Shanghai Museum’s ‘sleepless super night’

By Wu Yan, Ju Yunpeng, Cao Lingjuan, People’s Daily

At midnight on Aug. 16, while most of Shanghai had settled into slumber, the plaza at the south gate of the Shanghai Museum on People’s Square (Shanghai Museum) was growing ever more animated. A line of visitors stretched across the square. Some had just arrived in the city, their suitcases in tow, joining the crowd streaming toward the entrance.

Since its opening on July 19 last year, the exhibition titled “On Top of the Pyramid: The Civilization of Ancient Egypt” has lasted for 13 months without losing momentum. In its final week, the museum unveiled an unprecedented schedule: seven consecutive days of round-the-clock opening, 168 hours in total. Every night, 3,000 special late-night tickets, valid from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., were released online and sold out within minutes.

The exhibition ultimately drew 2.77 million visitors, setting a world record for attendance at a single paid special exhibition in any museum. 

“We anticipated popularity, but never imagined demand would exceed capacity for over a year,” said Chu Xiaobo, director of the Shanghai Museum. To preserve visitor experience quality, the museum extended hours to 9 p.m. during peak seasons and added 220 evening/ sessions.

“This is my eighth visit,” said visitor Li Bo with delight. “The collection’s richness reveals new insights each time.”

“From the start, the goal was clear: if the museum was going to charge for a special exhibition, it had to deliver a world-class event with global impact,” said Li Feng, executive director of the museum’s high-quality development task force. In his view, “impact” depends on both the caliber of the artifacts and the standard of curation.

That ambition was evident from the start, when a charter plane carried 788 pieces of ancient Egyptian artifacts and documents – organized into 492 groups within 91 crates – from the Nile’s banks to Shanghai. 

Jointly organized with the Shanghai Museum and Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, the exhibition displayed the largest number of Egyptian artifacts ever shown in Asia. Selected from seven major Egyptian museums, including the Grand Egyptian Museum, the Luxor Museum, and the Suez Museum, the collection also featured recent discoveries from joint Chinese-Egyptian archaeological teams. 

Remarkably, more than 95 percent of the artifacts were on view in Asia for the first time, and several finds from Saqqara made their global debut in Shanghai.

Inside the gallery themed “The Age of Tutankhamun,” walls bathed in blue and yellow suggested the meeting of ocean and desert, producing a striking visual effect. Visitors crowded around the colossal statue of Akhenaten, one of the exhibition’s most photographed highlights, eager to capture a “dialogue across time.”

In another gallery, “The Secrets of Saqqara,” visitor Wang Xiaoxiang lingered before a cat sculpture. “It’s in such perfect condition,” Wang said. “It’s not just the charm of the animal, but also the gentleness in its expression. It feels almost magical.”

Last summer, the museum complemented the exhibition with ten “Fantastic Night” events, even allowing visitors to bring their cats. This year’s 168-hour marathon opening also featured two carnival-style nights, with Egyptian drumming, traditional dance, acrobatics, and musical theater.

The exhibition’s influence generated significant cultural and economic ripple effects far beyond its gallery walls.

Cultural products: Drawing inspiration from nearly 100 highlight objects, the museum developed over 1,200 cultural and creative products, selling more than 3 million items. Nearly 500 related events attracted close to 300,000 participants.

Public programs: The museum hosted more than 10 themed lectures, including one by Mohamed Ismail Khaled, secretary-general of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, on Egypt’s latest archaeological discoveries, and another by Peking University professor Yan Haiying on daily life in ancient Egypt. More than 6,000 in-person activities, such as public lectures, art workshops, and community events, drew nearly 1.4 million participants in total.

Cross-sector collaboration: The museum built a full cultural tourism ecosystem around the exhibition, including a themed cruise, shuttle buses decorated with Egyptian motifs, and even a jet painted with the Shanghai Museum’s name and logo. Joint initiatives with commercial districts and enterprises helped integrate culture, tourism, business, and sports experiences, amplifying the exhibition’s impact across local retail, hospitality, and entertainment sectors.

To sustain operations during the 168-hour marathon, the museum mobilized robust support measures, with security, cleaning, and medical teams working in shifts around the clock. “What struck me most was an elderly visitor, over 80 years old, who still came late at night just to see the artifacts,” said Zhou Yanjing, a museum staff member. “When you witness such passion from the public, every effort feels worthwhile.”

On the evening of Aug. 17, after nearly 400 days and nights, the landmark exhibition came to a close. Yet the museum’s dialogue with world civilizations continues. Guided by a spirit of openness and inclusiveness, the Shanghai Museum will press ahead with global cultural exchanges, and more exhibitions of similar magnitude are sure to follow.

China’s underwater archaeology breaks new ground in deep sea

By Sun Haitian, People’s Daily

During the summer vacation, the China (Hainan) Museum of the South China Sea in Qionghai, south China’s Hainan province, welcomed record crowds, with daily visitor numbers nearly 50 percent higher than usual. 

Since September last year, the museum has hosted a special exhibition titled Deep Blue Marvels, showcasing selected artifacts recovered from the No. 1 and No. 2 shipwrecks discovered on the northwestern slope of the South China Sea. The exhibition hall has since become the most popular attraction at the museum.

Inside the gallery, a large gilt-decorated Fahua jar, adorned with peacock-and-peony motifs in openwork designs, stands in quiet magnificence. Its brilliant glaze, intricate latticework, and exquisite gilding capture the eye. Yet as recently as last year, this masterpiece still lay undisturbed on the seabed, some 1,500 meters below the surface, alongside more than 100,000 pieces of porcelain and ebony logs.

“The first time we saw the No. 1 and No. 2 shipwreck sites at the northwest continental slope of the South China Sea on the submersible’s monitor, everyone was stunned. It was like discovering a ‘treasure chest’ sealed by time, preserved in extraordinary integrity,” said Xin Lixue, director of the China (Hainan) Museum of the South China Sea. 

This archaeological discovery, which began in 2022, represents a historic breakthrough in China’s underwater archaeology, from the shallow seas into the deep sea, Xin added.

Breaking through core technologies to explore the deep

The breakthrough came during the 500th dive of China’s Deep Sea Warrior submersible on October 23, 2022. As it operated 150 km southeast of Sanya, researchers suddenly observed a seabed scattered with thousands of ceramic jars at 1,500 meters depth – the world’s first identified Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) shipwrecks in such extreme conditions.

