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Democracy Day: Obi faults President Tinubu’s administration
As Nigeria marked this year’s Democracy Day on June 12, former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, issued a strongly worded statement lamenting what he described as the steady erosion of democratic values and the worsening socio-economic conditions under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In a public address commemorating the day, Obi declared that Nigeria can no longer be justifiably classified as a democratic nation, asserting that the core elements of democracy – government by the people, for the people, and of the people – are now glaringly absent.
Obi decried the persistent disregard for electoral rules, where regulations governing eligibility for public office are flouted, leading to the emergence of leaders who, in his words, ought to have been disqualified from the outset. Reflecting on the state of the nation two years into the Tinubu administration, he pointed to what he described as a broad collapse of democratic principles, worsening security, economic stagnation, and increasing levels of poverty and despair among Nigerians.
“In just two years,” Obi said, “we have moved from rigged elections to collapsing social services; from soaring poverty to rising corruption; from a seemingly stable economy to a parlous one. This government has created a situation where failure, lies, and propaganda are now celebrated. Instead of accountability and measurable progress, we are witnessing the manipulation of narratives, blame-shifting, and governance by gaslighting.”
He raised alarm over the collapse of key development indicators, including education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation, noting that there is no transparent framework for measuring or achieving progress. According to him, comparisons with the past are now based on propaganda rather than factual evidence. He said the security situation has worsened, the rule of law is almost non-existent, and corruption has deepened.
Obi cited specific economic data to support his claims. He stated that Nigeria’s GDP, which stood at $364 billion when the Tinubu administration took over in May 2023, has plummeted to $188 billion – nearly a 50% decline. Similarly, GDP per capita has dropped from $1,640 to $835. He also revealed that the number of Nigerians living in multi-dimensional poverty has risen from 38.9% to 54%, with about 129 million people now below the poverty line. In rural areas, 75% of Nigerians live in poverty, according to recent World Bank figures.
On education, Obi lamented that Nigeria now has over 18.3 million out-of-school children – the highest number globally. He said the quality of education is in sharp decline, with students writing national exams under candlelight and without proper learning infrastructure. Healthcare, he added, has fared no better.
He cited data from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, which revealed that fewer than 20% of Nigeria’s 30,000 primary health centres are fully functional. He noted that in some centres he visited, delivery rooms lacked toilets. He quoted a recent United Nations report ranking Nigeria as the worst country in which to give birth, with one maternal death recorded every seven minutes.
On the business climate, Obi pointed out that over 7 million small and medium enterprises have shut down in the past two years. Over 80 manufacturing companies have ceased operations, and more than 15 major multinationals – including GlaxoSmithKline, Diageo, and Procter & Gamble – have exited Nigeria, citing the harsh business environment. He stated that the removal of fuel subsidies, initially justified as a measure to reduce borrowing, has not yielded tangible development. Instead, he said, the government has borrowed more than previous administrations combined, with Nigeria’s public debt now nearing ₦188 trillion. Yet, he claimed, there has been no visible improvement in critical sectors like education and healthcare.
Obi accused the administration of institutionalising corruption, noting that the 2025 national budget was padded with over ₦7 trillion, according to BudgIT, a civic tech organisation. He further described the power sector as another area plagued by false claims and poor delivery. Rather than increased power supply, he said Nigerians have only seen increased tariffs. In 2022, the average electricity tariff was ₦64 per kilowatt-hour; by 2025, it had risen to about ₦225 per kWh, despite constant grid collapses. “We now have a situation of more tariffs, more darkness,” Obi said.
Obi reminded Nigerians of President Tinubu’s campaign promise on 22 December 2022: “If I don’t give you constant electricity in the next four years, don’t vote for me for second term.” He observed that two years into that promise, the nation is still plagued by blackouts and grid failures.
On employment, Obi rejected the government’s revised unemployment figures, accusing it of manipulating data to paint a false picture. He said that most Nigerian youths fall into the NEET category – not in education, employment, or training – and international organisations such as the ILO and UNDP have questioned the credibility of the country’s labour statistics. According to him, youth unemployment and underemployment remain dangerously high.
Appealing directly to President Tinubu, Obi urged him to take a cue from late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, who admitted that the process that brought him to power was flawed, and from President Goodluck Jonathan, who conceded defeat to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy. Obi called on the President to end impunity and respect the rule of law and constitutional checks and balances.
Among the reforms he recommended were an end to international tours, urging the President to instead tour all 36 Nigerian states to see firsthand the hardship citizens face. He said this would take only 72 days—less than half of the nearly 150 days the President has already spent abroad.
Obi also called for the resettlement of internally displaced persons, restoration of electoral integrity by ensuring INEC’s independence, and the implementation of genuine economic reforms that focus on increasing agricultural and industrial productivity rather than imposing more taxes on a struggling populace.
