Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank,
has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Federal and Ekiti State Governments to release human rights lawyer Dr. Dele Farotimi from remand.
He warned that failure to do so would result in nationwide protests, urging Nigerians to occupy police stations and formations if Farotimi is not freed within the stipulated time.

The ultimatum follows the decision of the Ekiti State Chief Magistrates Court, Ado Ekiti Division, on Wednesday to remand Farotimi in custody. He was arraigned over alleged defamation stemming from claims in his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, where he accused Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Afe Babalola, of compromising the Supreme Court.

Frank, however, argued that Farotimi’s arrest goes beyond the defamation charges, calling it a politically motivated attempt to silence the outspoken activist.
He accused the government of using the judiciary and police as tools of repression to intimidate critics of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“This is not about Afe Babalola’s petition. Farotimi’s arrest is a deliberate attempt to muzzle his criticism of anti-people policies,” Frank said. “Farotimi is a man of principle and law. He should not be subjected to this degrading experience for a bailable offense.”

Frank condemned the handling of the case, stating that Farotimi’s arrest violated the spirit of democracy and due process. “If the government had any genuine concerns, they should have invited him lawfully, not through harassment and unlawful detention,” he added.

As the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, Frank called on Nigerians to resist any attempt to use state institutions to suppress free speech. He warned that what is happening to Farotimi today could happen to any Nigerian tomorrow.

Citing German pastor Martin Niemöller’s famous words about the dangers of silence in the face of oppression, Frank urged Nigerians to act now. “First, they came for Farotimi. If we don’t speak out, who will be next?”

Member Albasu/Gaya/Ajingi federal constituency of Kano State, Dr. Ghali Mustapha Tijani, has criticized the proposed Tax Reform Bills, labeling them “anti-masses” and “capitalistic.” Speaking during an interview, he asserted that the bills would burden ordinary Nigerians rather than address the country’s real economic challenges.

Dr. Tijani, with a background in international corporate finance, expressed deep concerns about the implications of the reforms. “These bills are designed to tax the poor while ignoring untapped revenue sources such as mining and the prevention of tax evasion,” he said. He emphasized that instead of introducing new taxes, the government should focus on plugging existing revenue leakages and promoting economic growth.

The proposed increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) from 7.5% to 15% by 2030 is particularly troubling, according to Tijani. “Such a hike will hit the poorest Nigerians hardest, as there are no mechanisms to shield low-income earners from its impact,” he warned.

Addressing concerns that the bills may unfairly target the North, Tijani highlighted the opposition from the Northern Governors Forum, stating, “Their rejection shows these reforms do not serve the best interests of their people.”
He dismissed claims of regional tax evasion, noting that tax compliance issues are a governance challenge, not a regional one.
When asked about the current state of the economy, Tijani agreed with Nigerian artist Davido’s recent comment that the economy is “in shambles.” He urged the government to focus on job creation, healthcare, and education rather than increasing taxes, suggesting tax holidays for small and medium-sized enterprises as a more effective strategy.

In conclusion, Tijani called for the Tax Reform Bills to be discarded, emphasizing that they are ill-timed and would only worsen the economic hardship faced by Nigerians. “We need policies that stabilize the economy and provide real relief, not additional burdens,” he stressed.

Former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, has called for value-based leadership and actionable steps to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges during the 25th Memorial Anniversary of Dr. Steven Makoji Achema (Alapa). The event celebrated Dr. Achema’s impactful legacy as a statesman, veterinary doctor, and advocate for community development in Kogi State.

Dr. Achema, who passed away on November 6, 1999, served as Senior Special Assistant to former President Olusegun Obasanjo and was renowned for his contributions to agriculture, education, and public service.

Prof. Gana lauded Dr. Achema’s exemplary leadership, describing him as a man of integrity, vision, and unwavering commitment to his people. “Dr. Achema exemplified true leadership, combining character and competence. He believed in fostering excellence and empowering others,” Gana stated.
In his address, Prof. Gana critiqued Nigeria’s leadership deficits, citing a lack of accountability and integrity as major barriers to development. “Our leaders must inspire trust and prioritize justice and fairness. The rule of law is non-negotiable for national progress,” he said.

He called on citizens to demand better governance and actively engage in the democratic process to hold leaders accountable.

Prof. Gana highlighted Dr. Achema’s vision for Kogi State as a hub of industrial and agricultural wealth. “Dr. Achema envisioned a Kogi State thriving on its abundant natural resources and agricultural potential. This vision remains a roadmap for the state’s prosperity,” he remarked.

He urged the government to harness Kogi’s immense natural resources by establishing resource-based industries. “Kogi is so wealthy; with proper resource management, it could become the richest state in Nigeria,” Gana noted.
Prof. Gana emphasized the transformational potential of agriculture through the Niger and Benue River Basins, advocating for year-round farming to secure food sufficiency for Africa. He also reiterated the importance of completing the Ajaokuta Steel Rolling Mill, a project close to Dr. Achema’s heart.

“Finishing Ajaokuta will unlock industrial and economic potential for Nigeria. It is a project that can make heroes of those who accomplish it,” he said.
Gana celebrated Dr. Achema’s passion for education, calling it a catalyst for societal transformation. “Education is the foundation of progress. When you empower people through education, they will transform society,” he said.

In an emotional appeal, Gana called for unity among Kogi’s people. “God has blessed Kogi, but Kogi must learn to love itself. With your resources, there is no reason for poverty,” he said, urging unity and self-love as prerequisites for progress.
The anniversary served as a platform to celebrate Dr. Achema’s life and inspire renewed commitment to his ideals. Prof. Gana proposed the establishment of a leadership institute in Dr. Achema’s honor, aimed at grooming future leaders grounded in ethical values.

“Dr. Achema’s vision lives on. Let us honor him by taking bold steps toward the development he dreamed of for Kogi and Nigeria,” Gana concluded, earning a standing ovation.

The event was a poignant reminder of Dr. Achema’s transformative contributions and a call to action for leadership centered on integrity and accountability in Nigeria.