Personality in Focus
Army, LASTMA Clashes: A Monumental Shame – NAOSNP
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The National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) has condemned in strong terms the unwarranted physical attacks between the Security agencies; the Nigerian Army and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), describing it a monumental shame and national disgrace.
In videos making the rounds on the internet since Friday, the people of Nigeria has been made to swallow the bitter pill of shame as it’s number one Security agency, the Army engaged a state Traffic agency in a show of power.
While we at NAOSNP believe that there’s always a cause that results in effects, we however, categorically state here that this is way too out of order for a supposedly pride of the nation, to descend so low and behave like touts among the people it has sworn to protect. The worse part is that mist of the men in military uniform, who perpetrated the ignoble act covered their faces with a clear understanding that they were doing the wrong thing. It is only criminals, bandits and terrorists that cover their faces in their activities, and this is a clear indication that our numero uno security agency also breeds and harbours people of doubtful character in their midst. Otherwise, who will behave the way they did in the public domain.
We however, acknowledge the fact that the Army hierachy, through the Army Director of Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, has come out to condemn the act, and called for investigation to unravel those involved as well as instituting Operation Checkmate, to nib future occurrence in the bud. While that is a right step in the right direction, we further advise that this magnitude of national disgrace should not be allowed to continue to fester as there abounds stories of interagency skirmishes instead of interagency cooperation.
The appointment of General Taoreed Lagbaja as the substantive Chief of Army to us among many other reasons, is to bring sanity to the force, he should therefore, live up to the billing and leash men and officers under his command against bringing shame to the nation.
It should be noted that everyone in recognised uniform is working in the interest of the people, especially the military in whose hands the lives of the population is safeguarded against external insurrection, and the Police, who are the first responders in any internal crisis. But when these agencies turn against one another, what becomes the hope and fate of the man on the street.
It is also with renewed angst that we described the activities of LASTMA, a Lagos State owned agency, as next to irresponsible. Before now, complaints abound on the illegitimate manner with which they carry out their duties. Needless to say that impunity has remained their watchword to the extent the Executive Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, outlawed the indiscriminate arrest of motorists and impoundment of vehicles. The public is meant to love their Security agencies, not fear them.
It is against this background that we call on the General Manager of LASTMA, Bolaji Oreagba, to put on his thinking cap, live up to expectation and call his men to order.
This suspicious relationship among agencies is no longer comfortable, and NAOSNP will no longer keep quiet.
Enough is enough!
Signed: Eric Elezuo
National Public Relations Officer
On behalf of
The President
Samson Oki
The national leader of the Pan Yoruba social-political organisation, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, is dead.
The revered elder statesman and Afenifere chieftain passed away at the age of 100, which he celebrated May 11, 2026.
Born on May 11, 1926, in Uso, Ondo State, Pa Fasoranti was one of the major twines holding together the Yoruba nation and a bridge linking the politics of the First Republic to the present democratic order in the South West and in the country.
His political trajectory was rooted in progressivism and Yoruba ideals, having imbibed the political philosophy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo through th Action Group and later the Unity Party of Nigeria.
During the Second Republic, he served as Commissioner of Finance in the old Ondo State between 1979 and 1983. He later rose to become the leader of Afenifere following the death of Chief Abraham Adesanya, his predecessor.
A foremost Yoruba leader, Pa Fasoranti was one of the NADECO leaders whom the regime of the late General Sani Abacha attempted to assassinate in 1996.
He is regarded as symbol of the never-dying spirit of resistance against forces of tyranny and oppression with his politics never about himself but the advancement of his people, philosophy upheld by his resilience in the face of visible danger and personal losses, including the killing of his daughter by herders on the Benin-Ore road some years ago.
A teacher by training, he attended Ondo Boys’ High School, Yaba Higher College in Lagos, and the University College, Ibadan, where he bagged a higher degree in English/Geography.
He taught at his alma mater, Ondo Boys’ High School, and later served as Principal of Oyemekun Grammar School and Iju-Itaogbolu Grammar School. His dedication to education persisted after retirement, as evidenced by his establishment of Omolere Nursery and Primary School and Akure High School.
“His counsel, fatherly guidance and principled stand on issues of justice and good governance will be sorely missed. He lived a fulfilled life and left indelible footprints of honour and legacy for generations to come,” the Governor stated.
Meanwhile, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has described the late patriarch as a beacon of wisdom, integrity and selfless service whose century-long life was marked by uncommon commitment to the development of Ondo State, Yorubaland and Nigeria at large.
