ADVOCATE SUNDAY DISCOURSE

By Tony Edike

As politicians prepare for 2027 election campaigns and the wealthy plan holidays abroad, millions of ordinary Nigerians are struggling to afford basic food items, pay transport fares and give their families a modest Christmas celebration. The season of joy is gradually becoming a season of anxiety for many households.

Christmas has always been one of the most anticipated seasons in Nigeria, particularly in the South-East, where the celebration carries enormous religious, cultural and social significance.

It is traditionally a period of joy, reunion, generosity and thanksgiving. Families travel from cities to their ancestral communities, markets become crowded with shoppers, traders record increased sales, and homes are filled with preparations for the celebration. For many people, Christmas is not complete without new clothes, good food, family reunions and visits to loved ones.

However, as December approaches, the familiar excitement that usually characterises the Christmas season appears to be missing in many parts of the country.

The Calabar Christmas Carnival

Barely 40 days to Christmas, the usual rush by consumers to markets and shopping centres across the South-East to purchase food items, clothing and other necessities has yet to gain momentum. Traders who traditionally depend on the festive season to make substantial sales are expressing concerns over the apparent absence of customers.

For many households, the problem is not a lack of desire to celebrate Christmas. It is the inability to afford it.

Nigeria’s worsening economic difficulties, declining purchasing power, high food prices and the rising cost of petroleum products have combined to make ordinary living increasingly difficult. The consequences are evident in the daily struggles of families who must prioritise feeding, transportation, rent, school expenses and other essential obligations over festive celebrations.

Christmas Without the Usual Excitement

The economic realities confronting Nigerians have fundamentally changed how many families approach the Christmas season.

In previous years, the approach of December would trigger a noticeable increase in commercial activities. Markets would be crowded, traders would stock up their shops, transport operators would anticipate increased patronage, and families would begin making arrangements to travel home for the festivities.

Today, that familiar atmosphere appears subdued.

A Christmas Tree

Many traders in the South-East complain that customers are no longer purchasing goods in the quantities they used to. Some consumers who would ordinarily buy bags of rice, cartons of beverages, meat, cooking ingredients and new clothes are now struggling to afford even a fraction of their usual Christmas shopping.

The situation raises a fundamental question: What is Christmas without the purchasing power to celebrate it?

The reality is that economic hardship does not only affect the ability of citizens to feed themselves. It also takes away the little pleasures that make life meaningful, including the opportunity to celebrate important religious and family occasions.

For millions of Nigerians, Christmas is gradually becoming another reminder of their economic vulnerability.

The Decline of Village Christmas Celebrations

One of the most disturbing consequences of the economic situation is the gradual decline in the traditional movement of people from urban centres to their ancestral communities during Christmas.

In the South-East, Christmas is more than a religious celebration. It is a major cultural event that brings families, kindreds and entire communities together.

It is the period when sons and daughters return home to reconnect with their roots, visit elderly parents, participate in community activities, attend church services, settle family matters and contribute to the development of their villages.

But the rising cost of transportation is making this annual tradition increasingly difficult.

With the high cost of petroleum products translating into expensive transport fares, many families are reconsidering their journeys. A household that must spend a substantial amount transporting itself to the village and back may simply decide to remain in the city.

For families with several children, the financial burden is even greater.

The implication goes beyond reduced travel. It affects rural commerce, community activities, family relationships and the cultural traditions that have sustained the Igbo people for generations.

When people cannot afford to travel home for Christmas, village markets, local transport operators, food vendors and small businesses also lose an important source of seasonal income.

The economic hardship is therefore not just reducing the size of Christmas celebrations; it is gradually weakening an important social and cultural tradition.

2027 Politics and the Question of Priorities

Perhaps one of the most troubling aspects of the present situation is the apparent contrast between the economic struggles of ordinary Nigerians and the increasing political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Already, political calculations, alignments, consultations and campaign preparations are occupying the attention of many political actors.

Huge resources are expected to be committed to political mobilisation, publicity, political meetings, travels and other activities as the election season gathers momentum.

There is nothing inherently wrong with political participation or preparations for elections. Elections are an essential component of democracy.

However, the question Nigerians should be asking is whether the welfare of citizens is receiving the same level of attention and commitment as political ambitions.

At a time when families are struggling to put food on their tables, unemployed youths are searching desperately for opportunities, small businesses are battling rising operational costs and traders are recording disappointing sales, the welfare of ordinary citizens should remain a central concern of political leadership.

