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

Women and young girls have been urged to speak up and seek justice whenever they become victims of Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV), rather than suffering in silence or abandoning the pursuit of justice

The call was made on Thursday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, at a workshop organised by the Webfala Digital Skills for All Initiative (WDSFAI) to examine the impacts of TFGBV on women and how it could undermine their participation in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.

The workshop, themed “Digital Voices: Empowering Nigerian Women Against TFGBV,” brought together young women in politics, public leadership and the media, alongside stakeholders who highlighted the growing threats posed by online abuse and the need for collective action to create safer digital spaces for women.

Speaking at the event, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Kwara State Police Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, lamented that many victims and their families often abandon the pursuit of justice after experiencing gender-based violence, adding that, silence protects the offenders, while reporting protects the society.

She stressed that digital safety has become an essential aspect of personal security because women now rely heavily on digital platforms for business, education, healthcare, banking, politics, relationships and entertainment.

“Many people unknowingly leave their digital lives completely exposed. Today, our phones are our homes. Our social media accounts are our identities. Our online presence deserves equal protection. Digital safety is personal safety because violence no longer requires physical contact,” she said.

Ejire-Adeyemi further noted that many victims fail to report abuse due to fear of being blamed, judged or disbelieved, urging families and friends to provide support instead of discouraging them from seeking justice.

She assured participants that the Nigeria Police Force would continue to investigate cyber-enabled crimes, preserve digital evidence, arrest offenders, collaborate with relevant cybercrime agencies, protect victims and intensify public awareness on online safety.

While highlighting the legal protections available to victims, including the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act and relevant provisions of the Criminal and Penal Codes, the police spokesperson stressed that women have the right to digital privacy, online safety, dignity, justice and protection.

She called on governments to strengthen legislation and enforcement, technology companies to improve reporting systems and promptly remove abusive content, while urging schools to promote digital citizenship and parents to monitor their children’s online activities.

“Technology should create opportunities, not fear. Protecting women online is a shared responsibility involving government, families, schools, technology companies, civil society and every Nigerian,” she added.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of the Dorothy Njemanze Foundation, Dorothy Njemanze, warned that technology-facilitated gender-based violence often leaves victims with depression, anxiety, fear, isolation, shame, damaged careers, broken relationships and, in extreme cases, suicidal thoughts. She called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to curb the growing menace.

A women’s advocate and Founder of Females Around The World, Abigail Badakin, urged women to strengthen their digital literacy knowledge and protect their privacy in online communication by limiting the personal information they share online. She encouraged participants to adopt stronger passwords, enable two-factor authentication, avoid sharing intimate images under pressure, verify online identities and promptly report suspicious online activities.

Earlier, the Project Lead of the initiative, Joy Ajibola, said Nigerian women remain among the biggest victims of technology-facilitated gender-based violence, noting that online harassment, smear campaigns and digital attacks against women often intensify during election periods, particularly against female aspirants and public office holders.

She said the workshop was organised to equip young women with practical knowledge on recognising and preventing online abuse, including cyberstalking, doxing, sexist harassment and catfishing, while empowering them to participate confidently in politics and public life without fear of digital intimidation and abuse.

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Kwara State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has commended the Leader of the party in the state and Waziri Ngeri of Ilorin, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, CON, for his exemplary display of responsible leadership through the presentation of a brand new Toyota Land Cruiser, a cash donation of ₦5 million, and other logistical support to the newly inaugurated Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammed Bashir Dansuki

“We find it very remarkable that immediately upon his arrival in Ilorin, Dr. Saraki proceeded straight to the residence of the Chief Imam to pay homage and congratulate him on his appointment before presenting him with the brand new Toyota Land Cruiser, the cash donation and other support to aid his religious and community responsibilities,” the party stated.

In a statement by the State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, the party expressed disappointment that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who reportedlly promised to provide vehicular support to the Chief Imam about two months ago, failed to fulfil that promise until now, describing the governor’s action as yet another indication of an absentee style of leadership that has become disconnected from the needs of the people and the collective interest of the Ilorin Emirate.

The party further urged Kwarans not to be surprised as the Governor hurriedly procured and presented his own vehicle to the Chief Imam in reaction to Dr. Saraki’s generosity.

“For close to two months, the welfare needs of the Chief Imam received no attention from the Governor despite his promise. It would therefore be unfortunate if the government suddenly wakes up only after Dr. Saraki has once again demonstrated what genuine leadership looks like. Kwarans should see through any such hurried attempt at image management.

“Leadership is measured by timely action, not by promises that has to wait for Saraki’s action to be executed,” the statement added.

The PDP noted that the Ilorin Emirate remains one of the foremost Islamic strongholds in Nigeria, stressing that every effort aimed at strengthening its religious institutions and supporting its spiritual leadership is an investment in peace, unity, and the preservation of the Emirate’s rich heritage.

The party stated that Dr. Saraki’s action reflects the values of compassion, service, respect for traditional and religious institutions, and a genuine commitment to the welfare of the people.

The PDP thanked Dr. Saraki for once again setting the standard for selfless leadership and reminding those in government that public service is about standing with the people when they need support the most, not about political desperation, succession calculations, or public relations exercises.

The party added that Dr. Saraki’s consistent investments in the wellbeing of communities and institutions across Kwara State continue to distinguish him as a leader whose commitment to the people goes beyond holding public office.

“We call on the people of the Ilorin Emirate and Kwarans at large to remain vigilant, continue supporting the Waziri Ngeri of Ilorin in his people-centred interventions, and rally behind the PDP as the credible alternative that has consistently demonstrated compassion, responsibility, and genuine leadership,” the party admonished.