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Group frowns at presidency for threatening Bala Mohammed
The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has condemned the recent subtle threats issued by the Presidency against Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed for his remarks on the proposed tax reform bills currently under consideration at the National Assembly.
In a statement by the national coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, the CNG said it found it imperative to address the statement made by the Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication to President Bola Tinubu, Sunday Dare, which unjustly attacked the Governor in a democratic setting over his stance on the controversial Tax Reforms Bills that is deeply unpopular with the majority of Nigerians.
He said the Presidency’s response, labelling Governor Mohammed’s comments as inflammatory, is both dismissive and unhelpful. Instead of addressing the valid concerns raised, the Presidency has deflected and criticised, adding that this approach does not foster the constructive dialogue needed to address the pressing issues.
“We find it significant to remind all and sundry that Governor Mohammed’s comments were completely acceptable and constructive in a democratic system that encourages dialogic conversations, which he made in the spirit of advocating for the welfare of Bauchi State and the broader Northern region within the Nigerian political milieu,” he said.
He said Governor Bala Mohammed’s statement, “We will show President Tinubu our true colour,” was a call for sincere and constructive dialogue with the Federal Government, not a threat.
“Governor Mohammed’s remarks echo the frustrations and concerns of countless Nigerians who believe that the Tax Reforms must not be implemented in an unjust, divisive manner and deliberately skewed to favour a few states over the majority.
“Regrettably, instead of heeding the Governor’s wise counsel and constructive criticism that the vast majority of Nigerians has already echoed, the Presidency snarled in response like an untamed beast at the heels of a fleeting traveller simply because of their unwillingness to swallow the pill of a bitter truth. Thus, the CNG seized this opportunity to remind President Tinubu that his administration has inflicted severe economic hardship on the populace in less than two years,” he added.
He said Tinubu’s anti-people policies, such as removing fuel subsidies, have led to a significant increase in fuel prices, triggering a ripple effect on transportation costs and the prices of goods. He added that the hike in electricity tariffs has compounded the difficulties many Nigerians face, making President Tinubu the foremost promoter of abject poverty across the nation.
“The CNG wishes to highlight that President Tinubu’s disastrous economic policies have led to severe inflation and currency devaluation, causing significant financial hardship for Nigerians. Ongoing issues with insurgency, banditry, and communal conflicts continue to jeopardise national security and stability. The government’s inability to tackle these problems has left many Nigerians in constant fear.
“We urge the Presidency to prioritise resolving the persistent issues of inadequate power generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure, which stifle economic growth and development. These challenges have disrupted businesses and daily life, further deepening the economic crisis,” he said.
….The Commission wants IGP to address use of excessive force by police
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN, has strongly condemned the alleged extrajudicial killing of a 28-year-old Nigerian, Mene Ogidi, by a police officer, ASP Nuhu Usman, on April 26, 2026, in Efurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Dr. Ojukwu described the incident as “deeply disturbing and a direct assault on human dignity, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the rule of law.”
He stressed that no Nigerian should lose their life at the hands of those sworn to protect them, reiterating that every life matters and must be protected.
According to him, “the reported action of the officer involved is condemnable, unacceptable, and completely inconsistent with the principles of justice and a civilized society.”
The statement which was signed by Hajia Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, quoted Ojukwu to have expressed grave concern over the recurring incidents of excessive use of force by law enforcement officers and called on the Nigeria Police Force to take urgent and decisive steps to address the issue.
He specifically urged the police authorities to subject officers deployed on special duties to periodic mental and psychological evaluations to ensure they are fit to carry arms and engage with civilians responsibly.
Dr. Ojukwu further called for the immediate disciplinary action against ASP Nuhu Usman in line with extant laws and police regulations.
He also emphasized the need for the Nigeria Police Force to fully implement the recommendations of the Commission’s Panel on Police Brutality as a necessary step toward meaningful reform and prevention of future violations.
“The Commission demands immediate arrest and a transparent investigation into the incident, dismissal of the officer involved, and swift prosecution in accordance with the law.
We hereby call for adequate compensation and justice for the family of the victim,” he stated.
He warned that justice delayed only deepens public distrust in state institutions and undermines confidence in law enforcement.
The Executive Secretary assured that the NHRC will continue to monitor the case closely and will persist in its advocacy for accountability, justice, and the protection of the fundamental rights of all Nigerians.
“Nigeria must never normalize brutality. Justice must speak louder than silence,” he concluded.
The Supreme Court of Nigeria will on Thursday, deliver judgments in two cases involving the leadership crises rocking the African Democratic Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.
According to information on the official website of the court, the matters, listed under “Political Appeals”, have been added to the cause list for Thursday, April 30, 2026.
While judgment in the ADC matter, marked SC/CV/180/2026, has been fixed for 2 pm, there is no time yet for that if the PDP.
President Bola Tinubu has written the Senate, seeking the screening and subsequent confirmation of fifteen nominees to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
The letter was read by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
The letter seeks the reconstitution of the commission’s board in line with statutory provisions with the list comprising nominees from diverse professional backgrounds, including the media and legal sectors.
Among the nominees are the President, Nigeria Guild of Editors and Editor, Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Eze Anaba; and Dr. Salamatu Hussaina Suleiman, who has been proposed as chairman of the board.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Anthony Ojukwu (SAN) is to retain his position as the Chief Executive Officer.
Other nominees include Mrs Roseline Tasha, Ambassador Adam Yubak Baku, ACG Felix Lawrence, Mr. Edmund Chinonye, Mr. Chinonye Obiaku (SAN), Oluwakemi Asiwaju Okere-Odo, Professor Adedeji Ogunji, Kingsley Chidozie, Mohammed Adelodu, Maupe Ogun Yusuf, and Otunba Francis Meshioye as members.
Also nominated are Patience Patrick and Hawwa Ibrahim, listed as members.
The President said the nominations were made pursuant to Section 2(3) of the National Human Rights Commission (Establishment) Act, 2010, which empowers him to constitute the board subject to Senate confirmation.
He explained that the reconstitution of the board was necessary to enhance the commission’s institutional capacity and enable it to more effectively discharge its mandate to promote and protect human rights across the country.
If confirmed, the new board is expected to play a critical role in reinforcing the NHRC’s oversight functions, particularly at a time of heightened concerns over rights protection and accountability in Nigeria.
Following the presentation of the request, the Senate referred the nominations to its Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for screening and report within two weeks.
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