Political ambition should not overshadow the responsibility of governance.

The ultimate purpose of occupying public office is to improve the living conditions of the people. Political leaders must therefore demonstrate that their concern for citizens extends beyond election seasons and campaign promises.

A society in which political activities flourish while ordinary citizens struggle to afford basic necessities must urgently reconsider its priorities.

A Christmas of Contrasting Realities

There is also an uncomfortable contrast between the experiences of different categories of Nigerians during this festive period.

While some wealthy Nigerians, politicians and public office holders may be making arrangements for holidays abroad, expensive celebrations and luxurious lifestyles, millions of less privileged citizens are wondering where their next meal will come from.

For some families, the greatest Christmas expectation is not a holiday trip, new clothes or an elaborate celebration. It is simply the ability to secure a bag of rice, cooking oil and other basic food items to feed their children.

Some parents are already worried about how to meet the expectations of their children, who may not fully understand why Christmas cannot be celebrated as it was in previous years.

There are families who may have to explain to their children why there will be no new clothes, special meals or journeys to the village this year.

There are also elderly citizens who depend on the support of their children and relatives but may receive little or nothing because those expected to provide assistance are themselves struggling economically.

This is the human face of the economic crisis, and it should not be ignored.

The Moral Responsibility of the Wealthy

Christmas represents the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, whose teachings emphasise love, compassion, sacrifice, humility and concern for the less privileged.

It is therefore important that the season should not be reduced to expensive celebrations, entertainment and displays of wealth.

Those who have the means to celebrate should remember those who cannot afford the basic necessities of life.

Wealthy Nigerians, business leaders, politicians, public office holders, religious organisations and corporate institutions have an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of struggling families.

A bag of rice, food supplies, financial assistance, medical support or payment of school fees for a disadvantaged child may mean more to a struggling household than an elaborate Christmas party.

Politicians, in particular, should understand that their responsibilities to the people are not limited to election campaigns.

Rather than concentrating exclusively on political mobilisation and the enormous expenses associated with electioneering, political leaders should also consider supporting genuine welfare initiatives that will bring relief to vulnerable households.

Governors, lawmakers, local government chairmen and other public office holders should make targeted interventions to support indigent families, unemployed youths, widows, elderly citizens and people living with disabilities.

Such interventions should be transparent, properly organised and focused on those who genuinely need assistance.

Corporate organisations and wealthy individuals should also consider community-based Christmas support programmes, especially in rural communities where poverty and limited economic opportunities are particularly challenging.

Government Must Address the Root Causes

While charitable interventions can provide temporary relief, they cannot replace the need for sustainable economic policies.

Nigeria cannot continue to depend on seasonal donations and food distribution to address a crisis that requires fundamental economic solutions.

The government at all levels must intensify efforts to reduce the cost of living, improve food production, strengthen local manufacturing, create employment opportunities and support small businesses.

The cost of transporting goods and people must also receive serious attention. The impact of high petroleum prices on transportation, agricultural production, distribution and general commercial activities is too significant to ignore.

Government policies must translate into measurable improvements in the purchasing power of ordinary Nigerians.

Economic growth should not be measured only by official statistics, investment announcements or government revenue figures. It should also be reflected in the ability of an average family to afford food, pay school fees, access healthcare and meet basic household needs without living in constant anxiety.

The real test of economic recovery is whether ordinary citizens can feel the difference in their daily lives.

Christmas Should Not Become a Luxury

As the countdown to Christmas continues, the reality confronting Nigeria is deeply concerning.

A country where millions of people cannot afford to celebrate one of the most important religious festivals because of economic hardship must pay serious attention to the condition of its citizens.

Christmas should not become a luxury reserved for the wealthy.

The ability to put food on the table, purchase modest clothing for children and travel to see loved ones should not be an extraordinary privilege.

For Christians, Christmas is a season of hope and the celebration of God’s gift to humanity. Even in difficult circumstances, the message of love, generosity and compassion must remain alive.

But hope must also be accompanied by responsibility, particularly from those entrusted with public resources and those who have accumulated wealth in society.

Our Position

The Advocate believes that the approaching Christmas should serve as a moment of reflection for Nigeria’s political leaders, wealthy citizens, business organisations and religious institutions.

At a time when political actors are increasingly looking towards the 2027 general elections, the suffering of ordinary Nigerians must not be pushed to the background.