But what does 1,500 meters mean? It is a realm of perpetual darkness, a “no-man’s zone” under immense pressure far beyond what any human diver could withstand. “Before 2018, China’s underwater archaeology was largely confined to shallow waters no deeper than 40 meters,” Xin explained. “Deep-sea archaeology is fundamentally different. Without advanced technology, the deep sea remained a blind spot for us.”

The extreme environment posed unprecedented challenges. “This discovery was exceptionally rare. At such depths, there was no precedent for us to follow,” said Song Jianzhong, head of the archaeological survey project of the shipwreck sites. Meeting this challenge was made possible by cutting-edge technologies that had been in the making for more than a decade.

In 2009, China launched the development of its second manned deep-sea submersible, Shenhai Yongshi. After eight years of intensive research and trials, it was delivered in October 2017 to the Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

With more than 95 percent of its components domestically produced, the submersible overcame critical hurdles in titanium alloy pressure sphere, deep-sea buoyancy materials, and low-noise thrusters. Capable of operating at depths of up to 4,500 meters, it gave Chinese archaeologists for the first time the ability to explore the ocean world 1,000 meters below the surface.

Sixty-three dives to recover centuries-old relics

“October 1, 2023, the second phase of archaeological investigation at the northwest continental slope shipwrecks of the South China Sea. Average wind speed: about 13 knots. Dive depth: over 1,500 meters.”

So reads the mission log of Zhang Ninghao, dive scientist and deputy leader of the archaeological survey project.

After detaching from its mothership Tansuo-2, Shenhai Yongshi began its descent at a steady 35 meters per minute. As daylight faded, darkness enveloped the vessel, and the cabin temperature gradually dropped. After more than 40 minutes, the submersible touched down on the seabed. Its lights revealed the No. 2 shipwreck site, about 21 meters long and 8 meters wide, with rows of ebony logs neatly arranged from north to south.

The No. 1 shipwreck carried porcelain from Jingdezhen in east China’s Jiangxi province, destined for overseas markets, while the No. 2 was laden with ebony logs being brought back to China. “One outbound, one inbound, together they provide tangible evidence of the vibrant two-way trade along the ancient Maritime Silk Road, filling in a missing link in the historical chain of the South China Sea routes,” Song explained.

Guided by the pilot, the submersible carefully maneuvered over the relics. Preselected artifacts were retrieved using its robotic arms. One manipulator, padded with soft material, gently grasped centuries-old relics. Though it resembled a “claw machine,” the operation was highly sophisticated: high-definition cameras recorded every move; high-precision positioning, high-resolution imagery, 3D scanning, and geophysical survey data were integrated to create a detailed archaeological map of the shipwreck sites.

From 2023 to 2024, across three phases of investigation totaling 70 working days at sea, the team carried out 63 dives. From the depths, they retrieved 928 sets of artifacts, a fraction of the immense trove that still lies undisturbed on the seabed, silently bearing witness to the maritime exchanges of centuries past.

China keeps ‘doing right thing’

By He Yin, People’s Daily

Recent surveys by multiple international polling agencies show that global public opinion toward China continues to improve, with the country’s image gaining wider recognition around the world.

This growing recognition reflects China’s commitment to “doing the right thing” and demonstrates the international community’s affirmation of China’s development path. Such acknowledgment stems from China’s confidence in pursuing openness and international engagement.

“Friendly, secure, and efficient,” wrote a journalist from Argentine newspaper Clarin after a recent stay in China. Over the years, China has steadily advanced high-level opening up and streamlined policies to facilitate people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

So far, China has introduced unilateral visa-free entry and mutual visa exemption agreements with 75 countries, and expanded the number of countries eligible for visa-free transit to 55 countries. In the first half of this year, foreign nationals made 38.05 million cross-border trips to and from China in the first half of 2025, up 30.2 percent year on year, accounting for 71.2 percent of total foreign entries and representing a 53.9 percent year-on-year increase.

International audiences are increasingly experiencing China firsthand through growing visitation. These encounters reveal a multifaceted nation whose authentic reality travelers actively share through global social platforms. At the same time, Chinese cultural products, whether trendy toys, blockbuster films, or hit video games, are winning fans worldwide. With their unique blend of warmth and creativity, they bring people closer together, spark emotions that transcend borders, and write new chapters in cross-cultural exchanges.

Recognition also comes from China’s genuine commitment to sharing the benefits of development.

The facts speak for themselves: China’s contribution to world economic growth has stayed at around 30 percent over the years. In 2024, China’s energy consumption per unit of GDP was 11.6 percent lower than in 2020 – equivalent to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 1.1 billion tonnes. The country has remained the world’s largest manufacturing country for 15 consecutive years.

Recent briefings on the 14th Five-Year Plan implementation further confirm that China’s high-quality development paradigm energizes worldwide economic expansion, creating vast opportunities for modernization worldwide.

China fundamentally integrates its development within humanity’s broader progress and seeks to move forward together with others toward shared prosperity. Today, China is a major trading partner of over 150 countries and regions. High-quality Belt and Road cooperation has become a path of opportunity and well-being that is increasingly felt by people across the globe. 

According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, across the nine middle-income countries surveyed, a 72 percent median say Chinese companies are good for their country’s economy. This result demonstrates that cooperation with China delivers real, tangible benefits that improve people’s lives.

Recognition further arises from China’s sense of proactive role in global governance. As noted by Australian media, China increasingly engages as a stabilizing force in a fragmented world. It has promoted peaceful solutions to international hotspot issues and encouraged dialogue on the Ukraine crisis, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and the situation in Afghanistan, while also helping to broker reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran as well as among Palestinian factions. 

Looking ahead, China has pledged to announce its 2035 nationally determined contributions covering all economic sectors and all greenhouse gases before the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Belem, Brazil. It has released the Global AI Governance Action Plan, established a global AI governance innovation center, and proposed the creation of a world AI cooperation organization. Together with 32 other countries, China also launched the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed), filling a gap in global mediation mechanisms. 

In a world of uncertainty and change, China has kept humanity’s future and people’s well-being at heart, demonstrating the responsibility expected of a major country. As one commentary observed, “China always focuses on doing the right thing.” The rise of China’s global standing is the outcome of decades of careful planning, peaceful development, sincere cooperation, and cultural confidence.

By remaining committed to “doing the right thing,” China will continue to engage the world with openness and inclusiveness, advance on the winds of win-win cooperation, and present itself as a nation that is trustworthy, admirable, and respectable, sharing opportunities for development with all countries and working together for a better future.

