SA News

By Seye Oladejo, Lagos APC Chieftain As the countdown to the 2027 general elections gradually gathers momentum, political actors across the country are once again recalibrating strategies, building alliances and testing narratives they hope will resonate with the Nigerian electorate. In the Southeast, there appears to be a growing temptation to return to the familiar and emotionally charged rhetoric of ethnic nationalism as a pathway to political relevance and electoral bargaining. While every ethnic nationality in Nigeria has the legitimate right to protect and promote its interests within the framework of our federal democracy, the hard truth remains that ethnic nationalism alone will not be enough to secure meaningful political gains in 2027. Nigeria’s political realities have evolved considerably. The electorate has become increasingly sophisticated, discerning and demanding. Across the country, citizens are looking beyond emotional appeals and primordial sentiments. They are askin...

Hon. Seye Oladejo The passage of the State Police Bill by the House of Representatives represents one of the most consequential legislative milestones in Nigeria’s democratic journey and a major breakthrough in our nation’s battle against insecurity. For years, progressive voices across the country have argued that Nigeria’s security challenges require bold, innovative and constitutionally-backed solutions. The increasing sophistication of criminal networks, the persistence of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of violent crime have exposed the limitations of a policing structure designed for a much smaller and less complex nation. Today, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria is once again demonstrating the courage to embrace reforms that previous administrations merely discussed but failed to implement. The House of Representatives deserves commendation for taking this historic step. Its action reflects a growing national consensus that the securit...

President Bola Tinubu Seye Oladejo   The Democracy Day address delivered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, was both reassuring and inspiring. It reflected the conviction of a leader who understands the challenges confronting our nation and possesses the courage, vision, and determination to surmount them. At a time when Nigerians desire renewed hope, security, and prosperity, the President’s speech offered renewed confidence in the resilience of our democracy and the capacity of our institutions to respond to the yearnings of the people. His unequivocal commitment to democratic values, constitutional governance, and the sanctity of the people’s mandate is commendable and deserving of support from all patriots. Particularly inspiring was the President’s reaffirmation that democracy remains our best form of government despite its imperfections. His acknowledgment of the sacrifices of our democratic heroes and the struggles that birthed the Fourth Republic was a timely reminder th...

DECAN Newly Elected Officers  The Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) has elected a new executive committee to lead the association for the next two years. The new officials emerged through a peaceful and transparent electoral process and include Sunday Odita as President, Linus Aleke as Vice President, Musa Umar Bologi as Secretary and Benjamin Samson as Treasurer. Other elected officers are Kikelomo Okere, Financial Secretary; Ihotu Odoh, Welfare Officer; Agbor Jame, Provost; and Mathew Abi, Public Relations Officer. Sunday Odita Speaking after his election, the new DECAN President, Sunday Odita, pledged to prioritise members' welfare while strengthening partnerships with stakeholders in the defence and security sector. Odita said a professionally empowered and motivated membership was crucial to effective defence journalism and promised that the new leadership would work towards building a stronger and more united association. He also said the association would...

The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has warned that Nigeria's worsening insecurity poses a serious threat to the country's democratic progress and could undermine participation in the 2027 general elections. In a statement issued on Thursday to commemorate the June 12 Democracy Day anniversary, the organisation urged the Federal Government to treat insecurity as a direct challenge to democracy, the rule of law and electoral credibility. CAPPA's Assistant Executive Director, Zikora Ibeh, said democracy cannot flourish when citizens live under the constant threat of kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, communal violence and other forms of criminality. “Democracy cannot thrive where people are afraid to travel on highways, send their children to school, cultivate their farms, operate businesses, or participate in elections,” Ibeh said. The organisation expressed concern over the continued spread of kidnapping-for-ransom across the country, noting t...

The Delta State Police Command has arrested four suspected members of a gun-running syndicate allegedly linked to the recovery of a Beretta pistol at a transport park in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area, on May 1, 2026. The Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, disclosed this during a press briefing in Asaba, stating that the arrests followed weeks of intelligence-led investigations and coordinated operations across Bayelsa and Imo states. According to the commissioner, the suspects were identified as Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, Clifford Boleyelefa, Amadi Princewill and Amadi Felix Chibuike. CP Oyeniyi said investigators traced the firearm recovered in Effurun to Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, who was arrested in Bayelsa State on May 4, 2026, alongside a friend and roommate whose phone was allegedly used in communications relating to the purchase of the weapon. He said during interrogation, Chukwuemeka reportedly confessed to purchasing the firearm from Amadi Princewill for N290,000 before resell...