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Tinubu’s Osun Directive Protected Democracy, Not Politics — Lawyer
By Hassan Agboola
A legal practitioner and advocate for good governance, Shuaibu Gama, has defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to halt the freezing of the Osun State Government’s accounts, describing the move as a constitutional decision aimed at protecting democracy rather than an act of political interference.
In a statement titled Beyond Institutional Zeal, made available to Journalists, in Abuja , on Thursday, Gama said the independence of the EFCC, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and other law enforcement agencies remained fundamental to constitutionalism, the rule of law and accountable democratic governance.
However, he argued that institutional autonomy must not override the broader duty of preserving the constitutional order.
“The need to advocate for the independence of the EFCC, the ICPC and every law enforcement agency from undue interference is beyond contest. Their institutional autonomy remains an indispensable pillar of constitutionalism, the rule of law and accountable democratic governance,” he said.
Gama argued that no constitutional democracy elevates a single constitutional principle above the preservation of the Republic.
“At the summit of every enlightened constitutional order rests the preservation of the Republic itself. Upon the shoulders of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as Head of State and Head of Government, lies that solemn and inescapable burden,” he said.
According to him, the President’s directive should not be viewed through the narrow prism of institutional interference alone but as a careful constitutional judgment made in exceptional circumstances where the overriding public interest required restraint in the exercise of statutory powers.
He maintained that freezing the accounts of a state government on the eve of a fiercely contested governorship election would have heightened political tension, deepened public suspicion and cast doubt on the credibility of the electoral process.
“Freezing a state’s accounts on the eve of a fiercely contested governorship election would only inflame political tension, deepen public suspicion and cast an avoidable pall over the integrity and credibility of the electoral process,” Gama said.
He added that the fact the directive benefited an administration controlled by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) demonstrated that the decision was rooted in democratic prudence rather than partisan expediency.
According to him, the anti-corruption campaign derives its legitimacy from the constitutional order and should not undermine other constitutional values in the pursuit of accountability.
“The struggle against corruption derives its enduring moral force from the constitutional order. It cannot, in vindicating one constitutional ideal, diminish another of even greater consequence. Genuine statesmanship is measured not merely by fidelity to power, but by the wisdom, restraint and foresight to ensure that its exercise preserves the commonwealth,” he said.
Gama concluded by invoking the Latin maxim, Publica Utilitas Est Lex Suprema—meaning “the public interest is the supreme law”—stressing that, in moments of constitutional sensitivity, the highest public interest is the preservation of constitutional democracy.
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
Armed bandits have abducted the traditional ruler of Igbesi community in the Isin local government area of Kwara State, Oba Moses Oyinloye Iwedunmoye I.
It was gathered that the bandits invaded Igbesi at about 11:00 pm. on Saturday and abducted the monarch.
A palace source said the monarch was abducted alongside some other residents of the community during the attack.
“As of now , the exact number of victims and the whereabouts of the abducted monarch remained unclear”, the source said.
The State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, confirmed the abduction of the traditional ruler, adding that no other person was kidnapped.
He said that efforts are being made to rescue the monarch, adding that: “The narrative of attacks within the past 24 hours is also far from the truth; nothing of such.”
- Urges Unity, Support For Party Candidates
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Share/Oke-Ode Constituency in the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Oyinloye Benjamin Dairo, has held a strategic meeting with women and youth leaders from across the Ifelodun Constituency as part of his ongoing consultations and grassroots engagement and mobilisation.
The stakeholders’ meeting, held at the residence of the late Dr. Femi Ogunshola, commenced with a minute of silence in honour and remembrance of the departed APC chieftain.
Dairo said: “Since his demise, I had not held any meeting at the residence, but I now deemed it fit to return there as a mark of respect and honour to the memory of a departed father. The solemn gesture reflected the deep respect and affection with which the late Dr. Femi Ogunshola continues to be remembered by the people.
“This strategic engagement provided me a unique opportunity to interact with party leaders and grassroots stakeholders, listen to their perspectives, and further strengthen the spirit of unity, consultation, cooperation and collective commitment within the All Progressives Congress (APC).”