To build a peaceful future from the lessons of history

By Wang Yuan, Huan Xiang, Cui Qi, People’s Daily

This year marks both the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations (UN). 

At this pivotal moment, looking back on the painful lessons of World War II (WWII) and the hard-won victory over fascism serves not only to reaffirm a correct view of WWII history but also to draw wisdom and strength for building a peaceful, prosperous future for humanity.

As Friedrich Engels observed, history is everything to humankind. An honest accounting of history underpins the very foundation of justice. To safeguard the victorious outcome of WWII and defend the post-war international order is, in essence, to uphold justice and humanity’s shared moral responsibility.

The World Anti-Fascist War was a global struggle that transcended borders, races, and ideologies. From the Chinese people’s call for unity in their resistance against Japanese aggression to the joint declaration by 26 Allied nations to fight against the aggressive and expansionist forces seeking world domination, nations joined forces in defense of justice. Through extraordinary sacrifices, they defended the cause of peace.

As the main theater in the East of the World Anti-Fascist War, China was the first to confront Japanese aggression, beginning in 1931. Over 14 years of relentless struggle, more than 35 million Chinese soldiers and civilians were killed or wounded. By tying down and depleting the main forces of Japanese militarists, China made indelible historical contributions to the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War.

The postwar world order emerged directly from this victory. As a founding member of the anti-fascist alliance, China actively participated in establishing the UN and drafting its Charter.. The international system with the UN at its core is a direct legacy of that victory, ensuring global peace in the post-war era and driving development and progress worldwide.

The triumph of the World Anti-Fascist War was a major victory of the forces of justice, showing that light will always overcome darkness, and that justice will ultimately prevail over evil.

However, over the past eight decades, historical revisionism has repeatedly surfaced. By spreading false narratives, blurring the line between right and wrong, and eroding the moral foundation of the post-war international order, such distortions pose a real threat to world peace.

In Japan, a disturbing resurgence of historical denial persists. War criminals are enshrined at the Yasukuni Shrine in an attempt to glorify militarism. School textbooks are distorted to downplay or deny the well-documented facts of the Nanjing Massacre and the forceful recruitment of “comfort women.” Narratives portraying Japan as a “victim of war” recast aggression as the so-called “liberation of Asia,” seeking to whitewash the war. Such distortions, which deny aggression, twist historical truth, and evade responsibility, have inflicted deep wounds on the people of countries victimized by Japanese aggression.

In recent years, forces seeking to undermine the postwar order have been on the rise. Certain countries, in pursuit of hegemony and unilateralism, have recklessly challenged the UN-centered international system, trampled on the basic norms governing international relations underpinned by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and disrupted global economic and trade stability. Such actions reflect a dangerous disregard for historical lessons and a grave irresponsibility to the world and the shared future of humanity.

History cannot be rewritten, and truth must not be distorted. To distort the history of WWII is a betrayal of human civilization and an obstacle to human progress. As The Guardian has noted, humanity must learn from the darkest chapters of its past. If such distortions are left unchecked, history risks repeating itself. The lesson of history is clear: only through unwavering commitment to historical truth, accurate understanding of WWII, and vigorous defense of historical justice can humanity progress.

The WWII victory established enduring principles that continue to guide global affairs. As Allied power and UN founding member, China has always been a consistent defender of historical truth, a firm upholder of the current international order, and a committed supporter of true multilateralism. China stands ready to work hand in hand with all countries, drawing wisdom from history to forge a shared future for humanity and a more just world order.

TOSIN AJAYI AND HIS POWER OF IMAGINATION

BY SIMON ABIODUN

With foresight reminiscent of Nostradamus, Ajayi has become the man who saw tomorrow. Guided by clarity of purpose, he has transformed vision into reality since assuming office as the DGSS, a year ago. What began on 26th August, 2024 has remained action-packed, a fulfilment of promises and continuous progress marked with milestones that speak to leadership, dedication and diligence. In just twelve months, Ajayi’s ability to anticipate challenges and seize opportunities has shown him as one who came prepared.

Since assuming duty, he has infused every action with the imprint of great dreams and far-reaching vision. His leadership reflects not only a commitment to the present but also a bold imagination for what the future of the DSS can become. One would say, that a defining hallmark of Ajayi’s first year has been the daring repositioning of the DSS, transforming it from a conventional structure into a dynamic institution better equipped to address contemporary security challenges.

Central to this transformation has been his deliberate refocus on the principle of covertness, a major move that has sharpened his staff ability to be futuristic, act discreetly, anticipate and neutralise threats. It is therefore not surprising that under his leadership, the Service has become more responsive, with improved intelligence gathering initiative. The information sharing systems with both domestic and international stakeholders are topnotch. Indeed, this renewed focus has sharpened the capacity to counter challenges such as terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, cybercrime, transnational organised crime including online threats thus firmly establishing the Service as a trusted pillar in safeguarding national security.

To sustain this capacity, Ajayi prioritises training and capacity building as a cornerstone of the agency’s transformation. His emphasis on advanced skills in intelligence gathering, analysis and modern technologies has ensured that the Service’s human capital is fully aligned with its renewed mandate. His leadership is exemplary. His dictum is “Do As I Do.” As a practical man, he leads from the front. When he first got to office, he told staff he came prepared to accomplish. He assured he would challenge the status quo and not be a “That’s How We Do It” DG. He called on personnel to join him in what has become a beautiful sprint.

Whether on early arrival at work, meetings or schedules, exhibiting discipline and diligence, responsibility and team spirit on assigned roles, his commitment has remained the same. For him, DSS must serve Nigeria with pride, honesty and patriotism. He is goal-oriented.

Beyond institutional reforms, the DGSS has placed a premium on staff welfare. This is in recognition that motivated personnel are the backbone of any successful organization. He has improved the conditions of service by ensuring fairer remuneration, timely promotions and clearer career progression. He also introduced stronger support systems, including healthcare and housing packages, designed to give officers and their families a greater sense of security. In addition, new policies were put in place to prioritize overall well-being of all. He recognizes excellence and provides safeguards for those in high-risk assignments. Equally significant has been his decisive move to realign ranks and restore discipline, a reform that injected fairness, merit, accountability, predictability and self-appraisal into the agency’s structure.

