MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2025
VOL 20 NO 73
Najeem Salaam:
LEADERSHIP, IDEAS AND THE PURSUIT OF A BETTER OSUN
•Thoughts On Governance, Politics And The Journey Ahead •Says Emergence As ADC Candidate Not Imposition
Sodiq Yusuf EADERSHIP, Peter Drucker famously observed, is about “li ing people to a higher vision and a higher standard of performance.” It is a journey that simply means taking the people to
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where they want to be within the shortest possible me. While leadership is an effort laden process, it is one binded by a bold vision to inspire, act and decide on behalf of many, what their future looks like.
For over three decades, those who have had the opportunity of being in the mantle of leadership in Osun State, South West Nigeria, have come with their veritable highs, lows and resounding achievements. They have also come around with their vision for prosperity and change, surrounded by many circles of challenges and hiccups right from childhood to their ascension to the exalted governorship seat.
Since 1991, Osun has produced six civilian governors – Late Isiaka Adeleke (1991-1992), Bisi Akande, Olagunsoye Oyinlola (20032010), Rauf Aregbesola (2010-2018), Adegboyega Oyetola (20182022) and the incumbent Ademola Adeleke (2022 ll date). As the race for the August 8, 2026 elec on to produce the next helmsman of the state rages, OSUN DEFENDER beams its searchlight one of the major con-
tenders, Najeem Folasayo Salaam (PhD), candidate of the African Democra c Congress (ADC). An household name in the poli cs of Osun, Salaam thinks leadership is a moral calling; one anchored in ideas, sacrifice, and service to humanity. He remarks a refined leadership style enclosed by service, humility and commitment to the ideals of good governance. Raised in Ejigbo within modest circumstances,
he learned early that leadership must be empathe c, insis ng that poli cs should func on as a tool for collec ve upli , not personal enrichment. His ideological premise is rooted in human development progressivism, believing that people, not projects are the true measures of governance, with educa on, skills and dignity being at the founda on of sustainable growth. In an exclusive interview •Continued on page 2
Tinubu Jets Out To Europe, Fails To Address Nation P7 On US Bombing Explain Alleged N50bn Bodija Despite Confusion on Gazetted 2026: Why Omisore May Work Against Relief Fund or Resign – Oyo Tax Laws, Implementation P7 To Begin January 1, 2026 P 5 Oyebamiji APC Tells Makinde P5
MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2025
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Najeem Salaam: Leadership, Ideas and the Pursuit Of A Better Osun •Continued from page 1 with OSUN DEFENDER, Salaam said, “Coming from a humble background and witnessing God’s grace in my life inspired me to give back to society. My desire to serve humanity, help the less privileged and contribute meaningfully to community development forms the founda on of my poli cal ideology. “My greatest achievement is what God has accomplished through me impac ng lives and helping people grow. I have supported many individuals who now serve in state and local governments, facilitated community projects such as boreholes, and contributed to human development. Helping people stand on their feet and improve their lives remains my proudest achievement.” -Thoughts On Governance, Poli cs and the Journey Ahead Salam’s entry into public service in 1999, as Supervisory Councillor for Health, was guided by compassion. That experience reinforced his belief that governance must protect the vulnerable. Although, repeated poli cal setbacks tested his resolve. A er being rigged out
•Salaam of a local government elec on and later losing his legisla ve seat through electoral controversy, Salaam refused bi erness and embodied resilience as a defining leadership quality. His return to the Osun State House of Assembly in 2011 marked a turning point. As Speaker, he emphasised ins tu onal integrity, stressing that the legislature must be the conscience of government. Poli cally, he iden fies with progres-
sive ideals rooted in fairness and opportunity saying progressivism means standing with the many, not the privileged few, posi oning social jus ce and inclusion as the pillars of governance. -Emergence As ADC Candidate The ADC governorship candidate also spoke on the process that led to his emergence as the flagbearer of the party in the August 8, 2026 elec on. “We began from Omoluabi Progressives
before we moved to ADC. In April this year, we had the Ibadan Accord where all members of our apex body agreed to abide by a consensus arrangement to decide who emerges our governorship candidate. The issues that stemmed from my emergence are currently being addressed and will be se led soon. “Poli cs naturally involves crisis management, and disagreements are inevitable. The party has been engaging those who feel aggrieved, and reconcilia on efforts are ongoing. I wish to clarify that I was not imposed as the ADC governorship candidate by any leader. The party’s internal mechanisms were followed, and we con nue to work towards unity and collecve progress.” -Salaam’s Vision for Osun and the 2026 Journey Salaam’s vision for Osun is broad and deliberate. His ideas cut across educa on reform, agricultural modernisa on, healthcare revitalisa on, security, and workers’ welfare. “My aspira on to govern Osun State stems from my passion to serve my people more
Agbekoya Threatens Action Over Killing Of Farmers In Oyo Community Abiodun Ogunrinde, Ibadan HE Agbekoya Society of Nigeria (ASN) has threatened to take decisive ac on over the killing of three farmers in Igboho, Orelope Local Government Area of Oyo State. The vic ms were iden fied as Aderoju Mukaila, Olawuwo Saka and Ojeniyi Oje-
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bayo. OSUN DEFENDER had earlier reported that Yoruba Na on agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, raised an alarm over the a ack in his hometown and called on President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government to urgently tackle rising insecuri-
ty in rural communi es across the South West. Reac ng, the ASN expressed deep shock over the killings, warning that it would no longer remain silent amid repeated a acks on farmers. The society’s posion was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by its Secretary General, Adeg-
benro Ogunlana, and signed by President General, Kamorudeen Okikiola. ASN urged the Oyo State and Federal Governments to immediately inves gate the incident, prosecute the perpetrators, strengthen security in farming communi es and provide support for the families of the vic ms.
