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Crisis at NCC worsens as ex-minister’s son resigns in protest

Published

8 months ago

July 11, 2025

The crisis at the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has taken a different turn as the son of former minister has resigned from the commission.

Our investigation revealed that the son of a former minster from Nasarawa State and a fierce activist, suddenly left the commission over the ongoing promotion controversy that has continued to dent the image of the commission.

Recall that a recent controversial promotion exercise has set some senior staff of the commission against the management over what they had tagged lopsided. Many of the commission’s staff have accused the management of biased promotion without objective consideration on performance, qualifications and other necessary prerequisites for such a promotion. Some have even accused the commission of exhibiting tribal sentiment by favoring a particular tribe and leaving some out of the equation.

Investigation further revealed that amid the protest, a son of former minister who for some confidential reasons would not be mentioned in this report abruptly resigned. Our source revealed that the young man whose father was a former information minister and one-time deputy governor of Nasarawa State was quite disturbed by the ongoing in the commission and handed in his resignation letter.

It was gathered that during his post-resignation interview, he had blasted the current state of affairs at the NCC, stating no principled individual would want to continue in such a toxic atmosphere that frustrates creativity.

The source said, “The job the young man dumped cannot be done by even three persons. This goes to tell you how productivity is murdered on the alter of sentiment and discrimination.”

The source went further to reveal that the staff’s father was a student activist, civil society activist and journalist in his active years during the military era and that his resignation did not come as a surprise because “an apple does not fall too far from its tree.

“There are staff of the organization who did not even take part in the promotion exams but have resigned in protest. There are also others planning to dump the commission because, according to them, the future of the commission looks bleak under the current leadership.

“How do you investigate staff because they protested their promotion? Is the civil service supposed to be a place for witch hunt and victimization? Where then is the job security,” he said.

Speaking further, our source said many of the staff denied promotion are being investigated over an alleged leak of classified document to the media. He revealed further that while the investigation is currently ongoing and the panel is yet to make public its final position on the contentious matter, management has already stopped the affected staff from carrying out their duties.

“This puts to question whether people called manager of resources or not. Because even in the court of law, there should be presumption of innocence until a case is determined,” he said.

He went further to reveal that most of the staff at loggerheads with NCC management were stopped from attending a conference they were billed to attend. Some of them have been forced to cough out the Esta codes paid to them for the trip.

Some of the affected staff, according to the source were equally stopped from attending a GOCOP event which held recently in Abuja. “ Imagine that these guys are not on suspension, but already their tasks and duties have already been withdrawn. So sad.

“This again puts to question on whether management will honour any recommendation from the panel they set up to probe some of the staff. Is it proper to discipline some of the staff when no offense has been established against them?

“What is happening at the NCC is akin to an overzealous policeman who arrested a suspect and continues to look for evidence to prosecute him. This is why most of staff’s offices have now been bugged by the commission. The aim is to track conversations and other discussions so as to further victimize them.

The concerned staff lamented that the amount of money being currently wasted on staff surveillance could do a lot in moving the commission forward, questioning why a government agency should prioritize staff monitoring as against doing its job that will move commission forward.

“This is looking like NCC does not exactly have anything tangible to hold onto as far as the current issue is concerned and now looking for new evidence to nail the affected workers,” the source said, asking whether in a democracy, employees’ rights can be this violated including the right to privacy?”

He alleged that directors and heads of departments could not offer objective advice, hence management in the areas within their purviews have allowed this to continue under the EVC.

Earlier, Nnena Ukoha, Acting Head of Public Affairs had dismissed any wrongdoing by the commission, stating that the promotion exams were conducted for all cadres of staff eligible for a promotion in the agency.

According to her, the exercise was propelled by “our commitment to integrity, fairness, and the needs of the industry for competent professionals to drive national objectives”.

“In line with the Public Service Rules, the Commission’s organizational structure and manpower plan, each cadre had a defined number of vacancies, representing the number of personnel the Commission could accommodate at each level,” Kalu said in a statement.

“Staff who did not meet the required cut-off, or who passed but for whom vacancies were no longer available at their cadre, could not be promoted.

“Furthermore, the interview panels for staff were composed of credible management staff (drawn from each of the six (6) Geo-Political Zones), in addition to independent external members and representatives from the Federal Character Commission (FCC), who were present to provide oversight and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.”

