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Nigerians Deserve to Know How Ibas Utilized N254 Billion – SERAP

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Ibok-Ete Ibas, the former sole administrator of Rivers State, has been the subject of demands from the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) to look into his spending.
Between March and August 2025, Ibas got about ₦254.37 billion from the Federation Account; the organization demanded him to provide an explanation for his spending.

Through a Freedom of Information request, the rights group contended that access to official data, including the expenditures made by the previous Rivers State Administrator, would improve accountability and transparency in the administration of public funds.

“To compel the immediate past Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), to explain how his government spent the over N254.37bn received from the Federation Account Allocation Committee between March and August 2025, including the N22bn allegedly budgeted for CCTV in the State House,” SERAP stated in a Freedom of Information request.

Read Also: ARCON Issues Strong Warning Over Fraudulent AI Ads Featuring President Tinubu

“Reputable public interests would be served by the FOI request.”

Additionally, SERAP stated that it will assist in responding to and disputing any claims of corruption, poor management, or misuse of the public trust.

Everybody has the right to information, according to the group, and the FOI request was submitted in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act, Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

The public’s ability to examine and discover the truth in the government’s operations is another benefit of the right to information access.

It is the right of Nigerians to know how Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) used FAAC funds and other funds obtained during the state’s emergency time. It is a component of their legally protected human rights.

Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the Freedom of Information Act all guarantee everyone the right to information, including information about how Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) used FAAC funds and other funds obtained during the state’s emergency rule.

The foundation of Nigeria’s anti-corruption and human rights commitments, the Freedom of Information Act, and the country’s Constitution is the idea that people should be able to learn about the actions of their government.

“Rivers State cannot refuse to provide the requested details by citing the emergency rule as an excuse,” the rights group emphasized.

ARCON Issues Strong Warning Over Fraudulent AI Ads Featuring President Tinubu

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The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, or ARCON, has issued a warning to the people and organizations responsible for a phony AI-generated advertisement that features President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that the ad was created specifically to defraud Nigerians and that they should stop right away.

Facebook’s ad, which is owned by Meta Inc., was deemed false by the highest advertising regulatory agency.

The purpose of the advertisement copy, according to ARCON, was to deceive the public into funding a Ponzi scam.

On September 22, 2025, the Council revealed in a press release signed by Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, Director-General of ARCON, that preliminary inquiries have verified the content was created with artificial intelligence (AI) technology and lacked formal authorization for Nigerian public consumption.

In order to deceive and swindle gullible Nigerians, the council said, “an initial investigation reveals that the advertisement is computer/AI-generated.”

President Tinubu had no involvement whatsoever in the advertisement, ARCON said, adding that his voice and image were used illegally.

According to the statement, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not endorse or give permission for anyone to use his image to promote any investment scheme.”

It also pointed out that the Council’s Advertising Standards Panel (ASP) never reviewed or approved the commercial, which is required by law.

“The Advertising Standards Panel (ASP) did not submit the advertisement for vetting or evaluate and approve its exposure in accordance with the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria Act No. 23 of 2022,” Dr. Fadolapo emphasized.

As a result, ARCON has reaffirmed that pre-exposure vetting, a policy of the Nigerian government, is still an essential defense against deceptive, damaging, and inaccurate advertising.

The Federal Government’s pre-exposure vetting strategy strives to make sure all advertising are respectable, accurate, lawful, socially conscious, and free of false information, disinformation, and unsupported claims, according to the Director-General.

All media stakeholders received a strong reminder from the regulatory agency of their legal responsibilities.

“This is to remind all media owners (traditional, new media, primary digital media space owners, and secondary digital media space owners) that, as gatekeepers of advertising, marketing communications, and advertising in Nigeria, they are required by law to demand and obtain a vetting Certificate of Approval before any advertisement targeted at the Nigerian market is exposed,” ARCON emphasized.

ARCON cautioned that noncompliance with these restrictions would result in consequences. The statement said that “violations of the necessary provisions of Act No. 23 of 2022 will result in sanctions in line with the law.”

Additionally, in accordance with ARCON’s mandate, Dr. Fadolapo urged the public and advertising professionals to recommit to ethical norms. “We urge all stakeholders and the advertising community to recommit to the principles of truthful, legal, decent, and responsible advertising in Nigeria as we continue to work towards creating a more ethical and consumer-protective advertising environment,” he said.

The emergence of generative AI has brought opportunities and risks to the advertising sector, according to the Director-General. ARCON acknowledged the revolutionary potential of AI but warned against its misuse for dishonest ends.

ARCON’s caution coincides with escalating worries around the world on the use of deepfake technology in consumer marketing, politics, and finance. According to experts, in the absence of strict regulation, malicious actors may use AI tools more frequently to deceive the public, sway opinions, and commit massive fraud.

As per the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria Act No. 23 of 2022, which grants it extensive authority to examine, oversee, and penalize advertising practices in the Nigerian market, ARCON views this development as a reminder of the importance of its regulatory framework. With its most recent campaign, the council hopes to safeguard Nigerians’ financial security as well as the integrity of the country’s advertising environment.

