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BREAKING: GRV drags Buhari, Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Oluomo, 14 others to ICC, alleges genocide *See full list
President Muhammadu Buhari, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Musiliu Akinsanya, alias MC Oluomo, may become guests at the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague, The Netherlands, if lawyers to Gbadebo, Rhodes-Vivour, governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the March 18 governorship election, are able to push their case through.
The lawyers have fired petition to the court, charging the All Progressives Congress (APC), chieftains and other key elements in the Nigerian polity, accusing them of genocide and crimes against humanity, following the aftermaths of the 2023 general elections.
Others named in the petition, seeking investigation for their roles in the mayhem, which resulted in the deaths and bodily harms to citizens, include former Minister of Aviation, Fani Kayode, APC Presidential Campaign Council (APC-PCC), spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), counterpart, Reno Omokri.
The group of lawyers in the petition, addressed to Karim A. A. Khan QC, the Prosecutor of the Court, dated 30 March 2023, also included the Inspector General of the Nigeria Police; Chief of Military Intelligence; Deputy Inspector of General of Police; Commissioner of Police, Lagos State.
In it, MC Oluomo, identified as the Chief thug of Tinubu, was also named alongside Sam Omatseye – a journalist, Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, Dele Alake another journalist, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, and a traditional ruler; the Baale of Igbara Jakande area in Eti-osa Local government area of Lagos State.
The petition, entitled: Complaint and a request for the initiation of an investigation into crimes against humanity in Nigeria pursuant to Articles 13©, 15 & 53 of the Rome Statute, on the basis of information on crimes within the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court, reads in full:
Dear Prosecutor,
We act for the following “Complainants/Petitioners” under whose instructions we address this complaint to you. They are:
Architect Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour – The Labour Party Gubernatorial Candidate in Lagos State, Nigeria;
Princess Abiodun Oyefusi – The Labour Party Deputy Gubernatorial Candidate in Lagos State, Nigeria;
Mr Emmanuel Adogbeji – Labour Party Election Agent in Lagos State, Nigeria;
Mr Ebere Chinedu – Labour Party member in Lagos State, Nigeria;
Mr Chukwudi – Lagos State, Nigeria;
Mr Austin Iruobe Asuerimen – Labour Party, Lagos State;
Mr Henry Ogheneovo Afiowor – Labour Party, Lagos State;
Dr Gladys C Nwankwo – Labour Party, Lagos State
Ms Chidinma – Labour Party, Lagos State
Mr Sunday Olakunle – Labour Party, Lagos State
Hon. Seyi Lawal – Labour Party, Lagos State
Mr Femi Badiah – Labour Party, Lagos State
Mr Raphael George – Labour Party, Lagos State
Specified Members of the Labour Party of Nigeria.
NB:
Other victims’ names shall be joined in due course, together with supplementary submissions.
They are citizens of Nigeria who are interested in the protection of human and civil rights in Nigeria. They are also members of the Labour Party; a leading political party contesting for the 2023 general elections in Nigeria.
This complaint is against the below-mentioned persons “Respondents” who have jointly and severally committed genocide and crimes against humanity under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. These persons and officials of the state of Nigeria are the subjects of the request for investigations and criminal charges and prosecution:
(a) Muhammadu Buhari – the President of Nigeria; and a member of All Progressive Congress “APC” the current political party in government;
(b) Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu – the Governor of Lagos State, Nigeria; “APC”
(C) Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a Presidential Candidate of the All Progressive Congress “APC” (and whose full and further particulars are unknown)
(D) The Leaders of All Progressive Congress “APC – a political Party;
(E) The Inspector General of the Nigeria Police;
(f) Chief of Military Intelligence;
(g) Deputy Inspector of General of Police;
(h) The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State;
(i) Mr Musiliu Akinsanya (also known as MC Oluomo) – the chief thug of Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and a member of APC
(j) Mr Femi Fani Kayode – a member of the APC
(k) Mr Bayo Onanuga – a member of APC
(l) Mr Sam Omatseye – a journalist
(m) Otunba Biodun Ajiboye – a member of the APC
(n) Mr Reno Omokri
(o) Mr Dele Alake – a member of APC
(p) Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, and APC member
(q) Traditional ruler; the Baale of Igbara Jakande area in Eti-osa Local government area of Lagos State
The above-mentioned Respondents have jointly and collectively incited genocide and tribal conflicts in Nigeria during and around the 2023 general elections in Lagos State, Nigeria; and which incitement has resulted in deaths, grievous bodily harm and injuries, destruction of lives and properties.