The welfare of citizens should be more important than political calculations. The dignity of the poor should matter as much as the comfort of the privileged.

We call on political leaders, public office holders, wealthy Nigerians and corporate organisations to remember the less privileged during this festive season.

Let this Christmas be an opportunity to demonstrate genuine compassion, not merely through speeches and public appearances, but through practical acts of kindness that can put food on the tables of struggling families.

A politician who can spend millions of naira on political activities should also be concerned about the hungry families within his constituency.

A wealthy individual who can afford an expensive holiday abroad should remember the elderly neighbour, the struggling widow and the unemployed young man who may not have enough to celebrate Christmas.

Beyond individual generosity, government must intensify efforts to address the economic conditions responsible for the present hardship.

Ultimately, the true spirit of Christmas is not measured by the price of the clothes we wear, the quantity of food on our tables or the destinations of our holiday travels. It is measured by the love we show, the lives we touch and the sacrifices we make for others.

Nigeria must not allow economic hardship to extinguish the joy, hope and humanity that Christmas represents.

For millions of struggling Nigerians, the greatest Christmas gift this year may simply be a decent meal, a little financial relief and the assurance that they have not been forgotten.

That is the spirit of Christmas we must collectively restore.

Fifteen individuals and corporate organisations have petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, calling for the investigation and possible prosecution of Comrade Kennedy Iyere over allegations of fraud, obtaining money under false pretences and other related offences.

The petitioners, comprising individuals, hotels and media organisations, alleged that Iyere was involved in a pattern of fraudulent dealings involving false representations, fraudulent inducement, diversion of funds and conspiracy with other persons to defraud them, resulting in substantial financial losses.

The petition, dated August 10, 2026, was signed by the principal petitioner, Obinna Ukor, on behalf of the other alleged victims, including Dr Okechukwu Duru, Silver Green Hotel Limited, Valencia Hotels Abuja, Mr Climate Ignatius, Susan Great, Gbenga Okenla, Pastor Shedrack Oka, Obinna Ifeandu, The Nigeria Start-Up News, Everyday News NGR, The Whisper.ng and Hero TV.

In one of the cases outlined in the petition, the complainants alleged that Iyere obtained approximately N14 million from Ukor through representations and assurances that were later discovered to be false and misleading.

According to the petition, Iyere allegedly failed to utilise or account for the money in accordance with the purpose for which it was released.

“Comrade Kennedy Iyere, having obtained the said monies, failed to apply and/or account for the same in accordance with the representations and circumstances upon which the monies were released to him.

“Rather, the suspect retained, diverted and/or dealt with the funds in a manner inconsistent with the purpose for which they were obtained.

“Notwithstanding repeated demands and requests for an explanation and/or restitution, he has failed and/or refused to satisfactorily account for the monies.

“Of particular concern is the subsequent discovery that, notwithstanding the representations upon which he parted with his funds, the suspect had received and/or was dealing with substantial sums of money from other persons during the relevant period.

“The circumstances surrounding the manner in which Comrade Kennedy Iyere induced the petitioner to part with the said money are matters requiring urgent and comprehensive criminal investigation,” the petition stated.

The petitioners consequently urged the IGP to order an immediate and comprehensive investigation into Iyere’s activities and dealings and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.

They specifically requested that the police investigate the allegations, trace the movement of the funds allegedly obtained from them, facilitate the recovery of any money or property established to have been unlawfully obtained and prosecute the suspect and any other persons found culpable where sufficient evidence exists.

The petitioners also called on the police to take lawful steps to secure Iyere’s attendance before the investigating authorities.

Meanwhile, the IGP reportedly approved the petition in August, with the principal petitioner now demanding accelerated action to prevent other unsuspecting members of the public from allegedly falling victim to similar dealings.

The latest petition comes against the backdrop of an earlier directive by former IGP Kayode Egbetokun, who reportedly ordered Iyere’s arrest in 2025 over allegations of criminal breach of trust, obtaining money under false pretences, cheating and impersonation.

According to TheCable, Egbetokun had, in a letter dated November 13, 2025, conveyed his directive through Bukola Kuti, his Principal Staff Officer III.

The letter reportedly referred to a complaint submitted by Valen Legal Practitioners on behalf of its clients and directed the relevant police authorities to act in accordance with existing IGP directives on investigations.

