A civic watchdog group, the Citizens Alliance for Rule of Law and Justice (CARoLJ), has condemned former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), over his recent criticism of the Bola Tinubu administration, describing his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as an act of “political desperation dressed in borrowed morality”.

In a statement issued in Kaduna on Sunday and signed by the group’s president, Aminu Jallo, CARoLJ said Malami’s remarks accusing the current government of neglecting security and plunging Nigerians into poverty are not only ironic but deeply insulting to the intelligence of Nigerians who lived through “his era of constitutional vandalism and legal impunity”.

“Abubakar Malami presided over one of the darkest periods in Nigeria’s legal history. To hear him now speak of justice, equity, and national renewal is to witness a man attempting to whitewash a legacy drenched in disobedience of court orders, protection of corrupt political elites, and flagrant misuse of the instruments of state power,” Jallo said.

Malami, who served as Minister of Justice from 2015 to 2023, formally announced his defection to the ADC on Wednesday, stating that the party offers a coalition to “rescue Nigeria from collapse”. He decried insecurity and economic hardship, particularly in northern Nigeria, and accused the APC-led government of prioritising propaganda over governance.

But CARoLJ said Malami’s sudden concern for national suffering was “both cynical and dishonest,” pointing to a long record of policy failures, compromised prosecutions, and judicial sabotage while he was in office. The group questioned Malami’s moral standing to speak about national decline, given what it described as his direct role in dismantling the very institutions Nigerians now struggle to rebuild.

“Under Malami, the Federal Ministry of Justice became a political safe haven for the corrupt and a weapon against the vulnerable. He consistently ignored valid court rulings, frustrated landmark anti-corruption trials, and presided over a justice system that increasingly served the powerful at the expense of the people,” Jallo said.

The group cited the controversial 2017 reinstatement of Abdulrasheed Maina, the former chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team, as one of several cases where Malami allegedly enabled impunity. Despite being on trial for massive pension fraud, Maina was smuggled back into the civil service, reportedly with Malami’s knowledge and backing.

“Malami owes Nigerians an explanation for how a fugitive facing corruption charges was not only reinstated but promoted. That scandal alone should permanently disqualify him from any public office,” Jallo said.

CARoLJ also condemned the role Malami played in the 2022 presidential pardon granted to two convicted ex-governors — Joshua Dariye of Plateau State and Jolly Nyame of Taraba State — who were both jailed for stealing public funds. The controversial pardon was processed through Malami’s ministry and widely condemned by civil society groups.

“While honest Nigerians were imprisoned for petty theft, Malami helped secure clemency for men convicted of looting billions. He cannot now pretend to be a champion of the poor,” Jallo stated.

Beyond high-level corruption, the group alleged that Malami allowed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to become a political tool, selectively targeting opponents of the government while shielding allies and loyalists.

Under his supervision, the commission was, according to CARoLJ, “reduced to a shadow of itself — compromised, erratic, and often weaponised for vendettas”.

The group pointed to the irony of Malami’s selective justice, noting that while his ministry turned a blind eye to dubious transactions involving his allies and family, it aggressively pursued whistleblowers and activists.

“It was during Malami’s tenure that the EFCC lost its moral compass. Investigations were stalled, evidence disappeared, and known associates of the former minister were immune from scrutiny,” Jallo said.

“Malami failed to act on reports indicting senior government figures — and yet, he never hesitated to file charges against voices critical of his actions. He made a mockery of justice.”

CARoLJ further criticised the asset recovery regime under Malami’s watch, describing it as a “spectacle without substance” and alleging that billions in recovered funds were either mismanaged or mysteriously unaccounted for.

“The so-called asset recovery framework championed by Malami was a farce. Nigerians were shown figures but never the trail. There was no transparency. The process became an avenue for self-enrichment and patronage. His office operated more like a political vault than a justice ministry,” Jallo alleged.

According to the group, public suspicion around Malami’s stewardship of recovered assets only deepened when reports surfaced suggesting a sudden accumulation of unexplained wealth among his close associates — including members of his immediate family.

The group described as “morally offensive” the public displays of opulence by members of Malami’s family while the country grappled with deepening poverty.

“It is not lost on Nigerians that during Malami’s time in office, his children lived lavishly, displaying wealth that bore no proportion to any legitimate income. From luxury cars to extravagant weddings, the evidence was not just visible — it was flaunted,” Jallo said.

