Mr Macaroni criticises Governor Sanwo-Olu over the Independence Bridge closure, demanding accountability and better service amidst the Lagos traffic crisis

A wave of public discontent swept across Lagos as popular Nigerian actor and activist, Mr. Macaroni, launched a scathing critique against Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s handling of the recent traffic chaos.

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The catalyst for this outburst? The abrupt closure of the Independence Bridge, which plunged the city into hours of gridlock on April 2, 2025.

Mr. Macaroni took to his X (formerly Twitter) account, and directly addressed the governor, stating, “The Governor does not do anyone a favour by addressing the hardship Lagosians face. It is his responbility.” He accused many citizens of accepting the barest minimum from their elected officials, which, he argued, fostered a climate of zero accountability.

“Sir @jidesanwoolu, the people pay for your nice convoy, your security, your accommodation and every other luxury your office affords you,” Mr. Macaroni continued.

He emphasised the stark contrast between the comfortable lives of government officials and the daily struggles of ordinary Lagosians.

“All of these and many more make things very easy and enjoyable for you such that you never have to deal with the pain and hardship the people suffer.

The least you can do is to serve them with utmost respect and total commitment! They don’t deserve anything less!!!”

The sudden closure of the Independence Bridge stranded countless commuters, leading to widespread frustration and anger.

Governor Sanwo-Olu’s subsequent public address, intended to quell the unrest, instead ignited further debate about the government’s infrastructure management and public service delivery.

In a swift turn of events, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, intervened and reopened the bridge the following day, easing the immediate crisis.

However, the incident has left a lingering question regarding the accountability and responsiveness of Lagos State authorities.

This public confrontation highlights the growing demand for transparency and effective governance in Nigeria’s bustling economic capital.

The incident underscored the need for public officials to remember their duty to the people they serve.

Popular Afrobeats singer and record label owner, Bankole Wellington better known as Banky W will have to wait for another four years to pursue his ambition to represent his constituency at the Green Chamber of the national assembly.

This is because the Appeal Court has declared the Labour Party (LP) candidate, Thaddeus Atta, as the duly elected House of Representatives member representing Eti Osa Federal Constituency in Lagos State.

TheNiche had earlier reported that the National Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos in September declared the February 25 election inconclusive.

The judges after due consideration of a petition brought by Banky W challenging Atta’s victory, ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a supplementary election within 90 days in 33 polling units where elections were not held.

Reacting to the verdict of the Lagos State Election Tribunal, LP candidate, Atta said he will continue working for the people of Etiosa despite the judgment.

He also insisted that the judges merely ordered a re-run in units election didn’t take place and that he was not sacked.

He said: “The Tribunal has simply ordered a re-run (supplementary election) in the 32 polling units where elections did not hold.

“We will continue working for Etiosa. I urge constituents to keep calm as we are unshaken. We will get through this together,”

However, the Appeal Court on Tuesday after an appeal by the LP candidate, overturned the tribunal’s verdict that the elections were conclusive and affirmed Atta’s victory.

In February, Banky W, who contested as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election was declared the runner-up to eventual winner, Thaddeus Atta, while Ibrahim Babajide Obanikoro, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) came third.

Kano State Censorship Board has revoked the operational licences of all actors and actresses, including  
directors and producers in its film-making industry popularly known as Kannywood.

The head of the board, Abba El-Mustapha, said the decision aims to sanitise the industry and ensure proper documentation.

El-Mustapha said all celebrities and producers must renew their licences to operate in the state.

“We have cancelled all licences of all guilds in the industry for proper documentation and to have effective plans that will address some of the problems in the industry.

“We have about 13 guilds; we have revoked all their licences, enabling us to sanitise the industry. Before a license is issued to any person, we must be satisfied with the person.

“The decision also affects all the singers and other entertainers in the Kannywood industry;/they must renew their licences, and we are going to fetch out the bad eggs among them, El-Mustapha told Freedom Radio on Saturday.

Reactions have been slow and mixed given the stronghold that the state government has on the entertainment and creative sector in the northern part of Nigeria.