ABUJA, Nigeria — Aloy Ejimakor, the lead counsel to detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu, has said that only President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has the constitutional authority to end his client’s prolonged trial.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Ejimakor made the statement on Sunday while addressing reporters and through posts on social media. He cited Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution, which gives the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) the power to discontinue any criminal case, saying that power ultimately lies with the President.

“The President, through the Attorney General, can stop any criminal trial. Therefore, President Tinubu has the power to end the ongoing case against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” Ejimakor said.

Kanu has been in detention since 2021 after he was extradited from Kenya to face charges including treasonable felony and terrorism. The Federal Government accused him of leading a separatist movement that seeks to establish an independent state of Biafra in Nigeria’s southeast. Kanu and his legal team have maintained that his extradition was illegal and that his continued detention violates court orders.

Ejimakor argued that the President cannot shift responsibility for the prolonged trial to the judiciary. He said previous court decisions had ordered Kanu’s release, but those rulings had not been implemented by the executive arm of government.

“It is not the court that is holding Nnamdi Kanu. It is the President. The judiciary has done its part. The executive must now act,” Ejimakor said.

The lawyer’s comments came amid renewed calls from human rights groups and southeastern leaders for the government to release Kanu in the interest of peace and national unity. They argue that continued detention of the IPOB leader has fueled unrest and mistrust in the region.

Ejimakor said that if the Federal Government is unwilling to discontinue the case, it should transfer Kanu’s trial to a court in the southeast, where most of the alleged offenses occurred. He added that Kanu’s bail should be restored as ordered by previous court rulings.

“The fair thing to do is either to move the case to a federal high court in the southeast or to discontinue it entirely. Anything short of that is an abuse of process,” he said.

The Federal Government has not responded directly to Ejimakor’s latest remarks. However, government lawyers have previously insisted that the charges against Kanu are serious and that the case must proceed in accordance with the law.

In December 2023, the Supreme Court dismissed Kanu’s appeal challenging his continued detention but urged the Federal Government to ensure his rights are protected during trial. Despite the ruling, hearings have been repeatedly adjourned, and Kanu remains in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja.

Kanu’s next court appearance is expected later this year, but Ejimakor said the case should not continue indefinitely. “This matter has dragged on for too long. The Constitution gives the President the power to act, and Nigerians are watching to see what he will do,” he said.

Observers say Ejimakor’s statement places renewed pressure on President Tinubu to intervene in a case that has drawn international attention. While some Nigerians see executive action as a path to reconciliation, others warn that political interference in an ongoing trial could set a troubling precedent.

As the debate continues, the fate of Nnamdi Kanu remains uncertain. His supporters hope the President will act to end what they call an unjust detention, while government officials insist that the legal process must take its full course.

Nigerian legal practitioner and political analyst, Liborous Oshoma, has urged President Bola Tinubu to reduce his foreign trips and concentrate on tackling the security and poverty challenges facing the country.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking during a recent media interview, Oshoma said the president’s frequent travels abroad have become a distraction from the pressing problems at home. He advised Tinubu to spend more time addressing the issues of insecurity, unemployment, and widespread poverty affecting millions of Nigerians.

“While foreign relations are important, the president needs to be more visible at home to show leadership,” Oshoma said. “People are suffering. They need to see their leader on the ground, not just abroad.”

President Tinubu has embarked on several international trips since taking office in May 2023, attending global summits, bilateral meetings, and investment forums. His administration has said these trips are aimed at attracting foreign investment and strengthening diplomatic ties.

However, critics argue that the results of these travels have not been felt by ordinary Nigerians, who continue to struggle with high living costs and security threats. Nigeria is battling rising food inflation, youth unemployment, and widespread violence from banditry and insurgency in several parts of the country.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other opposition groups have accused the president of spending too much time outside the country. The ADC recently claimed that Tinubu has spent nearly a quarter of his presidency abroad, calling the trips “wasteful” and “unproductive.”

Oshoma echoed similar concerns, warning that the president’s absence could weaken coordination in the fight against insecurity and economic hardship. He said Nigeria needs strong, hands-on leadership to confront its worsening challenges.