“One of Malami’s sons reportedly owns a multi-billion-naira event centre in Kebbi. At the height of public anger over poverty and inflation, the family flew in private jets for wedding ceremonies and flaunted exotic vehicles in Abuja. These are not just optics — they are symbols of unchecked abuse of office and unexplained wealth.

“One cannot preach reform while living off the ruins of abuse. Malami’s household became a symbol of reckless entitlement. His defection to ADC is not about rescuing Nigeria — it is about rescuing his ambitions.”

CARoLJ also recalled that several major corruption cases were either inexplicably withdrawn or bungled under Malami’s leadership, including the high-profile case involving former Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke, and the controversial handling of oil contracts involving foreign interests, which led to legal defeats and settlements that cost Nigeria billions.

“Several landmark corruption cases collapsed under Malami’s watch — not for lack of evidence, but because of compromised prosecution and political interference. It was under Malami’s supervision that the government suffered repeated legal setbacks abroad, including in the P&ID arbitration case. His poor legal strategy and politicisation of sensitive files cost this country dearly,” Jallo said.

The group described Malami’s defection to the ADC as “a soft launch of his long-suspected ambition to contest the 2027 governorship election in Kebbi State,” and warned voters not to fall for what it called his “reinvention strategy”.

“Abubakar Malami’s defection to the ADC is not a patriotic move — it’s a calculated rebranding effort by a man desperate to escape the shadow of his own legacy. Nigerians must not be deceived. You cannot preside over years of constitutional sabotage, ignore court orders, protect looters, and then suddenly claim to be the face of national rescue. Malami is not joining the ADC to save Nigeria — he’s joining to save himself,” Jallo said.

Reacting directly to Malami’s call for Nigerians to “reclaim the nation” through the ADC, CARoLJ dismissed it as hypocritical.

“The Nigeria Malami claims to be rescuing is the same Nigeria he helped bleed for nearly a decade. He now talks about banditry and hardship in the North — but was silent when communities were razed in Zamfara, Kebbi, and Borno under Buhari, while he remained fixated on political consolidation,” Jallo noted.

“To the people of Kebbi: Malami heard your cries during years of banditry and silence was his only response. He cannot now claim to be your liberator.

“Nigerians must resist the ongoing attempt by disgraced political actors to hide behind new parties and forgotten slogans. True reform begins with accountability — not defection.”

Malami Cannot Wash Off His Legacy of Impunity with ADC Defection — Citizens Alliance

A civic watchdog group, the Citizens Alliance for Rule of Law and Justice (CARoLJ), has condemned former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), over his recent criticism of the Bola Tinubu administration, describing his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as an act of “political desperation dressed in borrowed morality”.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, and signed by the group’s president, Dr. Hamzat Tunde Ayoola, CARoLJ said Malami’s remarks accusing the current government of neglecting security and plunging Nigerians into poverty are not only ironic but deeply insulting to the intelligence of Nigerians who lived through his tenure of constitutional vandalism and legal impunity.

“Abubakar Malami presided over one of the darkest periods in Nigeria’s legal history. To hear him now speak of justice, equity, and national renewal is to witness a man attempting to whitewash a legacy drenched in disobedience of court orders, protection of corrupt political elites, and flagrant misuse of the instruments of state power,” Dr Ayoola said.

Malami, who served as Minister of Justice from 2015 to 2023, formally announced his defection to the ADC on Wednesday, stating that the party offers a coalition to “rescue Nigeria from collapse.” He decried the insecurity and economic hardship, particularly in northern Nigeria, and accused the APC-led government of prioritising propaganda over governance.

But CARoLJ said Malami’s sudden concern for national suffering was “both cynical and dishonest,” pointing to a long record of policy failures, compromised prosecutions, and judicial sabotage while he was in office.

“Under Malami, the Federal Ministry of Justice became a political safe haven for the corrupt and a weapon against the vulnerable. He consistently ignored valid court rulings, frustrated landmark anti-corruption trials, and presided over a justice system that increasingly served the powerful at the expense of the people,” he said.

The group cited the controversial 2017 reinstatement of Abdulrasheed Maina, the former chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team, as one of several cases where Malami allegedly enabled impunity. Despite being on trial for massive pension fraud, Maina was smuggled back into the civil service, reportedly with Malami’s knowledge and backing.

“Malami owes Nigerians an explanation for how a fugitive facing corruption charges was not only reinstated but promoted. That scandal alone should permanently disqualify him from any public office,” he said.