Remarkably, retirees are not left behind under him. Not only harmonised their benefits, he gives them all they ever asked for. It has become honourable to work and retire from the DSS. There could not have been a prouder time. Anticipating the long-term impact of these steps, he understood that internal order and morale would translate into sharper efficiency and stronger credibility externally. Today, the DSS reflects a culture of professionalism, thus showcasing attributes that are vital for meeting the demands of a complex security environment. Any time I come across DSS personnel, all I hear are praises of their new DG who has brought positive change to their prestigious Agency. I feel jealous; I wished I could be a member.

Meanwhile, Ajayi’s insightful contributions to policy through timely intelligence, strategic analysis and clear recommendations to consumers have fortified political stability and strengthened democratic institutions. These inputs have also nurtured an atmosphere of trust in governance, thereby ensuring that national decisions are grounded in foresight and security consciousness. Likewise, his contributions to securing critical infrastructure has created an environment of safety, thus supporting economic growth and giving businesses and investors the confidence to thrive. In weaving security into the fabric of economic progress and political stability, Ajayi has shown that intelligence leadership, when guided by vision and purpose, is not just about protection but about driving the nation’s journey toward peace and prosperity. This scenario is epitomised by the recent apprehension of Ansaru terrorist leaders. Who else could have done that except the one who takes the bull by the horn and walks on paths feared by others.

One year on, Ajayi’s leadership has already left an indelible mark. His transformative actions within the agency, commitment to staff welfare, discipline and strategic influence on national policy have set a high standard. It has been a first year of bold moves, measurable impact and a promise of even greater achievements ahead for DSS staff, the nation and its citizens. Congratulations, TOSIN and 12 hearty cheers to many more years of visionary leadership and outstanding service. Your imagination will never decline. Set your eyes on the ball, able Golfer.

Benue Guber: Why I’m imminently and Constitutionally, I am qualified- Aondoakaa, SAN

Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, a former Minister for Justice and Attorney General of the Federation is a 2027 governorship hopeful in Benue State.

The revered legal luminary cum politicians in this interview with ARISE TV speaks on some topical issues that happened during the administration of late president Umar Yar’Adua.

He also speaks on the 2027 governorship election among other national issues. Excerpts:

Former Governor Peter Obi questions President Tinubu’s constant travel outside Nigeria and his ability to govern. How will you react to that?

Well, thank you for that question; that is his personal opinion. The issue of
presidential powers, legally, the executive powers under section 5 of the
constitution are embodied in the President himself as a person and as I had said before that the President can rule and take decisions affecting the country from any part of the world and I still maintain my position. Of course I was vindicated on that point, that was when Yar’Adua was sick and after that President Johnathan was in Brazil, after that the former President Buhari was also out of the country for a long period.

The presidential powers, not only the presidential powers but where is power created by Statute or persons appointed and even in private offices, the powers are embodied in the person so appointed until the day he ceases to hold the office. Technology has so much improved now that the issue of sitting
physically in the office does not arise for anybody to exercise his powers. That is why you see in many most organizations abroad now people work from home and that’s also why you have companies in Europe having employees in Africa especially Tech companies because everything is done by computers, virtual
meetings and other devices. So I don’t think former Governor Peter Obi is fair to the President on that point because the President’s travelling cannot affect the presidential powers vested in him. He can exercise it anywhere and I believe he does it because his mails are transmitted to him electronically. Secondly, this is not an issue to play politics with, when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu came into power, the economy was very weak, extremely weak and therefore there was need for him to reopen Nigeria to the whole world. When he assumed office, there were lots of things that created fear such as the herder/farmers conflicts, Boko Haram and insurgencies so all these created fear to the international community with respect to investing in Nigeria, not only the international community but even Nigerians living abroad became discouraged to sending funds into the country. So I believe, in my own opinion, the president traveling
to give assurance at the highest level government is one of the best things that has happened to Nigeria. I don’t share Mr. Obi’s opinion, and this is evident by the surge of the foreign reserve and as at last week, it went up to 44 Billion US Dollars which is comfortable, not too comfortable but still it’s a great improvement that gives security for our international trade, it gives security for
our banks to operate letters of credit and I am excited that Nigerian banks do not need a foreign bank confirmation for opening our letters of credit. These are the things that have a positive impact on Nigeria, which may partly be as a result of the President engaging with the global community to reconnect Nigeria. So I do not go with former Governor Peter Obi on this issue, first it doesn’t impair the presidential powers embodied in him and he can exercise these powers anywhere in the world once an issue is brought to his notice. Secondly, we are
practicing a presidential system of government where the executive powers
under section 5 of the constitution can be delegated to the Vice President,
Ministers and all other person’s the executive powers are delegated to, that
means that even a cleaner derives his powers to carry out executive function
from the President under the Nigerian constitution. It is not a dictatorship that you expect that the dictator stands that whatever he says is final. Powers are appropriately delegated and Ministers are appointed. Therefore, I have respect for former Governor Peter Obi but I don’t understand the point he is trying to make. Frankly it doesn’t make sense to me on this point.

You presented the country request for an increase of the country continental shelf from 200 nautical miles to 350 nautical miles. What are the security and economic benefits?

Well, let me go back to the issue of increase of the Continental shelf which
started in 2000 under President Obasanjo and when late President Yar’Adua
assumed office in 2007 and found that it was necessary to continue with the
good work on the increase of the Continental shelf from 200 nautical miles to 350 nautical miles which had started under his predecessor President Obasanjo.

The wisdom for this is not farfetched. First, Nigeria was a state party because we signed a treaty, the United Nations Treaty on the law of the Sea on the 1st of July 1983 and then we deposited the instrument of fortification on 14th August 1986
so by then the convention law entered into force in Nigeria by 16th July 1994. So you see, we became a full member to benefit from the convention and I think
that is how then Presidents Obasanjo and Yar’Adua saw that Nigeria has
challenges in the gulf of Guinea.

One of the challenges was bunkering, the next was Piracy, so to avoid the
possibility of piracy that engulfed Somalia and clean up our international waters, safeguard the gulf of Guinea as it relate to Nigeria. So Nigeria started the preparation and in 2009 I led a delegation, the delegation actually was to be led by the Chairman of the National Boundaries Commission which statutory was the Vice President. I was in Brazil when I was instructed by the Vice President to go and lead the Nigerian delegation. So I left Brazil straight to New York, spent five
days looking at the paperwork and I did a presentation to the UN Commission,
which was presided over by a Brazilian. It was a moving moment when at the end
of the presentation the members of the committee were asked by the Chairman
if they had any questions and they said they didn’t have because it was a
beautiful presentation. We first highlighted how we complied with the law. We secondly highlighted how we had consulted our neighbors including Ghana and physically brought the no objections response tenders before the Commission and this warranted us to have the approval in principle for us to proceed with our proposal for consideration by the 24th Session of the Commission. We submitted everything to the sub-committee for details and technical delineation was to be set up by the Commission.