We have compiled and are compiling the following documents for submission:
(a) A detailed complaint with specific particularity including online links to video, photos, and publications to support the allegations; and,
(b) A Schedule of Links which are, material evidence, reports and investigations by Human Rights Bodies and Non-Governmental Organizations “NGOs” for ease of reference.
(C) Nigeria is a signatory to the Rome Statute and it deposited at the UN its instrument of ratification of the Rome Statute, thus becoming one of the first 60 State parties which contributed to the entry into force of the Rome Statute on 1st July 2012.
(D) In light of the gravity of the situation in Nigeria, in particular a history of continued repression including attacks on independent media, arrests and torture of opposition leaders and supporters, and a failure to prosecute those responsible for incitement of violence and extra-judicial killings, we strongly urge the Office of the Prosecutor to immediately use its power under Article 15 of the Rome Statute to initiate a preliminary investigation on “the basis of information on crimes within the jurisdiction of the Court” (Article 15(1)).
(E) A number of non-governmental organizations have conducted preliminary investigations and prepared reports that strongly suggest that crimes within the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC) have been and are being committed. Credible information from “states’ organs of the United Nations, intergovernmental or non-governmental organizations and other reliable sources,” including eyewitness accounts (Article 15(2)), is readily and widely available. The “seriousness of the information” available is beyond doubt, which is why this complaint is aimed to call for accountability and justice. The reports are as detailed hereunder.
(f) The general elections in Nigeria were held on the 25th of February 2023, and on the 18th of March 2023; these are for the Presidential and the National Assembly elections, and the States Gubernatorial and State House of Assembly elections respectively. During these periods, the Respondents actively incited ethnic violence and crimes against humanity with brazen impunity; none of them have been arrested by the law enforcement agents in spite of the fact that their individual and collective conducts resulted in deaths, grievous bodily harm, destruction of lives and properties of victims.
NB:
(g) We shall compile more names of perpetrators and collate further evidence of crimes for onward submission to your office from time to time.
CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY
As defined by the Rome Statute (Article 7), “crimes against humanity” means any of the following when committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against any civilian population, with knowledge of the attack:
(a) Murder;
(b) Persecution against a group or collectivity based on its political, racial, national, ethnic or religious character;
(C) The crime of apartheid (inhumane acts committed in the context of an institutional regime of systematic oppression and domination by one racial group over another racial group, with the intent to maintain that regime).
PARTICULARS OF CRIMES
There have been several incitements to ethnic violence, extra judicial killings, torture, physical assaults, abductions and gross abuse of human rights in Nigeria which include but are not limited to:
ORGANIZED VIOLENCE, ETHNIC BAITING, AND ATTACKS
(a) A few days before the election day, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu while addressing his supporters during a town hall meeting ordered his party members and his thugs to violently grab, snatch and run away with ballot boxes during elections; the plan was to denied Peter Obi and other Labour Party candidates their popular mandate. It might be argued that this conduct does not fall within the jurisdiction of the ICC, it is however evidence that the said conduct resulted in several casualties and fatalities to individuals. Herewith video evidence of Tinubu’s infamous address:
(i) Herewith a video where Tinubu inciting ethnic violence in Lagos:
- Video of Tinubu Inciting Ethnic Violence in Lagos Election 2023
Translation: “These are people who left their villages, came into Lagos from childhood, 12 years of age. We accommodated and took care of them. Now, they want to bite the fingers that fed them”. He further said proverbially that “their case has now become that of hen”. When a western/Nigerian leader can express this much animosity against certain people in public, there’s trouble.