effec vely. I have clear standards and visions for youth empowerment, care for the elderly, women and children, security, educa on reform, agricultural transforma on, workers’ welfare and healthcare revitalisaon. These concerns con nually mo vate my desire to serve Osun State at the highest level. “All sectors of our dear state are our greatest priority. We have a clear blueprint set to address every of the challenges we have iden fied. When the campaigns begin, we will roll out our ideas on how we seek to address the issues of governance and development in our state.
Insecurity Situation In Nigeria Shameful, Embarrassing — Funmi Falana Francis Adekunle, Ado-Ekiti ENOWNED human rights lawyer, Barrister Funmi Falana, SAN, has described the prevailing insecurity situa on in Nigeria as very shameful and embarrassing to the na on, insis ng that the Federal Government appears helpless in addressing the crisis. Falana lamented that the level of insecurity has deteriorated to the point where foreign interven on is now being contemplated. She alleged that the involvement of the United States underscores the failure of leadership at the federal level. She called on the President to take re-
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Okanlawon Presents N6.84bn 2026 Budget To Ifelodun LG Legislature Abiodun Ogunrinde, Ibadan
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HE Execu ve Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government, Hon. Kamorudeen Okanlawon, has presented the 2026 es mated budget of ₦6,838,674,224 to the Ifelodun Local Government Legisla ve Arm. The presenta on took place at the Local Government Secretariat during a legisla ve si ng a ended by council officials and stakeholders.
Tagged the “Progressive Budget of Ifelodun Local Government,” the financial plan underscores the administraon’s focus on inclusive governance and sustainable development. Addressing lawmakers, Okanlawon described the budget as a strategic tool aimed at accelera ng socioeconomic growth and improving the welfare of residents. He said priority sectors include infrastructure development,
healthcare, educa on, agriculture, social services and empowerment programmes. According to him, the alloca ons were carefully structured to meet immediate community needs while also suppor ng longterm development objec ves across the local government. “This Progressive Budget is people-focused and development-driven. It reflects our resolve to strengthen infrastructure, en-
hance human capital development, empower youths and women, support farmers, and improve access to quality healthcare and educa on,” the chairman said. Responding, the Leader of the Legislave Arm, Hon. Silifat Agboola, commended the execu ve for presen ng what she described as a realis c and development-oriented budget. She praised the administra on for its
“We have the experience and clear vision to make our state the toast of others. We have carefully reviewed the progresses made, across all our cri cal sectors.” Salaam’s economic thinking priori ses produc vity and par cipaon. Ul mately, Najeem Salaam’s pursuit of a be er Osun is driven by ideas rather than impulse. “I am guided by conscience, clarity, and commitment to my people,” he affirms. In a poli cal landscape o en short on depth, his leadership philosophy stands as a though ul blend of intellect, experience, and an unwavering belief in human-centred development.
transparency and commitment to democra c governance. Agboola assured that the Legisla ve Council would give the budget prompt and thorough considera on in the interest of the people. The event was witnessed by members of the execu ve and legisla ve councils, senior local government officials and other stakeholders, reflecting cordial coopera on between both arms of government.
sponsibility, urging him to resign if he lacks the capacity or solu ons to secure the country. “If he cannot protect Nigerians and does not have answers to these problems, then he should resign,” she said. The human rights ac vist made the remarks while speaking to journalists in Iyin-Eki , ques oning the government’s approach to insecurity, accusing it of lacking transparency and sincerity. She expressed concern over interna onal reac ons, describing as embarrassing comments allegedly made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Nigeria’s security challenges. According to her, past and present leaders bear responsibility for the rise of terrorism in the country, which explains the inability to decisively tackle it. She also decried the growing insecurity in schools and the culture of impunity where criminals go unpunished. Falana urged Nigerians to take their democra c responsibility seriously by elec ng leaders through the ballot rather than the courts, stressing that true progress depends on accountable and people-driven leadership.
