News
Afenifere Scores Tinubu Low At 3, Warns Against Derailing Democracy
The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, on Thursday, x-rayed the third anniversary of of the President Bola Tinubu administration, lamenting that that it has been characterised by maladministration, poverty, unemployment, mass killings, kidnappings, tampering with democratic federalism and subjugation of other arms of government.
Afenifere, in a statement by its Leader and National Publicity Secretary, Oba Oladipo Olaitan and Prince Justice Faloye, Afenifere National Publicity Secretary, said it was afraid of the current course of the country’s democracy.
The statement, titled’ Tinubu’s 3 year Report: ‘Summum Malum or Summum Bonum’, urged the administration to change its course towards a one man rule by allowing credible opposition parties and voices to exist.
The statement reads: “On May 29th, formerly Democracy Day, now Inauguration Day, Afenifere is fearful of the current course of our democracy, and commiserates with Nigerian citizens following three years of the inauguration of this maladministration that has bred poverty, unemployment, mass killings and kidnappings, tampering with democratic federalism and subjugation of other arms of government.
“Across the world, citizens are motivated by their governments either with Summum Malum – fear of ultimate evil – violent death, poverty, tyranny, or Summum Bonum – promise of ultimate good – homes, prosperity, security.
“For an administration that came to power on a mantra of renewed hope, we can only dare to hope that our electoral system can do the right thing by the next Inauguration Day due to the following reasons:
“The nightmare of ultimate evil has become a reality under APC administration with teachers being beheaded, children being kidnapped and villages ransacked and displaced.
“The ongoing kidnapping of students and teachers and gruesome murders in Kwara, Oyo and other states is a painful reminder of the Tinubu government’s culpable wilful negligence of not restructuring our security architecture, especially the failure to create state and community Police.
“Nigerians can’t but question whether there is an unholy pact between the APC and terrorists/bandits/mercenaries, following the admittance by some APC stalwarts that they imported terrorists to embarrass President Jonathan out of office in 2015, after which insecurity moved wholesale to President Muhammadu Buhari’s Northwest region, and now to President Tinubu Southwest region.
“Previously, we heard of politicians sleeping in coffins for political pacts with their godfathers, now our whole democracy is wearing coffin shoes under APC governance.’
On the economy, the Yoruba body said: “The ultimate evil is also being witnessed economically, as a result of President Tinubu’s neoliberal economics that has resulted in the poverty rate increasing to 63% and debt of N65.9 trillion for cost of governance and tokenist development projects.
“Despite the concerted efforts and propaganda to cover the true state of the economy, the unimplemented budgets, false revenue and employment statistics, two out of three Nigerians are facing dire circumstances of lack of food and secured shelter.
“Nigeria ranks as the world’s second-largest extreme poor population after India. We also have the highest homelessness in the world with 30 million homeless people. Also, Nigeria now has the world’s lowest life expectancy rate at 54.6 years, 20 years lower than the global average. Nigeria also has one of the world’s highest infant mortality rate.
Therefore Nigerians feel threatened by the replacement of a finance minister that oversaw the drastic fall in living standards with an undertaker tax man bent on sapping blood from our anemic economy.
“Afenifere has insisted from the first day in office that the ideological position of neoliberal economic policies being adopted can never yield good fruits. It is known to breed poverty, great income inequalities, prebendalist governance and ethnic conflicts.
“While the government appeals to the people to make economic sacrifices for the unworkable reforms, government corruption and cost of governance increases.
‘The recent N800 billion campaign finance allegedly deducted from federal allocations to states by APC governors is immoral, illegal and a threat to democratic institutions.”
“This administration has thrown all caution to wind from allocating contracts without due to process to companies belonging to friends and family, to corrupting all arms of government.
“The continued institutional bullying of opposition parties, labour and student unions is a defiant march towards fascism. The independence of our electoral and judicial institutions are being compromised.
Instead of our electoral system evolving to a higher state, new reforms have degraded its moral compass.
“Summarily, in this last year of the administration, Afenifere and other well meaning Nigerians can only have the audacity of hope of a free and fair elections to replace the current Summum Malum/Ultimate Evil with Summum Bonum/Ultimate Good.
“Afenifere hereby implores the Tinubu administration to change its course towards a One Man rule by allowing credible opposition parties and voices to exist, to allow a free and fair election, and to prevent unsavory change and total derailment of our democracy.”
International News
Maguire: Tuchel Told Me By Video Call I Was Out And I Said I Was Very Disappointed
On “The Rest is Football” podcast, Manchester United center-back Maguire discussed how Tuchel informed him via video call that he had not been selected for the World Cup squad.
Maguire revealed: “He (Tuchel) video-called everyone. It was quite an awkward call. I first received a message asking if he could talk to me around 4 PM. It was quite a unique approach, and certainly difficult, because he could see everyone’s reactions.
“I said directly that I was really very disappointed. I felt I had done well enough to deserve to be in the squad, and I felt I could have helped the team, playing a role on and off the pitch. He said he couldn’t give me any excuses, but he chose the four players who had helped him through a difficult period last autumn.
“It was hard to accept. After being called up by him for the first time in the March training camp, I did think I would be in the squad. I performed well in both games and then returned to Manchester United, finishing the season with a very strong performance.”