The advantage was obvious, effective policing of our maritime boundary because if you move the Continental shelf to 350, the small boats cannot reach to that limit of the Continental Shelf. When most of the people that were involved in oil bunkering realized that our Continental shelf was just 200 nautical
miles it was obvious that small light boats that are used in bunkering can safely deliver bunkered crude oil which is delivered to ships that even if they are just a meter outside the 200 nautical miles the Navy cannot go there.

That was the premise, at the time the issue of bunkering. President
Obasanjo and subsequently President Yar Adua saw the need to conclude work
on this, that was the primary consideration. Again, after the Bakassi, we needed to ensure that the sacrifices done by Cross River to mitigate their losses and our understanding was that if we conclude work on the 350 nautical miles, the seabed minerals, hydrocarbon and fishing will also accrue to Calabar which in our opinion at that time had lost substantially as a result of the handover of southern part of Bakassi to Cameron in compliance with the International Court judgement. That was the wisdom, economic gain, policing of the Maritime zone and the gulf of Guinea more efficiently as it relates to Nigerian boundaries. That was the main wisdom, we concluded that work and crossed the first huddle. I don’t know what happened but I didn’t hear any further work, because I left
government.. First I was removed as Attorney General on 10th February 2010 so I was no longer a member of the Boundary Commission because I was reassigned as Minister of Special Duties so I really don’t know why the whole of that period of the government of President Good luck Johnathan I was not in a position to know whether the technical work continued or why it delayed that much, even with the serious support of United Nations Commission of Laws of the Sea we had.

They were in total agreement with our submission because nobody asked us any questions. We had the support of our neighbors so we didn’t know why they didn’t extend it during the President Johnathan administration as he was also the prime person because he was the Chairman of the Boundary Commission as Vice President. He was in the know of everything, when I made the successful presentation. Let me not give credit to myself, in going to make the presentation, I was accompanied by Nigerian Permanent Representative to
United Nations Professor Joy Ogwu and the Director General of the National
Boundary Commission Alhaji Sadiq Digi and our presentation was made pursuant
to Article 76 paragraph 8 of UNCLOS which gave us sufficient approval I do not know what has led to this delay.

Then I started hearing about work on it towards the end of the administration of President Buhari. I am extremely glad that President Ahmed Tinubu reopened work on it and even received a report on it that shows the level of attention. He saw the wisdom in what President Obasanjo started and how President Yar’Adua crossed the first huddle.
As President Ahmed Tinubu is pushing this to the stage now to my mind
he is a visionary leader who has seen the security and economic benefits of the increase of the Continental shelf and I seriously commend him for that. I also saw the possibility of mitigating the losses of Cross River government as a result of Bakassi which in particular is the southern part of Bakassi.

Why was bakassi peninsula handover to Cameroon considering the fact that the cross river state, which houses the eastern naval commander since 1971, was hemmed out?

During our time because of the shores of Calabar we still felt they were a Littoral state. When Federal Government was to hand over Bakassi in 2005 the Navy objected and raised a lot of objections on the premise that they
will not have access to the Sea if Cross River is hemmed out and that would
constituted a very serious threat. Cameron is a friendly nation but every friendly nation is a potential enemy.. it was a very serious complaint by the Nigerian Navy and the Eastern Navy Command Headquarters was established in 1971 by the government of General Gowon to curtail any maritime challenges coming from the Gulf of Guinea. It was something President Yar’Adua took seriously. Of course not only President Yar’Adua, the Navy also made objections to the National Assembly so before we took the decision to hand over we had to work on that threat that the Nigerian Navy would be unable to access the Sea if Calabar was hemmed. So in my opinion the practical demographics is laid out at the demarcation is laid at the Northern part of Bakassi which is still part of Nigeria and it ensures that Calabar would be protected by the Nigerian Navy because Calabar was still left as a Littoral state, they were not hemmed out that is based on the technical report given to us in 2008 because we had to invite the
Surveyor General and international experts to look at the judgement of the
International Court of Justice and the delineation and know whether the
Nigerian Navy situated in Calabar will be hemmed out. But this was not the case. I left office and the judgement came in 2012 that Cross River was hemmed
out. I was shocked… Supreme court in their wisdom decide on what is brought
to them so I don’t know the data that was taken to the Supreme court. At that
time, President Yar Adua had died, I was no longer in office so I don’t know up
till now, I keep wondering what kind of data that was presented that brought
that result and if they say so then the Eastern Navy Command should have been shut down because they will have no access to the Sea from Calabar axis. To me, Cross River State ought to be an oil producing State in the Northern part of
Bakassi based on the line of demarcation which we resolved. This area was
supposed to remain in Cross River, but I don’t know what happened. It may be the data that was brought to the Supreme Court; maybe it was different from the one the Navy resolved with us because we did not shut down the Eastern Navy Command Headquarters in Calabar and taken out to Port Harcourt. We needed an Armed force that can police the gulf of Guinea and that is the Navy. We gave the Nigerian Navy direct access from Calabar Estuaries to the Atlantic Sea.
I don’t know what transpired but I think that it is something that has to be
resolved. You see the implementation of the judgement involved certain things,
equity, political decisions and effective and technical diligence, so I wouldn’t know whether the one they gave us that led to us believing the Nigerian Navy Eastern Command Headquarters in Calabar were not hemmed out from Atlantic Sean directly using Calabar Estuaries at that time is different from the one they present to the court. Mind you, as former Attorney General I cannot challenge the wisdom of the Justices of the Supreme Court. Supreme Court will give judgement based on evidence and I am saying that President Yar’Adua wouldn’t have taken the security of the country lightly. The practical effect of our decision is that the Eastern Naval Command remained in Calabar so how do they operate if they are hemmed out?
So part of the Bakassi which is now the western part of Bakassi is still
remaining in Cross River and the in-shores are still there which are open to the Sea. Actually I am at a loss as per the data that was presented which was the basis of the argument at the Supreme Court; and that is the extent I can talk
about it because when Supreme Court is involved you have to be careful. I am
only talking in defending the decision of the President Yar’Adua Administration, which led to me going to Calabar to handover Southern part of Bakassi on 14th August 2008.