PEOPLE FIRST
MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2025
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EVELOPMENTS on the insecurity front suggest that many of the forces shaping outcomes today are influenced by currents beyond our shores. This reality is double-edged. On one hand, Nigeria exists in a globalised world where transna onal threats, movements, and interests intersect. On the other, Nigeria remains a sovereign state with the primary responsibility to secure its territory and protect its ci zens. The challenge before us is to harmonise these two reali es without turning them into a dilemma that weakens state authority. In the year ahead, Nigeria must deliberately take control of the narra ve and begin to dictate the course of events. The present situa on did not emerge overnight;
“The coming year will therefore demand clarity of purpose, firmness of resolve, and a renewed social contract between the state and the citizens. Security must once again be seen, felt, and trusted as a core responsibility of government”
Momentous Events it is the product of years of neglect, weak coordina on, and policy iner a. It is a grave derelic on of duty for a sovereign state to tolerate vast ungoverned spaces and to have hundreds of thousands of ci zens languishing in camps for the internally displaced. Such a condi on directly repudiates the central ethos of statehood—the monopoly of the legi mate means of violence, coercion, and authority. Reclaiming this supremacy must be non-nego able. Any form of collabora on with external partners must be driven by Nigeria’s priori es, intelligence, and strategic objec ves. Sovereignty is not surrendered by coopera on, but it is weakened when direc on and ini a ve are outsourced. The Nigerian state
must lead, command, and control. There must also be a clearly structured and me-bound plan to reclaim ungoverned spaces. Communi es abandoned to criminal elements must be restored, secured, and reintegrated into normal civic life. Equally urgent is the plight of internally displaced persons. Living indefinitely in dehumanising camps cannot be normalised. Government must develop prac cal frameworks for rese lement, reconstruc on, and sustained security to ensure that returnees are not pushed back into the same cycle of violence. Beyond security operaons, the state must confront the hydra-headed nature of the threats it faces. Banditry, kidnapping, insurgency, and organised crime are intercon-
nected and thrive on weak governance, poverty, and ins tu onal fragility. Addressing them requires not only force but intelligence coordina on, judicial efficiency, and economic inclusion. Crucially, all of this must be pursued within the constraints of an elec on prepara on year. This is where leadership will be tested. The tempta on to priori se short-term poli cal gains over long-term naonal stability has historically proven costly. What Nigeria needs now are statesmen— leaders concerned with the survival and future of the state, not merely the next elec on cycle. The coming year will therefore demand clarity of purpose, firmness of resolve, and a renewed social contract between the state and the ci zens. Security must once again be seen, felt, and trusted as a core responsibility of government. If the state fails to reassert itself decisively, insecurity will con nue to define na onal life and weaken democra c processes. But if Nigeria rises to the moment, reclaims its authority, and restores confidence in governance, the year ahead—though momentous—can also mark a turning point.
Tribute The Exit Of A Confidant And A Good Man
By Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola
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received, with profound shock but in total submission to the will of Allah, the devasta ng news of the passing of Alhaji Fatai Diẹkọla. This is a deeply painful loss — one that has le a void I am s ll struggling to comprehend. Alhaji Diẹkọla was not just a poli cal associate; he was a trusted confidant, a dependable ally and a man of uncommon sincerity. His passing marks the end of an era for many of us who walked closely with him through moments of triumphs, trials, and sacrifice. As Chairman of Osogbo Local Government, Alhaji Diẹkọla disnguished himself as a grassroots mobiliser of rare effec veness. He played a decisive and historic role in my elec on during the 2007 Osun Governorship elec on and stood firmly with us in the arduous struggle to reclaim that mandate. His courage, organisa onal strength, and belief in jus ce were unwavering at a me when steadfast-
ness was most required. Throughout the eight years of our administra on, Alhaji Diẹkọla remained a pillar of support and rendered sterling service with dedica on and integrity. He was deeply committed to the cause he believed in and pursued it with passion and fearlessness. Like all human rela onships, we experienced a moment of disagreement in the lead-up to the 2018 Governorship elec on over the choice of our party’s candidate. But we reconciled in
“His courage, organisational strength, and belief in justice were unwavering at a time when steadfastness was most required. When he stood with you, his loyalty was total and unquestionable. When he opposed you, he did so openly and courageously, making him a formidable presence in the political space”
posed you, he did so openly and courageously, making him a formidable presence in the poli cal space. His death, understandably, has sent shockwaves across Osun and beyond. He will be sorely missed by friends, associates, and the countless people whose lives he touched directly and indirectly. I extend my deepest condolences to Publisher – Moremi Publishing his family, friends, House Ltd. and poli cal associates. I pray that Asst. News Editor – Yusuf Oketola Asst. Features Editor – Kazeem Badmus Almighty Allah will comfort you, grant Deputy Photo Editor – Shola Aderinto you His peace, and Deputy Graphics Manager – Zainab Olalere give you the for Produc on Controller – Petkola Taiwo Ibitowa tude to bear this irreparable loss. OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing May Allah forHouse Limited, Behind Oranmiyan Building, Gbodofon, give his shortcomOff Gbongan Road, Osogbo, Osun State. ings, accept his good ISSN : 0794-8050 deeds and grant him Telephone : 0809-301-9152 Al-Jannatul Firdaus, Website : www.osundefender.com/index.php with eternal rest and e-mail : osundefenderhq@gmail.com unending joy in his osundefenderbank@gmail.com next sta on.
