From Adeko Ukpa

Political activist and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has criticised the bail conditions granted to businessman Tunde Ayeni by the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, describing them as excessively stringent and capable of eroding public confidence in the judiciary.

Frank, in a statement on Thursday, alleged that the bail terms imposed by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the FCT High Court sitting in Apo were unprecedented and politically motivated.

He claimed that one of the conditions required a surety to provide a bank guarantee of N15 billion — the amount involved in the charge before the court — with an undertaking that the sum would be forfeited to the Federal Government if the defendant absconded.

According to him, such conditions were unusual for bailable offences and compared unfavourably with bail terms granted to other high-profile defendants facing corruption-related charges.

“It is surprising to hear of such a condition, as it appears highly unusual and capable of bringing shame to our judicial process,” Frank said.

The United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, alleged that the Presidency was influencing the matter, insisting that several former public office holders facing corruption allegations involving huge sums had secured bail on less stringent conditions.

Frank cited former governors Ifeanyi Okowa and Yahaya Bello as examples of defendants who, according to him, were granted more favourable bail terms despite the scale of allegations against them.

He expressed concern that politics was increasingly influencing the nation’s justice system and warned against actions capable of undermining the independence of the judiciary.

The activist further urged the National Judicial Council (NJC) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the bail conditions in order to protect public trust in the judicial process.

“The Nigerian criminal justice system must resist the temptation to equate allegations with guilt. Courts are constitutionally obligated to remain the final guardians of liberty, not silent collaborators in pre-conviction punishment,” he stated.

Frank also called on the international community to pay attention to the matter, warning that perceived compromise of the rule of law could negatively affect investor confidence in the country.

He maintained that the offences against Ayeni were bailable and noted that Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution presumes every defendant innocent until proven guilty.

According to him, Ayeni had indicated readiness to face trial and should therefore be allowed adequate opportunity to prepare his defence while on bail.

From Adeko Ukpa, Abuja

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has congratulated Senegal’s newly elected Speaker Ousmane Sonko, while accusing President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of betraying the trust of the Senegalese people and abandoning the reform ideals that brought his administration to power.

Frank, in a statement on Wednesday, said the growing political crisis in Senegal reflects what he described as a painful betrayal of the revolutionary vision championed by former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and the PASTEF movement.

According to him, millions of Senegalese youths who supported the movement in pursuit of accountability, sovereignty and institutional reforms are now disillusioned by what they see as a gradual return to the old political order.

Frank noted that Sonko played the central role in reshaping Senegal’s political landscape long before President Faye emerged on the national stage, describing the Prime Minister as the symbol of resistance against the former administration of ex-President Macky Sall.

The international affairs advisor said Sonko inspired a generation of young Senegalese demanding political and economic independence, institutional reforms and freedom from foreign influence.

The former APC spokesman recalled that after Sonko’s strong performance in the 2019 presidential election, he became the country’s most formidable opposition figure, leading to what he described as years of political persecution, controversial arrests and legal battles aimed at preventing him from becoming president.

Frank argued that despite imprisonment and eventual disqualification from contesting the 2024 presidential election, Sonko remained committed to the movement and mobilised supporters from detention to back Faye as the candidate of continuity for the PASTEF vision.

“Without Sonko’s sacrifices, political structure, popularity and influence among Senegalese youths, Bassirou Diomaye Faye would almost certainly never have become president,” Frank stated.

He added that even President Faye publicly acknowledged Sonko’s role during his inauguration by crediting him for the movement’s victory and sacrifices.

Frank, however, alleged that shortly after assuming office, the Faye administration began deviating from the ideals that inspired the movement, particularly through the alleged return of individuals associated with the former Macky Sall administration into positions of influence.

He further accused President Faye of allegedly taking Senegal back under French influence contrary to the aspirations of the reform movement.

“The fight between President Faye and PM Sonko is mainly because President Faye has betrayed the trust reposed in him by the Senegalese people by taking Senegal back to the control of France,” Frank alleged.

He said many supporters of Sonko now view the development as a betrayal of the revolution they fought for and fear that the political establishment the movement sought to dismantle is quietly regaining influence.

Frank maintained that Sonko remains the authentic face of the struggle for a new Senegal built on economic independence, youth empowerment, institutional reforms and African self-determination.

He urged Senegalese citizens to remain steadfast and continue supporting Sonko’s leadership and long-term vision for the country.

The United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, also advised Sonko to begin building broader international alliances, particularly with the United States and other global partners willing to support democratic development and economic growth without undermining Senegal’s sovereignty.

According to Frank, Senegal stands at a critical crossroads between genuine reform and a return to entrenched political structures.

He warned that history would judge whether President Faye upheld the revolutionary ideals that brought him to power or aligned himself with the establishment the Senegalese people voted to reject.

From Adeko Ukpa

The French Government has selected Manji Wilson, an aide to Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, for the prestigious 2026 Future Leaders Invitation Programme.

It is a programme of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

Wilson is the Chief Technical Adviser on Development Partnerships, Strategic Linkages and Diaspora Engagements to the governor.

He has emerged as Nigeria’s sole representative for the 2026 edition of the Programme, also known as Programme d’Invitation des Personnalités d’Avenir (PIPA) – a flagship leadership initiative organised under the patronage of the Government of France.

The programme, facilitated through the Embassy of France, is designed to strengthen strategic engagement between France and a new generation of influential African leaders driving governance reforms, diplomacy, innovation, enterprise and sustainable development across the continent.

Wilson’s selection is being viewed as a major boost to Plateau State’s growing international profile.

The choice is also an endorsement of the state government’s efforts to deepen global partnerships and attract development opportunities under the leadership of the governor.

The Future Leaders Invitation Programme brings together outstanding policymakers, entrepreneurs, academics, reformers and public sector leaders from Africa and France who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, institutional impact and commitment to international cooperation.

Over the years, the initiative has become an important platform for strengthening Franco-African relations, promoting cross-border collaboration and building a network of emerging leaders positioned to shape future policy, investment and development conversations globally.

Wilson’s emergence for the programme reflects his growing influence in international development cooperation, strategic partnerships, public policy advisory and subnational diplomacy.

As Chief Technical Adviser to the Plateau State Governor, he currently coordinates high-level engagements aimed at mobilising strategic partnerships, attracting development investments, expanding diaspora participation and advancing institutional collaborations aligned with Plateau State’s economic transformation agenda.

He has also played key advisory and coordination roles in facilitating engagements between the Plateau State Government and several bilateral, multilateral and international development institutions across Europe, Africa and other parts of the world.

His contributions have reportedly strengthened cooperation frameworks in governance reform, innovation ecosystems, youth development, enterprise support, digital economy initiatives, agriculture, education and sustainable development.

Before his appointment in Plateau State Government House, Wilson had accumulated more than a decade of professional experience supporting democratic governance and institutional strengthening programmes, including assignments under European Union-backed governance initiatives in Nigeria and Kenya.

His experience spans programme management, development communications, stakeholder engagement, policy coordination, civic participation and international cooperation frameworks.

According to the statement, participation in the French programme is expected to provide opportunities for deeper engagement within European diplomatic, policy and investment circles, while also opening new windows for strategic partnerships in innovation, agriculture, education, technology, culture and enterprise development.

The programme is also expected to enhance Plateau State’s international visibility and investment positioning, while contributing to broader conversations around subnational diplomacy, international cooperation and inclusive economic transformation.

Observers say the development further reinforces the Plateau State Government’s ongoing drive to expand credible international partnerships capable of unlocking economic growth, institutional development, youth empowerment and sustainable prosperity for the state.