The letter stated:

“I forward herewith copy of letter dated 12th November, 2025 received from Valen Legal Practitioners on the above-underlined subject and write to convey the directive of the Inspector-General of Police that you deal in line with the IGP’s extant directives on investigation as contained in Police Wireless Message CB:4001/IGP.SEC/ABJ/VOL.121/48 DTO: 211340/11/2024 and CB:4001/IGP.SEC/ABJ/VOL.121/110, DTO: 241300/01/2025 respectively.”

In the earlier petition submitted by Valen Legal Practitioners on behalf of its clients, the law firm accused Iyere of allegedly defrauding Silver Green Hotel Limited and several other individuals and corporate organisations of a combined N113,508,757.

The law firm specifically alleged that Iyere obtained N26 million from Silver Green Hotel Limited through a purported representation that he was an employee of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and that the Federal Government would sponsor a youth empowerment programme tagged the Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalisation Programme (YEIDEP).

According to the law firm, the alleged scheme involved promises of government-backed projects to induce the hotel and other individuals to release money.

“We continue to act as solicitors to Silver Green Hotel Limited and several other individuals and corporate bodies who have been defrauded by one Iyere Kennedy Ebhenya, hereinafter referred to as ‘the suspect’,” the petition stated.

The allegations are yet to be established in court. Iyere’s response to the latest allegations was not contained in the petition provided.

Enugu Governor defends APC defection, dismisses ‘Peter Obi wave’, boasts of 500,000 APC members, denies opposition suppression, explains controversial ₦150m campaign advertising fee

By Tony Edike

Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, has disclosed that his administration is working with relevant Nigerian authorities to facilitate the transfer of former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, from the United Kingdom to Nigeria to enable him to serve the remainder of his prison sentence in the country.

Mbah said efforts were ongoing to engage the appropriate authorities in Nigeria and explore the possibility of reaching an arrangement with the British government that would allow the former lawmaker to return home while completing his sentence.

The governor made this disclosure during an exclusive interview with the BBC Igbo Service, in which he addressed several issues, including Ekweremadu’s continued imprisonment in the United Kingdom, his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the political strength of the ruling party in Enugu State, allegations of opposition suppression and the controversial ₦150 million political advertising permit fee.

Speaking on Ekweremadu’s situation, Mbah described the circumstances surrounding his conviction and imprisonment as unfortunate, noting that the former Deputy Senate President was caught in a difficult situation arising from his desire to save his daughter, who was suffering from kidney disease.

The governor expressed sympathy for Ekweremadu and his family, arguing that the desperation of a parent confronted with a serious health challenge involving a child could be difficult for outsiders to fully appreciate.

“Unless you have a child of your own, you cannot fully grasp the lengths a father would go to in order to save or assist his child during a health crisis,” he said.

Mbah disclosed that he remained in contact with the former lawmaker and that efforts were being made to facilitate his return to Nigeria through the appropriate diplomatic and governmental channels.

“What happened is truly distressing. We remain in contact with him. We are among those engaging with the Nigerian authorities to explore how they might coordinate with the United Kingdom to allow Ekweremadu to serve the remainder of his prison sentence here in Nigeria, if, indeed, he must remain incarcerated,” the governor stated.

He expressed optimism that the discussions would produce a positive outcome before long.

Ekweremadu, a former Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate and a prominent political figure from Enugu State, was convicted in the United Kingdom in connection with a human organ trafficking conspiracy involving an attempt to procure a kidney for his daughter.

Mbah dismisses Peter Obi wave, declares APC dominance in Enugu

On the political situation in Enugu State and the anticipated 2027 general elections, Governor Mbah dismissed suggestions that the political influence associated with former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, represented a major political force capable of determining the state’s political direction.

He declared that he was unaware of any phenomenon known as the “Peter Obi wave” in Enugu State, insisting that what currently existed in the state was an “APC wave”.

“I am not aware of anything called the ‘Peter Obi wave’; the only wave that exists in Enugu State is the ‘APC wave’,” Mbah declared.

The governor’s remarks come against the backdrop of the considerable support Peter Obi enjoyed across parts of the South-East during the 2023 presidential election, when the Labour Party recorded significant electoral gains in the region.

Although the 2027 elections are expected to generate renewed political competition, Mbah maintained that the APC had established a formidable grassroots structure in Enugu State.

According to him, the party has an extensive organisational network covering polling units, wards and local government areas, giving it the capacity to mobilise voters across the state.

He disclosed that the APC had more than 70 members organising political activities in every polling unit in Enugu State.

