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NDI-ABAT Urges Tinubu to Create New States, Calls for Southeast Equity

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A pro-government Igbo coalition, the NDIGBO FOR TINUBU 2027 FORUM (NDI-ABAT), has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to initiate the creation of new states, urging him to become the first civilian leader in Nigeria’s history to take such a step.

In a statement released on Thursday, the group appealed to the President to “break the long-standing jinx” by approving an additional state for the Southeast, which currently has only five states fewer than other geopolitical zones in the country.

The statement, signed by the group’s National Coordinator, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Secretary General, Ugwuoke Ugwuoke Jr., argued that state creation in Nigeria has historically been carried out only under military regimes.

According to the group, Nigeria’s state structure evolved through a series of military decrees, beginning in 1967 when then Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, created 12 states. This was followed by the creation of seven additional states in 1976 under Murtala Mohammed.

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Further expansions occurred during the military administration of Ibrahim Babangida, who created two states in 1987 and nine more in 1991, bringing the total to 30. In 1996, Sani Abacha added six more states, resulting in the current 36-state structure.

NDI-ABAT alleged that the distribution of states over the years has favored Northern Nigeria, claiming that 19 states were created in the North compared to 17 in the South. The group said this imbalance has had lasting political implications.

“To address this disparity and promote equity, fairness, and national unity, President Tinubu should consider the creation of two additional states in the South,” the statement read.

The group specifically proposed the creation of Aba State an idea that has been advocated since 1982 or Anioma State, which would be carved out of present day Delta State, to give the Southeast a sixth state. It also suggested the creation of Ijebu State in the Southwest.

NDI-ABAT maintained that such moves would bring the number of states in both the North and South to parity and strengthen Nigeria’s federal structure.

The group added that history would remember President Tinubu favorably if he undertakes what it described as a bold restructuring effort aimed at restoring balance and reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a leading nation in Africa.

READ FULL STATEMENT

NDI – ABAT TO TINUBU; BREAK THE JINX AND BE THE FIRST CIVILIAN PRESIDENT TO CREATE NEW STATES IN NIGERIA – ABA OR ANIOMA FOR SOUTHEAST!

The NDIGBO FOR TINUBU 2027 FORUM (NDI – ABAT), a coalition of pro – Tinubu Igbo organizations, hereby makes a clarion call to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It is time for the President to demonstrate his righteous determination and political fortitude by utilizing his constitutional powers to break a long – standing political jinx.

He should give his executive approval and issue an order for the creation of an additional state for the Southeast zone. This zone is the only region in Nigeria with the fewest states; it currently has only five states, while other regions have six each, and the North – West region has the highest number, seven states.

NDI – ABAT deems it necessary to set the record straight for historical clarity. Since Nigeria’s independence in 1960, no civilian president has ever exercised the constitutional power to create a state. Only military juntas have done so. In 1967, former Military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, created 12 states. In 1976, an additional 7 states were created by then – Military Head of State, General Murtala Mohammed, bringing the total to 19 states. In 1987, former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, first created 2 states, increasing the number to 21, and then in 1991, he created 9 more, bringing the total to 30states. In 1996, former Military Head of State, General Sani Abacha, created 6 additional states, resulting in the current 36 states of Nigeria.

NDI – ABAT respectfully draws President Tinubu’s attention to the obvious discrepancies in state creation by former military heads of state between 1967 and 1996. The military leaders clearly favored the Northern part of Nigeria by creating 19 states for the North, while the Southern part got only 17 states. It is incumbent upon President Tinubu to use his presidential discretion and strong political will to rectify this imbalance. He should create two additional states for the Southern part of Nigeria to achieve equity, fairness, and equality.

Specifically, for the Southeast, the creation of either ABA STATE, which has been the subject of a state – creation movement since 1982, or ANIOMA STATE from the present – day Delta State would be a step towards making the Southeast have six states. Subsequently, the President could consider the creation of IJEBU STATE for the Southwest. These two new states for Southern Nigeria would bring the total number of states in both the North and the South to 19, thus correcting the structural imbalance and the political advantages the North has enjoyed for decades over the South.

NDI – ABAT firmly believes that posterity and history will look favorably upon President Tinubu if he acts as the courageous civilian president who judiciously uses his tenure to restructure Nigeria. This restructuring, in line with the aspirations of Nigerians, will enable Nigeria to regain its dignity and return to its golden, glorious era as the true giant of Africa and the most populous black nation on earth.

Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro
National Coordinator, NDI – ABAT

Dr Ugwuoke Ugwuoke Jr.
Secretary General, NDI – ABAT write as news

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Job Vancancy: Moniepoint Job Vacancies in Abuja and North Central Nigeria

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Research Interviewers Job in Nigeria – Jhpiego Hiring Across 36 States & FCT
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Leading Nigerian fintech company Moniepoint has announced six new job openings across Abuja and several states in the North Central region, expanding its workforce in compliance, technical operations, sales, and security management.

The vacancies cut across multiple departments, reflecting the company’s continued growth in agent banking, SME solutions, and digital financial infrastructure services.

Available Positions

Field Risk & Internal Control Officer (North Central)

  • Team: Compliance
  • Location: FCT, Nigeria
    The role focuses on monitoring operational risks, enforcing internal control standards, and ensuring compliance across field operations in the region.

Apply Here

Hardware Engineer

  • Team: Advanced Technical Operations
  • Location: FCT, Nigeria
    Successful candidates will handle hardware installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and technical support for field operations.

Apply Here

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Implementation Officer (North Central)

  • Team: Moniebook Business Management Tools
  • Locations: Benue, Plateau, FCT
    This role involves onboarding merchants and ensuring smooth deployment of Moniepoint’s business tools across assigned regions.

Apply Here

Inbound Sales Officer (Abuja)

  • Team: Moniebook Business Management Tools
  • Location: FCT, Nigeria
    The position focuses on handling inbound customer inquiries, converting leads, and supporting sales growth for Moniepoint business solutions.

Apply Here

Regional Lead, Corporate Security (North)

  • Team: Moniepoint MFB
  • Locations: FCT, Kano
    The role oversees corporate security operations, risk prevention strategies, and protection of company assets across northern Nigeria.

Apply Here

Regional Lead, Field Risk & Internal Control (North)

  • Team: Compliance
  • Location: FCT, Nigeria
    This leadership position is responsible for coordinating regional risk management teams and strengthening internal control systems.

Apply Here

The hiring drive comes as fintech companies in Nigeria continue to expand their physical and digital operations across underserved regions, particularly in agent banking and SME support services.

Moniepoint, one of the fastest-growing fintech firms in the country, has steadily increased recruitment in technical, compliance, and field operations roles over the past year.

With these openings, Moniepoint is strengthening its presence in Abuja and northern Nigeria while scaling its financial services infrastructure across the country.

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Nigerians Slam Moniepoint CEO Over ‘Talent Quality’ Remarks Amid Hiring Debate

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Comments by Tosin Eniolorunda, CEO of Moniepoint, have sparked a heated debate online after he questioned the quality of Nigeria’s talent pool while discussing his company’s hiring challenges.


Speaking at the The Platform Nigeria on May 1, Eniolorunda said the fintech firm had advertised over 500 vacancies since 2024 but struggled to find qualified local candidates. He revealed that by 2025, the company reversed its local-only hiring policy due to the shortage.


I used to feel Nigerians are really bright… but we are still struggling to find Nigerians to fill those roles. They don’t meet global standards,” he said, attributing the gap to factors such as social media distractions, cybercrime, hookup culture, and weaknesses in the education system.

Backlash and Counterarguments



His remarks triggered swift backlash from Nigerians, particularly within the tech community, with many accusing local companies of failing to invest in talent development.

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Critics argued that unlike global firms, Nigerian tech companies rarely offer structured, paid internship programs or training pipelines to groom young professionals. Some pointed to examples of international companies like Oracle Corporation, where internships and early talent programs serve as entry points into full-time roles.


Others shared personal experiences of being rejected by local firms despite strong resumes, while noting that Nigerian professionals continue to secure roles in global companies such as Amazon.


A recurring sentiment online was that many Nigerian companies demand “global-standard talent” but are unwilling to offer competitive compensation or career development opportunities.

Industry Perspective



Supporters of Eniolorunda’s stance, however, pointed to the realities of scaling a fast-growing fintech company in a competitive global market. They cited brain drain, limited specialized skills, and increasing demand for top-tier expertise as genuine challenges facing Nigerian startups.


Analysts say the controversy highlights a broader issue within Nigeria’s tech ecosystem balancing expectations between employers and job seekers, while addressing gaps in education, training, and remuneration.



The debate mirrors ongoing tensions around talent development, compensation, and hiring practices in Nigeria’s fast-evolving tech sector.

As companies expand and compete globally, the question of how to build, retain, and fairly reward talent is likely to remain a central issue.