The group also criticised Malami’s role in the controversial presidential pardon granted to two convicted ex-governors — Joshua Dariye of Plateau State and Jolly Nyame of Taraba State — who were both jailed for stealing public funds. The pardon, granted in 2022 under President Muhammadu Buhari, was processed through Malami’s ministry and widely condemned by civil society groups.

“While honest Nigerians were imprisoned for petty theft, Malami helped secure clemency for men convicted of looting billions. He cannot now pretend to be a champion of the poor.”

CARoLJ further accused Malami of weakening Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts through reckless legal advice, premature withdrawal of cases, and persistent interference in the operations of agencies like the EFCC and ICPC.

The civic group further listed several major corruption cases that were either inexplicably withdrawn or bungled under Malami’s leadership, including the high-profile case involving former Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke, and the controversial handling of oil contracts involving foreign interests, which led to legal defeats and settlements that cost Nigeria billions.

“Several landmark corruption cases collapsed under Malami’s watch — not for lack of evidence, but because of compromised prosecution and political interference. It was under Malami’s supervision that the government suffered repeated legal setbacks abroad, including in the P&ID arbitration case. His poor legal strategy and politicisation of sensitive files cost this country dearly. Let’s not forget Diezani’s case,” Ayoola said.

The group described Malami’s defection to the ADC as “a soft launch of his long-suspected ambition to contest the 2027 governorship election in Kebbi State,” and warned voters not to fall for what it called his “reinvention strategy”.

“Abubakar Malami’s defection to the ADC is not a patriotic move — it’s a calculated rebranding effort by a man desperate to escape the shadow of his own legacy. Nigerians must not be deceived. You cannot preside over years of constitutional sabotage, ignore court orders, protect looters, and then suddenly claim to be the face of national rescue. Malami is not joining the ADC to save Nigeria — he’s joining to save himself,” Ayoola said.

Reacting directly to Malami’s call for Nigerians to “reclaim the nation” through the ADC, CARoLJ dismissed it as hypocritical.

“The Nigeria Malami claims to be rescuing is the same Nigeria he helped bleed for nearly a decade. He now talks about banditry and hardship in the North — but was silent when communities were razed in Zamfara, Kebbi, and Borno under Buhari, while he remained fixated on political consolidation,” Ayoola noted.

“To the people of Kebbi: Malami heard your cries during years of banditry and silence was his only response. He cannot now claim to be your liberator now.

“Nigerians must resist the ongoing attempt by disgraced political actors to hide behind new parties and forgotten slogans. True reform begins with accountability — not defection.”

The Renewed Hope Ambassadors Network (RHAN) has described the performance of Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), as “superlative”, commending his transformative leadership in aviation in the past two years.

In a statement signed by the group’s president, Opialu Fabian Opialu, RHAN spotlighted several key achievements that they say reflect President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda and urge other ministers to match his level of commitment.

Keyamo’s tenure, RHAN asserts, has been marked by bold reforms and major partnerships that are reshaping Nigeria’s aviation landscape. Notably, he led the signing of a pioneering Memorandum of Understanding with Boeing in Seattle, which includes planning workshops, technical support for airlines, and development of local aircraft maintenance facilities — an agreement described as a “significant milestone” toward a viable civil aviation ecosystem.

Opialu highlighted the completion of airport infrastructure projects under Keyamo’s watch, including the reopening of the second runway at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) after resolving a lingering land dispute within two weeks of taking office. He also noted the remodeling of arrival halls through public-private partnerships.

RHAN credited Keyamo’s leadership with decisive action to resolve stuck foreign airlines’ funds in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), restoring confidence from major carriers like Emirates, and Emirates returning flights to Nigeria.

Further, the group praised the minister for spearheading Nigeria’s enhanced global rating in aviation safety — from approximately 49  percent to over 70  percent — by ensuring compliance with the Cape Town Convention. This jump, the group said, was critical to unlocking dry leasing options and lowering leasing costs for Nigerian airlines.

Opialu also commended Keyamo for opening new international routes, including Air Peace’s successful launch from Lagos to London Gatwick, and securing reciprocal flying rights for Air Peace to Heathrow — key steps toward reducing airfare costs and breaking monopolies.

“Keyamo has proven to be a reformist — a man of substance and action. His achievements are not symbolic; they are foundations for economic growth, safety, job creation, and national pride,” Opialu said.

Opialu emphasised that Keyamo’s approach, which is action-oriented, consultative, and integrity-driven, has sets a benchmark for other ministers.