(ii) Video of Tinubu giving orders to APC members and thugs to grab, snatch and run away with ballot boxes
(b) Subsequent to Tinubu’s address, and on and about the 25 February 2023 being the Presidential election day, on 18 March 2023 being the Gubernatorial election day and post-election days; Mr Musiliu Akinsanya, Tinubu’s chief thug also known as MC Oluomo; his supporters and followers acting upon Tinubu’s orders and in compliance thereof took to the streets and unleashed mayhem in and around the country. Some of these barbaric incidents are as documented hereunder.
(c) Furthermore, also acting in concert with other Respondents, the following persons incited ethnic hatred and violence which resulted in injuries and deaths during and after the general elections in Nigeria.
These are: Mr Bayo Onanuga, a journalist member of the APC and the Director of Media and Publicity for Tinubu’s presidential campaign; Mr Femi Fani Kayode the Spokesman for Tinubu; Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State; Mr Sam Omatseye a journalist in one of Tinubu’s media companies; Otunba Biodun Ajiboye a member of APC; Mr Dele Alake a member of APC and Reno Omokri:
(i) Herewith a link to a newspaper which reported that the government of the United Kingdom has collated names of people that incited violence and voter suppression for ease of reference.
(ii) Herewith a link to a newspaper report on MC Oluomo and Governor Yahaya Bello invitation by the Nigerian Human Rights Commission for inciting genocide.
(iii) Herewith a link to a newspaper report where Bayo Onanuga was telling people of Igbo tribe to steer clear of Lagos State.
(iv) Herewith a link to a newspaper report of Bayo Onanuga inciting ethnic violence.
(v) Herewith a video and newspaper links where MC Oluomo is threatening to kill opposition voters of different ethnic group living in Lagos should they not vote for APC.
Video of MC Oluomo threats to kill igbos in Lagos should they not vote for AAPC
(c) These attacks and incidents where the results of incitement to ethnic hatred by the Respondents, politicians and their agents who actively participated in these criminal acts, they supplied arms and ammunitions to their foot soldiers and incited them to kill and inflict grievous bodily harm on other individuals of different ethnic groups in Nigeria.
They further publicly warned members of other ethnic groups who reside in Lagos State not to show up to exercise their fundamental human rights on the election dates.
(E) On 19 March 2023, following the completion of the gubernatorial and other elections in Lagos State, the attacks on opposition party supporters continued after various ethnic baiting tweets by Mr Bayo Onanuga, Femi Fani Kayode, Reno Omokri and others.
These tweets had fuelled election and post-election violence against individuals from the specific ethnic group who were the target of the incitements, and therefore must be treated as crimes against humanity.
(f) The promotion of attacks and violence against targeted groups residing in a particular area is a clear violation of international law which falls within the jurisdiction of the ICC. The ICC is hereby called upon to take action and to prevent a repeat, and also to hold the perpetrators to account. The comments on their social media handles are nothing other than hate speech.
(g) Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s inciting rhetoric about other ethnic groups living in Lagos State is largely responsible for the obvious suppression, oppression, attacks and killings witnessed during the recently concluded general elections in Nigeria.
There are material evidences of persons of non-Igbo tribes that suffered similar fate as the Igbo just because they look like the Igbo.
(h) The eerie silence, or rather the acquiescence of the Mr Sanwo-Olu the Executive Governor of Lagos State shows that he is complicit. There has not been any arrest made, and no one has been held responsible for these crimes. Mr. MC Oluomo is the Head Lagos State Park Management Agency which is a political appointment of the government of Lagos State; he was seen making open threats against people of other ethnic groups living in Lagos, there are videos of him inciting hate and violence against targeted individuals during the just concluded general elections in Lagos State. These proofs of organized crimes against humanity.
