Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to Mexico, Reno Omokri, has argued that the country is not as corrupt as many people around the world believe.

According to him, global corruption rankings do not fully reflect Nigeria’s culture and realities.

Omokri made the remarks on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics.

He said the country’s corruption perception rating had improved under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, abut insisted that global organisations often judge Nigeria using standards that do not consider local cultural practices.

“Nigeria is not as corrupt as the world thinks it is because the metrics they are using to gauge corruption are global metrics and they do not take into account the particular culture of Nigeria,” he said.

Omokri pointed to the tradition of showing appreciation to public officials who perform their duties well.

He said that while such gestures could be seen as corruption by organisations like Transparency International, they had long existed in Nigeria even before colonial rule.

“When a public official does the job very well in this country, people show appreciation. Transparency International sees that as corruption, but it is not corruption,” he said.

Omokri said Nigeria should stop allowing foreign organisations to define its image and instead tell its own story.

“We have to write our own story. If we allow these people to continue writing our stories, they will always see us as people who are poor and backward,” he said.

He also highlighted Lagos State’s economic growth, saying its Gross Domestic Product had grown significantly under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

According to him, Lagos had grown from a GDP of less than $100 billion six years ago to about $259 billion in purchasing power parity terms, while income levels had also increased.

Omokri further challenged claims that Nigeria was unsafe, citing the annual Detty December festivities in Lagos.

“Every year, 1.2 million tourists go to Lagos for Detty December. That is the biggest single tourism event in Africa, and not one person has been killed or injured,” he said.

The State Coordinator of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project, RAAMP, Benue State, Mr Stephen Numbeve, has said no amount of media spectacle, political rhetoric or what he described as “moonlight tales” can erase the achievements recorded by the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia.

Numbeve made the assertion in a statement on Monday, saying the Alia administration had placed Benue State on a new trajectory of development through strategic investments in infrastructure, education, industrialisation and workers’ welfare.

According to him, the transformation under the administration was not merely a subject of political narratives but was visible in communities across the state.

He said major road projects were connecting cities and opening up rural communities, while investments in rural infrastructure were improving access for farmers and strengthening economic activities across the state.

“His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia, has placed Benue State on the global map. World-class roads now connect our cities, while rural communities are linked as never before. New industries are rising, and old ones are being revived,” Numbeve said.

He also highlighted developments in the education sector, particularly the construction and renovation of school facilities and the recruitment of thousands of teachers.

Numbeve said the recruitment of 9,700 qualified teachers represented a significant investment in the future of Benue children, stressing that education remained one of the most important foundations for sustainable development.

He further identified the regular payment of salaries and pensions as another area where the administration had, according to him, provided considerable relief to workers and retirees.

The RAAMP coordinator maintained that such interventions were more meaningful to ordinary citizens than political narratives circulated on social media.

“Media performances are open to all, but the truth is that the majority of Benue voters are not swayed by what trends online. They judge by what they see with their own eyes—the roads, the schools and the payment of salaries and pensions—not by twisted narratives crafted for the cameras,” he stated.

Numbeve therefore urged the people of Benue to pay attention to tangible development and continuity in governance rather than allowing political distractions to overshadow the progress recorded in the state.

He argued that Benue could not afford to abandon what he described as the foundation for sustainable development for the sake of political alternatives whose promises might not necessarily translate into improved living conditions.

Numbeve expressed confidence that the people would continue to assess the Alia administration based on its performance and impact on their daily lives.

“Benue cannot afford to let this progress slip away for the sake of any other option,” he concluded.

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Chille Igbawua, has rejected former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso’s call for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race.

Kwankwaso had urged Atiku to step aside for a younger opposition candidate, citing concerns over his age and health.

Reacting during an interview on Arise Television, Igbawua, a former member of the House of Representatives and adviser to the ADC National Chairman, said there was no evidence that Atiku’s age or health would prevent him from governing the country.

“I do not know where he has data on Atiku’s health. Atiku has not changed his age, but whether at that age he cannot govern is a totally different thing,” he said.

Igbawua argued that age alone should not determine a person’s ability to govern, saying some younger politicians may not possess the mental capacity and agility he attributed to Atiku.

He also criticised the suggestion that Atiku should step aside so that the opposition could “take care of him” if it wins the election, describing the remark as insulting and damaging to opposition unity.

“To suggest that Atiku should step down so that if they win they will take care of him, how? That is an insult,” he said.

Despite the disagreement, Igbawua said the ADC remained open to dialogue with other opposition parties ahead of the 2027 election.

“At all times, we are ready for dialogue. Whether it will succeed or not is a different thing. But at least it gives the opportunity for the opposition to come together,” he said.

On the possibility of multiple opposition candidates challenging President Bola Tinubu in 2027, Igbawua expressed confidence that the ADC could defeat the incumbent.

