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Shonekan: Nigeria’s Leader Overthrown Without Resistance

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Abbas Yushau Yusuf

With the announcement of the death of the first and only Nigeria’s interim leader ,Chief Ernest Shonekan on 11 January 2022 at a Lagos Hospital after a brief illness ,a cross section of Nigerians may not be aware of the peaceful life lived by the Late Chief Ernest Shonekan.

Shonekan will go down memory lane as the first and only interim civilian leader Nigeria had since independence considering the circumstances which he emerge Nigerias leader.

When General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida annulled the June 12 1993 Presidential election won by Late Chief MKO Abiola , General Babangida had no option than to handover power ,the first reason was that since 1990 General Babangida has been shifting goal post ,so when finally Abiola’s election was cancelled by him Nigeria was thrown into serious political turmoil.The political elites were seriously divided and there was crack in the military,there are some military officers that have the notion of maintaining General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida as the commander in chief beyond August 26 1993, the day set for handing over to civilians,while others nursed the idea of violently toppling General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and install Chief MKO Abiola as the President and commander in chief.

Breaking:Former Head Of Interim Govt Chief Ernest Shonekan Is Dead

Since the handover is going to take place on the appointed date and Abiola’s election was annulled, Babangida has no option than to voluntarily handover the reins of government since extension of his tenure will be illegal.

With the seeming crisis General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida settled for the chairman of Nigerias Transition committee Chief Ernest Shonekan.

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To appease south west whose son won the election in a landslide, Shonekan like Chief MKO Abiola is from the South West and Ogun state, therefore handing over to him is the natural thing to do.

On the D-Day , August 26 1993 ,General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida in his white robe at the council chambers of the Aso Rock Presidential Villa handed over power to Shonekan in a low key event and went straight to Minna the capital city of Niger state and his home town.

But when Babangida was leaving , Shonekan’s hand was tied as all the members of the interim Government was appointed Babangida including ministers ,and from day one Shonekan started with the crisis of loyalty.

The Secretary of Defence General Sani Abacha was the first military officer to become a full general like the sitting President General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida,so in the ensuing political scenario General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida while handing over to Shonekan retired with Military officers who are Junior in Rank to General Sani Abacha and left General Sani Abacha to secure the interim Government.

So when Late Chief Ernest Shonekan settled for another transition to civil rule,issues that seems to render him incompetent in the eyes of Nigerians appeared like fuel Scarcity,Tanker drivers strike and increment in fuel price.

Another blow to Late Chief Ernest Shonekan’s government was the hijack of Nigerian airways plane and taken to Niger Republic,after that a Lagos high court declared his government illegal.

The Late business tycoon also battled with disloyalty among his cabinet as some ministers are not standing to honour him when he enter the council chamber to preside over meetings.

People like Chief MKO Abiola who won the June 12 election and members of NADECO started to agitate for military take over.

The political atmosphere become hazy and on the night of 17 November ,83 days after the assumption of Late Chief Ernest Shonekan as Head of interim National government,the secretary of Defense General Sani Abacha accompanied by Lt.Gen. Aliyu Muhammad Gusau,Lt.Gen Oladipo Diya and others stormed the presidential villa in Abuja.

They condoned the seat of power with battle ready armoured tanks,they were welcomed by Chief Ernest Shonekan to the President’s office,they sat together with Late Chief Shonekan, they reviewed the country’s political situation from the day Shonekan was appointed Head of state and to the day they entered his office.

General Sani Abacha and his colleagues demanded that the Head of the interim National government Chief Ernest Shonekan should resign .

Without hesitation chief Shonekan resigned as Head of the interim National government on November 17 1993 and General Sani Abacha and his fellow coupist offer to take Shonekan to his home town by air which he refused.

Late Chief Ernest Shonekan left for Abeokuta by road on that night and retired to his home peacefully without resisting the offer of resignation by the military led by General Sani Abacha.

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ICPC Receives Petition to Probe Ex-DIG Dasuki Galadanci Over Alleged Multi-Billion Naira Properties

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The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has received a petition from the Public Integrity Forum (PIF), a civic accountability organisation, calling for a full investigation into retired Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Dasuki Galadanci over alleged unexplained wealth and suspected financial crimes.

The petition, dated 3rd December 2025 and signed by David Ekele Okonjo, Executive Director of the forum, urges the ICPC, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Police Service Commission (PSC) to jointly launch a forensic probe into the former police chief’s assets, bank transactions, and sources of income.

According to PIF, publicly available information and financial accounts indicate that the retired DIG is linked to multiple high-value properties reportedly worth billions of naira across Kano, Abuja, and Lagos.

