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Economy

Shehu Sani: Opposition Figures Not Driven By Public Interest, Only Frustrated Over Exclusion

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Shehu Sani

Shehu Sani: Opposition Figures Not Driven By Public Interest, Only Frustrated Over Exclusion

Shehu Sani: Opposition figures not driven by public interest, only frustrated over exclusion. Former federal lawmaker and human rights activist, Senator Shehu Sani, says recent opposition movements and criticisms of President Bola Tinubu’s government are not grounded in genuine public interest but driven by personal frustration, exclusion from power, and failed political ambition.

The former Kaduna senator, who made a guest appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday, noted that most opposition leaders today are “simply disgruntled” politicians who were once part of the same political establishment they now criticise.

“When you have a group of disgruntled elements who are frustrated and come together, it’s not about the country or the people — it is simply about being excluded from the system,” he stated.

Channels Television reports that Sani dismissed claims that ideological differences separate the opposition from the ruling party, saying they are all from the same elite class.

“It’s not that they are now Marxists or trade unionists confronting a capitalist order — they’re all from the same bourgeois political class.

“They use every opportunity to weaponise our challenges and present themselves as a better alternative, but many of them have been in power since 1999.”

He criticised ongoing efforts by opposition leaders, such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, to build a coalition against Tinubu ahead of 2027.

Atiku, who has run for the presidency six times, has recently reached out to political heavyweights, including Peter Obi and former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

Responding to coalition talks and internal crises within political parties, Sani said it is irresponsible to blame the president for problems rooted within the opposition’s own ranks.

“It’s unfortunate that the opposition is looking to the president to solve their problems. If there’s a problem in the PDP, NNPP, SDP or any party, and you have members working against the party but refuse to expel or suspend them—then turn to blame the president — that is irresponsible.

“PDP, NNPP, LP, and SDP should fix their internal problems and stop looking toward the president. Only then can they play the role of a functional opposition,” he said.

According to Sani, it would be naive for anyone to expect the president to resolve crises in rival parties.

“As president of the ruling party, he cannot be expected to fix the very machine that would be turned against him politically. It is a political strategy—just like in football—you want your opponent distracted with internal problems.”

Sani also referenced the June 12 Democracy Day award and national history, describing the honour as a call to sacrifice, not a personal celebration.

He commended President Tinubu’s contributions to the June 12 struggle, calling it “unequalled and unparalleled.”

“Tinubu played a pivotal role in triggering a national uprising that led to the redefinition of June 12 decades after. This award is not about us but about June 12. It is an encouragement for Nigerians to make sacrifices,” he said.

Sani noted that a man who once funded and joined pro-democracy protests should now lead a government that is tolerant of dissent.

“Someone who supported, funded, and participated in protests should have a government that is tolerant of protestation,” Sani stated.

He dismissed claims that Tinubu collaborated with the late military dictator Sani Abacha.

On those comparing Tinubu’s government to military rule, the former senator said such assessments are misleading and lack objectivity.

Shehu Sani

Shehu Sani

 

“Those comparing Tinubu’s government to military rule are being economical with the truth. It was virtually impossible for us then to organise protests or conferences.

“Some of us went to jail, into exile, and lost loved ones. When people comfortably sit in their living rooms and call this regime a dictatorship, we simply laugh. It’s not true,” he said.

The senator added that what Nigeria has today, while imperfect, is far better than the past.

“You cannot say what we have today is worse than military rule. Democracy is not yet 100 per cent, but we are very far from where we came from, and we can do better from here,” he said.

Economy

Lagos Assembly Strongly Seeks Suspension Of Makoko Demolition

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Lagos Assembly

Lagos Assembly Strongly Seeks Suspension Of Makoko Demolition

Lagos assembly strongly seeks suspension of Makoko demolition. The Lagos state house of assembly has called for the suspension of demolition activities in Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Shogunro waterfront communities following protests by displaced residents and growing public concern over the exercise.

The call was announced on Tuesday by Noheem Adams, chairman of an ad hoc committee set up by Mudashiru Obasa, speaker of the house, during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Lateef Jakande auditorium.