“There is no polling unit where we do not have over seventy party members organising activities on the ground,” he said.

Mbah further put the number of registered APC members in the state at approximately 500,000, expressing confidence that the party’s membership strength would translate into overwhelming electoral support if elections were conducted.

“The number of registered party members in our records in Enugu State reaches five hundred thousand. If they were to go out and seek votes right now, you can be sure that the kind of votes we would receive would be overwhelming,” he added.

The governor’s assertion underscores his administration’s confidence in the APC’s growing political structure following his defection from the PDP to the ruling party at the federal level.

Why I defected to APC – Mbah

Explaining the reasons behind his departure from the PDP, Mbah said his decision was informed by the need to provide effective governance and fulfil the promises he made to the people of Enugu State during the 2023 governorship election.

He argued that internal challenges and persistent problems within the PDP had made it increasingly difficult for him and his political associates to pursue their development agenda effectively.

According to him, the decision to join the APC was not merely a political calculation but a strategic move intended to create a more favourable environment for delivering on his administration’s commitments.

“The reason we left the PDP is that it became clear to us that if we intended to work for the welfare of the people of Enugu State, the numerous challenges within that party would prevent us from doing so effectively,” he explained.

Mbah also identified President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s relationship with Enugu State and the Federal Government’s intervention in some critical infrastructure projects as important considerations behind his support for the President.

He maintained that Tinubu had demonstrated genuine concern for Enugu State even before his defection to the APC.

As an example, the governor recalled the collapse of the bridge at the Naira Triangle axis near Artisan Market in Enugu, saying the President promptly directed the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to intervene and ensure its reconstruction.

He argued that such interventions demonstrated the importance of maintaining a productive working relationship between the state government and the Federal Government.

Mbah said joining the APC would strengthen his administration’s ability to fulfil the promises made to Enugu residents, particularly in areas requiring federal collaboration and support.

I am not suppressing opposition parties – Mbah

The governor also rejected allegations that his administration was using its political influence and control of government institutions to intimidate opposition parties or restrict their activities in Enugu State.

He insisted that his responsibility as governor was to guarantee an environment in which every citizen could freely associate with any political party and participate in the democratic process.

“It is not true that I am persecuting the opposition party in Enugu State, because my duty as Governor is to ensure that any individual or group has the opportunity to join any party of their choice and contest for positions within it,” he said.

Mbah maintained that political participation should not be determined by party affiliation, adding that his administration was committed to providing a level playing field for all political organisations.

His comments come amid allegations by opposition figures and critics who have accused the state government of creating an unfavourable political environment for parties outside the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The governor, however, maintained that such allegations did not reflect the position of his administration.

Mbah explains  ₦150m political advertising fee

One of the major issues addressed during the interview was the controversial ₦150 million permit fee reportedly required for political parties and individuals seeking to deploy campaign advertisements and promotional materials across Enugu State.

The policy has attracted criticism from opposition politicians and legal practitioners, who argue that the amount could create an unnecessary financial barrier to political participation, particularly for smaller parties and candidates.

Responding to allegations that the fee was introduced to frustrate opposition parties, Mbah insisted that the policy was not targeted at any particular political organisation.

He explained that the charge applied equally to all political parties, including the ruling APC, and was part of an existing regulatory framework established through legislation by the Enugu State House of Assembly.

According to the governor, the state government did not introduce the fee specifically to restrict opposition political activities.

He maintained that anyone seeking to erect campaign billboards or deploy outdoor political advertising materials was expected to comply with the applicable regulations, irrespective of party affiliation.

Background to the ₦150 million permit

The controversy surrounding the fee emerged in February 2026 following an announcement by the Enugu State Structures for Signage and Advertisement Agency (ENSSAA).

The agency announced a mandatory statutory permit fee of ₦150 million for the deployment of outdoor promotional materials covering the 2026 and 2027 election cycles across the state’s 17 local government areas.

The materials covered by the policy reportedly include political banners, billboards, branded vehicles, handbills and campaign T-shirts.

Government officials have defended the policy as part of efforts to regulate outdoor advertising, ensure compliance with existing laws and prevent indiscriminate placement of promotional materials that could create visual pollution.

However, critics have questioned the affordability and proportionality of the fee, arguing that a charge could disadvantage smaller political parties.

The governor’s position is that the regulation is general in application and does not discriminate between the APC and opposition parties.