(i) The political attacks of the members of the Labour Party during a political rally in Lagos State on the 11th of February 2023 by the members and political thugs of the APC. They acted under the command of Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a Presidential candidate of the APC; and the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
We have evidence of these attacks on video and the links are hereunder for your perusal:
(i) Video attack on Bus of Labour Party Lagos
(ii) Video attack on Bus 2 Labour Party
(iii) Video attack on Bus 3 Labour Party
(iv) Video attack on Labour Party in Lagos
(j) Further, on 15th of February 2023 at Aguda in Surulere area of Lagos State, there were brutal attacks on the Labour Party Deputy Governorship candidate, Princess Oyefusi and her campaign entourage. These attacks occurred under the watch of law enforcement agents who stood idly and without doing anything.
They are vicariously liable and complicit. One wonders why they did not carry out their duty of “to serve and protect” citizens and properties. Herewith, a video link of one of those injured in the process for ease of reference:
Video attack on Princess Oyefusi campaign train on 15 Feb
(v) On 11th of February 2023 Mr Bamidele Akpata a Labour Party was brutalized near Femi Okunnu Estate at Jakande, Lekki area of Lagos State during a Labour Party political rally. They were gathered peacefully when APC men with all kinds of weapons arrived in a bus, suddenly came down from it and brutally assaulted them. Some of the victims sustained various degree of injuries in addition to losing valuable items during the attack. Herewith video evidence of the attack:
Video attack on Labour Party at Jakande Lagos
(k) On 11th February 2023 at Adeniji Adele area of Lagos Island, members of the Labour Party were attacked, brutalized and their buses vandalized by APC thugs on their way to a political rally. These attacked happened under the watch and command of the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; the State Commissioner of Police; the national Inspector General of Police, and the national and state leadership of the APC. Herewith, video evidence of the said attack for ease of reference:
Video attack on Labour Party in Lagos 2
(l) A certain traditional ruler; the Baale of Igbara Jakande area in Eti-osa Local government area of Lagos who happens to be a member of APC release an audio material in which he made a death threat to people should they cast their votes against APC.
Herewith a newspaper report on the threat audio material for ease of reference.
(m) The political attacks of members of the Labour Party at their homes and political offices in Ebonyi State by members and political thugs of the APC under the command of Governor David Umahi through the commander of Ebubeagu, and security details attached to Governor David Umahi. Kindly take note that the Ebubeagu vigilante group was recently disbanded by a court of competent jurisdiction in Nigeria for their nefarious and criminal activities.
Here is a link to a publication in respect hereof.
(n) These crimes occur on a daily basis without check, and without any form of assistance for the victims and their families. The persons and offices whose names appear as Respondents parties should be held jointly and severally liable for these crimes by virtue of their official capacities and the authority imbued therein.
AIDING AND ABETTING ROME STATUTE VIOLATIONS
The Complainants/Petitioners submit that for there to be true justice and accountability, the investigation should include; whether certain Nigerian officials or state actors have aided and abetted in any way the commission of crimes against humanity in Nigeria for prosecution.
An Individual can be convicted of a crime against humanity in the International Criminal Court if he or she “aids, abets or otherwise assists” in the commission or attempted commission of the crime, “including providing the means for its commission” (Article 25). By issuing the shoot to kill orders and other orders that go against any set standard of humanity then, the military commanders, police chiefs and any other state actors have aided and abetted the commission of crimes against humanity.
TORTURE, MURDER, PAIN AND SUFFERING
As defined by Article 1 of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, Torture means any act by which severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted on a person for such purposes as obtaining from him or a third person information or a confession, punishing him for an act he or a third person has committed or is suspected of having committed, or intimidating or coercing him or a third person, or for any reason based on discrimination of any kind, when such pain or suffering is inflicted by or at the instigation of or with the consent or acquiescence of a public official or other person acting in an official capacity. It does not include pain or suffering arising only from, inherent in or incidental to lawful sanctions.
During these current political campaigns in Nigeria, several opposition aspirants and supporters have been tortured through illegal detentions, physical assault, brutalized with machetes, guns, and assault weapons by APC thugs.