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COAS Salutes Troops’ Sacrifice, Hosts Special Sallah Luncheon in Edo

Published

4 hours ago

March 22, 2026

Daily Mirror

he Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Saturday, March 21, 2026, hosted a special Sallah luncheon for troops of the Forward Operations Base (FOB) Sobe in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State as part of activities marking the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

Speaking at the event, the COAS reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to improving troop welfare and boosting morale through strategic initiatives. He urged the soldiers to remain resolute in their duty to defend the nation’s peace, unity, and territorial integrity.

Represented by the Commander, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, the Army Chief commended the troops for their resilience and professionalism despite operating under challenging conditions. He noted that their sacrifices and dedication embody the true spirit of the Nigerian soldier.

“They serve in difficult and often demanding environments, far from the comfort of their homes, yet remain steadfast in loyalty and professionalism.

Their endurance, sacrifice, and courage represent the true spirit of the Nigerian soldier,” he said, while praying for their safety and success in ongoing operations.

The COAS also lauded the continued collaboration between the Nigerian Army and other security and intelligence agencies, describing inter-agency synergy as critical to sustaining operational success and national stability.

He further expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his unwavering support and commitment to the welfare and operational effectiveness of the military, noting that the President’s leadership remains a strong source of motivation for the Armed Forces.

In his welcome address, the Commander, FOB Sobe, Lieutenant Colonel Stanley Agboro, described the COAS luncheon as a significant annual tradition held during major festive periods, including Eid-el-Fitr, Eid-el-Kabir, Easter, and Christmas.

He said the initiative is aimed at boosting troop morale, recognising their sacrifices, honouring fallen heroes, and strengthening camaraderie within the ranks.

Agboro appreciated the Brigade Commander and his entourage for visiting the base to celebrate with the troops. He also acknowledged the presence of the Vice Chairman of Owan West Local Government Area, Mr Dele Aleburu, who represented the council chairperson, Madam Joy Ohonyon, as well as the traditional ruler of Sobe, HRH Anthony Ero Aleburu I, and heads of other security agencies in the area.

The event featured a luncheon, cultural dance performances, comedy presentations, and morale-boosting songs by the troops.

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54 Garlands To A Performer: Happy Birthday To Governor Peter Mbah

Published

5 days ago

March 17, 2026

Daily Mirror

Happy Birthday To An Achiever, History Shall Be kind To You For Your Noble Strides In Leadership.

In the theatre of leadership, where promises often fade into the background of political routine, a few performers step onto the stage with clarity, purpose, and measurable impact. One such figure is Peter Mbah, the Governor of Enugu State, whose journey continues to attract attention for its pace, precision, and ambition.

As he marks his 54th birthday today the 17th of March, it is fitting to string together not just words, but garlands—symbols of appreciation for a man whose governance style has leaned heavily toward results.
Governor Mbah’s leadership narrative is one defined by urgency.

From the outset, he signaled that governance would not be business as usual. His administration set bold targets, particularly in areas such as education, infrastructure, and economic expansion. Rather than dwell in rhetoric, his approach has emphasized timelines, deliverables, and accountability—traits more commonly associated with corporate leadership than traditional politics.

One of the most striking elements of his governance is his focus on education reform. By prioritizing smart schools and digital learning infrastructure, Mbah has demonstrated an understanding that the future of any society lies in how well it prepares its young minds. His policies reflect a belief that education must not only be accessible but also relevant in a rapidly evolving global landscape, little his signature refrain TOMORROW IS HERE resonates not only with Ndi’Enugu and the people of the South East but across the nation.

Infrastructure development under his watch has also taken center stage. Roads, transport systems, and urban renewal projects have been approached not just as physical upgrades, but as economic enablers. The philosophy is simple: when movement becomes easier, commerce thrives, and when commerce thrives, people prosper.

Beyond policy and projects, there is also the intangible quality of leadership presence. Governor Mbah has cultivated an image of a leader constantly in motion—inspecting, engaging, pushing. This has helped shape public perception of a government that is active and responsive, rather than distant and ceremonial.

At 54, the Governor stands at a point where experience meets momentum. There is enough behind him to assess his direction, and enough ahead to determine his legacy. The expectations are high, but so too is the energy he appears to bring to the role.

Birthdays often invite reflection, but they also offer an opportunity to look forward. For the people of Enugu State, this moment is not just about celebrating the man, but also about evaluating the journey so far and anticipating what lies ahead.

Fifty-four garlands, then, are not merely decorative—they represent milestones, challenges overcome, and ambitions still in pursuit. For a performer in the arena of governance, the applause is never final. It is earned, continuously, in the quiet execution of vision.

Happy Birthday, Governor Peter Mbah, indeed under your responsible and responsive watch over Enugu State TOMORROW IS HERE.

