Nigeria’s Presidency: A Web of Secrecy and Corruption That Has Endured for Years

 

For many years, Nigeria’s presidency has remained at the centre of public debate over secrecy, corruption, accountability and the management of national resources. From one administration to another, Nigerians have repeatedly demanded greater transparency over government spending, contracts, appointments, security votes, public projects and the use of national assets.

The problem is bigger than any single president or political party. It is a system in which institutions that should provide checks and balances can sometimes appear weak, while important decisions are made behind closed doors. When information about public finances and government decisions is difficult for citizens to obtain, suspicion naturally grows.

Corruption thrives where accountability is weak. Allegations surrounding inflated contracts, abandoned projects, questionable procurement processes and the misuse of public funds have continued to dominate Nigeria’s political conversation. Yet despite numerous investigations and promises of reform, many Nigerians believe that the consequences for powerful individuals are often inadequate.

One of the most troubling aspects is the perception that political loyalty can sometimes matter more than competence and accountability. Individuals accused of wrongdoing may continue to enjoy political influence, while ordinary citizens face the consequences of economic hardship, unemployment, insecurity and deteriorating public services.

The presidency also controls enormous political and administrative power. That makes transparency at the highest level particularly important. Nigerians deserve to know how public money is allocated, who receives major government contracts, how projects are selected and whether those projects deliver value for money.

However, criticism of presidential secrecy should not become an excuse for making unverified accusations against individuals. Serious allegations of corruption must be investigated properly, supported by evidence and tested through due process. The objective should be accountability—not political persecution.

Nigeria needs stronger institutions rather than dependence on the personality of whoever occupies the presidential seat. Parliament must effectively scrutinise government spending. Anti-corruption agencies must be allowed to operate independently. Auditors must have the resources and authority to expose financial irregularities. The courts must remain independent, and citizens and journalists must be able to ask difficult questions without intimidation.

Most importantly, transparency must become a culture of government.

Nigeria cannot build a prosperous and confident nation when citizens constantly suspect that decisions affecting their future are being made in secrecy. Public office is a responsibility, not private property. Government resources belong to the people, and those entrusted with managing them should be prepared to explain how they are used.

The real challenge, therefore, is not simply changing presidents. It is changing the system.

Until transparency, accountability and consequences become stronger than political connections, the cycle of allegations and distrust will continue from one administration to another.

Nigeria deserves a presidency—and a government—that can withstand scrutiny in the full light of day.

Mayors to Gain More Power Over Planning Decisions and Developments, Burnham Says

 

LONDON — Mayors across England could be given greater powers over planning decisions and major developments under proposals being promoted by Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner, according to reports.

The move is aimed at giving regional and local mayors a stronger role in shaping how communities grow, including decisions on housing, infrastructure and major development projects.

The proposals, associated with the Government’s wider planning and devolution agenda, are intended to reduce delays in the planning system and give local leaders greater control over development priorities.

Burnham has argued that mayors are well placed to make strategic decisions because they are elected to represent wider city-regions rather than individual neighbourhoods. Greater powers could allow them to coordinate housing, transport and economic development across local authority boundaries.

Supporters say stronger mayoral powers could help accelerate the delivery of much-needed homes and infrastructure while ensuring development is linked to wider regional plans.

However, the proposals are also likely to face scrutiny from councils and local communities concerned about how increased mayoral powers could affect local planning decisions and public consultation.

The debate comes as the Government continues to push for more housebuilding and greater devolution of powers away from Westminster.

If implemented, the changes could represent a significant shift in the way major planning and development decisions are made, giving elected mayors a more influential role in determining the future shape of England’s towns and cities.

Further details are expected as the Government develops its planning and devolution reforms.

Lagos Police Arrest Five Suspected Vandals, Recover Truckload of Iron Rods

 

LAGOS, Nigeria — Security operatives in Lagos State have arrested five suspected vandals and recovered a truckload of iron rods believed to have been unlawfully obtained.

The suspects were reportedly intercepted during an operation aimed at tackling vandalism and the illegal movement of metal materials across the state.

According to security sources, the recovered truck was loaded with iron rods and other materials suspected to be connected to vandalism activities. The five suspects were taken into custody for questioning and further investigation.