the true spirit of maturity therea er, proof of his large heart and principled nature. Alhaji Diẹkọla was a consummate poli cian and a true humanist. He was honest to a fault and u erly incapable of hypocrisy. When he stood with you, his loyalty was total and unques onable. When he op-
OSUN DEFENDER
All correspondence to the above email addresses.
•Ọ̀ gbẹ́ni Ràúf Arẹ́gbẹ́sọlá
MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2025
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Politics
2026: Why Omisore May Work Against Oyebamiji Kazeem Badmus
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HE rela onship between the immediate past Na onal Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Iyiola Omisore and some leaders of the party in Osun State has broken down ahead of the forthcoming gubernatorial elec on, OSUN DEFENDER reliably gathered. The development, according to sources close to the former deputy governor, was due to the events that preceded the emergence of Mr Bola Oyebamiji as the party’s candidate for the elec on. Sources who spoke to the medium, par cularly men oned the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, whom they claimed was not in good terms with Omisore. OSUN DEFENDER reports that some days before the primary elec on of the party, the All Progressives Congress Screening Commi ee disqualified Omisore and six other aspirants from contes ng, ci ng gaps and irregulari es in their nomina on process. Other disqualified aspirants included the immediate past deputy governor of the state, Benedict Alabi, Osogbo-born lawyer, Kunle Adegoke SAN, former Senator, Babajide Omoworare, Prince Dotun Babayemi, Dr Akin Ogunbiyi and Babatunde Oralusi, Following their disqualifica on, Omisore, alongside other disqualified aspirants, accused the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy of being behind their ordeal. In a video obtained by OSUN DEFENDER, Omisore, who was flanked by Alabi, Ogunbiyi, Adegoke, Omoworare and Oralusi, alleged that the panel chairman confirmed that he was pressured by Oyetola to disqualify them. He said, “The panel report is the joke of 2025. It is quite unfortunate that people are taking par sanship beyond poli cs. The commi ee wrote three contradictory reports—one to the secretary, one to the leadership, and another somewhere else. “The chairman of the panel, on the first day, reached out to us that Mr Gboyega Oyetola called him that he must disqualify all of us because his poster boy, Bola Oyebamiji, is the one he wants.” Omisore also accused Oyetola of deceiving him into blocking Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, from defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democra c Party (PDP). He lamented that when Adeleke was all set to join
the APC, the Minister called him and said Adeleke’s entry would spell trouble for his (Omisore’s) ambi on and thus enlisted him in blocking Adeleke. The former deputy governor, however, said he did not know that Oyetola was just using him to project his own candidate. His words: “When Adeleke wanted to come to APC, Oyetola was always calling me that this is a problem and we have to resist this. And I went ahead to Channels to resist that defec on, not knowing that he (Oyetola) has his own plan to sabotage me.” A few days before the governorship primary, President Bola Tinubu hosted all the aspirants, except Omisore, at the Presiden al Villa, where he reportedly endorsed the eventual candidate, Oyebamiji. Even though Omisore later disclosed that he would be suppor ng the anointed APC candidate, sources said the Ile-Ife-born poli cian may s ll move to another party or adopt a siddon-look approach for the elec on. One of the sources claimed that Omisore was not invited to the mee ng with the President, adding that there is currently an animosity between the former deputy governor and some of the party leadership, most especially, the Minister. “I can tell you categorically that our principal felt betrayed by everything that happened. It seems he was used and dumped. They have their plans in place and we will also let them know we are real poli cians. “Some people are afraid of his popularity and they used all means to stop him from contes ng the primary. They knew he would win that primary elec on convincingly if they all went to the field and used a dirty tac c to edge him out. Imagine telling a former deputy governor and a former na onal secretary that he is not qualified. “They also went to the mee ng with President Bola Tinubu without him. We heard some people at the mee ng told the President they can do it without the support of Omisore. Let’s wait and see. The same Omisore who came to the party’s rescue in 2018. They lost in 2022 because they cast Omisore and his people away and they are doing so again. “Our principal has said he will support the candidate of the party but let it be known that he would not be forced to do anything. If they need his help, they know what to do. What he has been preaching is unity but it seems he is making
