A Chief Magistrate’s Court in Iyaganku, Ibadan, has ordered the remand of Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, along with Oriyomi Hamzat, the CEO of Agidigbo FM, and Abdullahi Fasasi, the Principal of Islamic High School, at the Agodi Correctional Centre.

The trio was arraigned on Tuesday in connection with the recent tragic stampede that occurred during a Christmas funfair at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.

The incident, which claimed the lives of 35 children and injured six others, has drawn widespread public and legal attention.

Presiding over the case, Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi issued the remand order following charges brought against the defendants. The police prosecutor stated that their alleged offences contravened Section 324 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

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The prosecution accused the defendants of being involved in the organization of the event, which turned disastrous, leading to the stampede. Pending legal advice from the Oyo State Director of Public Prosecutions, the court directed their detention at the correctional facility.

The court session, held amidst heavy security, attracted significant public interest. Law enforcement officers were seen providing tight security as the suspects were escorted to and from the courtroom.

Further updates on the legal proceedings are expected as investigations continue.

President Bola Tinubu, during his first Presidential Media Chat aired on the Nigerian Television Authority on Monday, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the ongoing tax reforms and subsidy removal, maintaining that the measures are essential to securing Nigeria’s economic future.

The tax reforms, designed to eliminate colonial-era practices and widen the tax net, have faced significant resistance from some quarters, particularly from northern lawmakers and governors. Despite this, Tinubu declared, “Tax reform is here to stay. We cannot just continue to do what we were doing yesteryears in today’s economy.”

The reforms, encapsulated in four bills transmitted to the National Assembly, aim to streamline taxation and revenue generation.

However, critics, including Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, have argued for caution. “The Petroleum Industry Bill took almost 20 years before it was finally passed. This tax reform bill is being transmitted and receiving legislative attention within a week. It should be treated carefully and with caution,” Zulum said in an interview with BBC.

Despite calls for broader consultations and delays, Tinubu emphasized the pro-poor nature of the reforms, noting that the vulnerable would not be taxed. “The essence of the tax reform is to eliminate colonial-based assumptions in our tax environment,” he stated.

READ MORE: President Tinubu Set For First Nationwide Media Chat Tonight

No Regrets Over Subsidy Removal

Addressing the economic hardship resulting from the removal of the petrol subsidy, Tinubu defended his decision as necessary to prevent Nigeria from “spending its future.” He dismissed the notion of a phased removal, stating, “Phased removal is part of unnecessary fear. No matter how you cut it, you still have to meet the bills.”

The President highlighted the benefits of subsidy removal, pointing out that the policy had curtailed smuggling and freed up resources for more productive uses. “There is no way that you give out fuel and allow all the neighbouring countries as Father Christmas. I don’t have any regret whatsoever in removing the subsidy,” he said.

Tackling Inflation and Corruption

Tinubu also discussed his administration’s strategies to reduce inflation, emphasizing local production and import reduction. “If one produces more for consumption locally, stop imports, give a reasonable level of funding and assistance… we have what it takes,” he explained.

On corruption, the President cited increased earnings for workers and stricter oversight by anti-corruption agencies as key measures. He pointed to the recent seizure of hundreds of properties reportedly owned by a former Central Bank Governor as evidence of his administration’s efforts. “Part of the anti-corruption is removal of subsidy. It is very difficult to eliminate but you reduce it to the barest minimum,” Tinubu stated.

Food Stampedes and Governance

The President expressed condolences over recent tragic stampedes during food distribution events, attributing the incidents to poor organization by event planners. “If you don’t have enough to give, don’t attempt to give or publicize it,” he warned.

Tinubu concluded by reaffirming his commitment to efficient governance and economic reforms, stating, “The hallmark of a good leader is the ability to do what you have to do at the time it has to be done.”

The reforms continue to spark nationwide debates, with stakeholders divided over their potential long-term impacts.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed calls to cut the cost of governance, including trimming his 52-member cabinet, as Nigerians grapple with rising inflation, hunger, insecurity, and mounting protests against poverty and alleged bad governance.

Speaking during his first presidential media chat since assuming office on May 29, 2023, Tinubu made clear his unwillingness to reduce the size of his cabinet, arguing that its composition was essential for effective governance in a country as large and complex as Nigeria.

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He said, “I’m not prepared to bring down the size of my cabinet. I saw the need when I put them together. You don’t give somebody an assignment that they cannot fulfill, no. From the job description, these people must be efficient and effective.”

The president defended his approach, using an analogy to illustrate the scale of Nigeria’s governance challenges.

“If you are to entertain over 200 million people, calculate how many stewards you will require. That is just for entertainment, not the cleaners, not the tables,” he explained.

Tinubu maintained that his cabinet members were all making meaningful contributions to governance.

“Efficiency and effectiveness are the hallmark of why I have that cabinet. I’m not ready to shrink a little bit of them. I need them. They are all adding value effectively. Show me one, and I will agree with you,” he added.

Tinubu’s remarks have reignited criticism over his unfulfilled campaign promise to reduce the cost of governance and redirect savings to developmental projects.

During his 2023 presidential campaign, he pledged to adopt fiscal discipline as a cornerstone of his administration, a promise that many Nigerians feel remains unmet.

Public dissatisfaction has been further amplified by ongoing nationwide protests under the #EndBadGovernance movement, with demonstrators decrying the government’s failure to address the high cost of living and economic hardship.

“It’s disappointing to hear the president dismiss these calls,” said a protester in Abuja. “We are struggling to survive, and yet he’s unwilling to cut down on unnecessary expenses.”

Rising Tensions Amid Economic Struggles
Nigeria’s economy continues to worsen, with inflation rates pushing basic commodities out of reach for many citizens.

Insecurity remains a pressing issue, adding to the frustrations of those calling for reforms.

Analysts warn that Tinubu’s stance on governance costs could alienate the public further.

“The president must tread carefully,” said political analyst Dr. Yetunde Akinola. “Citizens are not only demanding accountability but also meaningful action to ease their suffering.”