“We would defeat the incumbent and change the country. I say that confidently,” he said.

The Kebbi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has dismissed the African Democratic Congress, ADC’s questions over the state’s finances, saying the administration of Governor Nasir Idris has executed projects across various sectors.

The reaction followed the ADC’s questions over the implementation of the state’s 2025 budget and the difference between projected and actual revenue and expenditure.

Addressing journalists at the party secretariat in Birnin Kebbi on Friday, Acting APC Chairman Adamu Mudi Augi listed projects carried out by the administration, including the dualisation of the Birnin Kebbi-Ambursa Road, rehabilitation of schools, establishment of science and skills boarding schools, procurement of textbooks, and recruitment of teachers.

He also cited the upgrade of hospitals and primary healthcare centres, recruitment of health workers and construction of the 250-unit Kauran Gwandu Housing Estate.

On agriculture, Augi said the government had distributed fertiliser, seeds and solar-powered irrigation pumps to farmers.

DAILY POST had earlier reported that the state government rejected allegations of financial mismanagement over its N580.33 billion 2025 budget, saying the difference between projected and actual revenue represented unrealised revenue rather than missing funds.

The government had also said it adjusted expenditure in response to revenue shortfalls and spent nearly N240 billion during the year, including more than N152 billion on capital projects.

Reacting to the ADC’s concerns, Augi challenged the opposition party to focus on the administration’s projects and policies.

“Let them debate performance, not invent a fiscal mystery. The people of Kebbi can see the projects and assess the impact of the government’s programmes for themselves,” he said.

The Lagos State Government has directed public and private schools across the state to place greater emphasis on safety, cleanliness and healthy practices as learners and staff resume for the 2026/2027 academic session on Monday, September 14, 2026.

The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, issued the directive in a statement on Friday welcoming pupils, students, teachers, school administrators, non-teaching staff and other stakeholders back to school.

Alli-Balogun said the new academic session offered an opportunity to further strengthen learning, discipline, character development, innovation and excellence within the state’s education system.

He commended parents, learners and education personnel for their continued commitment to the sector and urged them to begin the session with renewed energy and determination to achieve both academic and personal goals.

The commissioner stressed that protecting the health, safety and well-being of learners and staff should be regarded as a shared responsibility as schools reopen.

He urged pupils and students to maintain cleanliness in classrooms, toilets, laboratories, playgrounds and other school facilities. Learners were also advised to wash their hands regularly with soap and safe water, especially before eating and after using the toilet, while avoiding littering and disposing of waste in designated bins.

The government cautioned learners against sharing personal items such as drinking cups, cutlery and towels, noting that such practices could contribute to the spread of infections. They were also encouraged to observe proper respiratory hygiene by covering their mouths and noses when they cough or sneeze.

Schools, the commissioner said, should prevent unnecessary overcrowding and maintain adequate ventilation in classrooms and other enclosed areas. Learners were equally urged to promptly report unsafe conditions, damaged facilities and health concerns to their teachers or school authorities.

Alli-Balogun further called on teachers, administrators and non-teaching personnel to lead by example by maintaining high standards of personal hygiene, environmental cleanliness and safety within school premises.

He also directed school authorities to ensure that water, sanitation and hygiene facilities remained functional, while classrooms and frequently touched surfaces were cleaned regularly.

According to the government, the measures are designed to ensure that schools remain safe, clean, healthy, inclusive and conducive environments for learning throughout the 2026/2027 academic session.

The commissioner urged all members of the school community to work collectively towards a successful academic year.

The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, also wished pupils, students, teachers, school administrators and non-teaching staff a safe, productive and successful academic session.

The decision to keep the Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University, UNIOSUN, Prof. Clement Adegbooye, in office for an additional two years has triggered a fresh dispute over university governance in Osun State.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has rejected the extension, warning that the development could create a troubling precedent for the administration of Nigerian universities.

Adegbooye’s tenure, originally scheduled to expire in January 2027, has now been extended until January 2029 following a decision announced by Osun State Governor and Visitor to the university, Ademola Adeleke.

Adeleke disclosed the extension on September 1, 2026, during the inauguration of the reconstituted Governing Council of the institution.

ASUU President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, has said the union was deeply concerned about both the extension and the reported amendment of the legislation governing UNIOSUN.

According to Piwuna, “the legal framework under which Adegbooye was appointed provides for a single five-year tenure and does not contemplate an additional extension.”

He said the UNIOSUN Law was based on the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act, 2012, which was introduced partly to address disputes surrounding the tenure of vice-chancellors.

“The enactment of the Principal Act was part of efforts to curtail the pervading atmosphere of rancour and bitterness thrown up by tenure extension or renewal for vice-chancellors in Nigerian universities,” Piwuna said.

