By Richard Odusanya Pluralism is the oxygen of democracy.Where it flourishes, societies are strengthened by diversity, enriched by competing ideas, and stabilized by the inclusion of multiple voices in governance. Where it is weakened, democracy begins to suffocate, often yielding to authoritarian impulses disguised as efficiency, order, or national unity.Nigeria’s approaching 2027 General Elections, therefore, invite a deeper question: Is authoritarianism becoming a credible threat to our democratic experiment? Democracy and the Logic of PluralismAt its philosophical core, democracy is not merely about elections; it is about the diffusion of power. It assumes that no single individual, party, ethnic bloc,…
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The United Arab Emirates will withdraw from the OPEC and OPEC+ oil cartels to focus on “national interests”, a statement said on Tuesday, a bombshell announcement as energy prices soar over the Middle East war. The UAE, one of the world’s top oil producers, which has previously baulked at OPEC production quotas, will pull out on Friday, a statement carried by the official WAM news agency said. “This decision reflects the UAE’s long-term strategic and economic vision and evolving energy profile,” the statement said. “During our time in the organisation, we made significant contributions and even greater sacrifices for the…
By Tony Obiechina, Abuja The West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF) has called for accelerated digitalization of VAT systems across the regions warning that inefficiencies in current systems continue to limit revenue mobilization and economic growth. The call was made during a high-level regional forum held on 21 April 2026 in Abidjan, organized by the African Development Bank (AfDB), which brought together tax administrators, policymakers, and development partners to examine reforms and best practices in VAT administration across the continent. Contributing to a high-level panel discussion on “VAT Digitalization: Pathways, Challenges and Opportunities,” the Executive Secretary of WATAF, Mr. Jules…
By Oluwakemi Amuda Introduction Africa’s role in global governance has undergone a profound transformation over the past two decades. Once regarded as a peripheral actor in international decision-making, the continent is increasingly asserting itself as a strategic player shaping global norms, institutions, and policy directions. This development is not incidental; it results from deliberate diplomatic repositioning, institutional strengthening, and a growing acknowledgement that global governance cannot be legitimate or effective without Africa’s participation. As global power disperses and the world transitions toward multipolarity, Africa’s agency is becoming essential to the future of international cooperation. Africa’s Historical Marginalisation in Global Governance…
The Supreme Court has fixed April 22 for a hearing in the appeal filed by the National Chairman of a faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, over the leadership tussle in the party. A five-member panel of the Supreme Court, led by Justice Mohammed Garba, chose the date after granting an accelerated hearing. CHANNELS TV reports that the Apex Court also ordered counsel to the former Senate President, Jibril Okutepa, to file the appellant’s brief and serve it on Wednesday. It ordered the respondents to each file and serve on the appellant a respondent’s brief within three…
The National Chairman of the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is implementing a historic and deliberate economic masterplan to transform Kano State into the foremost regional hub for commerce, manufacturing, logistics and transnational trade in Nigeria and across West Africa. Professor Yilwatda stated this in Abuja, weekend, that the Federal Government’s ongoing infrastructure and industrial investments across Kano and the wider Northern corridor are neither accidental nor isolated projects, but part of a coordinated strategy to restore Kano to its historic status as the economic heartbeat of Northern…
Former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dumebi Kachikwu, has alleged a plot by political elites to take over the party, as he criticised the position of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the lingering leadership crisis. INEC had stated that it would not recognise any faction within the ADC until all pending court cases are concluded. Reacting to the development during a press conference in Abuja, Kachikwu said the action had triggered widespread reactions, raising concerns over the state of the party and its future. He traced the crisis to the tenure of former National Chairman,…
President Bola Tinubu has renewed the appointment of Professor Idris Muhammad Bugaje as the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for a second and final term of five years. Professor Bugaje was appointed as Executive Secretary of NBTE on March 14, 2021, for an initial term of five years. President Tinubu renewed the appointment following a careful review of his performance, leadership record, and the significant transformation in the technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sub-sector under his stewardship. Some of the achievements the NBTE recorded, in line with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda for…
The Seventh Prosecution Witness, PW7, Chinedu Eneanya, in the trial of the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Ifeanyi Emefiele on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, told Justice Maryanne Anineh of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, Abuja, that Emefiele violated the provisions of the CBN Act in the 2022 naira redesign exercise. Emefiele is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a four-count charge, bordering on the alleged unlawful printing of new naira notes. Testifying under cross-examination by defence counsel, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, at Wednesday’s proceedings, the witness disclosed that “the…
By Tony Obiechina, Abuja The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced the successful conclusion of the banking sector recapitalisation programme initiated in March 2024. Over the 24 Month period, Nigerian banks raised a total of ₦4.65 trillion in new capital, strengthening the resilience of the financial system and enhancing its capacity to support the economy. This was contained in a statement jointly signed by the CBN Acting Director of Corporate Communication, Mrs Hakama Sidi-Ali and the Director of Banking Supervision, Dr Olubukola A. Akinwunmi and made available to the press on Wednesday. According to the statement the programme recorded…