•As Relationship With Oyetola Breaks Down •Absence At Major Party Events Indication Of Deep Feud - Sources
•Omisore
•Oyebamiji
some people in the party uncomfortable,” the source noted. A chie ain of the APC, Akin Adeyi, had also, in an open le er, claimed he heard that the former naonal secretary may not work for the party during the forthcoming elec on. Adeyi, in the open le er, said he heard that Omisore might allegedly engage in an -party ac vi es during the elec on. “But suddenly and from nowhere came a disturbing rumour sugges ng that you and your team are considering, among others, the siddon-look and or secret support for the opposi on, plus other an -party ac ons. “But what about this trending treacherous rumour or allega on of you being an -party? What is its source? Sir, I firmly believe it is a fabrica on from the pits
of hell, born out of desperaon from the opposi on. “Nonetheless, I urge you to address it with more than just words - take immediate, concrete and reassuring ac ons by sta ng and affirming your posi on of loyalty to the party’s decision. Do not permit your accomplishments to be sabotaged by internal enemies, bad advisers, and followers,” Adeyi said in his le er. But the Director General of Omisore’s campaign team, Hon Ajibola Famurewa, hit back at Adeyi over his claims. Famurewa, who, however, confirmed Omisore’s refrain from the party acvi es also suggested that the rela onship between the duo was not cordial. The former federal lawmaker said, “It is therefore disingenuous to subtly re-
cast restraint as betrayal and strategy as an -party behaviour. Silence is not disloyalty. Cau on is not sabotage. And dignity is not weakness. “While you ques on Omisore’s loyalty based on rumours, you remain silent on widely circula ng reports a ributed to reliable sources that former Governor Gboyega Oyetola allegedly boasted he would rather lose the 2026 gubernatorial elec on than seek or allow Senator Omisore to lead or anchor the party’s campaign. “If true, such a statement speaks volumes not about Omisore but about fear, insecurity and a depth of ingra tude that poli cs o en exposes. “No one should be blamed for refusing to beg anyone, but arrogance, opportunism, and selfish calcula ons must not be disguised as principle. When personal ambi on is placed above collec ve victory, the party suffers.” Another source told OSUN DEFENDER that Omisore may move back to the Peoples Democra c Party if the situa on remains the same. He said, “There is the op on of moving back to the Peoples Democra c Party if the hos lity persists. We own the PDP, and
the person we can’t work with, Governor Adeleke, has le the party, so there is the likelihood of moving there. “Omisore is not a baby poli cian and it will be criminal for anybody or party to underes mate him. He is ready to be a real party man, but if they insist that they don’t want him, we will encourage him to leave the APC.” OSUN DEFENDER reports that since the meeting with President Tinubu, Omisore has not been seen at an APC event, a situa on that further confirms the discord within the party. Omisore was absent during the party’s primary elec on, where other disqualified aspirants were present, and affirmed the choice of Oyebamiji as the flagbearer . Also, the leadership of the party recently held a stakeholders mee ng at the Ila-Orangun home of the na onal leader of the APC, Chief Bisi Akande, where issues on how the party will win the August 08, 2026, elec on were discussed. However, Omisore was not at the mee ng with a source saying he was invited but claimed he was not around an sent one of his loyalists to the mee ng.
Despite Confusion on Gazetted Tax Laws, Implementation To Begin January 1, 2026 Sodiq Yusuf
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HE Federal Government has insisted that the implementaon of its much-vaunted tax reform laws will begin on January 1, 2026, even as confusion, contradicons and administra ve lapses con nue to trail the passage and gaze ng of the legisla on, raising serious ques ons about competence and transparency. President Bola Tinubu gave the signal during a mee ng with members of the Na onal Tax Policy Implementa on Committee (NTPIC) at his Lagos residence, a development that has further unse led stakeholders who argue that the legal founda on of the reforms remains shaky and unresolved. A er the mee ng, Chairman of the Presidenal Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Commi ee, Taiwo Oyedele, announced that implementa on would proceed as scheduled, a declara on that cri cs see as hasty and dismissive of legi mate concerns over due process and legisla ve integrity.