The ASUU president argued that changing the state law to accommodate an extension as the vice-chancellor approached the end of his tenure could weaken the principles established by the 2012 legislation.

He also expressed concern that the development could encourage similar actions in other states, particularly where political authorities seek to influence the administration of public universities.

Piwuna warned that such a situation could generate tensions within institutions, potentially leading to what he described as “pent-up anger, sycophancy, and administrative witch-hunt”.

He maintained that an unstable administrative environment could affect the ability of universities to concentrate on their core responsibilities of teaching, research and development.

The union also questioned Adegbooye’s decision to accept the extension, noting that he had previously served as a branch secretary of ASUU at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

Piwuna said accepting the additional tenure was inconsistent with the principles and values traditionally promoted by the union.

He urged the vice-chancellor to reconsider his position before January 2027, which ASUU regards as the end of his legally valid tenure.

The union president also criticised the timing of the reported amendment to the UNIOSUN Law, arguing that changing the rules when the incumbent’s tenure was nearing its conclusion raised fundamental questions.

He described the move as antithetical to democratic norms and said it could cast doubt on the administration’s commitment to the rule of law.

“This is not good enough for a governor whose recent re-election against all odds drew nationwide applause,” Piwuna said.

ASUU said it would continue to pursue the matter if its concerns were not addressed, warning that it would not allow what it called the absurdity at UNIOSUN to become a model for other universities.

The union also called on the reconstituted Governing Council to perform its duties independently and without disruptive interference, stressing that UNIOSUN was established for the wider public interest.

Piwuna said, “The reconstituted Governing Council must be allowed to carry out its mandate without disruptive interference and intrigues.”

He added that the institution, which operates under a licence from the National Universities Commission, should be allowed to fulfil its educational mandate and contribute to the development of future leaders.

ASUU cautioned that the situation could, deliberately or otherwise, establish a precedent in which state authorities disregard national standards governing the management of universities.

Human rights activist Aisha Yesufu has vowed to track every vote from the polling unit level to the national level in the forthcoming 2027 presidential election.

Yesufu made the vow on Thursday while responding to questions during an interview on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television.

She said the 2023 polls taught a huge lesson, stressing that there would be no more rigging as she drew a battle line for vote tracking.

“We are going to follow the votes from polling units, to the ward collation centre, to LG, to the state, and all the way to Abuja.

“There is no time that any ballot paper, ballot box, result sheet, or individual will be out of our sight.

“We will follow them using bikes, boats, or by air. If they’re coming on a private jet, we will use an alternative private jet to go with them,” she said.

When asked if the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is a match for President Bola Tinubu, she said, “Who is Bola Tinubu? Mr Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not who he thinks he is, and he knows it.

“You see that bravado na Cho Cho. If you have the opportunity to interview Mr Bola Ahmed Tinubu, look into his eyes, and I tell you, what you see is fear.”

The ADC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, has called on the state government to review its policy on post-retirement appointments and extensions for retired civil servants.

Dan’iya, in a statement issued on Wednesday by his media aide, Aminu Abdullahi, alleged that retaining retired officials in active positions was weakening the state civil service and limiting career opportunities for younger workers.

He said the policy had affected various levels of the public service, including primary and secondary school teachers, headmasters, principals and Permanent Secretaries.

According to him, some retired officials were allegedly allowed to remain in their former positions beyond the statutory retirement age instead of being engaged through clearly defined contracts for specific assignments.

“A civil service survives on rules, professionalism, succession and institutional memory. Once those principles are deliberately weakened, the institution itself begins to collapse,” Dan’iya said.

The ADC candidate also alleged that some people without relevant professional backgrounds were being appointed to sensitive positions, claiming that teachers were sometimes deployed as finance officers while trained financial officers were sidelined.

He further claimed that reports from civil servants at the Shehu Kangiwa and Usman Faruk Secretariats indicated that some workers had little or no meaningful work to perform, while others allegedly reported to their offices only a few days a week.

Dan’iya said the situation could affect the government’s ability to deliver essential services in education, healthcare, water, infrastructure, agriculture and security.

“You cannot build a modern state with a civil service that has been reduced to merely occupying offices. Government exists to serve the people, and the civil service is the machinery through which that service is delivered,” he said.

He urged the state government to review its policy on post-retirement appointments, extensions and placements, saying retired civil servants whose expertise was still needed should be engaged through clearly defined contracts rather than indefinite extensions.

Dan’iya said his administration, if elected, would prioritise merit-based appointments and promotions, proper succession planning and the deployment of officers according to their qualifications and areas of competence.

“The Sokoto civil service must not be allowed to die quietly. It is the machinery of government, and when that machinery stops working, the entire state suffers,” Dan’iya said.