Below are some of the victims and pictorial evidence of their injuries; some attacks happened on the 18 of March 2023, while some attacks happened after the elections have been finalized. Some of the victims were waylaid at Abule Ado area of Lagos on their way back from church services on Sunday 19 March 2023, a day after the Gubernatorial elections in Lagos:
(i) Video of a victim with multiple machete wounds to head and body
(ii) Video and pictorial evidence of Austin Iruobe Asuerimen with severe head injuries
(iii) Pictorial evidence of victim Austin Iruobe Asuerimen with stitches on his head
(iv) Video of Ebere Chinedu with machete cuts wounds to his head and body
(v) Video evidence of Ebere Chinedu in the hospital in bandages
(vi) MORE EVIDENCE OF FATALITIES, VICTIMS AND THEIR IDENTITIES
Herewith a link to many victims’ identities and their injuries.
(vii) Mr. Onyeka Abali a Labour Party member and our Polling Unit agent at K1 lost his brother who also was a Polling Unit agent at Trade Fair area of Lagos State.
He was shot on Saturday 18 March 2023 by APC thugs. His body has been taken home to the East by his mother yesterday.
Herewith a pictorial evidence for ease of reference:
Photo of Onyeka Abali and his deceased brother who was killed by APC thugs in Lagos
(viii) Herewith video of Emmanuel Adogbeji with eye injury sustained during APC attacks in Lagos:
Video of Emmanuel Adogbeji Oberhiri with eye injury
(ix) Video evidence of Henry Ogheneovo Afiowor who was brutally attacked by APC thugs at Ikorodu during the Gubernatorial election on 18 March 2023:
Video attack on Henry Ogheneovo Afiowor in Ikorodu
(x) Video evidence of Ms Chidinma who was brutalized by APC thugs at Oshodi area of Lagos during the Gubernatorial election on 18 March 2023:
Video of attack on Ms Chidinma at Oshodi
(xi) Pictorial evidence of attack on Dr Gladys Nwankwo with a leg injury
(xii) Below are pictorial evidences of victims with injuries sustained during the Sunday 19th March 2023 attacks by APC thugs at Abule Ado area of Lagos State, a day after the Gubernatorial election:
NAMES OF OTHER VICTIMS:
Uchenna Murphy
Uchenna Nwazuo
Ekwonna Chukwubuike
Emeka Frances
Sochima Ezekwem
Walter Okoro
Okundu Anukeyi
Nwaorie Obinna
Orakwe Emeka
Picture of Abule Ado Victim 1
Picture of Abule Ado Victim 2
Picture of Abule Ado Victim 3
Picture of Abule Ado Victim 4
Picture of Abule Ado Victim 5
Picture of Abule Ado Victim 6
Picture of Abule Ado Victim with multiple injuries to head 7
Many other opposition party members have been killed, detained and tortured for several hours in Lagos State during political rallies, or at their homes.
There has also been unwarranted use of tear gas to disperse unarmed civilians in addition to brutal beatings and brutal handling of civilians by the different state agencies around the country.
The Complainants/Petitioners submit that all the perpetrators, culprits and state actors who were involved in the commission of crimes against humanity and who also subjected civilians to torture have never been arrested or held accountable; and the State is silent about the same.
The Complainants/Petitioners further submit that all the requirements for the initiation of an investigation pursuant to Article 15 have been clearly met. The “information available to the prosecutor provides,” at the very least, “a reasonable basis to believe that crimes within the jurisdiction of the Court have been or are being committed” (Article 53(1) (a). The “gravity of the crimes and the interests of the victims” warrant an investigation, and there can be no doubt that such an investigation would serve the interests of justice (article 53(1) (c)).
The Initiation of an investigation would send a clear message to all those involved either in committing or in aiding and abetting of the aforementioned crimes that they stand to be held personally accountable for their actions. This could help end the continuing breaches of International laws and put an end to the impunity that has underpinned the ever-increasing violence in Nigeria, which has caused and continues to cause extreme suffering to its civilian population.
The President of Nigeria; Muhammadu Buhari is joined to this proceeding by virtue of the office he occupies as the Chief Security Officer of the country. No relief is sought against him, save and in the event of him opposing this proceeding, in which event, it is totally the discretion of the Prosecutor to make a value judgment on whether or not to extent the investigation to his office. It should however be noted that during the current campaign period, Mr. Buhari as commander in chief of the armed forces has not been responsive to all the crimes and atrocities happening under his watch.
