The Guild of Civil Societies and Media Executives for Equity, Justice and Transparency in Nigeria (GOCMEJ) has showered glowing commendation on the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Olumode Samuel Adeyemi, for what it described as an extraordinary demonstration of visionary leadership, rapid emergency intervention, and unwavering commitment to protecting Nigerian lives and economic assets following the devastating fire outbreak at Singa Market in Kano State.

In a press statement signed on Tuesday by Comrade Zubaida Aliyu Muhammed, the organisation described the Controller General’s immediate visit to the fire scene as a rare display of responsive and compassionate leadership, noting that such hands-on engagement reflects the highest standards of public service and administrative responsibility.

GOCMEJ stated that the Controller General’s swift physical presence at the disaster location went beyond routine official duty, portraying a leader deeply invested in the welfare of citizens and determined to ensure that emergency response operations are not only effective but sustained until total safety is guaranteed. The Guild emphasised that his direct supervision of damping-down operations to prevent re-ignition demonstrates exceptional foresight, operational discipline, and professional excellence.

The organisation further praised his strategic collaboration with the Honourable Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, describing the synergy between policy direction and field execution as a shining example of coordinated governance capable of strengthening Nigeria’s disaster management architecture.

According to GOCMEJ, the Controller General’s engagement with market stakeholders represents an intelligent and inclusive crisis-management strategy. The Guild noted that his interaction with traders and market leadership underscores a progressive leadership style that recognises community participation as a vital component of sustainable fire prevention.

The civil society coalition particularly hailed the announcement of plans to establish strategically positioned fire stations across major markets in Kano, describing the initiative as transformational, forward-looking, and capable of permanently reshaping emergency response efficiency within Nigeria’s commercial centres. The organisation stressed that embedding fire stations within high-risk trading hubs reflects bold policy innovation that prioritises both human safety and economic continuity.

GOCMEJ also paid glowing tribute to the courage, resilience, and professionalism of firefighters working tirelessly at the incident scene, noting that their dedication mirrors the strong leadership culture being fostered within the Service under the Controller General’s stewardship.

The Guild maintained that the Controller General’s leadership represents a powerful symbol of accountability, empathy, and patriotic service, adding that his decisive actions during critical emergencies have not only saved properties but also restored confidence among traders and residents affected by the unfortunate incident.

The organisation described his performance as a benchmark for emergency management leadership in Nigeria, stressing that proactive crisis intervention, institutional preparedness, and people-centred governance remain indispensable pillars for national safety and development.

The statement concluded by urging public office holders across sectors to emulate this standard of excellence, noting that Nigeria’s progress depends largely on leaders who combine competence, speed, and genuine compassion in service delivery.

The Citizen Network has strongly criticized the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) over its decision to commence the enforcement of a ban on sachet alcoholic beverages, describing the action as arbitrary, anti-people, and detrimental to the nation’s economy.

Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, the group’s representative, Comrade Johnson Kolawole Michael, expressed concern that the enforcement, announced under the leadership of NAFDAC Director-General, Professor Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, is disrupting the livelihoods of workers and operators in the wines and spirits sector, a segment the group said contributes significantly to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

According to the Citizen Network, the decision contradicts an earlier directive issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) on December 15, 2025, which instructed that enforcement of the ban be suspended.

The group also noted that the action runs contrary to resolutions of the House of Representatives contained in document NAS/10/HR/CT.33/77c of March 14, 2024, where lawmakers, following public hearings and consultations with stakeholders, restrained NAFDAC from implementing the ban, describing it as unacceptable and anti-people.

The group accused NAFDAC of selectively relying on a Senate resolution that, it claimed, excluded critical stakeholders and failed to reflect public opinion. It disclosed that it has formally approached the Senate, expressing confidence that lawmakers would reconsider the matter after further consultations.

Comrade Michael said the conflicting directives from different arms of government have created confusion among industry operators, leaving them uncertain about which authority to comply with.

He further argued that sachet and small PET bottle alcohol products were introduced to cater to adult consumers with limited purchasing power and that banning them would deny such consumers their fundamental right of choice. He dismissed claims that sachet alcohol encourages abuse, stating instead that smaller portions help discourage excessive consumption typically associated with larger containers.

The Citizen Network also maintained that sachet alcoholic beverages produced locally meet hygienic standards and are duly certified by regulatory bodies, including NAFDAC. It added that allegations of underage abuse have been countered by independent empirical research, while industry players have invested over ₦1 billion in nationwide campaigns promoting responsible alcohol consumption and discouraging underage drinking.