The tax reform package comprises four major laws: the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025; the Nigeria Tax Administra on Act, 2025; the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025; and the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2025—laws expected to fundamentally reshape Nigeria’s tax system. However, rather than inspire confidence, the rollout has been overshadowed by public controversy over discrepancies between versions passed by the Na onal Assembly, documents transmi ed for presiden al assent, and the Acts eventually published in the Official Gaze e. In an unusual admission, the House of Representa ves acknowledged the irregulari es in a press statement issued on Friday, confirming that concerns had been raised over the harmonisa on and documenta on of the Bills, issues that should ordinarily have been se led before presiden al assent.
The House disclosed that it had hurriedly set up a seven-man Ad Hoc Commi ee following a Point of Order raised by a member, sugges ng that the problems were neither ancipated nor proac vely addressed by legisla ve leadership. According to the House, the commi ee is now a emp ng to reconstruct the sequence of events that led to the confusion, including probing possible lapses, irregulari es or even external interference—an exercise many observers believe is coming embarrassingly late. In what appears to be damage control, the leadership of the Na onal Assembly has directed the Clerk to re-gaze e the Acts and issue Cer fied True Copies, an extraordinary step that has further reinforced public percep on of ins tu onal disorder. Although the House insists the move is merely administra ve and does not imply any defect in legisla ve authority, legal experts argue that the
need for re-gaze ng undermines the credibility of the en re law-making process. Cri cs have also faulted the execu ve for pressing ahead with implementaon plans while the legislature is s ll scrambling to authen cate the very laws meant to be enforced, describing the approach as reckless and insensi ve to cons tu onal safeguards. Beyond legal concerns, the controversy has deepened public distrust in a government already accused of imposing harsh fiscal policies without adequate consulta on or clarity, par cularly at a me when Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship. Despite appeals by the House of Representa ves for the public to avoid “specula on,” many Nigerians remain unconvinced, viewing the unfolding events as yet another example of governance marked by confusion, poor coordina on and a troubling disregard for due process—even as January 1, 2026, draws closer.
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Tinubu Jets Out To Europe, Fails To Address Explain Alleged N50bn Nation On US Bombing Bodija Relief Fund or Resign – Oyo APC Tells Makinde Sodiq Yusuf RESIDENT Bola Tinubu has departed Nigeria for Europe without addressing the na on over the recent United States bombing that has raised global security concerns. The President le Lagos on Sunday, December 28, con nuing his end-of-year break ahead of an official engagement in Abu Dhabi, United Arab
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Emirates. Presiden al spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said in a statement yesterday that he is scheduled to par cipate in the 2026 edion of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW 2026), following an invita on by the President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The weeklong summit, which holds early January, brings together global leaders from
government, business, and civil society to discuss pathways for sustainable development. This year’s theme, “The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go,” focuses on aligning innova on, finance, and people to drive global progress. However, the President’s silence on the US bombing before leaving the country has drawn a en on, par cularly against the backdrop of heightened interna onal tension and Nigeria’s own security challenges.
Cri cs argue that a na onal address would have helped clarify Nigeria’s posi on and reassure ci zens, especially as many Nigeria OSUN DEFENDER reports that the US Department of War, had on Christmas Day, launched airstrikes against terrorists belonging to the Islamic State organisa on, in Sokoto and some parts of Kwara State. President Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria a er the conclusion of the summit.
•President Bola Tinubu in a group photograph with FIRS Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, Committee Chair on Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, among others, after a review meeting on the new Tax Laws, on Friday
Abiodun Ogunrinde
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HE Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has demanded that Governor Seyi Makinde give a detailed account of how a purported N50 billion relief fund was u lised following the January 2024 explosion in Bodija Government Reserved Area, Ibadan, or resign from office. The opposi on party’s demand followed claims by former Eki State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, who alleged during a live interview on a Lagos-based television sta on that President Bola Tinubu approved and released the N50 billion fund to Governor Makinde a er the tragic incident. Fayose claimed that the governor neither publicly acknowledged the fund nor adequately deployed it to provide relief for vic ms who lost lives and property in the explosion.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the APC Publicity Secretary in Oyo State, Olawale Sadare, accused Makinde of failing to account for the alleged fund. He also cri cised the governor over recent remarks allegedly made against President Tinubu and the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu. Sadare described Makinde as “the new face of sleaze” in Oyo poli cs, alleging that he inflated inherited government contracts a er assuming office in 2019. He further faulted Makinde’s claim of spending N4.5 billion on Bodija vic ms without providing a transparent breakdown of beneficiaries and expenditures. The APC insisted that the governor must give a full public explana on of the alleged N50 billion relief fund, warning that silence or media rebu als would not suffice.