Mr. Buhari further has deployed military blockade on roads, where soldiers openly extort money from poor citizens, they sometimes kill innocent citizens, and they deny opposition members access to all highways and impeding their campaign teams from campaigning; all these are in violation of the basic principles of free and fair elections. Despite several efforts to engage the Nigeria Human Rights Commission, the West Africa Regional Office of the International Human Rights Commission and the Independent National Electoral Commission “INEC” to address violations and attacks on the democratic process, the Head of the Electoral Commission continues to be partisan, aiding and encouraging the conduct of the offenders.
These persons are criminally culpable because of their command responsibility over security forces operating under their directions or control and who are terrorizing tens of millions of Nigerians specifically because of their ethnic and political leaning. The crimes include, incitement to violence, ethnic baiting, extrajudicial killings, abductions, torture and sister unspeakable horrors. They are grisly hallmark of crimes against humanity.
The Complainant/Petitioner, should it become necessary, shall cooperate with the ICC to gather more photographic, video, and testimonial evidence of the ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity perpetrated by the Respondents and their accomplices.
The prosecution of the Respondents and accomplices before the International Criminal Court would prompt the United Nations Security Council to immediately commence the process of sanctions against the President of Nigeria and other co-accused.
CONCLUSION
It is respectfully submitted that there are prima facie evidences of crimes to warrant investigation by the International Criminal Court “the ICC” for violation of international human rights law, violations of the United Nations Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and other norms of international law, both customary and by convention.
The Nigerian organs of state and prosecutorial system have become the instruments of such violations and as such the vehicles used to arrest and impose detention.
We await your kind response in this regard.
Your faithfully,
Austin Okeke Esq.
Head: International Litigation and Diplomacy
Tel: +27837289081
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Why Prominent Individuals Pay Premium for Online Credibility in the Digital Age – Ayobami Eruobami
As the global economy becomes increasingly digital, Eruobami Ayobami, Chairman of Erumedia Group & Charity Trust who also doubled as the founder of Pressford , has shared a bold perspective on the rising demand for online credibility and why individuals are now investing significantly to build it.
In a world dominated by platforms such as Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok, first impressions are no longer made in rooms but on screens.
“Credibility today is no longer something people wait to discover about you. It is something they search for instantly,” Ayobami stated. “If your digital presence does not validate your value, you are already at a disadvantage.”
This shift has transformed credibility into a high value digital asset one that professionals, founders, and public figures are now actively building through media exposure, strategic storytelling, and search visibility.
Erumedia Group: Building the Narrative Behind Credibility
As a Public Relations, communications and media company, www.erumediagroup.com focuses on shaping the foundation of credibility helping individuals and organizations define, structure, and communicate their stories with clarity and authority.
“Before visibility comes narrative. Many people struggle not because they lack value, but because they lack structured positioning,” Ayobami explained. “At Erumedia Group, we help clients refine their voice, their message, and the way they are perceived before they ever go public.”
Through brand development, storytelling strategy, and reputation positioning, the company ensures that credibility is not just visible but meaningful and consistent.
Pressford: Distributing Credibility at Scale
While narrative builds the core, Pressford plays a different role amplification.
As a press release distribution and digital PR platform, Pressford enables individuals and organizations to translate their credibility into verifiable public presence across media channels.
“Pressford exists because credibility must not only be built it must be seen, indexed, and validated publicly,” Ayobami said. “It gives individuals the infrastructure to show up in search results, in news mentions, and in conversations that matter.”
By making media visibility more accessible, Pressford addresses one of the biggest gaps in the digital credibility cycle: discoverability.
The Business of Being Seen
Ayobami notes that the increasing willingness to pay for credibility is not driven by vanity, but by necessity.
“Opportunities today are often given to those who appear prepared, visible, and validated. The market responds to perception before it investigates performance,” he stated.
However, he also warns against mistaking visibility for substance.
“If credibility is only built on aesthetics without real value behind it, it will fail. The goal is not to look credible it is to be credible and ensure that credibility is visible.”