Tuchel ultimately chose to take Stones, Guehi, Konsa, Quansah, and Dan Burn to the World Cup.
No Plans to Retire from England Duty
Furthermore, even with Tuchel’s contract extending to Euro 2028, Maguire is unwilling to close the door on playing for England.
He added: “I don’t think I’ll retire from England duty. I still feel I can shine. Sooner or later there will be a time and a point where I no longer deserve to be selected for England, but even then, I most likely won’t proactively step out and announce my retirement. If I can play for England one more time, it will all be worth it.”
Maguire will use the off-season to fully recover and prepare for Manchester United’s return to the Champions League in the 2026-27 season. While his England teammates face the immense pressure of a major international tournament, the experienced defender will strive to maintain his excellent club form. If he is to earn a recall to the England squad later this year, proving his endurance in the Premier League remains crucial.
News
Questions, Applause Trail Baba Ijesha’s New Baby Report
Controversial actor Olanrewaju Omiyinka, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, has sparked widespread online discussion after announcing the birth of his child, a baby boy named King Kagar Omiyinka, with celebrity fashion designer and stylist, CEO Luminee.
The couple shared the joyful news on social media on Monday, accompanied by maternity photos and heartfelt messages.
Baba Ijesha expressed deep gratitude, describing his wife as his “strong Jagaban” and “Abikese de mi owo,” while Luminee called him her “one in a million” with a “pure heart.”
The announcement came roughly seven months after Baba Ijesha’s release from prison on November 14, 2025.
Many social media users have pointed to the relatively short period, questioning the exact conception timeline and pregnancy details, with some speculating it may have begun before or around his release.
Oyindamola wrote, “I have a question: are conjugal visits allowed inside prison? I’m asking because it hasn’t even been 9 months since Baba Ijesha was released from prison… just curious how this came”.
Deyola_a wrote, “Baba Ijesha just revealed that he is the father of CEO luminee’s son. Congratulations to the couple”.
She added, “You guys don’t know how crazy that thing is. As in Baba Ijesha??? wtf????”
Vampz wrote, “I love men so much; they know what they want. A man would never marry a woman who was convicted of the crimes Baba Ijesha committed. Alchemy of Shämë !!!!!!!”
Ezinne questioned the timing: “Which day did Baba Ijesha get out of prison that you’re already heavily pregnant for him? Some women are the problem. You didn’t even wait for him to wallow in the aftermath of his atrocities before you followed him? Tufia”.
Uche added, “Baba Ijesha! Baba Ijesha! Baba Ijesha went to prison for molesting a minor. He got released in November last year. Now a woman has given birth to his child.
“How did it happen? Was he allowed to knock in prison? Was he ever in prison? Why will you spread your legs open for such a person? Women will never cease to amaze me”.
This has added to the polarised responses, as the actor’s 2021 conviction for the sexual assault of a 14-year-old foster child remains fresh in public memory for many Nigerians.
Some users and celebrity platforms offered straightforward congratulations, celebrating the new addition and highlighting themes of redemption, second chances, and private family matters.
Bobrisky wrote, “Congratulations, my love”
Yomi Fabiyi wrote, “The sound of joy and congratulations. Aya wa aku ajaiye. Thank you”.
Lizzy Anjorin wrote, “Congratulations”.
Moyo Lawal wrote, “Congratulations hun. God bless your new journey”.
A significant portion of reactions expressed disbelief, scepticism about the timeline, and strong disapproval of Luminee’s decision, particularly as a mother to an older daughter.
Critics raised concerns about the message this sends, given Baba Ijesha’s conviction, with phrases like “Women Dey marry sha” and debates over forgiveness versus accountability trending.
As of now, neither Baba Ijesha nor CEO Luminee has directly addressed the backlash.
The couple appeared focused on their new bundle of joy, with the internet divided between well-wishers and vocal skeptics.
– Additional Report – The Nation
Entertainment
Headies 2026 Moved To Canada
Organisers of The Headies have announced that the 18th edition of Nigeria’s premier music awards ceremony will take place in Toronto, Canada.
The announcement was made on Monday by Headies founder, Ayo Animashaun.
Although the exact date for the ceremony has yet to be unveiled, Animashaun confirmed partnership with another organisation to enhance the experience for attendees travelling from Nigeria to Canada.
Explaining the rationale behind taking the awards ceremony abroad, Animashaun stressed the need for The Headies to diversify its revenue streams in line with leading international award platforms.
“Most of the awards in the world that you see that are big, that you talk about, they have four or five sources of revenue. Here we have only one, everybody talks about sponsorship,” he said.
Drawing parallels with the Grammy Awards, he added, “They have state funding. During COVID, Grammy left Los Angeles and went to Madison Square in New York because LA was shut down.
“LA fought to bring Grammy back because it does something to their economy and it is part of their DNA. What events would you say are part of our DNA as Nigerians?”
The move signals a new direction for The Headies, which returned to Nigeria in 2024 after staging two consecutive editions in the United States.
The 15th and 16th editions of the awards were both held at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, Georgia.
Since its launch in 2006, The Headies has evolved into one of Africa’s most prestigious music award ceremonies, recognising outstanding achievements in the Nigerian music industry.
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