Authorities said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to protect public and private infrastructure from vandals, whose activities can cause significant economic losses and disrupt essential services.

The suspects are expected to face further investigation, while the recovered materials have been secured as evidence.

Security agencies have continued to urge members of the public to report suspicious movements of construction materials, cables, metal equipment and other items suspected to have been stolen.

Officials stressed that tackling vandalism requires cooperation between law-enforcement agencies, businesses and residents, particularly through timely information sharing.

The investigation remains ongoing, and the suspects will be dealt with in accordance with the law if found culpable.

Atiku Werey: Politics, Perception and the Power of Political Nicknames

 

The phrase “Atiku Werey” has become a provocative expression in Nigerian political conversations, particularly among people who use social media to express strong opinions about political figures and their actions.

The word “werey”, a popular Nigerian slang term, is often used to describe someone perceived as acting irrationally, unpredictably, stubbornly or in a way that others find difficult to understand. When attached to a political name, however, it becomes more than just slang—it can reflect frustration, mockery, political rivalry or deep disagreement.

For supporters, political criticism is part of democracy. Leaders and politicians should be questioned about their policies, decisions, promises and records. But criticism is most effective when it focuses on actions, ideas and accountability rather than personal insults.

Nigeria's political environment has always been passionate. Political supporters frequently create nicknames, slogans and memes to promote their preferred candidates while attacking opponents. Social media has amplified this culture, allowing a simple phrase to spread rapidly and become part of political discourse.

The real question, therefore, should not simply be whether someone deserves a particular nickname. The bigger question is: What has the politician done, what does he stand for, and how would his leadership affect ordinary Nigerians?

Nigeria needs political conversations that go beyond name-calling. Citizens deserve serious debates about unemployment, insecurity, inflation, education, healthcare, corruption, infrastructure and the cost of living.

Political leaders should be judged by their character, competence, policies, achievements and accountability.

You may support Atiku. You may oppose him. You may disagree with his political strategy or strongly believe in his leadership. But whatever your position, the strongest political argument is one backed by facts.

In politics, slogans may win attention—but performance, accountability and results should ultimately win the confidence of the people.

British Woman Ethel Caterham Becomes First Briton to Reach 117

 

SURrey, England — August 22, 2026

British woman Ethel Caterham has made history by becoming the first verified person from Britain to reach the remarkable age of 117.

Caterham celebrated her 117th birthday on Friday, August 21, surrounded by family and friends at her care home in Lightwater, Surrey. Guinness World Records confirmed that she is the first-ever Briton to reach 117.

Born on August 21, 1909, in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, Caterham was born during the reign of King Edward VII, five years before the outbreak of the First World War. She has lived through two world wars, the Russian Revolution, the reigns of six British monarchs and the COVID-19 pandemic.

She became the world's oldest living person in 2025 following the death of Brazilian nun Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas at the age of 116. Experts from LongeviQuest have verified Caterham's longevity, placing her among the oldest verified people ever recorded.

Despite her extraordinary age, Caterham continues to embrace new experiences. During the past year, she met King Charles III at her care home and even held his hand. She also described stroking a llama as another memorable "first" in her 117th year.

Caterham has previously offered a remarkably simple explanation for her longevity: avoiding arguments, listening to others and doing what she likes. She has also spoken about enjoying life in moderation.

Her life has been one of remarkable adventure. At 18, she travelled alone by ship to India, where she worked as a nanny for a British military family. She later married British Army officer Norman Caterham, with whom she had two daughters. She eventually became a grandmother and great-grandmother.

Caterham also survived COVID-19 after contracting the virus at the age of 110.

Her 117th birthday is not only a personal milestone but a significant moment in British longevity history. According to LongeviQuest, she has surpassed the previous British longevity record held by Charlotte Hughes and is now the 13th-oldest verified person ever recorded.

As celebrations continued, Caterham remained characteristically optimistic about the future.

"I look forward to seeing what next year brings," she said.

At 117, Ethel Caterham's story stands as an extraordinary reminder of just how much history one human life can witness — and how every new year can still bring unexpected firsts.