A Shift That Cannot Be Ignored
As digital ecosystems continue to shape human interaction and business decisions, Ayobami believes the importance of intentional credibility building will only grow stronger.
“The future belongs to individuals who understand that credibility is not accidental. It is designed, positioned, and distributed,” he concluded.
Eruobami Ayobami is a Professional Public Relations Executive, Media Entrepreneur, Personal Brandinf Expert and communications strategist.
He Chairs Erumedia Group and Charity Trust and Founded Pressford. His work focuses on helping individuals and organizations build, structure, and amplify their digital credibility.
From Goodluck Jonathan, Nigeria’s former President, came a mild rebuke to Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President, who in assessing the quality of his six-year tenure as Nigerian leader, all but dismissed him as “inexperienced.”
Atiku, a guest of Prime Time, a public affairs programme on ARISE NEWS Television, last week, told his host that Jonathan was inexperienced, saying his tenure was marked by notable missteps.
“I know Goodluck Jonathan very well. He is a decent young man, but also inexperienced, and I believe that contributed to his inability to manage the affairs of the country, particularly when he was faced with challenges,” Atiku, currently chasing the number one job the former President exited in 2015 for the seventh time, said.
But in a measured riposte at the 2025 Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria awards ceremony in Abuja on Monday, Jonathan, while acknowledging that he must have made some mistakes, argued that errors were inevitably with human beings as only God could be perfect,
Reacting to Atiku’s remarks, he told his audience: “So not too long ago, a very senior politician said, ‘Oh, Jonathan was too young and probably that’s why he made mistakes.’
“If I made mistakes, yes, nobody who becomes a governor or a president will say you did not make mistakes. Even when you promote yourself to the level of a god, you become a deity.
“All human beings must make mistakes. I became president in 2010 at the age of 53. I left in 2015 at the age of 58, and they say I was too young. Must it have been 100 years before I ran the affairs of the state?
“I’m talking to diplomats, so I can say that during my period, I knew what I did for us to appear in the UN Security Council two times… If I were so naive, I don’t think I would have been able to navigate through that process.”
Jonathan also spoke on regional affairs, warning that political instability remains a major obstacle to economic growth across West Africa. He stressed that without stable governance systems, meaningful development in the sub-region would remain elusive.
“We cannot progress economically if we are very unstable societies politically,” he said.
Jonathan noted that while the founders of ECOWAS envisioned strong economic cooperation, persistent political crises have hindered progress, particularly in enforcing democratic standards among member states.
“That means that ECOWAS must interfere with the internal affairs of the states, and the issue of sovereignty becomes a problem,” he said.
Jonathan urged leaders in the region to work collectively towards stability, saying, “The heads of states of ECOWAS must continue to work together and agree on concrete terms and make sure that the sub-region is politically stable.”
He added that economic integration efforts would falter without solid democratic institutions and called on Nigerian diplomats to properly document foreign policy experiences for future leaders.
Paying tribute to ECOWAS founders, including former Head of State Yakubu Gowon, Jonathan described the creation of the bloc in 1975 as a bold and necessary step toward regional unity and economic integration.
Gowon, who was also honoured at the event, recounted the origins of ECOWAS, linking its formation to post-war diplomatic engagements across West Africa.
According to him, “It was as a result of the various efforts of all Nigerians when we went through a very difficult period, and I had to go to the various countries to say thank you.”
He said discussions with regional leaders at the time led to a shared vision for broader cooperation.
“Why don’t we also think about having something that we can at least have in agreement for all of us when we are working together?” he said.
Gowon emphasised that ECOWAS was the product of collective effort rather than individual ambition, crediting government institutions and civil servants for its success.
“This would not have been possible without the support of all the staff of the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Economic Development,” he stated.
He added that the recognition bestowed on him should be shared widely.
“The honour that is being done to me today should really go back to all the staff that worked so hard to make sure that this became a reality,” he said.
Also speaking, the President of the Association of Retired Career Ambassadors of Nigeria, Joe Keshi, highlighted the importance of honouring excellence in diplomacy, noting that the awards celebrate dedication and service to Nigeria and the continent.
