The Presidency has stepped forward to defend First Lady Remi Tinubu following criticism of her recent suggestion that Nigerians engage in small-scale businesses, such as selling roasted corn or bean cake (akara). Some members of the public had previously challenged the First Lady to involve her own family in such ventures in response to her comments.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a recent interview on the Mic-On podcast, Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, offered his perspective:

• Dare shared his own personal experience, noting that his mother supported his upbringing by selling akara, oranges, and bananas in Jos, Plateau State, and emphasized that there is no shame in such labor.

• He highlighted the importance of Nigeria’s informal sector, noting that the resilience of these small-scale entrepreneurs continues to support the nation’s economy.

• He defended the legitimacy and significance of small businesses, such as the sale of akara and kuli-kuli, which are prevalent across the country, including in the North.

• Regarding the First Lady’s intent, Dare clarified that her core message was to encourage citizens to pursue some form of entrepreneurial activity rather than remaining idle.

Sani Shinkafi, a former governorship candidate in Zamfara State, has formally petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, alongside the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), the Interpol National Central Bureau, and the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre. The petition, filed on behalf of Senator Abdul’aziz Yari, Abdulkarim Tsafe, and others, seeks a thorough investigation and the prosecution of Bello Galadanchi (known as “Danbello”), a China-based social media influencer.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Defamation and Misinformation: The petitioners allege that Danbello circulated politically motivated, false, and misleading video clips on social media platforms—including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, and X—falsely claiming that Senator Yari diverted N1.7 trillion from the federation account through Ajap Financial Services and Tsafe.

• Legal Violations: Shinkafi asserts that these actions constitute cybercrime, cyberstalking, cyberbullying, and defamation, which violate the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2015 as well as provisions within the Criminal and Penal Codes.

• Impact on Reputation: The petition argues that these malicious attacks have caused the victims significant emotional distress, social stigma, loss of business opportunities, and public ridicule, while also undermining the respect traditionally afforded to Northern leaders.

• Call for Accountability: The petitioners argue that while freedom of expression is a fundamental right, it must be exercised responsibly. They contend that Danbello failed to substantiate his claims and argue that failing to prosecute him sets a dangerous precedent for the current electoral season.

• Request for Action: To support their case, the petitioners have provided security agencies with flash drives containing the alleged video clips and screenshots of the posts, urging prompt action to ensure justice and deter similar future behavior.

Ifeanyi Ejiofor, a prominent human rights lawyer and the lead counsel for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has warned criminal actors in the South-East against exploiting the region’s liberation movement for illicit activities. In a statement issued on Saturday titled “The South-East Must Never Bleed Again: The Peril of False Labels, Criminal Impunity, and the Collective Duty to Defend Peace,” Ejiofor addressed the transformation of self-determination efforts into a cycle of extortion, violence, and intimidation.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• He has consistently used his public platform to denounce those who use the guise of liberation to profit from violence, despite facing personal threats and vilification for his stance.

• He remains committed to traveling throughout Alaigbo, refusing to be intimidated by violent groups that falsely position themselves as liberators.

• He expressed deep concern regarding recent social media videos where armed groups—allegedly claiming to follow the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu—threatened further violence in the region if Kanu is not released.

• He highlighted alarming events in communities like Arondizuogu and Umulolo, urging all Igbo people to remain vigilant.

• He warned against the tendency to reflexively label every criminal as an IPOB member, emphasizing the importance of examining facts.

• He cautioned that societies often suffer when they ignore early warning signs, noting that criminality frequently adopts noble causes and propaganda to manipulate public emotion.