There was nothing like that,we never had any complaints until 2012 that
we heard that Cross River was hemmed out. We never received such negative
complaints. That is the position.

The people of your state, Benue have been calling you to contest the 2027 governorship election. Have you accepted to contest and will you say you are qualified?

Sincerely, I don’t want to comment on that issue, because only God gives
power to whom He wants, and when God wants. If you go by provision of the
Constitution, I am qualified. Anybody is qualified to be Governor of the state. If he or she meets the Constitutional requirement, I can only answer that question in relation to the people making threats. I was born around the sixties during the Tiv riots, political crisis. When I grew up I read terrifying stories and how people were killed/maimed and if you were NPC then UMBC will murder you, some will
put a nail in your head and murder you. I am mindful of what is going on, I read
history of the same thing happening in the Western part of Nigeria at that time
and such incidence has not occurred again in Nigeria, maybe it reared out in
Ondo in 1983.

The leadership of the country especially under President Tinubu. Starting from President Yar Adua tolerated opposition. Right now you have ADC going round, some even attack the physical credibility of the president and I have not seen where their members have been attacked. Something is coming out in Benue that is frightening. I read in the papers where the president of the a subregional group the KUDA Kunav Development Association was saying that any person from Kunav that contests for governorship should be attacked and
beaten up and then the Vice Chairman of the local government also said that
any Kunav son that contests shall be attacked. I am not from Kunav but then there is this general slogan that “No Alia, No Benue.”

These are unfortunate rhetorics, we should never look in that direction. If you are popular then there is no need to input violence in your campaign because if you are indeed popular then people will vote for you. If you have done things to endear people to reelect you they will. Though I have not heard it personally from the Governor but he needs to call those people to order because by saying so they are saying he is no longer popular. By saying so they are trying
to insinuate that he has lost that popularity and therefore this time they are not going to persuade the people but they are going to use force to bring him back.

They should remember what happened in Tiv land, in the Sixties.
Constitutionally I am qualified because the constitution of Nigeria is clear
and what is written in the Constitution cannot be added nor subtracted. So
going by the constitution, I am qualified, I have not been convicted or declared bankrupt so going by the constitution I am qualified to contest.

The only frightening aspect and I want to allude to it and this has to stop. If people attack the credibility of the President and he never said such things because he believes in the rule of law and he believes that the things he has done in the country can earn him reelection then why should people who claim to be supporters of the
Governor say that if there is No Alia, No Government, No Benue? The Reverend
Fr. as Governor, ought to be a man of peace, it is up to him to advise his
supporters to respect the law to prevent any likelihood of breakdown of law and
Order in Benue State and Nigeria at large. This thing is frightening, this is the flagship that we believe should be addressed quickly because what happens in Benue can become dangerous.

What happened in 1962 and 1964 should never be allowed again in Nigeria and
it is not something the security agencies should take for granted. So that’s the only thing I say about this for now. When the time comes we will know about it. By law the time for campaign has not started. Until it is time, as a law abiding
citizen, I will not talk on that issue.

Thank you

Bakassi Peninsula:Ex-AGF Aondoakaa,SAN, Lauds Late President Yar’Adua’s Action

Former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Mike Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN has maintained that the decision by late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s to handover Bakassi peninsula was to safeguard Nigeria’s security and should not be faulted rather it should be commended.

The former number one chief law officer of the Federation made the declaration on Tuesday, when he appeared on ARISE NEWS daily morning show.

Aondoakaa said he had “sleepless nights” when the Bakassi handover took place and felt compelled to clarify misrepresentations. He emphasised that neither President Obasanjo, who implemented the Green Tree Agreement, nor President Yar’Adua, who presided over the 2008 handover, endangered Nigeria’s security.

“I don’t want the name of late President Yar’Adua to be tainted that he took a decision that affected the security of our country. We did not. We did not from our data,” he declared.

The Bakassi Peninsula dispute stemmed from a 2002 International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling that ceded the oil-rich territory from Nigeria to Cameroon. In line with the 2006 Green Tree Agreement, Nigeria formally handed over Bakassi to Cameroon in August 2008 under President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, following initial steps taken by former President Olusegun Obasanjo. The decision sparked controversy at home, with critics arguing it stripped Cross River State of its coastal status and vital oil resources, while supporters maintained it upheld international law and preserved Nigeria’s diplomatic credibility.

Aondoakaa argued that the data available at the time showed Cross River State was not stripped of its littoral status. He pointed out that the Eastern Naval Command headquarters in Calabar — established in 1971 — remained operational, proving that Nigeria’s coastal security was not compromised.

He further explained that the Navy and the Surveyor General’s office worked with the government to ensure the demarcation line did not harm Nigeria’s security interests, stressing that the Supreme Court later acted on evidence different from what his administration had.

“This is not to say that I’m challenging the wisdom of the Supreme Court justices. It was the evidence presented to them. There might have been an error in the data presented to them. It’s possible. The Supreme Court acts on evidence. And it is the evidence presented to them. It is the evidence given to us that we felt Nigeria was adequately protected. And Cross River was not hewed out. Our concern then was the Eastern Naval Command headquarters, that it should not be hewed out,” he said.

On the contentious issue of oil wells, Aondoakaa said the 72 oil wells in question represented less than three percent compared to over 2,000 wells in Akwa Ibom.

“If you look at 72 oil wells in relation to 2,000 oil wells in Akwa Ibom, it is less than 3%. So, our goal was not about the oil. In our demarcation, we ensured that everything was well-protected and well-balanced,” he said.

Aondoakaa maintained that if errors exist, they stem from later political decisions or evidence presented after he left office in 2010, not from actions taken under Yar’Adua’s government.

See Full Transcription Below

BAKASSI

During our time because of the shores of Calabar we still felt they were a Littoral state. When Federal Government was to hand over Bakassi in 2005, the Navy objected and raised a lot of objections on the premise that they would not have access to the Sea if Cross River was hemmed out — and that would constitute a very serious threat.

Cameroon is a friendly nation, but every friendly nation is a potential enemy. It was a very serious complaint by the Nigerian Navy, and the Eastern Navy Command Headquarters was established in 1971 by the government of General Gowon to curtail any maritime challenges coming from the Gulf of Guinea. It was something President Yar’Adua took seriously.