Hon. Oyinloye was accompanied by Alhaji Abdullateef Quadri Oko-Ode, Elder Babalola Arola, Obafemi Babamogba, Yusuf Adekunle Tajudeen, Mustapha Oladipo Alakoro and Biodun Balogun.
Among those present at the meeting were the Honourable Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Segun Ogunshola; Hon. Timothy Ogunshola; Wahab Adam, Youth Leader, Oke-Ode 3; Musbau Toheeb, Youth Leader, Share 1; Raji Ismaila, Youth Leader, Oke-Ode 2; Animasaun J. Julius, Youth Leader, Oro-Ago Ward; Aileru Testimony, Youth Leader, Oke-Ode 1; Aremu Sarafa, Youth Leader, Share 4; Shaba Suleiman, Youth Leader, Share 3; Ajayi K., Youth Leader, Share 5; Yusuf Ismail, Youth Leader, Share 2; Sheu Kafayat, Women Leader, Oke-Ode 3; Awoyemi Janet, Women Leader, Oro-Ago Ward; Ibrahim Kehinde, Women Leader, Share 4; Azeez Sadiyat, Women Leader, Share 3; Abosede Jacob, Women Leader, Share 2; Mustapha Fatima, Women Leader, Oke-Ode 2; and Usman Limota, Women Leader, Oke-Ode 3.
In his address, the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Segun Ogunshola, commended the administration and achievements of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, stressing the importance of sustained commitment and collective efforts towards the continued progress of the state and the success of the APC.
He urged all party members and stakeholders to give their maximum support to all APC candidates in the forthcoming 2027 elections, from the gubernatorial candidate, Hon. Saliu Yakub Danladi; the Senatorial candidate, Prince Lekan Adewoye; the House of Representatives candidate, Dr. Rafiu Ajakaye; to the Share/Oke-Ode Constituency candidate for the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Oyinloye Benjamin Dairo.
Also speaking, Alhaji Abdullateef and Elder Babalola urged the women and youth leaders, as well as all party stakeholders present, to remain steadfast and loyal to the All Progressives Congress (APC), emphasising the importance of party discipline, unity and commitment, and encouraging all members to continue to support the party’s leadership and remain dedicated to the collective progress and success of the party.
The party leaders and executives present reaffirmed their dedication and unflinching loyalty to the leadership, unity and progress of the All Progressives Congress, pledging to intensify their grassroots engagement, mobilise support and contribute their utmost towards the success of the party and its candidates at all levels.
In his remarks, Hon. Oyinloye Benjamin Dairo expressed his appreciation to the women and youth leaders, party stakeholders and all those who honoured the invitation, urging continued unity, cooperation and commitment to the collective success of the party.
He further emphasised the need to sustain the development strides and vision of the Governor AbdulRazaq, while also urging party members to remain united, support all APC candidates and prepare to vote massively for the party’s candidates at all levels in the forthcoming 2027 elections.
The meeting ended on a strong note of renewed commitment, with all those present pledging to strengthen party unity, deepen grassroots engagement and work collectively towards a decisive victory for the All Progressives Congress and all its candidates in the forthcoming 2027 elections.
The Association of Northern Nigeria Students ANNS, has bestowed Chief B.M Auta, with the title of Grand Commander and Patron, of Northern Nigeria Students, for his relentless support to students and younger people.
A letter by the National President of the association, Sadiq Sabo, stated that the students body took special notice of B M Auta’s leadership, dedication and humanitarian services to all manner of people.
The letter described Chief Auta, as a symbol of hope, unity and selfless service to humanity, hence the honour.
According to the letter, Chief Auta has been rendering assistance towards youth development, community service and nation building, and has often dedicated himself to uplifting the less previledged.
Chief B.M Auta, who is the representatative of the Shehu of Borno in Kaduna, thanked the student body for what he described as an uncommon recognition by youths for his modest contributions to humanity.
In accepting the appointment, he charged the students to imbibe the spirit of nationalism, self discipline and volunteerism.
He also pledged to continue assisting youths and enggaging the students, for greater services to the nation.
Zulum @57: Tribute to a Trailblazing Teacher.
Bandits Kidnap Kwara Community’s Monarch
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