He ended his statement with a clarion call to Nigerians not to lose hope. “Now is the time to demand accountability, genuine leadership, and a government that prioritises the welfare, security, and democracy of its people over empty rhetoric and propaganda,” he concluded.
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The Trump administration has announced a sweeping review of more than 55 million foreigners holding US visas, aiming to identify potential violations that could trigger visa revocation or deportation.
In a statement to The Associated Press, the State Department confirmed that all visa holders are now subject to “continuous vetting.”
Officials will examine any indicators of ineligibility, including overstaying authorised periods, criminal activity, threats to public safety, engagement in terrorism, or support for terrorist organisations.
If authorities find evidence of such violations, they will revoke the visa, and individuals already in the US could face immediate deportation.
Officials stressed that the review targets both individuals residing in the United States and those holding multiple-entry visas abroad.
Since assuming office, President Donald Trump has prioritized strict immigration enforcement, targeting not only undocumented migrants but also holders of student and visitor exchange visas.
The current vetting process extends far beyond prior reviews, potentially affecting individuals who initially received approval to stay in the US.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, last year the US had 12.8 million green-card holders and 3.6 million people on temporary visas.
Immigration policy expert Julia Gelatt of the Migration Policy Institute noted that the 55 million figure likely includes individuals living abroad with tourist or business visas. She questioned whether allocating resources to review people unlikely to return justifies the scale of the initiative.
Alongside the review, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on X that the US will immediately halt work visas for commercial truck drivers, citing safety risks and threats to American jobs.
“The increasing number of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks on US roads is endangering American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers,” Rubio wrote.
The administration recently strengthened English proficiency requirements for foreign truckers following incidents where language barriers contributed to accidents. State Department officials confirmed they are pausing the processing of new work visas to reassess screening and vetting protocols.
“Ensuring that every driver meets the highest standards protects American workers and maintains a secure, resilient supply chain,” the department added.
Experts warn the broader implications of the review could ripple across the US economy. Edward Alden, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, explained that the administration’s policies aim to discourage companies, universities, and hospitals from employing foreign workers.
“The economic consequences will extend far beyond individual visas,” Alden said, emphasizing that employers risk compliance issues if they continue hiring foreign staff.
The review represents the most comprehensive enforcement action in recent US history and signals that the administration will aggressively monitor both legal and temporary visa holders to maintain national security and prioritize domestic employment.
The 2023 Labour Party (LP) vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has warned Nigerians that the opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is giving false hope about rescuing the country from underdevelopment.
“They are deceiving us,” Baba-Ahmed said during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday.
Baba-Ahmed, who ran alongside Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election won by Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) expressed his willingness to be Obi’s running mate in the 2027 presidential election.
Although Obi has shown interest in the 2027 race and is aligning with ADC coalition figures such as David Mark, Atiku Abubakar, Nasir el-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola, Baba-Ahmed stressed that he wants Obi to remain in the Labour Party and contest as its presidential candidate.
“I’m in the Labour Party. I’m a Peter Obi man. I still want Peter Obi to come back to the Labour Party and contest the 2027 election,” Baba-Ahmed stated.
When asked about his plans for the 2027 race, Baba-Ahmed confirmed his readiness to serve as a running mate for like-minded leaders committed to restoring Nigeria.
“If Nigeria is still around and there is an electoral system to follow, my love for Nigeria is undying.
I would appropriately associate with groups and individuals aligned with restoring the nation,” he said.
Baba-Ahmed also revealed two potential leaders he would consider deputising, with Peter Obi being his primary choice. “The first one has not said anything.
The second one is Peter Obi. I’m always with Peter Obi until he decides not to,” he added.
Nigeria has secured a $238 million loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to support the expansion and modernization of the national power grid.
The deal, confirmed during engagements at the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan, reflects a strategic shift towards implementation-driven energy development.
President Bola Tinubu highlighted that Nigeria’s participation at TICAD9 focused on concrete, outcome-oriented partnerships rather than ceremonial diplomacy.
“We are moving from planning to implementation, from agreements to delivery, and from promises to measurable results,” he said.
Details of the JICA Loan Project
The $238 million loan, supported by a Federal Executive Council counterpart funding of ₦19,083,192,805.30, will finance significant upgrades to Nigeria’s transmission infrastructure.
Key components of the project include:
Construction of 102.95 km of new 330kV double-circuit lines
Construction of 104.59 km of 132kV double-circuit lines
Development of four 330/132/33kV substations and two 132/33kV substations
Multiple line bay extensions to improve efficiency and reduce system losses
According to Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, the partnership with Japanese companies such as Toshiba, Hitachi, and Japan’s Transmission & Distribution Corporation is essential for unlocking Nigeria’s energy potential.
