In a recent development, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, has criticized Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, for his recent comments on Nigeria’s democratic state.

Obi had remarked that democracy in Nigeria has been “knocked down,” especially in light of the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Onanuga responded by asserting that such hyperbolic statements lack a solid logical foundation, especially considering Nigeria’s democratic progress over the past 26 years. He emphasized that if democracy had indeed collapsed, Obi wouldn’t have the freedom to express such views publicly.

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has raised concerns about alleged religious discrimination at Adeleke University in Ede, Osun State. According to MURIC, the university is compelling Muslim students to participate in Christian church services and has reportedly disrupted their Ramadan observances.

MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, stated that the organization has received multiple complaints from Muslim students at Adeleke University. These students allege that attendance at the university’s church programs is mandatory for all students, regardless of their religious beliefs.

Furthermore, a recent incident reportedly involved the disruption of Tarawih prayers—special evening prayers performed during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan—with students being warned not to hold such gatherings again.

Professor Akintola emphasized that such actions infringe upon the fundamental right to freedom of religion, which is protected under the Nigerian Constitution.

He mentioned that this is not the first time concerns have been raised about Adeleke University’s treatment of Muslim students. In 2019, MURIC accused the institution of religious persecution and called upon the National Universities Commission (NUC) to investigate.

The allegations at that time included forcing Muslim students to attend church services on Sundays and making mid-week services on Wednesdays and Saturdays compulsory for those residing in university hostels.

Additionally , the recent allegations have prompted calls for the NUC to intervene and ensure that universities uphold the constitutional rights of all students. MURIC also advises Muslim parents and prospective students to exercise caution when considering enrollment in private institutions that may not respect their religious practices.

Finally, they urge educational authorities to ensure that private universities are transparent about their religious affiliations and practices, allowing students to make informed decisions about their education.

The Presidency has explained why President Bola Tinubu suspended Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara and declared a state of emergency, citing serious security threats.

Tinubu recently suspended Fubara, his deputy, and the State House of Assembly members for six months. He also appointed a sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during this period.

According to Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, intelligence reports revealed that militants were planning to sabotage oil pipelines, posing a major risk to national security and the economy.

Onanuga stated that Section 305 of the Constitution gives the President the authority to step in when law, order, or economic stability is threatened.

He suggested that the push to impeach Fubara might have triggered violent reactions from the governor’s supporters, while militants in the creeks were reportedly preparing to attack vital oil infrastructure. This could have dragged Nigeria’s oil production back to the low levels seen before 2023.

Onanuga also alleged that militants had been instructed by Fubara to hold back until they got the signal to strike, which could have led to a significant drop in output and a ripple effect across the Niger Delta.