Sport AFCON: Why I Recreated Kanu’s Historic Goal Celebration — Ndidi
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UPER Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has explained the inspiraon behind his recrea on of Nwankwo Kanu’s iconic goal celebra on following Nigeria’s thrilling 3–2 victory over Tunisia at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Na ons (AFCON) in Morocco. Ndidi, who now plays for Turkish side Besiktas, scored his first senior internaonal goal for Nigeria in over a decade with the na onal team during Saturday’s second group-stage encounter. The midfielder powered home a header from an Ademola Lookman corner in the second half to extend Nigeria’s lead in the keenly contested match. A er finding the net, Ndidi celebrated
by reenac ng Kanu’s famous dance from the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, when Nigeria staged a historic comeback to defeat Brazil in the semifinals. Explaining the gesture, Ndidi said the moment was deeply personal. “I just remembered my dad. He always talks about Kanu and all. I saw the video and said I would do that one for my dad,” he said. Reflec ng on his maiden goal for the Super Eagles, Ndidi described the moment as emo onal. “It was really special. A er a decade, scoring my first goal is really amazing, and we got the win, which is the most important thing,” he stated. Despite the victory, the captain
urged calm and focus within the squad. “It’s just two games. We s ll have the next game to play, so we must stay focused.
We’ll go back to the drawing board, see our mistakes and improve,” he said. Ndidi also praised the hospitality in Fes,
Morocco, expressed confidence about fitness levels despite the rainy condi ons, and urged Nigerians to keep suppor ng
the team. The Super Eagles will face Uganda in their final groupstage match on Tuesday.
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2025 VOL. 20 NO 73 www.osundefender.com, email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com
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N other climes, the opposi on leads protests against foul policies of government. In our space, the place of the opposi on is to fight itself, have intra-party conflicts and leadership challenges. Only to abdicate the levers of progressive opposi on to the government of the day to young people who get vilified and murdered when they respond and react to the excesses of the Gangsters in Power. In other climes, there are Price Regula ons and Consumer Protec on. In this space ci zens of the Country with the world’s poorest people are le at the mercy of Big Businesses and poli cal operators. Banks and Big Businesses declare windfalls and you ask, who are those patronizing them? Where do the very poor get the funds that work for hundreds of billions as profit to the Big Businesses? Is Nigeria not a Rogue Naon governed by Rogues for Rogues, to the chagrin of intending Rogues, and certainly to the grave disappointment of the hoi polloi, and the hapless masses. In other climes, the media punctures the deceit of poli cal operators and Big Businesses. In this space the media enables the deceit, gibberish, tommyrot, and falsehood of governmental operators and Big Businesses. They sing the seeming success of the soulless oppressors of the people. They hail individual wealth that impoverishes many, scarcely ever asking, ‘at what further cost on the poor will this be’? In other climes, Energy and Power are subsidized, and so is Agriculture. In this space, Government prides in the removal of a non exis ng subsidy in the Power and the Energy sector. They oblige the corrup ve proclivi es of government operators and Big Businesses, and lie about everything to excuse the worst larceny known to humankind, as the media gives life to the deceit of the worst poli cal species known to history. Power Tariff and Fuel Price is on a steady rise, and the Gangsters in Power think that the tale of no more subsidy cuts an ice. They deepen the rungs of poverty thinking that lies and voodoo economics will blind an inquisi ve genera on. They trade perfidy believing that the people are indeed deceived, not knowing that the deceiver is indeed the deceived. But like every space superintended by Gangsters they never smell
“When a government subsumed by profligacy, waste, Kakistocracy, kleptomania and wanderlust thinks that they can continuously increase the hardship faced by the people without resistance, opposition and conflict, that government MUST be on a steady high. But what can I say, is it not true after all that, When Gangsters Run A Nation, Truth, Values And Morals Become Shibboleth”
AFCON: Why I Recreated Kanu’s Historic Goal Celebration — Ndidi P 7
PERSPECTIVE
By PROF. HRIS NWAOKOBIA When Gangsters Run A Nation, Truth, Values And Morals Become Shibboleth reality, they hate the truth, they devalue proper conduct and morals, and mock logic and clear thought un l the worst become their lot. I shall not congratulate Dangote, I shall not congratulate Tinubu, I will not cut the Government or the NNPC LTD any slack un l I know the exact litre of Henry’s fuel consumed daily in Nigeria. Un l I know the exact amount of subsidy Nigeria has been paying daily and monthly. Un l I know the landing cost of Petrol. Un l Government puts to trial all those who have been stealing our Crude Oil. Un l the rot called Subsidy is fully and truly explained. Un l I understand why a highly impoverished people will have to pay more for Power and for Fuel. I do not grudge Dangote, why should
STRIKER
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I grudge him. I grudge a government that has no place for decency and dignity. The President’s Nephew runs a company that allegedly was worth 70 billion a year ago, and a year and a few months a er his Uncle becomes President, and the Minister of Petroleum, the Market value of his Petroleum Company jumps from 70 billion Naira to 1 Trillion Naira, ‘no be juju be that’? That’s what a na on gets when Gangsters are in Power. ‘Dangote go chop e own too’ so the people must pay more for fuel. The people are the perennial vic m of the evil called ‘leadership in Nigeria’. If the People protest they are called names, they are charged for Treason and some morally deficient sycophants think that this will con nue ad nauseam