He said, “On behalf of the Government and the good people of Ondo State, I commiserate with the Fasoranti family, the people of Akure Kingdom and the entire State over this great loss. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”
Until his death, Pa Fasoranti remained a towering figure in Yoruba politics and a strong advocate for the unity of the Yoruba people, the supremacy of Yoruba ideals and the betterment of the lot of his people.
He is survived by his children and grandchildren, as well as a legacy of service, integrity and leadership.
The Guardian
A former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan is dead.
He died after a brief illness at the age of 71.
The Uduaghan family announced his death in a statement signed by Toju Andre Uduaghan, on Monday.
The statement, titled, ‘ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE PASSING OF HIS EXCELLENCY, DR. CHIEF EMMANUEL EWETA UDUAGHAN’, read:
“It is with hearts weighed down by immeasurable grief and profound sorrow that we announce the passing to glory of our beloved Father, Brother, Uncle, and Patriarch, His Excellency, Dr. Chief Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, former Governor of Delta State, who departed this world on the morning of 19th October 2026.
“His passing has left us devastated. Words can hardly express the depth of our sorrow at the loss of a man who meant so much to our family and whose life and service touched countless others across Delta State and Nigeria.
“He was a source of strength, a father figure, a beloved brother and uncle, and a respected elder. We will deeply miss his presence and forever cherish the memories and legacy he leaves behind.
“He served as Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003, Secretary to the Delta State Government from 2003 to 2007, and Governor of Delta State from 2007 to 2015. Throughout his years in public service, he demonstrated a commitment to the human and infrastructural development of Delta State.
“His passing is a profound loss to our family, the people of Delta State, and Nigeria at large. We are grateful to Almighty God for his life, his service, and the legacy he leaves behind.
“We pray that Almighty God, in His infinite mercy, will grant his soul eternal rest and comfort our family, friends, associates, former colleagues, and all who mourn this painful loss.
“Rest well, our beloved Father, Brother, and Uncle. Your memory will forever remain in our hearts, and your legacy will endure in the lives of those you touched.
“May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.”
The Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, has commended Globacom for its unwavering commitment to the preservation and promotion of Nigeria’s cultural heritage, noting that the telecommunications company’s sustained support has helped transform the Ofala Festival into a world-renowned cultural celebration.
Speaking on the 2026 edition of the festival, held at Ime Obi, Onitsha, Anambra State, on Friday, the monarch paid a glowing tribute to Globacom for its longstanding role as the principal sponsor of the festival, a partnership that has spanned fifteen consecutive years since 2011.
According to the monarch, “Their partnership has transformed the festival from a palace ritual to a world-renowned cultural festival owes a great deal to purposeful partnership. Since 2011, Globacom has stood with us as our principal partner – now fifteen consecutive years of unwavering commitment.” He added that “In good times and challenging times, Globacom has helped us preserve the authenticity of Ofala while enhancing its presentation, documentation, broadcast and global reach. They have helped take a living heritage to the global stage”.
Igwe Achebe also applauded the vision of Globacom’s Chairman, Dr Mike Adenuga Jr., whose commitment to cultural preservation, he noted, reflects a profound appreciation of the role of indigenous traditions in strengthening national identity and social cohesion.
“I thank Globacom and its Chairman, Otunba (Dr) Mike Adenuga Jr., GCON, a true man of culture, for his vision and belief that culture is not a luxury but a foundation for unity,” the monarch said.
Commenting on the theme of this year’s festival, “Igba Mbo, Iga N’Iru” — Strive and Advance — Igwe Achebe described it as a compelling call to diligence, excellence, self-improvement and collective progress. He explained that the theme embodied the enduring spirit of the forebears who built the Onitsha kingdom on the banks of the Niger, while challenging younger generations to preserve that legacy through enterprise, purposeful endeavour and a commitment to progress.
In his goodwill message to the monarch and the people of Onitsha, Dr Adenuga described Globacom’s association with the Ofala Festival “since 2011 has been much more than a corporate partnership. It has been a relationship which we cherish deeply and regard as a privilege”. He expressed profound appreciation to Igwe Achebe for the opportunity afforded Globacom to contribute to the preservation, celebration and wider projection of the community’s priceless cultural heritage.
He noted that the annual festival provides a valuable platform for showcasing the rich cultural traditions, dignity and enduring values of the Onitsha people to audiences across Nigeria, Africa and the wider world.
Through its longstanding partnership with Ofala, Globacom continues to demonstrate that corporate citizenship extends beyond commercial enterprise to the preservation of the cultural foundations that give communities their identity, strengthen their unity and connect generations.