Adams called on all state ministries to cease demolition work and promised compensation to the affected residents.
“On behalf of the speaker and all 40 members of the house, we are directing that all demolitions in Makoko, Oko-Agbon, and Shogunro communities should stop from today until further notice,” New Telegraph quoted Adams as saying.

He called for transparency by demanding the full list of taskforce members and the criteria used for engagement, insisting that residents must be actively involved in the process.

“That the taskforce that was constituted, we want to see the list of the taskforce because we want the residents to be duly involved and to be carried along. So we want to have the schedule of those task forces and the criteria for those that we are inviting,” Adams added.

Lagos Assembly

Lagos Assembly

“To the residents of Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Shogunro communities, as your representatives, we are giving you all assurances that they will stop demolitions henceforth and there will be compensations for all those whose properties have been demolished.”

Stephen Ogundipe, member of the ad-hoc, said there is need for clear communication, adding that residents targeted for relocation or redevelopment must be informed of the government’s plans in advance.

Babatunde Olajide, special adviser to governor of Lagos on E-GIS and urban renewal, confirmed that $2 million had been earmarked since 2021 to transform Makoko into a modern, internationally compliant water city.

He said enumeration of affected properties is underway and reiterated the administration’s commitment to handling the situation with a human face, prioritizing resident safety and fair compensation.

Yusuf Sagra, baale of Makoko, described the assembly’s decision as a “word of peace,” while Orioye Ogungbure, another leader of the community, praised the “democratic responsiveness” of the government.

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Crime

EFCC Arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for Alleged Naira Mutilation In Viral Video

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EFCC Probes Man

EFCC Arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for Alleged Naira Mutilation In Viral Video

EFCC arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for alleged naira mutilation in viral video. The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,   on Tuesday, February 3, 2026  arrested a Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa over alleged Naira mutilation.

Inuwa was arrested following a viral video circulated on social media platforms where she was seen conspicuously cleaning mucus from her nose using Naira notes.

EFCC Probes Man

EFCC

Following the release of the viral video, the Commission swung into action by tracing and subsequently arrested her to answer questions.
She is currently being held at the Commission’s detention facility while investigation is ongoing.

The suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

Dele Oyewale
Head,  Media & Publicity
February 3, 2026

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Economy

Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime

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National Bank Of Kenya

Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime

Access Bank gets new board chair Ifeyinwa Osime. Access Bank Plc has appointed Ifeyinwa Osime as chair of the board of directors, following the retirement of Paul Usoro, on January 29.

Access Bank Plc has appointed Ifeyinwa Osime as chair of the board of directors, following the retirement of Paul Usoro, on January 29, according to a statement to the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. on Monday.

Ms Osime, a legal practitioner, joined Access Bank’s board in November 2019 as an independent non-executive director and had chaired its Human Resources and Sustainability Committee and the Governance, Nomination, and Remuneration Committee. This role made her contribute significantly to the bank’s corporate governance, leadership development, and sustainability initiatives.

Additionally, Ms Osime is a director at Ebudo Trust Ltd. and a partner at McPherson Legal Practitioners, where she advises on corporate and commercial matters and contributes to strategic leadership.

She is also a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, the Women Corporate Directors, Nigeria Chapter, and the Chartered Institute of Directors, Nigeria, where she serves on the Executive Committee of the Women Sectoral Group.

National Bank Of Kenya

Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Ms Osime is committed to mentoring youths and is actively involved in the Autism and Developmental Delays Support Community, reflecting her dedication to inclusion and social impact.
Speaking on her appointment, the group chairman, Aigboje Aig-lmoukhuede, said, “Mrs Osime is a principled and experienced leader with a deep understanding of the Bank’s strategy and values.

“She has demonstrated strong commitment to the bank’s vision and mission, and I am confident that, under her leadership, the bank will continue to advance its strategic objectives of delivering sustainable value to shareholders and other stakeholders in the pursuit of its vision to become the world’s most respected African bank.”

Mr Aig-lmoukhuede also congratulated Mr Usoro on the completion of his tenure and on his exemplary leadership, dedication, and significant contributions to the group, saying he remains a valued member of the Access family.

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