As the mass of Nigerian citizens live in growing fear of the future of the nation’s Democracy under the present APC Administration, the People’s Democratic Party in Sokoto State wishes to express alarm at escalating deployment of state institutions as tools of repression against political opposition by the Government of Ahmed Bola Tinubu, through its agents across the country.

The arrest of the immediate past Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal by the EFCC last Monday is viewed by all perceptive Nigerians as the continuation of the assault on political dissent in the country, especially against the background of the gathering coalition of progressive forces against the ongoing misrule by the incumbent administration. The selective and discriminatory manner the anti-graft agency conducts its activities, clearly proves the desperation of the APC-led government to cling to power against growing national rejection.

The motive of the trumped up probe is obvious to the people of Sokoto State, who testify to the fiscal discipline and financial prudence of the Tambuwal eight years administration as Governor, especially those who served in his government. We note that the so-called investigation is a mere fishing trip at the instance of political actors within the state and Abuja, who have in the past several years, been obsessed with smearing his enviable image and intimidating him into abandoning his opposition to their misrule.

It is common knowledge in many quarters in Sokoto State that the current issue being touted by the anti-corruption body is an old phantom that has repeatedly hit the brick wall. The matter is therefore, being raised from the dead by desperate political forces, who themselves have genuine corruption case files gathering dust at the EFCC that are ignored for obvious partisan reasons.

Our Party wishes to re-echo the demand of the citizens of Nigeria for anti-graft agencies in the country to live above board and desist from being tools for the execution of political agendas. Their constitutional obligations to the nation should take precedence over the whims of repressive elements in the corridors of power.

The PDP shares the confidence of the people of Sokoto State in the unblemished credibility of Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and our trust in his ethical and moral uprightness cannot be shaken by trumped-up probes, while we remain resolute in following his lead in the pursuit of change in our state and nation at large.

We urge supporters of our Great Party and the good people of Sokoto to remain law-abiding and steadfast in the demand for and work for change towards genuine democracy and good governance in our state and Nigeria as a whole and never be daunted by the repressive schemes of reactionary forces, no matter how highly placed.

Signed,

Hassan Sahabi Sanyinnawal,
Publicity Secretary, PDP Sokoto State

‎The Nigeria Police Force has noted the ongoing conversations surrounding the peaceful protest being organised by some of our retired officers in relation to their pension entitlements. While some of these accounts are grounded in fact and driven by good faith, others have been marred by misinformation, emotional manipulation, and calculated distortions designed to discredit the Government and undermine the present leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.

It is disheartening to observe how certain actors have chosen to politicise a sensitive welfare issue, weaponizing the legitimate grievances of our retired colleagues for ulterior motives. Their intent is not reform, but disruption. Their tactics involve twisting facts, inflaming sentiments, and sowing distrust in the public space. These actions do a disservice not only to our noble institution, but to the integrity of public discourse in our country. We however remain focused on the real issue which is the welfare of those who once bore the burden of national security with courage and honour.

The agitation for improved police pensions, particularly the call for exit from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), is not a recent development. It has spanned over a decade. Since 2014, successive Inspectors-General of Police have demonstrated empathy, engaged critical stakeholders, and provided institutional support for this cause. Yet, despite these earnest efforts, the desired outcome has remained elusive; not for lack of will, but due to entrenched legal provisions, fiscal limitations, and administrative bottlenecks. The hard truth is that exiting the Police from the CPS lies beyond the remit of any Inspector-General, as the matter is deeply woven into a web of statutory mandates, inter-agency protocols, and policy inertia.‎

‎Moreover, expert projections indicate that as the scheme matures, its benefits are expected to significantly improve. Officers retiring within the next five years are projected to receive significantly more favourable pension outcomes than those currently exiting the system. In practical terms, this means that the longer one remains in the scheme, the less likely they are to experience the same pension challenges. This evolving reality demands a pragmatic review of our approach.

In recognition of these constraints and shifting dynamics, the current Police leadership is pursuing a dual-track strategy of supporting the agitation in principle, while urgently exploring innovative, alternative solutions to address the immediate plight of our retirees. These include utilising internally generated revenues from police services to provide supplementary pension benefits; and mobilising private sector and corporate support for the establishment of targeted pension enhancement initiatives.

These interventions are already underway and reflect a broader, more holistic strategy to elevate the welfare of our retired personnel, not merely through policy debates, but through tangible results. The Federal government has been sensitized enough and appropriate responses are being awaited.