'New Nostradamus’ Claims Five-Country War Could Erupt Before End of 2026

A British psychic dubbed the “new Nostradamus” has issued a fresh and alarming prediction, claiming that a major international conflict involving as many as five countries could erupt before the end of 2026.

Craig Hamilton-Parker, sometimes referred to as the “Prophet of Doom,” made the prediction in a recent video, saying his readings point to a period of increasing international tensions between August and September, followed by a potentially much larger conflict in October.

According to reports, Hamilton-Parker said his warning was based on several readings from the traditional Indian Nadi practice, rather than a single reading. He claimed the different readings appeared to point towards a period of heightened conflict between 2026 and 2027.

«“By October 2026… one reading suggests that as many as five countries could be involved in a conflict.”»

The prediction has attracted attention because Hamilton-Parker has previously claimed that his visions anticipated events including Brexit, Donald Trump's 2016 election victory and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, these claims remain controversial, and the accuracy of psychic predictions is not scientifically established.

Is this really a Nostradamus prediction?

Despite the nickname, the warning does not come from the original Nostradamus.

Michel de Nostredame, the 16th-century French astrologer better known as Nostradamus, died in 1566. His famous writings consist of cryptic four-line verses that have repeatedly been reinterpreted to fit modern events.

Researchers and historians have noted that Nostradamus did not explicitly date his prophecies to 2026. Modern claims connecting particular verses to this year are interpretations made centuries after the original writings.

Hamilton-Parker's latest warning is therefore a separate modern prediction, rather than a newly discovered prophecy written by Nostradamus.

Growing fears over global conflict

The prediction comes at a time when wars, geopolitical rivalries and international tensions are already creating concern about the possibility of wider conflicts.

Hamilton-Parker has previously made several other predictions concerning global instability in 2026, including warnings involving major powers and potential disruptions to international systems.

However, there is currently no credible evidence that a five-country war will definitely begin in October 2026. The prediction should therefore be treated as a claim or forecast, rather than a confirmed warning of an approaching war.

With the world already watching several geopolitical flashpoints closely, the coming months will show whether the “new Nostradamus” prediction becomes another viral prophecy—or simply another prediction that fails to materialise.

For now, experts and the public alike are left with one important question: is this a genuine warning about the future, or another example of mysterious predictions being interpreted after the fact?

Former World Boxing Champion Zolani Tete Shot Dead in South Africa at 38

 

South Africa — August 23, 2026

South African boxing has been plunged into mourning following the shocking killing of former two-time world champion Zolani “Last Born” Tete, who was shot dead outside his home in Mdantsane township in the Eastern Cape.

Tete, aged 38, was reportedly arriving at his residence on Friday when two armed men wearing balaclavas emerged from a vehicle and opened fire. He suffered fatal gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 27-year-old woman who was travelling with the boxer was also shot multiple times and taken to hospital for treatment. Police have launched an investigation, but the motive for the attack remains unclear. Authorities have appealed for information that could help identify those responsible.

A Champion's Legacy

Tete was one of South Africa's most celebrated boxers. He captured the IBF junior-bantamweight world title in 2014 before later becoming WBO bantamweight world champion in 2017.

He became internationally famous after producing one of boxing's most remarkable knockouts in 2017, stopping fellow South African Siboniso Gonya in just 11 seconds. The victory was recognised as the fastest knockout in a world-title fight.

South African Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie expressed grief over the death but urged people not to speculate about the identity or motive of the attackers while the investigation continues.

Tete was reportedly preparing for a return to the ring, with the minister saying the former champion believed he still had something to offer his country.

Shock and Grief

News of Tete's killing has sent shockwaves through the boxing community and the Mdantsane township, an area renowned for producing some of South Africa's finest fighters.

His death has also renewed concerns about violent crime in South Africa, where serious gun violence continues to claim lives despite recent reductions in the country's homicide rate.

For fans who watched Tete rise from Mdantsane to become a world champion, his death represents not only the loss of a remarkable athlete but also the sudden end of a life that still appeared to have much more to offer.

Police investigations are continuing as authorities work to establish the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting and bring those responsible to justice.

The boxing world has lost a champion — and South Africa has lost one of its proudest sporting sons.