President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said Monday that no one in his administration is protected from prosecution for corruption, highlighting the achievements of Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking at the opening of the 7th EFCC–National Judicial Institute Capacity-Building Workshop for judges and justices in Abuja, Tinubu said the EFCC had secured more than 7,000 convictions and recovered over ₦500 billion (about $1.1 billion) in the past two years.

The president, represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima, stressed that the government allows anti-corruption agencies and the judiciary to operate independently. “We have allowed both the judiciary and the anti-corruption agencies to exercise their constitutional and statutory powers to dispense justice and restore sanity,” he said.

Tinubu said the recovered funds were being reinvested in social programs, including the Students Loan Scheme and the Consumer Credit Scheme, which aim to improve the welfare of Nigerians.

EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede credited the agency’s success to close collaboration with the judiciary. He noted that recent court rulings affirming the EFCC’s powers had strengthened the nation’s fight against financial crimes. “We are committed to ensuring that no one is above the law, and our partnership with the courts is critical to delivering justice,” Olukoyede said.

The two-day workshop, themed “Enhancing Justice in the Fight Against Economic and Financial Crimes,” gathered judges, magistrates, and legal professionals from across the country. Participants discussed strategies to improve the prosecution of financial crimes and strengthen public confidence in the judiciary.

Judges at the workshop stressed the importance of fair, transparent, and timely trials in maintaining public trust. Several participants noted that corruption has been a major obstacle to economic growth and public service delivery in Nigeria.

Nigeria has struggled for decades with corruption, which the United Nations and other international bodies say has slowed development and discouraged foreign investment. The EFCC, established in 2003, has become the country’s main agency for investigating and prosecuting financial crimes.

In recent years, the EFCC has focused on high-profile cases, targeting politicians, business leaders, and public officials accused of embezzlement, money laundering, and other financial crimes. According to the agency, these efforts have not only recovered stolen funds but also helped deter future crimes.

Analysts say Tinubu’s statement underscores his administration’s intent to maintain pressure on corrupt actors while reinforcing judicial independence. “By openly supporting anti-graft agencies, the government is signaling that political connections will not guarantee immunity,” said a Lagos-based governance expert.

The president’s remarks also come amid calls from civil society groups and international partners for stronger anti-corruption measures in Nigeria. Observers say sustained enforcement and public transparency will be critical to maintaining credibility.

As the administration continues its fight against corruption, officials say the focus will remain on strengthening institutions, supporting judicial processes, and ensuring that recovered funds benefit citizens. The EFCC plans to continue expanding its capacity, including digital investigations and partnerships with international agencies, to track illicit funds more effectively.

With more than 7,000 convictions and hundreds of billions of naira recovered, Tinubu’s government says the anti-corruption campaign is producing tangible results—but officials acknowledge that the work is far from finished.

Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has defended his recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), asserting that his decision was driven by a commitment to public service rather than personal gain.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In an exclusive interview with Vanguard editors on Thursday, Mbah emphasized that if he were motivated by personal interests, he would not have left the PDP. He explained that his primary goal is to make Enugu the best state in Nigeria, focusing on people-centered governance and development. Mbah highlighted that his administration has initiated over 2,000 projects in the past 29 months, aiming to transform the state’s socio-economic landscape.

The governor’s defection, announced on Tuesday, has sparked significant political discourse in the region. Mbah stated that his move was a strategic decision to align with a platform that supports his vision for Enugu’s progress. He reiterated that his allegiance is to the people of Enugu, not to any political party. “We have elevated service beyond politics,” he remarked.

Mbah’s shift to the APC has been met with mixed reactions. While some APC members in Enugu have lauded the decision, viewing it as beneficial for the state’s development, others within the PDP have expressed disappointment. A faction of the Enugu PDP, led by former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, has vowed to rebuild the party and challenge Mbah in the 2027 gubernatorial elections.

The defection also raises questions about the political dynamics in Nigeria’s Southeast region. With Mbah’s move, the APC now governs three of the five Southeast states—Enugu, Ebonyi, and Imo—while Abia is controlled by the Labour Party and Anambra remains under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

As the political landscape in Enugu continues to evolve, Governor Mbah remains steadfast in his commitment to the people of the state. He concluded the interview by reaffirming his dedication to delivering on his promises and ensuring that Enugu achieves its full potential.

The coming months are expected to witness intensified political activities as both the APC and PDP prepare for the 2027 elections, with Governor Mbah’s leadership and the future direction of Enugu State at the forefront of public discourse.

Chief Olabode George, a senior figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), expressed surprise on Tuesday after Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah announced his defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Governor Mbah officially left the PDP, citing a desire for greater collaboration and development opportunities. He was formally welcomed into the APC by Vice President Kashim Shettima and other party leaders at a ceremony in Abuja.

Reacting to the news, George told Channels Television that he did not anticipate Mbah’s decision. “I never saw it at any time,” he said, adding that several PDP elders had met with Mbah to persuade him to remain in the party ahead of the PDP convention. “We were wondering what was going on in the South-East,” George said, reflecting the party’s shock at the defection.

Despite the departure, George emphasized that the PDP remains strong. He compared the party to an “iroko tree,” a large and resilient tree known in Nigeria for its sturdiness. “Governors alone don’t make the party; they’re an added value. The people make up the party,” he said, underlining the importance of grassroots support over individual officeholders.

Governor Mbah’s move represents a major shift in the political landscape of Nigeria’s South-East region. With his defection, the APC now controls four of the five states in the region, leaving only Anambra under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). Political analysts say this could give the ruling party a stronger foothold in the South-East ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Bode George urged PDP members to focus on strengthening their base and preparing for future elections. “We’ll campaign, go to the field, and explain to Nigerians what the APC has done—or failed to do—to put smiles on their faces,” he said. “It’s not just about being in government. We’ll ensure that the will of Nigerians prevails.”

The defection comes amid ongoing political realignments in Nigeria, where several high-profile politicians have switched parties in recent months. Observers say these moves could reshape alliances ahead of key state and national elections.

Governor Mbah has stated that his switch to APC will allow him to pursue development projects more efficiently. In his announcement, he emphasized that his decision was in the best interest of Enugu State and its people. “I have made this move to ensure that the people of Enugu State benefit from national opportunities,” he said during the reception into the APC.

Political analysts suggest that Mbah’s defection could influence other governors and lawmakers in the region to consider similar moves, further consolidating the APC’s strength in traditionally PDP-dominated areas.

For the PDP, the challenge now is to maintain its relevance in the South-East and counter the growing influence of the APC. Party leaders have indicated they will continue to engage their members, strengthen grassroots support, and organize campaigns to regain lost ground.

As Nigeria approaches the next election cycle, Governor Mbah’s defection is likely to be a key story in political discussions, with both parties working to solidify their positions in the South-East.