Of course, not only President Yar’Adua; the Navy also made objections to the National Assembly. So, before we took the decision to hand over, we had to work on that threat that the Nigerian Navy would be unable to access the Sea if Calabar was hemmed in.

In my opinion, the practical demographics is laid out at the demarcation in the Northern part of Bakassi which is still part of Nigeria — and it ensures that Calabar would be protected by the Nigerian Navy because Calabar was still left as a Littoral state. They were not hemmed out.

This was based on the technical report given to us in 2008 because we had to invite the Surveyor General and international experts to look at the judgement of the International Court of Justice and the delineation and know whether the Nigerian Navy situated in Calabar would be hemmed out. But this was not the case.

I left office and the judgement came in 2012 that Cross River was hemmed out. I was shocked… The Supreme Court in their wisdom decided on what was brought to them. At that time, President Yar’Adua had died, I was no longer in office, so I don’t know up till now what kind of data was presented that brought that result.

If they say so, then the Eastern Navy Command should have been shut down because they would have no access to the Sea from the Calabar axis. To me, Cross River State ought to be an oil-producing State in the Northern part of Bakassi based on the line of demarcation which we resolved. This area was supposed to remain in Cross River, but I don’t know what happened.

It may be the data that was brought to the Supreme Court was different from the one the Navy resolved with us — because we did not shut down the Eastern Navy Command Headquarters in Calabar and move it to Port Harcourt. We needed an Armed Force that can police the Gulf of Guinea, and that is the Navy. We gave the Nigerian Navy direct access from Calabar Estuaries to the Atlantic Sea.

I don’t know what transpired, but I think it is something that has to be resolved.

Mind you, as former Attorney General I cannot challenge the wisdom of the Justices of the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court will give judgement based on evidence. President Yar’Adua wouldn’t have taken the security of the country lightly. The practical effect of our decision is that the Eastern Naval Command remained in Calabar — so how do they operate if they are hemmed out?

So, part of the Bakassi — which is now the western part — is still remaining in Cross River, and the in-shores are still there which are open to the Sea.

Actually, I am at a loss as per the data that was presented which was the basis of the argument at the Supreme Court. That is the extent I can talk about it because when the Supreme Court is involved, you have to be careful.

I am only talking in defence of the decision of the President Yar’Adua Administration, which led to me going to Calabar to hand over Southern Bakassi on 14th August 2008.

There was nothing like that, we never had any complaints until 2012 when we heard that Cross River was hemmed out. We never received such negative complaints.

That is the position.

GOVERNORSHIP

Sincerely, I don’t want to comment on that issue, because only God gives power to whom He wants, and when He wants.

If you go by provisions of the Constitution, I am qualified — anybody is qualified to be Governor of the state if he or she meets the Constitutional requirement.

I can only answer that question in relation to the people making threats.

I was born around the sixties during the Tiv riots and political crisis. When I grew up, I read terrifying stories of how people were killed or maimed. If you were NPC, then UMBC would murder you. Some would put a nail in your head and kill you.

I am mindful of what is going on. I read history of the same thing happening in the Western part of Nigeria at that time, and such incidents have not occurred again in Nigeria — maybe it reared out in Ondo in 1983.

The leadership of the country, especially under President Tinubu — starting from President Yar’Adua — tolerated opposition. Right now, you have ADC going around; some even attack the physical credibility of the president, and I have not seen where their members have been attacked.

Something is coming out in Benue that is frightening. I read in the papers where the president of the sub-regional group KUDA (Kunav Development Association) was saying that any person from Kunav that contests for governorship should be attacked and beaten up. Then the Vice Chairman of the local government also said that any Kunav son that contests shall be attacked.

I am not from Kunav, but then there is this general slogan: “No Alia, No Benue.”

These are unfortunate rhetorics. We should never look in that direction. If you are popular, then there is no need to input violence in your campaign, because if you are indeed popular then people will vote for you.

If you have done things to endear people to re-elect you, they will.

Though I have not heard it personally from the Governor, he needs to call those people to order. By saying so, they are saying he is no longer popular. By saying so, they are insinuating that he has lost that popularity and therefore this time they are not going to persuade the people but use force to bring him back.

They should remember what happened in Tiv land in the Sixties.

Constitutionally, I am qualified because the Constitution of Nigeria is clear. What is written in the Constitution cannot be added to nor subtracted from. I have not been convicted or declared bankrupt. By the Constitution, I am qualified to contest.

The only frightening aspect, and I want to allude to it, is this has to stop. If people attack the credibility of the President and he never said such things — because he believes in the rule of law — then why should people who claim to be supporters of the Governor say that “If there is No Alia, No Government, No Benue?”

The Reverend Fr. as Governor ought to be a man of peace. It is up to him to advise his supporters to respect the law to prevent any likelihood of breakdown of law and order in Benue State and Nigeria at large.

This thing is frightening. This is the flagship issue that we believe should be addressed quickly, because what happens in Benue can become dangerous.

What happened in 1962 and 1964 should never be allowed again in Nigeria, and it is not something the security agencies should take for granted.

So, that’s the only thing I will say about this for now. When the time comes, we will know about it. By law, the time for campaign has not started. Until then, as a law-abiding citizen, I will not talk further on that issue.

Youths Welcome Lagos Govt’s Expansion Of Poverty Alleviation Scheme, Praise Sanwo-Olu

A prominent youth organization, the Youth Bureau, has lauded the Lagos State Government’s recent launch of a new registration exercise to capture poor and vulnerable households not previously included in its social welfare database.

The registration, which commenced at Ajibola Community Development Area (CDA) in Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Kosofe Local Government, is part of ongoing efforts of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration to reduce poverty and strengthen social protection programmes across the state.

In a statement signed by its Southern Coordinator, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Monday in Lagos, the Youth Bureau commended the governor’s exceptional leadership and compassion for the poor and vulnerable in the state, as well as his widely acknowledged drive for progressive governance and sustainable development.

Abdulrazaq described the deliberate move to include people who may have been left out of existing poverty alleviation programme as noble and heart-warming, noting that it takes only a leader who is sensitive to the plight of the poor and vulnerable under his jurisdiction.

He emphasised that registration is a key step in achieving our goal of targeted support for poor and vulnerable households, as the exercise will help identify those who may have been excluded in earlier phases.

His words: “We commend Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the administration’s commitment and sustained focus on social intervention amid harsh economic realities in the country.

“We are glad because of the visible dividends of democracy the initiative will bring. That’s why we are full of praise for Sanwo-Olu’s show of compassion towards the poor and vulnerable.