“Diplomacy is one profession where success is often invisible, reflected not by news coverage, but by maintained stability, prevented conflicts, cultivated partnerships,” he said.
Keshi noted that the event coincides with the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS, describing the organisation as “a bold experiment in regionalism,” and urged diplomats to adapt to evolving global challenges.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waheed Shaibu, also praised Gowon, describing him as a symbol of national unity and visionary leadership.
He said the recognition offers a chance to reflect on a legacy “defined by visionary leadership, courage, and unwavering commitment to the unity, stability, peace, and progress” of Nigeria.
Shaibu added that Gowon’s leadership reflected “patriotism, resilience, and a profound sense of duty,” while commending ARCAN for its continued contribution to diplomatic discourse and Nigeria’s global engagement.
After months of official hiatus, the Federal Government, on Tuesday finally got on the way with the trial of those fingered in the alleged plot to oust President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through a coup, including Timipre Sylva, former Minister of State for Petroleum.
The move, which apart from the former Governor of Bayelsa State, came with the filing of a 13-count charge before the Federal High Court, Abuja, against the alleged plotters including Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, a retired General in the Nigerian Army, Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, a retired Naval Captain, Ahmed Ibrahim, a serving police inspector, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.
Sylva, whose name surfaced as one of the plotters when the news first broke and believed to be the major financier of what would have led to another military government in Nigeria after the last ended in 1999, was listed as being at large – on the run.
The charge, filed on Monday by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), accuses the defendants of offences ranging from alleged treason and terrorism to failure to disclose security intelligence and money laundering linked to terrorism financing.
The prosecution alleged that the defendants conspired in 2025 “to levy war against the state to overpower the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”, an offence punishable under Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code.
The Federal Government further alleged that the defendants had prior knowledge of a planned treasonable act involving one Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji and others, but failed to alert authorities.
Furthermore, the defendants were also accused, according to the charge, of, while “knowing that a treasonable act was intended to be committed, did not give information thereof with all reasonable despatch to either the President… or a peace officer.”
They were also accused of failing to take preventive steps and “did not use any reasonable endeavours to prevent the commission of the offence”.
Beyond treason, the defendants are facing terrorism-related charges of conspiracy under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as they “conspired with one another to commit an act of terrorism in the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.
Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim and Zekeri Umoru were specifically accused of attending meetings linked to the alleged plot “in a bid to further a political ideology which may seriously destabilise the constitutional structure of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The charge also accused the defendants of providing support for terrorism, alleging that they “knowingly and indirectly rendered support” to facilitate acts of terror.
The prosecution alleged deliberate suppression of intelligence, stating that the defendants “had information which would be of material assistance in preventing the commission of the act of terrorism but failed to disclose the information to the relevant agency as soon as practicable”.
Financially, several defendants were accused of handling funds linked to terrorism financing, in violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Bukar Kashim Goni allegedly “indirectly retained the aggregate sum of N50,000,000, which forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: terrorism financing”, while Abdulkadir Sani allegedly retained N2m from a similar source.
According to the charge, Zekeri Umoru “without going through a financial institution accepted a cash payment of the sum of N10,000,000″ and also retained an additional N8.8m suspected to be proceeds of terrorism financing.
Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim was also accused of taking possession of “the sum of N1,000,000, being part of proceeds of terrorism financing”.
Alleged Coup Plot, Protests
After the Federal Government cancelled the parade to mark Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary on October 1, 2025, reports had claimed that the move was linked to an alleged coup attempt.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) dismissed the claims, however, saying the parade cancellation had nothing to do with the alleged coup attempt.
In January 2026, the DHQ confirmed that there was an attempt to overthrow President Tinubu.
The DHQ Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, said investigations showed some military personnel were involved in the alleged coup plot.
According to Uba, the officers have been detained and would be arraigned before military judicial panels.
Last month, families of the military officers detained over the alleged coup plot appealed to Tinubu to allow the suspects to be tried in an open court.
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore protested alongside the detained officers’ families. They also asked for access to the alleged coup plotters.
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