AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Governor of Kwara State, recently shared insights regarding the aftermath of the 2023 fuel subsidy removal, highlighting both initial anxieties and subsequent economic improvements.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Initial Panic and Security Concerns: Upon learning of the policy while on a trip to China, governors initially feared widespread unrest. In response, they initiated emergency security meetings and deployed security personnel nationwide; however, these anticipated protests ultimately did not materialize.

• The Tense Presidential Dinner: Governors, including those present in China like Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had originally intended to meet with President Bola Tinubu to argue against the policy’s implementation. When they were eventually invited to dinner at the President’s residence, the atmosphere was so charged that the governors felt unable to broach the topic of the subsidy.

• Fiscal Transformation: Reflecting on the economic impact, AbdulRazaq noted that many states were previously struggling, often left with only ₦100 million to ₦200 million after salary obligations—an amount insufficient for significant infrastructure projects. He contrasted this with the current situation, where states are now actively reducing debt burdens rather than relying on new loans or bonds.

• Minimum Wage: Highlighting the benefits of the current fiscal environment, the Chairman noted that many states are already paying near ₦100,000 in wages and encouraged President Tinubu to collaborate with governors to establish a ₦100,000 national minimum wage.

Liverpool Football Club has announced the immediate departure of head coach Arne Slot following a challenging season in which the team failed to successfully defend their Premier League title. Despite leading the Reds to a historic 20th English top-flight championship during his debut season, Slot’s second year was marked by a decline in performance, including 12 league defeats and a total of 20 losses across all competitions—the highest number recorded by a Liverpool manager in a single campaign.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a joint statement released on Saturday, the club’s ownership expressed their gratitude for Slot’s two-year tenure, specifically highlighting his leadership and professionalism, particularly following the tragic death of forward Diogo Jota. While acknowledging his place in club history as the manager who secured their 20th league title, the ownership explained that the decision to part ways was driven by a belief that the squad requires a “different approach” and a change in direction to improve its trajectory. Slot departs with one year remaining on his contract, with the club emphasizing that the move is not a reflection of his talents, and confirming that he will always be welcomed back at Anfield.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has attributed his state’s ongoing struggle with kidnappings and abductions to the constitutional structure that keeps security agencies under federal authority.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking in Ibadan while accepting the presidential nomination for the African Peoples Movement (APM), Makinde stated that while governors are designated as Chief Security Officers of their states, they lack the necessary constitutional control over security personnel to respond decisively.

He highlighted the “burden” this places on him, expressing concern for the “innocent schoolchildren and citizens abducted by criminals [who] remain in captivity in Oyo State.“

Makinde argued that it is unjust to hold governors responsible for security failures without granting them the necessary authority to intervene. “No governor should bear responsibility without having the authority necessary to act,” he emphasized.

The governor called for urgent constitutional reform of the national security arrangement and pledged that, if elected President, he would prioritize restructuring the system to empower states.

“As President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, by the grace of God, I will work to reform our national security architecture so that states are no longer left helpless in moments of crisis,” he vowed. He stated that decentralization would be central to his security agenda, aiming for “more effective security management” and treating safety as “a sacred national responsibility.“

Makinde framed his nomination as a moment for “deep reflection” rather than celebration, pointing to the widespread “hunger, insecurity, high transportation costs, unemployment, and uncertainty” facing the nation.

Calling for a “reset,” he concluded, “A new direction must emerge, one founded on competence, courage, accountability, and compassion.“