Okechukwu Nwafor
Concerned Professionals For Good Governance. (A Good Leadership Advocacy Group).

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Nigeria is a Country with Rule of Law Under Renewed Hope Agenda – Military Veterans Caution Nigerian Army Over Land Grabbing

Published

6 days ago

March 16, 2026

Daily Mirror

Military and paramilitary veterans who participated in various operations, including ECOMOG, Operation Zaman Lafiya and Operation Pulo Shield, have raised concerns over what they describe as an alleged encroachment on land allocated to them in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The veterans, who are beneficiaries of a welfare housing initiative coordinated through a Special Purpose Vehicle known as the Special Vehicle Plant (SVP) Trust Scheme, claim that construction activities have recently commenced on the land, which they say forms part of their approved housing project.

Speaking through their representatives, a retired Army officer Ayo Olufemi who chose not to mention his rank, the group urged relevant authorities to ensure that all issues relating to the land dispute are handled strictly in accordance with the law. They maintained that Nigeria remains a country governed by the rule of law under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to the veterans, the land in dispute is identified as Plot 2303 in Asokoro Cadastral Zone A04, an area that shares boundaries with other military lands belonging to the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force.

The group explained that the plot was allocated for the development of a veterans’ welfare housing scheme under the SVP Trust arrangement. Under the framework, the SVP was responsible for site planning, subdivision of the land, allocation to individual beneficiaries, and coordination of Right of Occupancy documentation through the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

They stated that beneficiaries opened individual land application files with the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and received official acknowledgements before land offer letters were issued in 2015.

The veterans further claimed that the project complied with regulatory requirements, including approvals from relevant departments within the FCDA, and that about ₦400 million was reportedly paid as part of statutory ground rent obligations requested by the FCTA.

However, the group alleged that officials linked to the Nigerian Army recently began construction activities on the plot, which they believe falls within the land allocated for the veterans’ housing scheme.
In a petition addressed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, the veterans called for government intervention to prevent what they described as an attempted takeover of the land pending clarification of ownership and boundary issues.

According to the petitioners, the Nigerian Army was previously allocated a neighbouring parcel identified as Plot 2302, measuring approximately 248 hectares, from a larger expanse of land originally designated for military formations and barracks development in the Asokoro area.

They stated that the area behind Mogadishu Cantonment had been earmarked primarily for barracks and accommodation for military personnel.

The veterans also said the allocation of Plot 2303 to their welfare scheme followed representations made to the then Head of State, General Sani Abacha, in recognition of the role played by Nigerian troops during the ECOMOG operations in Sierra Leone.
Beneficiaries of the scheme, they added, had fulfilled statutory obligations, including the payment of required ground rents and other administrative charges.

The group further alleged that attempts were made by individuals linked to Nigerian Army Properties Limited (NAPL) and other parties to merge Plot 2303 with the adjoining Plot 2302 belonging to the Army.

They also claimed that a Memorandum of Understanding was subsequently signed with developers for the construction of residential units described as “modern affordable homes,” with projected selling prices reportedly ranging between ₦81 million and ₦125 million.
According to the petitioners, construction work on the disputed area reportedly began on December 24, 2025.

The veterans stated that some infrastructure earlier developed on the land — including access roads and other facilities constructed in line with FCDA approvals — may have been affected by the ongoing activities.

They also raised broader concerns about the management of military land allocations in the Asokoro area.

According to the petition, Plot 2302 was originally designated for additional barracks development, including a proposed Phase 2 expansion of the facility now known as Tinubu Barracks Phase 1.

However, the veterans alleged that portions of the land were subsequently transferred or sold to institutions, developers and private individuals over time, contrary to the original land-use designation.

They further claimed that only a fraction of the approximately 248 hectares allocated to the Army has reportedly been developed for barracks infrastructure.

The petitioners also alleged that Nigerian Army Properties Limited has continued to transact on parts of the Army’s land allocation through arrangements involving developers and intermediaries.

The veterans argued that these developments may have contributed to boundary disputes involving neighbouring plots, including the land allocated for their housing project.

They therefore called on the FCT Minister to order an immediate review of activities on the disputed land and ensure that all actions comply with existing approvals and legal processes.

In addition, the group requested the establishment of an independent inquiry to examine allegations relating to the allocation and disposal of military land in the Asokoro area.

They also urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate claims concerning the alleged diversion or sale of portions of the Army’s land.

Efforts to obtain official responses from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Army Properties Limited, and the Federal Capital Territory Administration were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.