A former lecturer at Chicago State University (CSU), Adetokunbo Pearse, has alleged that President Bola Tinubu never attended the American institution, describing him as a “professional crook” amid the lingering controversy surrounding his academic records.

Pearse, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, made the allegations during an interview with News Central on Sunday, claiming that he had personal knowledge of the university’s records and the programme Tinubu allegedly attended.

“The fact of the matter is, I know he never attended Chicago State University. He knows that I know. So the man (Mr Tinubu) has no integrity,” Pearse said.

The former lecturer spoke while reacting to arguments that Tinubu was homeschooled, an explanation reportedly offered by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in defence of the President’s educational background.

However, Pearse dismissed the explanation, arguing that it contradicted the academic history Tinubu submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

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“That was not what Tinubu himself said. Look at the record he submitted to INEC. He never said he was homeschooled. He gave names of schools he never attended. This man is a professional crook,” he stated.

Explaining the basis for his claims, Pearse said he lectured at Chicago State University for five years and served as director of the programme Tinubu claimed to have attended.

“I used to be a lecturer at Chicago State University for five years. I was the director of the programme in which Tinubu said he attended at Chicago State University. I was at Chicago State University between 1985 and 1990,” he said.

Pearse further claimed that he was contacted in 1999 when information about Tinubu’s academic records was being sought by the late Funsho Williams.

“When Funsho Williams was looking for information on Tinubu’s record in 1999, it was to me they sent people to come get the information. I had the information. If he is a genius, he is a genius at rigging elections,” he added.

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Meanwhile, presidential spokespersons Bayo Onanuga and Daniel Bwala had yet to respond to a request for comments from Peoples Gazette regarding Pearse’s allegations, according to the report.

Tinubu’s academic qualifications, particularly his claim to have attended Chicago State University, have remained a subject of controversy since his emergence in Nigerian politics.

The controversy has also involved legal efforts to obtain records relating to the President’s academic history from the American institution, as well as proceedings concerning the release of his records by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Pearse’s latest comments have renewed public debate over the President’s educational background. However, his assertions remain allegations attributed to him and should be distinguished from independently established findings.

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By Okey Maduforo Awka

A fresh crisis is brewing in Abacha Community, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, following plans by residents to embark on sustained mass protests over the controversial election of the President-General (PG) of the community.

The dispute, which has continued to generate tension among stakeholders, centres on allegations of constitutional violations, an alleged breach of an earlier power-sharing agreement and irregularities in the conduct of the election.

However, leaders of Akanato Quarter and other prominent stakeholders have appealed to the youths of the community to exercise restraint, expressing confidence that the Anambra State Government would intervene and ensure that justice is done.

They urged the youths not to take the law into their hands, warning that any breakdown of law and order could further aggravate the situation.

Akanato, one of the two quarters in Abacha, had boycotted the election, arguing that Umudisi Quarter could not legitimately occupy the positions of Igwe, Prime Minister and President-General simultaneously.

The aggrieved quarter also faulted the election process, alleging that it violated the community’s constitution, which provides for an electoral college or delegate system rather than the Option A4 method reportedly adopted during the exercise.

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Speaking on the controversy, the Cabinet Secretary of Abacha, Ambassador Geoffrey Uchenna Uba, said elections into the offices of President-General and other positions were expected to be conducted through 105 delegates.

According to him, the delegates are drawn from various branches of the town union, including those in the diaspora, adding that the prescribed arrangement was disregarded during the disputed election.

Recalling the gentleman’s agreement reached before the emergence of the current traditional ruler, Uba said Akanato Quarter had voluntarily relinquished its turn to produce the Igwe to allow Umudisi Quarter to occupy the throne in the interest of peace.

He explained that the decision followed allegations by the dethroned Igwe, Godwin Mbakwe, that some sections of the community were plotting against him.

Uba said Akanato had decided to accommodate Mbakwe’s quarter to demonstrate that it had no personal grievances against him, despite the fact that the traditional rulership position was originally due to the quarter.

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“We shelved the Igweship position against the constitution of our town for Umudisi to produce the next Igwe of Abacha,” he said.

He added that the decision was taken to promote peace, recalling that Mbakwe, who was dethroned during the administration of former Governor Willie Obiano, had allegedly accused some sections of the community of fighting him.

According to Uba, the understanding was that Akanato would retain the opportunity to produce the next President-General as part of an arrangement to balance power among the quarters.

He further disclosed that a stakeholders’ meeting convened at the residence of Chief Jonas Okafor of Akanato resolved that since Umudisi was producing the Igwe and already occupied the position of Prime Minister, Akanato should continue to produce the President-General.

“This was agreed by the eventual and current Igwe, Goddy Nwabunwanne. But when it was time to hold the President-General election, the same Umudisi Quarter, alongside the Igwe, insisted on producing the President-General against the gentleman’s agreement we reached,” Uba alleged.