While reaffirming its support for the removal of unsafe products from the market, the group insisted that regulatory decisions must be guided by empirical evidence rather than sentiment. It warned that the ban could lead to factory closures, job losses, and the influx of illicit, substandard, and smuggled alcoholic products, thereby depriving government of revenue and consumers of regulated options.

The Citizen Network called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, members of the National Assembly, and concerned Nigerians to intervene and urge the NAFDAC Director-General to halt the enforcement of the ban and comply with existing directives suspending it.

The group warned that failure to heed the call could leave it with no alternative but to embark on a nationwide mass action.

A covert intelligence operation coordinated by the Army Headquarters, the State Security Service (SSS), and the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), helped thwart a deadly plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government and assassinate key political figures, PREMIUM TIMES can authoritatively report.

Multiple senior administration insiders said the plot began to unravel in late September 2025 after an unnamed military officer with direct knowledge of the coup contacted the then Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede. The officer reportedly disclosed the scheme, saying he feared being implicated as an accessory to treason if he failed to alert authorities.

Our sources said around the same time, the SSS independently gathered intelligence indicating that some serving army officers were plotting to “destabilise the government and undermine Nigeria’s democracy.” An official familiar with the matter said the Director-General of the SSS, Oluwatosin Ajayi, personally briefed Mr Oluyede on the findings.

Faced with converging intelligence from multiple sources, the two security chiefs agreed to act swiftly. A wide-ranging but discreet joint operation was launched by the army and the SSS, with coordinated arrests planned across different parts of the country to neutralise the coup’s masterminds and other collaborators.

On 30 September 2025, as President Tinubu travelled to Imo State for an official visit, unaware of the plot to depose and possibly assassinate him, the joint operation went into effect. The sweep led to the arrest of the alleged principal architects of the coup, alongside other military and civilian suspects.

The Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), Emmanuel Undiandeye, and the then Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, were subsequently briefed. Mr Undiandeye was then requested to detain the suspects in the underground holding facility of the Defence Intelligence Agency.

Following the initial arrests, President Tinubu was formally informed of the foiled plot. A visibly shaken president immediately ordered the cancellation of the 1 October National Independence Day parade. He also approved the constitution of a special investigative panel, which later led to additional arrests. The investigative panel was led by General Undiandeye.

One of the detained soldiers later escaped custody but was rearrested by SSS operatives in Bauchi, a military insider said. Meanwhile, a retired officer identified as General Adamu and a former governor, Timipre Sylva, accused of bankrolling the coup plotters, remained at large.

Mr Tinubu later fired and retired the then Chief of Defence Staff, General Musa as well as the chiefs of the navy and airforce. Mr Oluyede was appointed CDS and promoted to the rank of General. Weeks later, Mr Musa returned to government as minister of defence.

In a statement issued on 4 October, the Defence Headquarters said the arrested officers were being investigate for “indiscipline and breach of service regulations.” It added that preliminary findings suggested the officers’ grievances were linked to “career stagnation and failure in promotion examinations.”

Despite mounting evidence and a series of detailed reports by PREMIUM TIMES and other media outlets, the military repeatedly denied that a coup plot existed.

In an 18 October statement the Defence Headquarters described the probe involving the 16 arrested officers as a routine internal investigation aimed at maintaining discipline and professionalism within the armed forces.

However, on 26 January, the military publicly acknowledged for the first time that officers had indeed plotted to illegally overthrow President Tinubu’s administration. It announced that those indicted would be arraigned before a military judicial panel.

According to the Defence Headquarters, the investigation was “comprehensive” and conducted in line with established procedures, examining “all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel.”

It said the findings revealed “a number of officers with allegations of “plotting to overthrow the government,” describing such conduct as “inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”

“Accordingly, those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before an appropriate military judicial panel to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations,” the statement added.

The plot to oust, kill Tinubu and others
In an earlier report, PREMIUM TIMES quoted sources with direct knowledge of the investigation as identifying top officials allegedly marked for assassination. They include President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.

“There are other people targeted,” one source said. “But those are the key targets.”

The plotters also planned to detain senior military officers, including the service chiefs. “They did not want to kill them,” the source added.

According to the sources, the conspirators intended to assassinate the political leaders simultaneously. “They were waiting for a day when all of them would be in the country,” one official said. “Wherever they were, they would be assassinated.”

The sources said the plotters relied on informants within the Presidential Villa and around the officials slated for elimination.

“They have people inside the Villa who monitor the movements of these officials,” the source said. “The plan was to kill them at the same time and install a military government.”- PREMIUM TIMES