Author: Gabby

Demola Olarenwaju, who serves as the Special Assistant on Digital Media Strategy for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, has asserted that President Bola Tinubu’s most notable accomplishment in office has been the exacerbation of poverty across Nigeria. According to Olarenwaju, Tinubu’s economic policies have driven the nation deeper into hardship, making his predecessor, the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, appear saintly in comparison.

Speaking during an appearance on Vanguard’s Politics Hub, Olarenwaju characterized the Tinubu administration as a complete failure across every sector, a comprehensive 360-degree collapse. He argued that the economic instability fostered under Tinubu has left citizens worse off than ever before, with inflation and fuel prices skyrocketing to unprecedented levels.

Olarenwaju explained that he once encountered someone expressing nostalgia for Buhari’s tenure, a sentiment he initially found baffling. However, upon reflection, he realized that the cost of petroleum has increased nearly tenfold under Tinubu’s watch, making daily life unbearable for average Nigerians. He said, ‘The price I pay for a liter of petrol under Buhari is now almost ten times higher under Tinubu,’ emphasizing that such burdens are unsustainable for the populace.

He concluded by labeling Tinubu’s leadership as a disaster for the masses, one that has reversed any previous gains and deepened the economic crisis. The aide’s remarks underscore growing discontent with the current administration’s handling of the economy and its impact on living standards.

Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has raised serious concerns about the federal government’s financial management under President Bola Tinubu. In a statement released via his official platform, Obi reacted to President Tinubu’s recent assessment of his administration’s performance after three years, highlighting a significant increase in national revenue that has not improved the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

Obi pointed out that while President Tinubu boasted about revenue growth from N16.8 trillion in 2022 to N35 trillion in 2025, the country’s debt has ballooned to approximately N200 trillion. This represents a staggering increase of over N100 trillion in just three years. “Nigerians expected that with such a massive revenue boost, borrowing would decrease, but the opposite has happened,” Obi remarked.

According to Obi, the government collected more than initially budgeted due to favorable global and regional economic conditions that boosted commodity prices and overall earnings. Despite this financial windfall, key socio-economic indicators have deteriorated. Multidimensional poverty has surged from about 87 million people in 2023 to over 140 million in 2025, while unemployment and GDP per capita have also worsened.

Obi questioned the transparency and accountability of the administration, stating, “The question Nigerians and the international community are asking is, ‘Where did all the money go?'” He urged the government to provide a detailed breakdown of how both revenue and borrowed funds have been utilized since 2023, demanding answers for the worsening living conditions despite increased earnings.

The Taraba State Government has refuted reports that forest guards are not deployed in farming communities, asserting that all 750 personnel recruited under the initiative are fully operational. The clarification comes from Colonel Joshua Garbiya Kwelle (rtd), Special Adviser to Governor Agbu Kefas on Security and Intelligence, who spoke in Jalingo on Tuesday.

Kwelle stated that the forest guard program, initiated in 2025, aims to secure forest areas, gather intelligence, and prevent criminals from using forests as hideouts. The operatives have been deployed across all 16 local government councils, with offices established in strategic locations to facilitate their work.

Although their duties do not include conventional community policing, the guards play a vital role in enhancing security for rural and farming communities. On salary concerns, Kwelle noted that payment structures are being finalized as federal government processes are completed, and arrangements for salary disbursement are underway.

The adviser praised Governor Kefas for prioritizing security through consistent investment and support for security initiatives. He also advised journalists and bloggers to verify information from reliable sources before sharing, warning that misinformation could cause unnecessary panic.

Kwelle reassured residents that the forest guards remain active and dedicated to protecting communities across the state.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Osun State, Bola Oyebamiji, has called for calm and condemned the recent spate of political violence across the state. Expressing deep concern, he mourned with residents who have endured injuries, losses, and trauma due to the unrest.

His remarks follow reports of shooting incidents in several parts of Osun on Tuesday. In a statement released that same day, Oyebamiji conveyed his support for the victims and their families, wishing the injured a swift recovery.

The APC candidate described the violent acts as regrettable and reaffirmed his dedication to democratic ideals, emphasizing that elections should be determined by votes, not force. “Democracy thrives on ideas, vision, and service—not bloodshed,” he said, adding that no political office, including the governorship, justifies human life.

Oyebamiji revealed that APC supporters were attacked in Owode-Ede, where campaign buses were vandalized. He also alleged that party members participating in a peaceful Walk-to-Live rally in Ifeland were assaulted by thugs allegedly linked to the ruling party, leaving several injured. Additionally, he claimed APC supporters in Osogbo faced physical attacks, with reports of gunfire, though the extent of injuries and possible deaths remain unverified.

Condemning all forms of political violence, Oyebamiji stated that intimidation and lawlessness have no place in a democracy. He urged greater adherence to democratic values and stressed that protecting lives and property is the government’s primary duty. Many Osun residents, he noted, feel unsafe amid rising political intolerance and insecurity.

Looking ahead to the upcoming governorship election, Oyebamiji promised to prioritize security if elected. “The safety of our people will be my administration’s top priority. Citizens must be able to exercise their democratic rights without fear,” he said. He called on residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding despite provocations, expressing optimism that a new administration would bring improved welfare, security, prosperity, and peace while strengthening democratic institutions.