PDP Sets Eyes on 2027 Win After Electing Grassroots Executives in Adamawa

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In order to run the party at the local level, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa State has selected new executives from each of the 21 local government districts.

In order to maintain unity and minimize disagreements, the executives were chosen by consensus among the party members.

Retired Hon. David Iorhembe, the chairman of the Adamawa PDP Local Governments Congress Committee, expressed his satisfaction with the exercise’s execution while observing the congress in Yola South, Yola North, and Gerei LGAs on Monday.

“I am pleased with the high attendance and the level of maturity displayed by our members today. Iorhembe stated, “The consensus option has really helped to unite the party and avoid unnecessary tension.”

He commended Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for his significant accomplishments and visionary leadership, claiming that they have enhanced the state and increased support for the PDP.

He urged party members to cooperate in order to ensure the PDP’s win in the 2027 elections and to keep backing the governor.

“PDP is still the party to beat in 2027, and I am sure we will deliver with the unity we have demonstrated here today,” he continued.

Unite or Lose 2027 to Tinubu, Coalition Advises Atiku and Obi

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The 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have been warned by a coalition of opposition parties to cooperate or be ready to give President Bola Tinubu a second term on a silver platter.

This advise was given yesterday at a meeting in Abuja by a coalition of civil society organizations, including the Civil Societies Alliance, SDMA, and the Save Democracy Mega Alliance, among others.

According to Tony Akeni, the South South Coordinator of SDMA and one of the signatories to the communiqué released following the meeting, the group concluded that Atiku and Obi needed to work together in order to have an influence in 2027.

“The essential goal of emancipating our nation through the vote in 2027 will be accomplished if the electorate and members of our opposition political parties make the correct choices.

However, if progressive opposition leaders make poor choices and fail to win the presidency in 2027, the repercussions would be severe for our country in many ways.

“Nigeria is fortunate to have two exceptional political opposition leaders today, both of whom are very competent to serve as president and lead our country back to greatness starting in 2027.

His Excellency Peter Obi, who is currently with the Labour Party, and His Excellency Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who is currently with the African Democratic Congress, or ADC, are these individuals.

He stated, “Unfortunately, however, unquestionable intelligence and the results of a months-long study that was commissioned have revealed two barricading truths against the hope that either Atiku or Peter Obi will win the Nigeria Presidency in 2027, if one or both leaders make the wrong decisions.”

He added that research has indicated that the current administration was implementing policies that would prevent Atiku or Peter Obi from obtaining the presidency in 2027.

He stated that the only way these measures will likely be successful is if “they (Atiku and Obi) make the fatal, historically regrettable, and irredeemable mistake of contesting the 2027 presidential election on the platforms of two separate or competing political parties.”

Lagos APC Slams El-Rufai for ‘Life Presidency’ Comment on Tinubu

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) Lagos State branch has harshly criticized Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, for his comments suggesting that President Bola Tinubu is attempting to solidify his hold on power by establishing a “life presidency.”

In a statement released on Monday, Mogaji Seye Oladejo, the party’s publicity secretary, called the remark “mischievous, reckless, and an affront to Tinubu’s lifelong commitment to democratic principles.”

Oladejo recalled the President’s significant contribution to the pro-democracy movement in Nigeria in the 1990s, especially his strong participation in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO).

He pointed out that despite the high personal cost, Tinubu continuously resisted military tyranny and worked to bring civilian authority back.

Because of Tinubu’s long-standing opposition to tenure extension and his defense of constitutional order, he claimed it was “laughable and shameful” for anyone, particularly El-Rufai, to doubt his democratic credentials.

Tinubu’s commitment to Nigeria’s Constitution is steadfast, the Lagos APC emphasized, adding that the country’s democracy is protected by strong institutions, a well-established system of checks and balances, and constitutional term limitations.

APC Declares Tambuwal Politically Irrelevant

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Former Governor Aminu Tambuwal has come under fire from the All Progressives Congress, or APC, in Sokoto State, which has labeled him “politically retired.”

While speaking to reporters in Sokoto on Monday, Sadiq Achida, the party’s state chairman, initiated the attack.

Tambuwal, according to Achida, had no independent political base and was able to gain power thanks to the involvement of political godfathers, especially Senator Aliyu Wamakko.

Tambuwal’s political future looked gloomy, he said.

The APC chairman declared, “A politician whose only legacy is propaganda and a collapsed state cannot be revived by any Abuja alliance, media propaganda, or recycled coalition.”

Achida also said that Tambuwal avoided responsibility for leaving behind a state beset by unfinished projects by refusing to legally turn over power to his successor in 2023.

Tinubu’s Government Worse Than Military Rule, Says El-Rufai

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The administration of President Bola Tinubu poses a bigger threat to democratic governance than any previous military rule in Nigeria, according to Nasir El-Rufai, the immediate past governor of Kaduna State.

During his weekend host to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, El-Rufai made this statement while denouncing the Tinubu administration and calling it a disgrace to democracy itself.

After an incident during the African Democratic Congress’s (ADC) inauguration in Kaduna State, Atiku reportedly visited former Governor El-Rufai in sympathy.

Remember how thugs broke into the inaugural location and interrupted the event?

