By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The Governor of Abia State, Mr Alex Otti, has been urged not to be carried away by the media attention he is enjoying or be tempted to exaggerate his achievements.

This advice was given by a public affairs analyst and legal practitioner, Mr Ope Banwo, who pointed out that a government that is truly focused on reform and service delivery should allow facts and independent assessments to define its legacy.

He argued that exaggeration, even when intended to inspire confidence, often weakens public trust and exposes the administration to unnecessary scrutiny, stressing that genuine performance speaks for itself without the need for propaganda.

The serial entrepreneur disclosed that while visible progress has been recorded by the Governor in some areas, governance must be anchored on verifiable data, transparency and measurable outcomes rather than inflated narratives.

‎‎“A serious government does not need to exaggerate results. When projects are real, impactful and properly executed, citizens will feel the difference without being told,” Mr Banwo said, acknowledging that the administration of Mr Otti inherited significant structural and financial challenges.

However, he warned that over-celebration of modest gains could blur the line between genuine reform and political messaging, urging him to prioritise sustainability, institutional reforms and long-term economic planning over headline-grabbing claims.

In his view, the true test of the current administration would lie in its ability to strengthen public institutions, attract credible investment and improve the daily lives of ordinary Abians.

‎The public commentator also advised the government to embrace constructive criticism rather than dismissing dissenting voices, noting that feedback is essential for democratic accountability. He maintained that open engagement with critics would ultimately strengthen the administration’s credibility.

‎‎Responding to supporters of the government who argue that positive messaging is necessary to counter years of decline, Mr Banwo said optimism should be grounded in reality, adding that, “There is nothing wrong with communicating achievements, but communication must not cross into exaggeration. Nigerians are smarter than that.”

The US-based lawyer urged Mr Otti’s administration to focus on consolidating its reforms, allowing independent institutions, civil society and the media to objectively assess its performance over time.

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By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The Oyo State Security Network Agency and Amotekun Corps has expressed its anger over the arrest of one of its operatives by officials of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in the state.

It was claimed that personnel of the NPF from Zone 11 picked up an Amotekun Corps member known as Mr Amo Saheed Ajibola in a Gestapo-style.

The victim was said to have been lawfully deployed to a static patrol position covering General Gas, Akobo, Ibadan, when he was reportedly abducted at about 2000hrs (8 p.m.) on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

The commandant of the agency, Mr Olayinka Olayanju, faulted the manner in which the operative was taken, noting that his organisation has consistently maintained a cooperative relationship with other sister security agencies, particularly in handling criminal cases involving their operatives.

“We have always handed over suspected accused to the relevant security agencies on request. That is the standard procedure being observed in our collaboration with the police and other sister agencies,” he said in a statement signed by him on Thursday.

Mr Olagunju stressed that if there were any investigation involving the officer, the appropriate step would have been to formally approach the Amotekun headquarters, especially since Mr Ajibola was on lawful duty at the time of his arrest.

“There was no reason whatsoever to justify the Gestapo-like action of the police officers from Zone 11, Osogbo. There is a need for the police to be civil in their approach by being mindful that all suspects have a right to know their offences and their fundamental rights should be respected during arrest,” he emphasised.

He described the method adopted by the police as unbecoming and advised a better approach in the future in the interest of inter-agency cooperation and effective synergy.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill 2026, harmonised by the National Assembly on Tuesday, has been signed into law.

The new law was assented to by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday in Abuja in the presence of some principal officers of the federal parliament.

Present were the Senate President, Mr Godswill Akpabio; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Tajudeen Abbas; his deputy, Mr Benjamin Kalu; as well as the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, among others.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday night quoted his boss as saying the electoral act amendments are not about politics, but about a process.

“After every election cycle, we owe Nigerians an honest look at what worked and what must work better. That is how serious democracies behave, and our laws must grow with experience.

“Today, I signed the final amendments to the 2022 Electoral Act into law.

“These amendments are not about politics. They are about process. They are about closing gaps, strengthening procedures, and providing greater clarity to those who conduct and participate in our elections.

“When citizens walk into a polling unit, they must do so with confidence. When results are declared, they must be trusted. That confidence is built deliberately, and not by chance.

“I sincerely thank the National Assembly for its cooperation and sense of national responsibility in bringing this process to a successful conclusion. Our responsibility remains to keep improving the system so that the people’s will is expressed clearly, peacefully, and credibly.

“The work of strengthening our democracy continues, and we shall not relent,” he stated.

The new law generated controversies over the refusal of the lawmakers to accept the electronic transmission of election results into a server of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).