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Outrage as Soldier Assaults Journalist Over Traffic Dispute in Lagos

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A Nigerian soldier has allegedly assaulted a journalist, Fakoyejo Olalekan, during a traffic control operation in Lagos State, triggering widespread public condemnation after video footage of the incident surfaced online.
The clash occurred on May 2 near Pleasant Event Centre in Ikeja, where personnel of the Nigerian Army were reportedly directing heavy traffic.


According to eyewitness accounts, the altercation began after Fakoyejo remarked to passengers that a soldier’s handling of a motorcyclist had caused an unnecessary delay. The comment allegedly angered one of the soldiers, who ordered everyone out of the vehicle.


The situation escalated when the soldier reportedly slapped and shoved the journalist, and briefly reached for a piece of wood before bystanders intervened to prevent further escalation.


Video clips circulating on social media show at least two soldiers involved in the confrontation. During the incident, Fakoyejo’s phone screen was also seen shattered on the pavement. No serious injuries were reported.

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The footage has since triggered widespread criticism online, with many users calling for accountability and questioning the conduct of military personnel during civilian traffic enforcement duties.


As of May 4, the Nigerian Army had yet to issue an official response despite being tagged in multiple public complaints and posts about the incident.

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Outrage as DSS Arraigns Chidiebere Justice Mark Over Alleged Cybercrime, Military Incitement

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The Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday arraigned Chidiebere Justice Mark, popularly known as Justice Crack, before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on a three-count charge bordering on cybercrime and alleged incitement against the military.

Mark was earlier arrested by the Nigerian Army over a viral video and accompanying statements he shared via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, @JusticeCrack, in which he reportedly alleged inadequate feeding of Nigerian soldiers.

According to the charge sheet, the defendant is accused of knowingly circulating false information intended to provoke public annoyance, ill will, and hatred among citizens.

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Details of Charges

Count One alleges that on April 28, 2026, Mark disseminated information on social media regarding poor feeding conditions of Nigerian Army personnel, which authorities claim he knew to be false. The offence is said to contravene Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended).

Count Two states that the accused published a viral video and statements about the Nigerian Army that triggered widespread negative reactions and were likely to cause fear and a breach of peace. This charge is brought under Section 59 of the Criminal Code Act.

Count Three accuses Mark of attempting to commit a felony by circulating what authorities described as derogatory content about the Army, also linked to potential public unrest, punishable under Section 509 of the Criminal Code Act.

Court Proceedings

Presiding judge, Joyce Abdulmalik, adjourned the case to May 25, 2026, for trial and possible hearing of a bail application. The court also ordered that the defendant be remanded in DSS custody pending further proceedings.

Public Reaction

The arraignment has sparked widespread reactions across social media, with civil rights advocates and concerned citizens debating issues around freedom of expression, national security, and the limits of online speech in Nigeria.

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Nigerian Army Explains Arrest of Blogger ‘Justice Crack’, Cites Security Concerns

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Nigerian Army Clarifies Arrest of Justice Crack Over Alleged Incitement
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The Nigerian Army has clarified the circumstances surrounding the arrest of social media influencer Justice Mark Chidiebere, popularly known as “Justice Crack,” following complaints raised online.

In a statement issued on May 2, 2026, and signed by Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the military said the arrest was linked to an ongoing investigation into alleged violations of the Armed Forces’ social media policy and attempts to misinform the public.

According to the Army, the development began after some soldiers reportedly raised concerns about feeding and welfare issues, which were later shared on social media by Chidiebere.

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However, preliminary findings suggest that the influencer engaged the soldiers in conversations that went beyond welfare concerns, including discussions the Army described as bordering on subversion.

“Preliminary report reveals that the soldiers discussed a wide range of issues with Justice Chidiebere who seemed to be inciting soldiers to create discontent within the system,” the statement said.

The Army warned that any attempt by civilians to influence military personnel towards acts that could undermine discipline poses serious risks to national security.

“It is important to state that a situation where civilians cultivate vulnerable personnel towards acts of subversion has far-reaching implications on discipline and national security,” the statement added.

Following the development, Chidiebere was arrested alongside the soldiers involved. While the soldiers remain in military custody, he has been handed over to relevant civil authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The Army reaffirmed its commitment to due process and the rule of law, stressing that all actions taken were within legal bounds.

“The Nigerian Army remains committed to the rule of law and will continue to collaborate with relevant agencies to ensure justice is served,” Anele stated.

The case has drawn public attention amid ongoing conversations about military welfare and freedom of expression on social media.

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