Chidoka Advocates Single-Term Presidency to Strengthen Governance Focus

By: Michael Mike

Former Aviation Minister and Chancellor of the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership, Osita Chidoka, has called on Nigeria to adopt a single-term presidential system, arguing that the country’s current two-term arrangement fuels continuous electioneering and weakens effective governance.

Chidoka made the proposal during the Nigeria Leadership Series virtual town hall organised by the Africa Leadership Group. The event, themed “Nigeria, 2026 and Beyond,” was hosted by Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, President of the Group, and brought together policy experts, civic leaders, and citizens to examine Nigeria’s governance trajectory.

According to Chidoka, prolonged political cycles leave little room for sustained reforms, as leaders are often preoccupied with re-election strategies rather than long-term development planning.

He pointed to countries such as Mexico, where a constitutionally defined single-term presidency has helped limit political distractions and encourage leaders to focus on delivery within a fixed timeframe.

He noted that Nigeria has already shifted national attention toward the 2027 general elections, despite 2026 still being a crucial year for governance.

He said: “Life does not stop because elections are approaching,” stressing that education, healthcare, and security challenges persist regardless of the political calendar.

In his presentation, Chidoka identified deep-seated structural problems constraining Nigeria’s progress. These include weak institutional systems that rely heavily on individual integrity, the dominance of emotional politics over data-driven decision-making, and a growing crisis of trust between the government and citizens, especially among young people.

He warned that relying solely on moral leadership without building strong systems often leads to disappointment and policy inconsistency. Instead, he argued for institutions that can deliver results irrespective of who is in power.

Looking ahead to 2026, Chidoka urged the government to approach security challenges with clear systems and strategies rather than rhetoric, deepen economic reforms beyond surface-level policies, and strengthen human capital development through measurable accountability. He also criticised recurring gaps between approved budgets and actual implementation, calling for closer alignment between public spending and national priorities.

Describing himself as optimistic about Africa’s future, Chidoka said Nigeria possesses immense creative and human potential that can be unlocked through purposeful governance. He said harnessing this energy could help the country evolve into a society where opportunity is widely shared and oppression reduced.

Participants at the town hall praised Chidoka’s analysis and urged citizens to remain actively engaged in national conversations. Chidoka concluded by encouraging Nigerians not to withdraw from civic life, emphasising that evidence-based engagement and accountability are vital to restoring public trust and national direction.

Chidoka Advocates Single-Term Presidency to Strengthen Governance Focus

Marwa Sets 2026 Operational Agenda, Orders NDLEA Commanders to Dismantle Drug Cartels Nationwide

By: Michael Mike

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), has unveiled an ambitious operational roadmap for 2026, directing commanders across the country to intensify efforts aimed at dismantling drug cartels and expanding nationwide sensitization against substance abuse.

Marwa gave the directive during the agency’s annual review and strategic planning meeting held at the NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja. The high-level meeting brought together the agency’s top leadership, including members of management, zonal commanders, commanders from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as heads of seaports, international airports, marine units, strike force and special operations formations.

Addressing the gathering, the NDLEA boss said the agency had entered 2026 on a strong operational footing, building on the record-breaking seizures, arrests and convictions recorded in previous years.

He stressed that while notable progress had been made, the agency must avoid complacency and instead focus on consolidating and expanding its gains.

According to Marwa, the operational focus for 2026 will centre on two critical pillars: drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction. He explained that beyond intercepting illicit drugs, the agency must aggressively disrupt the financial and logistical networks that sustain drug trafficking organisations across the country.

He charged commanders to adopt intelligence-driven operations, improve surveillance, and ensure careful planning before executing any enforcement action. Marwa warned that compromise, indiscipline and unprofessional conduct would not be tolerated, emphasizing that operational integrity remains non-negotiable.

The NDLEA chairman commended officers and men of the agency for their dedication and resilience, noting that their performance over the past five years had significantly improved the agency’s public image and international standing. He attributed the renewal of his tenure by the President to the collective efforts of commanders and operatives on the field.

Marwa also highlighted the growing importance of advocacy and public enlightenment in addressing drug abuse, particularly among young people. He noted that sensitization programmes in schools, communities and workplaces had recorded encouraging results but insisted that such efforts must be expanded and sustained in 2026.

He also directed commanders to strengthen State Drug Control Committees across the federation, ensuring that they are functional not only at state level but also at local government and ward levels. He described grassroots engagement as critical to winning the fight against substance abuse.

Reassuring Nigerians, Marwa said the NDLEA remains fully committed to safeguarding families and communities from the devastating effects of illicit drugs. He warned drug traffickers that there would be no operational gaps or safe havens for their activities in 2026.

He further called on members of the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting the agency with credible information, stressing that the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse requires collective national responsibility.
End

Gun men attacks in benue leave three dead, one injured

By: Zagazola Makama

At least three people were killed and another injured in separate attacks by armed men suspected to be l bandits in Buruku, Okokolo, and Naka Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Benue State on Thursday.

In Mbakura Mbagen village, Buruku LGA, five gunmen reportedly stormed the community at about 3:30 a.m., killing John Kunde and Sughter Orbunde, both members of the state’s Civil Protection Guards.

The assailants also abducted Aondowase Ager and seized a Bajaj motorcycle belonging to one of the victims. The victims’ bodies were later removed to the mortuary at Ugbema, while efforts continue to secure the release of the abducted individual.

On the same day, armed herder bandits attacked Ejima community in Okokolo LGA at about 6:00 a.m., opening sporadic gunfire that left Daniel Matthew with a gunshot injury. Security personnel combed nearby areas to track the attackers and prevent further attacks.

Later in the day, Ammuneke village in Naka LGA was targeted in a separate attack, resulting in the deaths of Akula Gugun, 27, of Amuneke, and Odi Shimayoho, 28, of Tse-Asuhee. Bodies of the deceased were removed to Agagbe morgue, while searches for the perpetrators continued in surrounding bushes.

In a related development, a man identified as Benjamin Terver Awuna, of Usen village, Buruku LGA, was arrested on suspicion of acting as an informant to herder bandits. Investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly collected airtime worth N6,000 from the armed herders to relay information that would facilitate attacks on villages.

Gun men attacks in benue leave three dead, one injured