“Festus Keyamo’s resolve to clear stuck funds, modernise airport infrastructure, elevate safety ratings, and boost global partnerships marks a new chapter in our aviation story. Now, we urge every ministry to match that intensity. Underperformance in office is no longer acceptable,” he said.

RHAN further encouraged private sector players, technical teams, and civil society to support ongoing reforms. They announced plans to monitor aviation benchmarks regularly, including passenger satisfaction, financial transparency, and safety metrics.

“In aviation, we see restored integrity and progress. That model ought to spread across every ministry. We will walk with those who deliver and call out those who don’t,” Opialu affirmed.

A youth group within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under the banner of the Coalition of PDP Youth Defenders (CPYD), has accused Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere of misleading Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara and dragging the PDP into deepening crisis in the southern region and at the national level.

The group said Ugochinyere’s “self-serving commentary” have worsened the PDP’s internal affairs and contributed to the political turmoil in Rivers State, which led to the suspension of Governor Fubara and his deputy and the eventual declaration of a state of emergency by President Bola Tinubu.

The state is now under the control of a sole administrator, appointed to restore order and protect lives and property.

In a scathing statement on Thursday, Comrade Ibrahim Mohammed Salihu, President of CPYD, said the Imo federal lawmaker has become “a merchant of confusion” who deceives the PDP leadership with misleading claims and manipulative rhetoric.

“It is no longer speculation that Hon. Ugochinyere has been the one whispering false hope into the ears of Governor Fubara while steering him into avoidable confrontation. Today, Rivers State is under emergency rule, the PDP has lost grip, and the people are suffering — all because of one man’s obsession with being the face of rebellion,” he said.

Salihu said Ugochinyere played a key role in emboldening Governor Fubara to defy party elders and national leaders, including efforts by the PDP Governors’ Forum to mediate the crisis between the governor and his estranged political godfather, Nyesom Wike.

“When leaders were calling for caution and reconciliation, it was Ugochinyere who kept pushing Fubara to believe he was the new hero of anti-establishment politics,” Salihusaid.

“He fed the governor dangerous lies that led to institutional breakdown and refusal to obey an agreement entered into with Wike — which was supervised by the president. And now that the president has stepped in with an emergency proclamation, Ugochinyere is nowhere to be found.”

The group also accused Ugochinyere of working with a small clique of anti-party actors to disrupt the upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the PDP scheduled for May 27, using the ongoing tussle over the role of the acting National Secretary as a smokescreen.

“This is the same Ugochinyere who once claimed to defend party supremacy. Now, he’s undermining the party’s decisions and calling for the removal of leaders who don’t dance to his tune. He’s backing Setonji Koshoedo but not because he believes in due process — it’s just another chance to throw PDP into chaos ahead of NEC,” he said.

Salihu said the CPYD is particularly disappointed that Ugochinyere has continued to mislead the public and the media about the circumstances surrounding the submission of PDP’s Anambra governorship candidate, despite INEC’s clear position on the matter.

“Ugochinyere talks about legality and recognition but conveniently omits the fact that both Senator Samuel Anyanwu and Ambassador Damagum jointly signed the submission of PDP’s candidate for the Anambra election. How then can he claim that Anyanwu has been removed when both signatures were accepted by INEC?” he queried.

The group called on the PDP leadership to move decisively against Ugochinyere and others who are allegedly working to destabilise the party from within, adding that they must not be allowed to continue misrepresenting the will of PDP members across the country.

“The time has come for the PDP to draw a line. Ugochinyere is not bigger than the party. His constant meddling in state affairs, his media stunts, and his divisive press statements are hurting the PDP’s unity and distracting us from building for 2027. He should either fall in line or be shown the door,” he added.

“The PDP must remain focused on its role as the main opposition party. Ugochinyere’s reckless outbursts and deception have already cost us Rivers. We must not let him destroy what’s left of our electoral fortunes.”

Salihu warned other PDP members to resist the temptation to follow Ugochinyere’s “loud but empty” brand of activism, noting that the party is built on collective decision-making, not solo battles driven by ego and ambition.

“We must learn from Rivers. The lesson is that noise and rebellion do not equal leadership. Fubara listened to Ugochinyere and today he has lost power, legitimacy, and his mandate is in jeopardy. That is the real tragedy, and we must not let it spread.”

The CPYD reaffirmed its loyalty to the PDP, the constitution of the party, and the decisions of the National Working Committee.

The group urged party leaders to prioritise reconciliation and discipline as the party heads toward its NEC meeting and future elections.