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Also speaking, Chief Jonas Okafor, who convened the stakeholders’ meeting, said he had relied on mutual trust and brotherly understanding rather than insisting on a written agreement.

“When it was time for the signing of the agreement, I said no because we are one, and this was based on brotherly trust. The Igwe has been a long-time friend of mine, and I did not see him reneging on the agreement. But, to my total surprise, he did, and that is what is causing problems in our community today,” he said.

In his contribution, Chief Okeluo Emeka expressed concern over the growing restiveness among youths in the community, warning that the situation could escalate if urgent steps were not taken.

He appealed to Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo and the Anambra State Government to intervene, resolve the dispute and prevent a possible breakdown of law and order.

“Our youths are not happy at all, and we have been able to control them so that we do not witness any ugly incident in our town. We know that Mr Governor has a listening ear and would surely intervene in this matter,” he said.

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The stakeholders called on the state government to urgently examine the circumstances surrounding the disputed election and address the alleged constitutional breaches and power-sharing disagreements to restore peace in Abacha Community.

The Federal Government is seeking a fresh $500m loan from the World Bank to establish an infrastructure financing platform, with approval proposed for May 25, 2027, just four days before the inauguration of Nigeria’s next president.

The proposed borrowing comes amid growing political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, raising questions about the timing of new financial commitments and their implications for the incoming administration.

According to the World Bank’s Initial Project Information Document obtained by The PUNCH, the proposed facility is part of a broader $3.85bn infrastructure financing initiative aimed at attracting private investment into critical sectors of the Nigerian economy.

The initiative, identified as the Nigeria Infrastructure Financing and De-Risking Platform for Growth and Jobs (INFRAGROW), is designed to address the country’s infrastructure financing deficit and improve the mobilisation of private capital.

The document, prepared and updated on November 4, 2026, lists the Federal Ministry of Finance as the borrower, while the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority will serve as the implementing agency.

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The World Bank has scheduled the project’s technical design review for January 21, 2027, while May 25, 2027, has been proposed as its approval date.

Nigeria’s presidential inauguration is constitutionally scheduled for May 29, 2027, following the expiration of President Bola Tinubu’s current four-year tenure.

This means the proposed loan could receive approval in the final days of the current administration, although approval would not automatically translate into immediate disbursement or implementation.

The financing proposal has yet to receive approval, and the World Bank’s timetable remains subject to change.

The document estimates Nigeria’s annual infrastructure financing gap at approximately $100bn, identifying inadequate investment and weak project preparation as major constraints to economic growth.

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It stated, “Nigeria’s infrastructure financing gap, estimated at approx. $100bn annually, remains a binding constraint on growth, fiscal sustainability, competitiveness, and job creation.”

The bank noted that the challenge extended beyond insufficient funding to the difficulty of converting available capital into commercially viable infrastructure projects.

It added that closing the gap would require an integrated approach involving proper project preparation, risk-mitigation instruments and targeted sectoral reforms.

The proposed $500m World Bank facility comprises $400m from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and $100m from the International Development Association.

The broader $3.85bn financing structure is expected to include contributions from the government, private investors, commercial lenders and guarantees designed to attract additional investment.

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Under the arrangement, the NSIA is expected to contribute $200m in equity as a founding shareholder, while private sector investors are projected to provide another $200m.

Commercial debt financing is estimated at $600m, alongside other financing and guarantee arrangements.

The World Bank document also identifies $100m in IDA payment guarantees and $2.25bn in guarantees from other international financial institutions, bringing guarantee-related financing arrangements to $2.35bn.

The proposed platform will operate through four independently governed subsidiaries, each designed to address specific obstacles to infrastructure investment.

The first, the Project Preparation Facility, will finance feasibility studies, transaction structuring, risk assessments and procurement support to transform infrastructure proposals into investment-ready projects.

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The second, the Viability Gap Fund, will support economically important projects that cannot generate sufficient commercial returns while maintaining affordable tariffs or sustainable government payments.

According to the document, the proposed endowment model would preserve the fund’s capital base while financing viability-gap support primarily through investment returns.

The third subsidiary, the Risk Capital Facility, will provide equity and other forms of patient capital to commercially viable infrastructure projects that struggle to attract investors willing to take on higher risks.

The fourth, the Credit Guarantee Vehicle, will provide guarantees against specified credit defaults, public-sector payment failures and political risks affecting eligible foreign investments.

The World Bank said the interventions were intended to encourage participation by commercial banks, pension funds, insurance companies and other institutional investors.

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The project will also support reforms aimed at strengthening public institutions responsible for identifying, preparing, procuring and supervising public-private partnership projects.

Its implementation will be divided into four components covering institutional development, project preparation, financing mobilisation and improvements to the regulatory environment.

