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“The Gun Hegemony: Military Interventions Have Stalled Nigeria’s Growth – Anyaoku, Amuka, Opadokun”.
Eminent Nigerians Call for True Federalism, Reflect on 1966 Coup at Opadokun’s Book Launch....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Sixty years after the January 15, 1966 aborted coup, eminent Nigerians have reflected on the event’s impact on the country’s political and socio-economic development, urging a swift return to fiscal responsibility and genuine federalism.
The reflections came at the launch of Chief Ayo Opadokun’s new book, The Gun Hegemony, held at the Agip Recital Hall, MUSON Centre, Lagos. Speakers included former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Vanguard publisher Sam Amuka, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese Matthew Hassan Kukah, and Opadokun himself.
Other dignitaries present were President Bola Tinubu (represented by his Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila), Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu (represented by Attorney General Lawal Pedro, SAN), Pa JK Randle, Senator Gbenga Daniel, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, and several former and current political and academic figures.
Sam Amuka, who chaired the event, emphasized the detrimental impact of military rule on Nigeria, describing the “gun hegemony” as a coercive force that reshaped governance. He called for a constitution that reflects Nigeria’s pluralistic nature to strengthen the federation.
Echoing Amuka, Chief Emeka Anyaoku stressed that pluralistic countries thrive when their constitutions mirror their diversity. He cited examples such as India, Switzerland, and Canada, contrasting them with nations like Yugoslavia, the USSR, and Sudan, which disintegrated due to weak federal systems. He argued that Nigeria’s constitution must reflect its diverse population and pluralism to ensure stability and growth.
Bishop Kukah warned that military intervention is not a solution to Nigeria’s challenges, stressing that good governance is the only antidote to autocratic rule.
President Tinubu, through his representative, described Opadokun’s book as a patriotic contribution, drawing lessons from Nigeria’s military era and the struggle for democracy. Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by the state Attorney General, called the book a gift to Nigerians, highlighting the importance of protecting the country’s hard-won democracy.
Opadokun, the author, recounted his experiences as NADECO Secretary during the military era and revealed previously undisclosed insights, including evidence linking Col. Odumegwu Ojukwu to the January 15, 1966 coup. He reflected on the enduring influence of military rule, noting that successive interventions and their appointees entrenched structures that shaped Nigeria’s political landscape over decades.
According to Opadokun, the military governed Nigeria for 44 of the country’s 66 years of independence, with indirect influence extending through subsequent civilian administrations. He emphasized that this legacy continues to shape governance challenges in Nigeria today.
The event highlighted the urgent need for a constitution and governance system that reflects Nigeria’s pluralism, ensuring stability, equity, and sustainable development for future generations.
Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a historic breakthrough with the emergence of its first female pilot, Superintendent of Customs Nafisat Balogun, who recently earned a commercial multi-engine pilot licence in the United States.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The achievement was celebrated by the Nigeria Customs Technical Hangar Service, marking a significant step in the agency’s drive to strengthen its aviation capacity for surveillance, logistics, and anti-smuggling operations.
At a ceremony attended by senior officers, the Managing Director of the Customs Technical Hangar Service, retired Comptroller of Customs Capt. Kuhi Mbaya, described the development as a landmark moment for the service.
He said Balogun’s transition from cabin crew to certified commercial pilot represents a major breakthrough for the Customs aviation unit and highlights the agency’s commitment to professional growth and inclusivity.
He added that the milestone reflects expanding opportunities within the Service as it continues to integrate air assets into its enforcement and border monitoring operations.
Balogun expressed gratitude for the support she received, noting that her journey required dedication and resilience, while pledging to apply her new skills in advancing the Customs mandate with professionalism and discipline.
The development has been widely described within the Service as an inspiration for greater female participation in technical and specialised roles.
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Osun 2026: APC Candidate Oyebamiji Pledges Inclusive Governance For Non-Indigenes, Interest Groups.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Osun State, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), has pledged to ensure inclusive governance by integrating non-indigenes and various interest groups if elected in the August 15, 2026 governorship election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
He said his administration would operate a structured system that promotes participation and representation of all segments of society in governance.
The pledge was conveyed by a former lawmaker and ex-Special Adviser on Civic Engagement, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, after he represented the candidate at an engagement with members of the Arewa community in Ibokun, Obokun Local Government Area.
Oyintiloye said the plan is aimed at strengthening the link between government and grassroots communities, ensuring public policies reflect citizens’ real needs.
He added that all groups would be actively involved in both policy formulation and implementation to drive development in the state.
Oyebamiji also promised continued engagement with farmers, traders, artisans, and non-indigene communities as key stakeholders in governance.
Responding, leaders of the Arewa community commended past inclusion efforts and pledged support for the APC candidate ahead of the election.
Barely a year after its inauguration in Akwa Ibom State, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has been plunged into a deep factional crisis.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Multiple factions are now locked in a struggle for control of the party, leaving members uncertain about the legitimate leadership structure.
One faction is led by John Akpanudodehe, a former National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), while another is headed by the embattled state chairman, Dick Duke.
Although the leader of a third faction could not be immediately confirmed, findings indicate that another group also exists within the party.
Sources further suggest that the Akpanudodehe-led faction is seeking to remove the current chairman through a recently held congress that has sparked controversy.
In response, Dick Duke convened a stakeholders’ meeting over the weekend, where he rejected the legitimacy of the said congress.
He said the party had formally written to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to distance itself from the exercise, citing a subsisting court order.
According to him, his tenure as state chairman is still valid until May, and any congress conducted before then would be unlawful.
Duke added that the party would only proceed with proper congresses after the expiration of his tenure and the resolution of legal issues, in line with due process.
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