“Our focus is on transmission infrastructure, operational efficiency, and strategies to reduce system losses.
This $238 million loan from JICA provides the backbone for that transformation,” Adelabu explained.
Adelabu acknowledged Japan’s consistent support for Nigeria’s power sector, highlighting contributions in infrastructure, technical studies, training, and financing.
He emphasized that JICA’s backing is critical to expanding access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity across the country.
The project aims to strengthen Nigeria’s power transmission network, improve system reliability, and enhance overall efficiency, ultimately supporting industrial growth and meeting rising electricity demand nationwide.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has issued a fierce warning to Hamas, declaring that Gaza City will face complete destruction if the militant group refuses to accept Israel’s conditions for ending the war.
Katz, in a statement shared on social media on Friday, August 22, 2025, used sharp words to describe Israel’s next steps.
He said the “gates of hell” would open on Hamas if it failed to disarm and release all hostages.
“Soon, the gates of hell will open upon the heads of Hamas’s murderers and rapists in Gaza until they agree to Israel’s conditions,” Katz wrote.
He added that if Hamas refused, Gaza City would suffer the same fate as Rafah and Beit Hanoun, two cities previously flattened by Israeli offensives.
His comments mark one of Israel’s strongest warnings since the escalation of the conflict.
The minister’s remarks came only hours after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that negotiations had been ordered to free the hostages held in Gaza.
Netanyahu explained in a video address that Israel’s military operation in Gaza City would not stop during talks. “Defeating Hamas and releasing our hostages go hand in hand,” he said.
The prime minister also confirmed the mobilisation of 60,000 reservists to join the offensive.
Meanwhile, mediators have been waiting for Israel’s response to a ceasefire plan that Hamas accepted earlier in the week.
The proposal suggests a phased release of hostages, but Israel insists that only a deal ensuring the release of all captives at once will be accepted.
Israel’s hardened stance has sparked growing concern worldwide.
International leaders have cautioned that an expanded assault on Gaza City could worsen the humanitarian disaster already unfolding in the region.
Gaza’s health ministry says more than 62,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians, have been killed since Israel’s military campaign began.
The United Nations considers these figures credible.
The war was triggered by Hamas’s October 2023 attack, which left 1,219 people dead in Israel, mostly civilians.
Since then, the conflict has intensified, with both sides showing little sign of compromise.
With Katz’s threat to turn Gaza City into rubble if demands are not met, the conflict appears to be entering an even deadlier stage.
The international community continues to press for a ceasefire, but Israel’s leadership insists that victory over Hamas and the release of all hostages remain its top priorities.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised alarm over the circulation of fake Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachets in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Friday, August 22, 2025, the agency explained that the counterfeit milk is packaged to look like the discontinued Cowbell “Our Milk,” but it is unauthorised and unsafe for consumption.
NAFDAC clarified that Promasidor Nigeria Ltd, the authentic manufacturer, stopped producing Cowbell “Our Milk” in September 2023.
The product was replaced with Cowbell “Our Creamy Goodness.” Despite this, fake versions of the old product have found their way into Nigerian markets.
Picture of Fake cowbell milk.
The counterfeit sachets bear the brand name, NAFDAC registration number, and familiar packaging design, making them difficult for unsuspecting buyers to identify as fake.
Health Dangers of Fake Cowbell Milk
NAFDAC warned that the consumption of these counterfeit products poses serious health risks.
Fake milk could contain toxic chemicals, harmful additives, or diluted ingredients that endanger human health.
Infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly are the most vulnerable. Possible dangers include:
- Foodborne illnesses
- Allergic reactions
- Organ damage
- Long-term health complications
- In extreme cases, death
Counterfeit Product Details
- Product Name: Cowbell “Our Milk” 12g sachet
- Purported Manufacturer: Promasidor Nigeria Ltd
- Production Date: 04/2025
- Expiry Date: 12/2028
Picture of original cowbell milk.
NAFDAC Issues Strong Warning
The agency urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and avoid purchasing the counterfeit milk.
Healthcare professionals, distributors, and consumers have been advised to report suspicious sales of substandard or fake products immediately.
Reports can be made through:
The nearest NAFDAC office
Toll-free line: 0800-162-3322
Email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng
NAFDAC also called on traders and retailers to stop selling the fake sachets.
The agency assured the public that strict enforcement measures are being taken to remove the counterfeit products from circulation.
This is not the first time Nigerians have faced risks from fake food and beverages.
Experts warn that counterfeit consumables are becoming more sophisticated, often making them difficult to spot.
Consumers are advised to always check product details, expiry dates, and packaging changes announced by manufacturers.
By highlighting the dangers and raising awareness, NAFDAC says it hopes to protect Nigerians from avoidable health crises linked to fake milk products
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