The first component will finance staffing, professional advisory services, statutory fees and operational infrastructure, with disbursements linked to measurable institutional milestones.

The second will support project preparation and financial viability, while the third will activate the risk capital and credit guarantee facilities.

The fourth component will strengthen government capacity to manage infrastructure partnerships and their associated fiscal risks.

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The World Bank described the proposed INFRAGROW project as an institution-building and private capital mobilisation initiative intended to expand sustainable infrastructure development in Nigeria.

The project will also involve the International Finance Corporation as a prospective co-investor, alongside the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, which is expected to provide political risk insurance.

However, the World Bank has classified the proposed project’s environmental and social risks as high, particularly because the financing platform could support major infrastructure developments in the energy, transport and water sectors.

It warned that such investments could result in land acquisition, displacement of communities, environmental damage, occupational hazards and other social consequences.

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Ebonyi State is still awaiting the arrival of three aircraft Governor Nwifuru reportedly paid for about two years ago.

The governor had promised the arrival of the aircraft years back but as at the time of this report not even one aircraft has landed to start the proposed Ebonyi Air.

This is even as Enugu Air which is taking over the Nigeria Airspace has secured regulatory approval to commence direct flights between Lagos and London Gatwick in December 2026, with bookings for the international route now open.

The state-owned airline announced the development in a statement on Wednesday, describing the approval as a major milestone in its international expansion and efforts to strengthen air connectivity between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

The Lagos-London Gatwick service will be operated in partnership with Omni-Blu Aviation (OBA), which has been appointed as the designated operating partner for the route.

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“Enugu Air has received approval for its Lagos-London Gatwick route, with Omni-Blu Aviation (OBA) appointed as the designated operator under a strategic partnership.

“Bookings are now open, and flights will commence in December 2026,” the statement said.

For an airport that has refused to function the governor may have decided to change the narrative but for some reasons the project may have gone the way of the Vanco flyover which has become a burden to the government.

While the former governor Dave Umahi completed flyover projects in less than one year, Governor Nwifuru has failed to deliver just one in more than three years.

As Enugu Air goes to the United Kingdom, Ebonyi people are whispering the question in hushed tones for fear of the unknown; “when will the planes arrive?

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Meanwhile, Enugu Air described the latest development as a significant step towards expanding its international operations, improving passenger connectivity and creating new opportunities for trade and investment between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

It also credited Governor Peter Mbah’s strategic aviation agenda, saying his administration’s vision was positioning Enugu as an emerging gateway for international connectivity, investment, tourism and economic growth.

The announcement comes barely six weeks after Enugu Air operated its maiden international flight to Douala, Cameroon, on September 23, 2026.

Launched in July 2025 with an initial fleet of three Embraer aircraft comprising the E170 and E190 series, the airline was established as part of the Mbah administration’s integrated plan to develop a modern, multimodal transport system.

The initiative is also aimed at positioning Enugu as a major aviation hub in West and Central Africa.

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Since its launch, Enugu Air has expanded its fleet and route network, with the latest regulatory approval representing another step in its international expansion drive.

No wonder the Ebonyi governor took the whole time given to him at the recent APC rally in Enugu to praise the developmental magic Governor Peter Mbah is doing. The governor could not name one project he was able to deliver for his people.

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the deployment of four new Commissioners of Police to Enugu, Plateau, Nasarawa and Ondo states.

Among the newly deployed officers is CP Fidelis Ogarabe, who has been appointed Commissioner of Police for Enugu State.

Ogarabe was formerly the Commissioner of Police in charge of the INTERPOL Annex, Lagos.

Other officers affected by the deployment include CP Sunday J. A. Okoebor, formerly Commissioner of Police, Police Accounts and Budget, Force Headquarters, who has been posted to Plateau State.

CP Sheikh Mohammed Danko, formerly Commissioner of Police, Force Intelligence Annex, Lagos, has been deployed to Nasarawa State, while CP Johnson Ayodeji Babalola, formerly of the Special Inquiry Unit, Force Headquarters, Abuja, has been posted to Ondo State.

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The appointments followed a series of interviews conducted by the commission to assess the officers’ fitness, competence and suitability for their new responsibilities.

The deployment was approved on Thursday at the Solomon Arase Conference Hall, Police Service Commission Headquarters, Abuja.

In a statement signed by the commission’s Head of Protocol and Public Relations, Torty Kalu, the PSC said the appointments were made in accordance with its constitutional mandate.

The Chairman of the commission, DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu, said the appointments were consistent with Section 215(1)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which provides for the commission’s authority in the appointment of Commissioners of Police for the states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Argungu, who was represented by a board member, Justice Paul Adamu Galumje (JSC, rtd.), said the officers had been found worthy in learning and character following the assessment.

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He charged the newly deployed commissioners to discharge their responsibilities with impartiality, professionalism and a strong commitment to the expectations of their respective offices.