The group noted that such assets appear to far exceed what can be justified by the legitimate earnings of a career police officer.

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The petition emphasises that the situation raises strong suspicion of abuse of office, diversion of public resources, bribery, gratification, and potential money laundering.

PIF further stated that allegations of financial misconduct involving senior police officers pose a serious threat to public trust and the integrity of national security institutions.

The group insisted that only a transparent and thorough investigation can clarify the legitimacy of the properties in question.

As part of its demands, the organisation urged the anti-graft agencies and PSC to:

1. Conduct a full financial and forensic investigation into Galadanci’s assets and financial dealings while in service and after retirement.

2. Review his service records for possible abuse of office or violations of police ethics.

3. Verify all identified assets against his legitimate income.

4. Take appropriate legal action should any wrongdoing be established.

PIF noted that the petition was submitted strictly in the interest of justice, accountability, and the fight against corruption, adding that it stands ready to provide additional information to support the investigation.

The ICPC is yet to issue an official response to the petition.

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Governor Adeleke Picks Party Accord After Dumping PDP

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Governor Ademola Adeleke

 

 

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has officially joined the Accord Party, days after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party.

The governor made the announcement on Tuesday at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in the presence of national and state leaders of the Accord Party.

Adeleke announced his intention to seek re-election for a second term on the platform of the Thumb Up Party, stating that he joined the party more than a month ago.

The governor said, “I joined the Accord Party more than a month ago, precisely on November 6, as a platform to seek re-election in 2026. This was after weeks of consultation and deliberations with stakeholders and opinion leaders.

“Stakeholders and residents of Osun state are aware of why we are taking this important decision. We intend to pursue a second term in office on the platform of the Accord Party to complete ongoing delivery of good governance and democratic dividends, which have been applauded at home and abroad.”

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Adeleke stated that he opted for the party because its mission of welfarism aligns with our passionate focus on citizens’ and workers’ welfare.

The governor added, “I welcome our party leaders into the Osun State Government House. You are now part of us, as I am also now part of you. We are united in progress and good intentions for the good people of Osun State and Nigeria at large.

“At this historical point, our task is to sustain a united front as we prepare for the elections. We have a duty to ensure an inclusive leadership where the interests of all groups are cared for. Our party, Accord Party, is here to take over Osun governance and sustain the delivery of good governance in our dear state.

“Since I joined the party more than a month ago, I have been fascinated by the philosophy of this great party. The focus on people’s welfare should always be at the heart of public leadership. The primary essence of a government is the welfare and well-being of the people.

“As a governor, I have prioritised the welfare of our people, from workers to the entire citizenry. Day and night, we implement policies and programmes to elevate the well-being of our people. From infrastructure to social services, Osun has never had it so good in governance and service delivery.

“Today, we unveil the new platform for the good people of Osun state. From Osun West to Osun East to Osun Central, this is our party, our new platform for victory come August next year.”

“From Igbomina to Ijeshaland to Ifeland to Osogbo to Iwoland to Modakeke to Gbongan to Igbajo to Ikire to Ikirun to Ede and other lands of Osun state, we must thumb up according to our collective desires for good governance.

“Osun voted for good governance in 2022, and they will support continuity in 2026. The mass of our people are for continuity, and Accord is our party for victory next year.

“In accordance with the will of our stakeholders and to accord deep respect for the wishes of the Osun people, I hereby declare for the Accord Party,” the governor added.

However, despite the governor’s formal notice of resignation as PDP member to his ward Chairman, the national body of the party insisted that he is yet to inform them officially.

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JUST IN:Rivers State Governor, Fubara, Dumps PDP for APC

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Siminalayi Fubara, Rivers state governor, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He made the announcement on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting at the government house in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

Fubara said he joined the ruling APC as a “gesture of reciprocity” for the consistent support, cooperation, and encouragement his administration has received from President Bola Tinubu since the political crisis that rocked the state in late 2023.

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“We can’t support Mr President if we don’t fully identify with him; not backyard support,” the governor said.

“So, we have taken that decision today since we have gotten a pass. Everyone here, who followed and suffered with me, our decision today [is that]we are moving to APC.”

Recall that less than a week ago, 15 members of the Rivers state house of assembly, including Martin Awaewhule, the speaker, joined the APC.

Two days before the defection, the 32-member Rivers assembly passed a vote of confidence in President Bola Tinubu, urging him to seek re-election.

Fubara’s defection now has left the PDP with six governors, with Agbu Kefas of Taraba and Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau planning to join the APC.

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