Let it be stated unequivocally that this explanation is not intended to suppress the planned protest. On the contrary, it reflects a leadership that listens, understands, and engages in good faith. The Inspector-General of Police has interacted extensively with many retired officers over the past year, and several groups have since withdrawn their support for the protest, having appreciated the direction of current efforts. However, for those who still choose to proceed, their rights will be protected. The protest is scheduled to take place on Monday, 21st July 2025, primarily within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and any other State Command where prior notification has been duly given.

Accordingly, the Inspector-General of Police has directed all Commissioners of Police to ensure the peaceful conduct of the protest within their jurisdictions, especially in the FCT and other states where formal notice has been received; provide adequate security coverage to our retired colleagues who have chosen to publicly express their grievances; prevent any hijack of the protest by miscreants, political actors, or non-retired agitators; sensitise officers and men under their command on the constitutional rights to peaceful assembly, and the obligation to show utmost respect to our retired colleagues; while deploying intelligence and operational resources to protect lives, maintain public order, and safeguard institutional integrity.

The Inspector-General of Police charges all officers to note that this protest, described as “the mother of all peaceful protests”, must not only be peaceful; it must be exemplary, and as such should stand as a national model for dignified expression of grievance and responsible public order management. We must show, by conduct and command, that the Nigeria Police Force is both professional and humane.‎ He further reiterates that this is more than a directive; it is a call to institutional responsibility, a test of our maturity, our values, and our discipline.

Let us rise to this moment with wisdom, restraint, and unwavering respect for those who served before us. Serving officers are however warned not to be misled by those who either are ignorant of the ethics of our profession or are up for manipulations and disruption.

‎
‎ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI,
‎FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
‎FOR: INSPECTOR-GENERAL OF POLICE
‎
‎
‎20th July, 2025

The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD), a pro-democracy and human rights advocacy group, strongly condemns the gruesome and unwarranted shooting of a young man by operatives of Operation Crush in Umuahia, Abia State.

According to verified accounts and eyewitness reports, the young man, whose identity is now known to the public, was shot at close range by security personnel attached to Operation Crush, a joint task force reportedly established to combat crime. This tragic incident occurred in broad daylight and in the presence of civilians, leaving the community of Umuahia shocked and traumatized.

According to multiple eyewitnesses, the incident occurred at Imo lane off Owerri Road, Umuahia, after the deceased reportedly had a disagreement with another young man in the neighborhood. The other party in the dispute allegedly contacted security operatives who arrived at the scene shortly afterwards.
On sighting the operatives, the deceased was said to have taken off, prompting a chase by the security team. Witnesses allege that during the pursuit, the operatives fired a shot at very close range, hitting the fleeing young man in the stomach.
The bullet was said to have hit his stomach and exited through his body, shattering the windscreen of a parked SUV nearby

FENRAD decries this blatant abuse of power and views it as one in a series of unlawful killings and rights violations committed by some disgruntled elements within security outfits operating in Abia and across Nigeria. No security architecture, no matter the noble intentions behind its formation, should operate above the law or outside the confines of constitutional order.

This latest act of impunity not only violates the right to life as enshrined in Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), but also contravenes all international human rights standards to which Nigeria is a signatory, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials.

FENRAD is therefore calling for the following:

An immediate investigation into the incident by an independent panel, possibly involving the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Civil Society Organisations, and community leaders.

Identification and arrest of the officers responsible for the shooting.

Full prosecution of those found culpable in line with the law to serve as a deterrent to future abuses.

Compensation and support to the family of the deceased for the unjust loss and trauma suffered.

Review and reform of Operation Crush and similar security units to ensure adherence to rules of engagement and human rights standards.

FENRAD maintains that a society where security agencies operate without accountability is one on the path to tyranny. We urge the Abia State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, and all relevant security institutions to act swiftly, transparently, and responsibly in this matter.

Justice must not only be done — it must be seen to be done.

Signed:
Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor
Executive Director
Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD)
www.fenrad.org.ng

For enquiries and media contact:
📧 info@fenrad.org.ng
📞 +234-8033383708

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TEL/WHATSAPP; 08033383708,07062949232 Email;fenradnigeria@yahoo.com,info.fenradnigeria@gmail.com, info@fenrad.org.ng. http://www.fenrad.org..ng