that during a meeting involving the police, Oni and community representatives, the community chiefs arrived on time but Oni arrived later after being contacted by officers.

“The chiefs got there before 12 noon waiting for him, but he did not come until after 2pm when police officers called him. This is not the kind of attitude expected in a serious matter like this,” he alleged.

Arewa called on authorities to ensure that the dispute was handled transparently and urged land buyers to verify ownership before purchasing property in the disputed areas.

“People buying land from Lere Oni and Tuba ‘Big Tree’ should be careful so they do not waste their money buying lands in Ugbo Omo and other areas around the Ikole-Ara road,” he said.

However, the allegations against Oni remain claims by the petitioners and have not been independently verified. Efforts to obtain a response from Oni were not successful as of the time of filing this report.

The community said it remains committed to peaceful resolution while calling on security authorities to intervene and ensure that law and order are maintained in Igbale.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Veteran filmmaker, cultural advocate, and respected voice in Nigeria’s creative industry, Yemi Amodu, has formally accepted the position of National Secretary of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN).

This heroic announcement follows his earlier aspiration for the presidency of the association; a role he had vigorously campaigned for.

In a declaration titled “The Dream Lives On… Why I Accept the Call to Serve”, widely circulated across online and mainstream media, Amodu explained that his vision for a stronger, more inclusive TAMPAN remains unchanged. While his path has shifted from the presidential race to the Secretariat, he emphasized that the ultimate destination is the same, building a better, more united association.

“The presidency was one path. The Secretariat is another. But the destination is the same… A better TAMPAN,” Amodu stated.

Championing the “Below-the-Line” Professionals
Amodu underscored that his decision was motivated by a desire to amplify the voices of “below-the-line” professionals, the makeup artists, grips, costume designers, actors, and crew members whose contributions are vital yet often overlooked.

He pledged to represent their interests in leadership discussions, advocating for welfare, equity, and dignity across the creative workforce.

“Not for title. Not for position, but for you… I will do all it takes to ensure your interests are secured,” he affirmed.

Acknowledging the importance of unity and peace within TAMPAN, Amodu reassured members that his reform agenda is alive, though now expressed through a different office. He stressed that his commitment is to continue building hope, strengthening structures, and ensuring that every member, across all states, feels represented and empowered.

His announcement has sparked conversations within Nigeria’s creative community, with many stakeholders viewing the move as a strategic step to sustain his vision while reinforcing the association’s foundation.

Observers note that Amodu’s acceptance of the Secretariat role demonstrates both humility and determination, positioning him as a bridge-builder in an industry that thrives on collaboration.