“At this point, what is needed of us as citizens is to support the Lagos Government led by Sanwo-Olu. We also want to convey this clear message to him and his officials of the people’s appreciation for the initiative, which drew large participation from residents of Lagos.

“Thank you, our able governor (Sanwo-Olu), and we commend you again for having the poor and vulnerable in your plans from the beginning of your administration to date. We assure you of our support in your quest to turn Nigeria’s commercial capital into one of the best places to live in the world,” the statement read in part.

Meanwhile, speaking at the flag-off of the fresh registration, the Director of the Social Protection Coordinating Department, Mrs. Oluwakemi Garbadeen-Adedeji—who represented the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Olayinka Ojo—reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to reaching those in genuine need.

“This registration is a key step in achieving our goal of targeted support for poor and vulnerable households,” Garbadeen-Adedeji said, noting that the exercise will help identify those who may have been excluded in earlier phases.

The exercise builds upon the ongoing integration of the Lagos State Single Social Register (LASSR) with the National Identification Number (NIN), which began on April 9, 2025, across all 57 Local Government Areas and LCDAs.

LASSR, a subset of the National Social Register, is a key database used by the government to identify and support poor and vulnerable households in the state.

BAVCCA Elections 2025: Chukwunyere Emerges National President

Ikechukwu Chukwunyere has been elected as the National President of the Bloggers and Vloggers Content Creators Association (BAVCCA) following the successful conduct of its highly anticipated 2025 National Elections in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, from Friday, August 22 to Sunday, August 24, 2025.

In a press release signed by Dr. Josephine Dung, the Chairman of the BAVCCA 2025 Convention, disclosed that over 2,000 accredited delegates from across Nigeria attended the elections. The voting was conducted both physically and online, marking a new chapter in the history of BAVCCA.

Mr. Ikechukwu Chukwunyere emerged victorious in a transparent and peaceful process, defeating his closest rival, Mr. Adedotun Fasanya, in a closely contested race. Demonstrating true sportsmanship, Mr. Fasanya congratulated Mr. Chukwunyere and pledged his support for the new leadership, urging all members to work together for the collective growth of the association.

Addressing delegates shortly after his victory, President-elect Ikechukwu Chukwunyere outlined his five-point agenda to reposition BAVCCA and consolidate its role as the voice of over 5,000 professional digital creators across Nigeria:

On Welfare and Capacity Building: Chukwunyere said he plans to “establish sustainable welfare schemes for members and introduce regular training programs to enhance digital skills, monetization opportunities, and global competitiveness.

Policy Advocacy: “Strengthen engagement with government, regulators, and stakeholders to protect the rights of content creators and influence policies that promote digital entrepreneurship.

Global Partnerships: “Foster international collaborations with global blogging, vlogging, and creative associations to open new frontiers for Nigerian content creators.

Technology and Innovation Hub: “Launch a BAVCCA digital innovation hub that will serve as a resource center for creators to access tools, mentorship, and funding opportunities.

Unity and Expansion: “Strengthen the bond among members nationwide and expand BAVCCA’s reach to ensure inclusivity, transparency, and accountability in all its activities.”

The newly elected President, Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, assured members that his administration would be people-centered, visionary, and focused on creating a strong legacy for the association.

IADI Alleges Plot to Hijack Kafe Green Area Land

  • Alleges compromise by FCDA Executive Secretary and staff, using FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s name to push reallocation for personal gain
  • Urges Wike’s intervention as genuine allottee battles displacement despite ₦300m investment

The Integrity Advocacy for Development Initiative (IADI) has raised alarm over what it described as a plot by senior officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to hijack the Kafe Green Area in Abuja, despite a pending court case and huge investments already made by the original allottee.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Executive Director of IADI, Christopher Ofomhi, disclosed that the land was duly allocated to BUNJOA Concept Ltd in 2007, with the company paying ground rent up until 2010.

According to him, the Department of Parks & Recreation confirmed the payments before an embargo was later placed on ground rent collection.
Ofomhi stated that the company had already spent about ₦300 million on compensation and statutory charges, only for the land to be dubiously reallocated by what he described as “corrupt successors of Bukus Achi,” the former Director of Parks & Recreation, allegedly for personal gain. He accused the current FCDA Executive Secretary and some staff members of compromising the process by hiding under the name of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to push through a reallocation scheme designed to benefit private interests.

Despite the fact that the matter has been in court since 2022, with FCDA lawyers actively participating, Ofomhi revealed that a new company, Tegwa-Tegwanig Ltd, has now emerged, claiming it was engaged by the FCDA to develop a multi-event sports centre on the disputed site.

“This development raises serious questions. What has happened to the genuine allottee who followed due process and invested millions? Why does the FCDA appear to disregard judicial processes and the constitutional rights of Nigerians to own property anywhere in the country? And why is an Executive Secretary in such a hurry to displace the rightful owner without due process or fair compensation?” Ofomhi queried.

The civil society group alleged that some FCDA officials were hiding under the guise of a public project to appropriate the land for personal benefit. It warned that such acts of impunity undermine public trust in government institutions.

IADI therefore called on the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, the FCDA leadership, and other relevant authorities to urgently intervene and halt what it described as “the planned hijack of an innocent citizen’s land.”

“Land administration in Abuja must not be reduced to a playground for corruption. Due process must be respected, the courts must be allowed to decide, and citizens must be protected from exploitation,” Ofomhi stressed.

Concluding the statement, IADI emphasized that the matter transcends the interest of one company, describing it as a litmus test for governance credibility and the rule of law in Nigeria.

“As civil society, we cannot stand aloof while a dangerous culture of impunity takes root in the heart of the nation’s capital. If judicial pronouncements and due process are ignored in Abuja, then what hope do ordinary Nigerians have in other parts of the country?” Ofomhi asked.

The group further appealed to the Director General of the State Security Service (DGSS) to prevail on the FCT DSS to conclude its ongoing investigation into the Parks & Recreation Department and ensure that all those found culpable face justice, noting that this will serve as a deterrent to others.

The group also warned that it was prepared, alongside allied civil society organizations, to escalate the matter through lawful civic action, including peaceful demonstrations and public advocacy, until justice is achieved.

“We will stand firmly on the side of justice. This is not just about land, it is about whether Nigerians can trust their government to protect rights and respect the courts. No one is above the law, and we will not relent until accountability prevails,” IADI declared.