The Nigerian Army has launched an investigation after a video surfaced online showing Major General G.S. Mohammed and his aide, Corporal A. Abubakar, allegedly assaulting a couple, identified as Mr. Vershima Mker and Ms. Lami Jennifer Iorvihi, in Abuja.

The incident reportedly followed a minor road dispute in the Federal Capital Territory, where Mr. Mker is said to have overtaken the vehicle of the high-ranking officer.

In the video, Major General Mohammed and Corporal Abubakar are seen physically confronting the couple. It has been reported that, following the altercation, the officer and his aide handcuffed Mr. Mker and Ms. Iorvihi and transported them to the Gwarimpa Police Station.

Reacting to the incident, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, spokesperson for the Nigerian Army, confirmed that the Chief of Army Staff has ordered a full investigation. According to Nwachukwu, the probe will seek to clarify the sequence of events that led to the confrontation, and the authenticity of the video is still under review.

“The Chief of Army Staff has directed that a thorough investigation be conducted. At this stage, we have not verified the details in the video, as we were not on the scene when the incident occurred,” Nwachukwu explained.

“It’s important to understand the full context of what led to this situation. Once the investigation is complete, and we have spoken with the major general involved, we will have a clearer understanding of the events.”

The video has ignited widespread public criticism, with citizens demanding accountability and justice for Mr. Mker and Ms. Iorvihi. Many are calling on the Nigerian Army to ensure a transparent and unbiased investigation, urging that disciplinary action be taken if the allegations are confirmed.

Dr. Adebayo Orire, a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, has voiced his belief that Nigeria must break up to achieve genuine progress and sustainable development. In a recent interview at his home in Ikoro-Ekiti, located in Ijero Local Government Area, Orire emphasized that the country’s current structure is impeding growth due to longstanding disunity and deep-rooted ethnic divides.

Orire expressed his view that Nigeria cannot continue in its current form, arguing that the nation faces two options: to prosper by evolving or to break apart peacefully. “Nigeria cannot go on like this. For the nation to truly advance, it must either evolve or dissolve peacefully without violence,” he explained, speaking to the Daily Sun.

The APC chieftain also pointed to rising separatist movements across Nigeria as signs of this underlying division. He referenced the persistent calls for autonomy among groups such as the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Yoruba nationalist factions, and various groups in the Middle Belt. In his view, these movements underscore the deep-seated ethnic allegiances that overshadow a collective Nigerian identity, making national unity difficult.

“People see themselves as Yoruba, Hausa, Fulani, Igbo, or Efik before they see themselves as Nigerians,” he said, noting that over a century of efforts have failed to unify these diverse groups. “We need to ask ourselves why we keep trying to force unity, and why we’re ignoring the reality of our divisions,” Orire added.

Suggesting a peaceful path forward, Orire called for a dissolution into smaller, region-based entities to foster genuine development and stability. He believes that allowing each ethnic or regional group to manage its affairs would better serve Nigeria’s people, providing an environment where communities can flourish independently.

Orire also offered candid thoughts on President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He acknowledged Tinubu’s political insight and strategic skills, noting that he has long been respected as a knowledgeable leader. However, he expressed disappointment with the President’s current performance, suggesting a gap between Tinubu’s potential and his current leadership. “Tinubu is brilliant and highly experienced. If asked to offer solutions outside the presidency, he could probably solve issues in minutes. But as President, I’m unsure what has changed,” Orire remarked, sharing his concerns.

In his remarks, Orire underscored his belief that Nigeria’s future would be more promising if the country’s leadership prioritized peaceful solutions, advocating for a peaceful restructuring that would allow each region to pursue growth and stability independently.

The Federal Government has revoked all restrictions on the posting of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, paving the way for corps members to be deployed to private sector organisations such as banks and oil and gas companies.

The new directive will take effect with the commencement of the 2024 Batch ‘C Orientation Course, according to a memo dated November 18, 2024, from the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande.

The policy shift, according to Olawande, is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader strategy to combat rising youth unemployment by ensuring government agencies align with his administration’s vision.

The previous posting policy, implemented during the tenure of former Minister of Youth Development, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, restricted corps members to four sectors—education, agriculture, health, and infrastructure. It was designed to discourage private companies from exploiting cheap labour while promoting public sector capacity-building.

However, the government now argues that the restriction has limited corps members’ ability to gain relevant experience in their fields of study, leaving many ill-prepared for the job market.

By lifting the restrictions, the government seeks to create more opportunities for NYSC participants to acquire practical skills aligned with their educational background, enhancing their employability.

The new directive also prioritises postings to locations like Abuja and Lagos for high-demand sectors. The initiative aims to foster collaboration between the public and private sectors, enabling the NYSC to play a more significant role in bridging the skills gap and addressing the unemployment crisis.

The memo reads in part: “There is an urgent need to review this policy to expand the opportunity and access for corps members to serve in places that are relevant to their areas of study.

“Without prejudice to the need to constantly review per prevailing realities, I now direct as follows: Lifting of all restrictions on postings.

“Posting of corps members to, as much as practicable, be in line with their course of study.

“Posting of corps members to select banks and other private sector organisations, including those operating in oil and gas, to commence with Abuja and Lagos.

“The directive contained herein will take effect from the date of commencement of the 2024 Batch ‘C Orientation Course and applies in relation to any matter relating to the posting and distribution of corps members to Places of Primary Assignment.

“The now revoked policy has greatly hampered experience gathering that would effectively prepare them for the job market.”