ad infinitum. We shall see. When organized Labour, the NLC and the TUC call the government names and bay for a protest and strike, they are called haters of government and enablers of treason and treasonable felony. For how long do they hope to sustain the present mess? ‘We n I know sef’? Only Gangsters spend money lavishly without caring about the people. Only Gangsters increase the hardship of the majority for the aggrandizing feat and feast of the minority. Only Gangsters buy new Jets and Presiden al vehicles whilst asking ci zens to manage. Only Gangsters build new houses for government operators whilst poverty pummels the people. Only Gangsters buy new SUVs for Government Operators in the face of draconic hunger and poverty. Only Gangsters increase Power tariff and fuel price in the na on that houses the world’s poorest popula on. And only Gangsters treat ci zens like a conquered people. This Government must Prove me wrong by exercising some humanity, un l then, I am compelled to believe that calling this watch, a watch of Gangsters in Power GIP is pre y charitable and polite. When a government subsumed by profligacy, waste, Kakistocracy, kleptomania and wanderlust thinks that they can con nuously increase the hardship faced by the people without resistance, opposi on and conflict, that government MUST be on a steady high. But what can I say, is it not true a er all that, When Gangsters Run A Na on, Truth, Values And Morals Become Shibboleth. I s ll believe in Nigeria, for over my head I see a New Nigeria in the Horizon.
Striker is not the opinion of the Columnist featured above
Before The Truth Sets You Free
N John 8:32, the Bible (New Interna onal Version) says, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” I prefer the version because of the context, on the basis of the opening word, “Then.” It presumes that there are deeds to be done even before the truth is known, much ahead of it se ng anyone free. Full of grumblings about unrighteousness and not being in good standing before equity are the works that majority of Nigerians ignore with veiled contempt. They are far from the day they will embrace the truth and thereby find self and social redemp on. As far as peace and security, jusce, freedom and prosperity are concerned, desiring them requires interroga ons of the Nigerian reality dispassionately to find out the truth about how and why we con nue to perambulate about in our present wilderness of a thousand tribulaons. Meanwhile, those who want to work on it and achieve it do not need to come in their thousands. All they need is, while not being saints themselves as there are none, come with as clean a hand as possible. That way, they will have the support, solidarity and followership of the majority; with that, the victory of good over evil in the land is inevitable. Those who are the champions of exploita on and oppression in Nigeria today and have plunged the majority into unprecedented hardship with
fake promises of be er days ahead resul ng from their wayward policies, have indeed summed up the a tude and disposi on of the majority – their nonpar san affilia on to truth, and their unwillingness to make sacrifices for the common good. Seeing clearly that majority of Nigerians are in huge deficit and beholden to self-destruc ve par san “truths” and self-centred pursuits, the elites are assured that there is absolutely no meaningful resistance to injus ce that can be mustered by the people. Accordingly, the elites connue to openly and brazenly showcase their unrepentant commitment to themselves at the expense of the common good. The truth about how and why we are where we are is not hidden at all. They are told by those s ll commi ed to telling them every day before the independence of Nigeria in Newspapers, in songs, in poems, in theatres and dramas, and more recently on all social media pla orms. Why then is knowing the truth and ge ng set free by it difficult? It takes the readiness to accept the readiness of the responsibility that the truth imposes to really know the truth even if a man or woman’s brain is cracked opened and the truth is poured into it; without that readiness to follow the truth to the dark places it leads ahead of emergence into light, a person in front of whom the truth is standing naked will
con nue to have reasons to live the lie in ruinous denial. Truth imposes responsibility; willingness precedes readiness in the task of accep ng those responsibili es. Without readiness, let the majority of Nigerians arrive at just being willing to accept that responsibility first. We will accordingly arrive at the first stage in which no government that is supposed to be of the people, by the people and for the people can take them for granted. Nigerians had lived under brutal military dictatorship for years and eventually summoned the willingness to throw off their tyrannical yoke. So, what changed? The value system, and its decadence, gradually, un l the man or woman saying the truth or doing right by it today is the endangered species in Nigeria, and seen by majority as the fool by the majority who are themselves dehumanised idiots; thereby easily producing the kind of government they deserve. There are several stories of human and societal redemp on, and Nigeria is capable of wri ng the most upli ing and spectacular of such, and why not, if Rwanda can come from horrifying genocide story to the blessed, prosperous country they are today through a leadership and followership that eventually came to reckoning with doing what is needed to make them know the truth and be set free by it?
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