“Traveling and attending conferences cannot solve insecurity or hunger,” Oshoma said. “What Nigerians want is a leader who listens, visits troubled areas, and ensures policies are implemented effectively.”

Security experts have also cautioned that Nigeria’s instability requires the president’s direct involvement. Persistent attacks by armed groups in the North West and North Central regions, as well as kidnappings across the country, have left many citizens feeling unsafe. Meanwhile, the National Bureau of Statistics reports that more than 133 million Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty.

Opposition figures, including former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, have also criticized Tinubu’s travel schedule. Obi said the president should prioritize citizens’ welfare before attending international engagements, describing the constant trips as “ill-timed and insensitive.”

Supporters of the president, however, argue that the foreign visits are part of a broader strategy to reposition Nigeria’s economy and attract investors. They point to recent announcements of potential partnerships in energy, infrastructure, and technology as signs that the trips could bring long-term benefits.

Still, public frustration remains high as many Nigerians demand faster improvements in security and living conditions. Analysts say the government must balance foreign diplomacy with domestic action to restore confidence.

Oshoma urged Tinubu to review his schedule and focus more on domestic governance. “Nigerians need assurance that their president understands their pain,” he said. “Being present and responsive at home is the first step toward rebuilding trust.”

As economic and security pressures mount, many observers believe Tinubu’s ability to remain engaged locally could shape public perception of his leadership in the months ahead.

Abia State Government has announced plans to launch a fleet of electric buses before the end of the year as part of efforts to modernize the state’s public transportation system and promote cleaner energy.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Governor Alex Otti disclosed this while speaking to journalists in Umuahia, saying the state has already paid for 20 electric buses that will operate in key urban centers, including Aba and Umuahia. He noted that the new buses are part of his administration’s broader strategy to transform public transport and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

“We have already paid for 20 electric buses. They are not just ordinary buses — they are modern, clean, and environmentally friendly,” Otti said. “We are moving away from petrol and diesel to sustainable energy solutions.”

Terminals Under Construction

The governor added that the state is currently building new transport terminals to support the electric bus project and improve urban mobility. According to him, the initiative aims to decongest traffic, improve passenger safety, and make commuting more comfortable for residents.

Commissioner for Transport, Chimezie Ukaegbu, explained that the project’s first phase will begin with 20 buses, with more expected to be added later. He said work was ongoing to install electric charging stations and train drivers to operate the new vehicles safely and efficiently.

“We are ensuring that everything is ready — from charging facilities to maintenance and personnel training,” Ukaegbu said. “Our goal is to provide a reliable, safe, and eco-friendly transport system for our people.”

No Threat to Private Operators

Ukaegbu reassured existing commercial bus operators that the government’s move to introduce electric buses would not displace them from business.

“This government is pro-business,” he said. “We are not taking away anyone’s source of livelihood. Instead, we are introducing a modern system that will benefit everyone and create more opportunities.”

He noted that the electric bus project would also create jobs in maintenance, operations, and support services once the system becomes fully operational.

Environmental and Economic Benefits

The initiative aligns with Abia’s vision to reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, and promote sustainable economic growth. Government officials say the electric buses will not only reduce fuel costs but also attract investors interested in renewable energy and green infrastructure.

However, experts have noted potential challenges, including the need for a stable power supply to keep the buses charged and the long-term maintenance costs associated with electric vehicles.

Despite these hurdles, supporters of the project believe that Abia’s move marks a major step forward for Nigeria’s transport modernization efforts. If successful, the initiative could serve as a model for other states looking to adopt green transportation systems.

Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Emmanuel Emeruwa, commended the governor for the initiative and promised legislative support for policies promoting clean energy.

“This project reflects a vision for the future,” Emeruwa said. “The Assembly will provide every necessary backing to make it a success.”

With the planned rollout expected before the end of the year, residents of Abia are hopeful that the electric buses will bring relief to daily commuters and mark the beginning of a cleaner, more efficient public transport system in the state.