In the meantime, El-Rufai and the Kaduna State administration had exchanged verbal accusations on the incident.

To be honest, sir, I find it extremely shameful. The fact that people act in this manner indicates that all of the rhetoric that we have used over the years to support democracy and NADECO, as well as the assertions that we are fighting for true federalism, was, once again, a front. because the administration of Tinubu is attempting to centralize everything rather than distribute authority to the lesser levels.

All of this leads to the conclusion that if we don’t unite and overthrow the Tinubu regime by 2027, Tinubu will attempt to become our Paul Biya. This is the biggest evil in this nation’s history. Paul Biya began in this manner, and all the indications are there,” El-Rufai stated.

El-Rufai Needs Assistance Ahead of 2027 – Onanuga

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Ahead of the general elections in 2027, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s spokeswoman, Bayo Onanuga, has stated that former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai needs assistance due to baseless allegations and conjectures regarding the President.

This was revealed by Onanuga in a message released on Sunday via his official X account.

This comes as El-Rufai told Nigerians that Tinubu must be ousted in the 2027 election or he will be “president for life” during a solidarity visit with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

Onanuga asserted, however, that El-Rufai’s recent statements demonstrate his recognition of the pointlessness of efforts to block President Tinubu’s reelection in 2027.

He called the African Democratic Congress-led opposition alliance, of which El-Rufai is a member, a mission bound for failure.

Read Also: Obasanjo’s Third Term Agenda: Agents Targeted Us for Refusing Bribes – Bugaje

He claims that the North’s overwhelming support during President Tinubu’s most recent visit to Kaduna indicates that the conspiracy to remove him is unsustainable.

According to Onanuga, Uba Sani, the governor of Kaduna state, could want to provide El-Rufai with his expert advice in order to help him avoid making up stories about President Tinubu.

Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, seems to want assistance, particularly in light of his recent baseless assertions and conjectures on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

It is becoming more and more clear that El-Rufai has realized the pointlessness of his new party colleagues’ attempts to stop President Tinubu from being re-elected in 2027. This plot is turning out to be unachievable, a quest that will never succeed.

In order to help El-Rufai avoid his current hallucinations and political fabrications about Tinubu and 2027, he wrote on X, “Governor Uba Sani might want to get in touch with his predecessor.”

Obasanjo’s Third Term Agenda: Agents Targeted Us for Refusing Bribes – Bugaje

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Former House of Representatives member Usman Bugaje, who represents Katsina State’s Jibia/Kaita Federal Constituency, maintained on Monday that former President Olusegun Obasanjo put in a lot of effort to win a third term.

According to Bugaje, they were threatened by some of Obasanjo’s operatives and experienced various forms of harm because of the third term issue.

He was responding to Obasanjo’s assertion over the weekend that he would have been elected to a third term as president if he had desired one.

Bugaje revealed during an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show that there is proof that Obasanjo gave lawmakers money back then in order to further his third-term goals.

“I can confirm to you that Obasanjo looked for a third term at that time and did everything he could within his power to do so,” Bugaje stated.

“Now, the fact that he didn’t call to make a specific call to someone isn’t enough proof that he didn’t look for that moment; it’s just a question of style.

However, everyone in the National Assembly at the time was aware that he worked around the clock, that many of us were under threat from his own agents, and that some people were harmed in various ways.

Before we were able to hold one crucial meeting that truly helped us to rally the nation in opposition to Obasanjo’s third term, Senator Victor Lar, the head of the Northern Caucus of the House of Representatives at the time, had to hide in a variety of locations, so I mean

“There are numerous pieces of proof, and the individuals who threatened us and dispersed the money are still alive. The recipients of the funds are still living. Those who declined to accept them are still living. That is enough proof.

123 Million Nigerians Registered on National Identity Database – NIMC

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With a unique National Identity Number (NIN), more than 123 million Nigerians are registered in the nation’s National Identity database, according to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

At the 7th National Day of Identity conference in Abuja, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, the Director General of NIMC, announced this milestone.

As 52% of Nigerians living abroad have enrolled in the Diaspora, and 85% of inmates in Nigeria’s correctional system have done so, the Director General gave an update on the national identity project’s noteworthy advancements, highlighting its growing reach both domestically and internationally.

According to Engineer Coker-Odusote, recent infrastructural improvements that have made the enrolling process more efficient are to blame for this quick expansion.

The time required to obtain a NIN has decreased by 49% as a result of the commission’s expansion of its network, which now includes more than 200 enrollment sites both domestically and overseas.

NIMC has expanded the database and standardized the NIN with about 125 government institutions and agencies. Enhancing governance and service delivery, as well as fortifying the national data ecosystem, are the goals of this integration.

In response to public worries regarding data security, the Director General assured everyone that the NIMC database is safe and complies with international regulations.

According to her, the database is the most secure in the nation, which is essential for fostering public trust in the national digital identification initiative.

With the NIN acting as a fundamental component for social services, security, and national planning, Nigeria is continuing to develop a strong digital infrastructure at the time of the announcement.

A deliberate attempt to establish a single, verified identity for each and every person is reflected in the current enrollment push.