Author: Gabby

In a powerful address delivered on Biafra Heroes Remembrance Day, former U.S. mayor Mike Arnold asserted that the pursuit of self-determination by any ethnic group in Nigeria should never be criminalized. Speaking from Blanco, Texas, via Biafra Radio, Arnold released what he termed the ‘Sokoto Declaration: Principles for the Deliverance of the People,’ a 15-point manifesto urging unity and liberation.

Arnold, who leads the Africa Arise organizations, emphasized that the right to choose one’s own political future is fundamental. He specifically mentioned that self-determination is not a crime for Biafrans, the Yoruba, the Middle Belt, or minorities in the North. He argued that no people should be forced into allegiance against their will.

Referencing the imprisonment of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu, Arnold declared that speaking the truth is not an act of terrorism. He further stated that external rescue is unlikely; power, he said, is never granted but must be seized through collective action.

The declaration included a series of bold statements: every individual has the God-given right to life, liberty, and a self-determined future. Arnold called for the return of exiles and condemned any regime that loses legitimacy by oppressing its people. He argued that unity must be achieved through coordinated, disciplined resistance that includes peaceful protests, electoral participation, and legal challenges.

Arnold also stressed that the wealth of the land belongs to its people, and any extraction under violent circumstances is theft. He warned against internal divisions, stating that factions only serve the interests of oppression. The declaration concluded with a call for an internationally supervised referendum to draft a new constitution and achieve true self-determination.

Invoking a powerful metaphor, Arnold likened the struggle to the biblical exodus, hoping that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob would grant wisdom and courage to deliver the people once again. He ended with the assertion that the long night of oppression is ending, encouraging all to stand together.

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have successfully intercepted illicit drug shipments cleverly concealed inside water purifier machines imported from the Netherlands to Lagos. The seizure took place at a courier facility in Lagos on May 26, according to a statement by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.

The smuggled items included three kilograms of ketamine and 199 grams of MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, all carefully packed within the water purifiers. This foiled attempt underscores the evolving tactics of drug traffickers attempting to evade detection.

In a separate operation in Kaduna State, NDLEA officers raided a residence in the Gonin Gora area on May 24, arresting a couple, Musa and Mercy Sunday, along with another suspect, Salomi Ezekiel. The raid led to the recovery of 1,246 kilograms of skunk, packed in 100 jumbo bags.

On the same day, a patrol along the Abuja-Kaduna Highway in Jere resulted in the apprehension of Sunusi Musa, a 30-year-old man allegedly transporting 380 rounds of 7.62mm military-grade ammunition destined for Katsina State. The suspect and ammunition were handed over to relevant security authorities for further investigation.

In Niger State, acting on intelligence, operatives stormed a warehouse in Gidan Kukah, Bosso Local Government Area, on May 27, confiscating 457 kilograms of skunk. The suspect, Godwin Zakka, aged 46, was later arrested at his home in the Gbeganu area of Minna in connection with the seizure.

Meanwhile, in Enugu State, NDLEA operatives patrolling the Onitsha-Enugu Expressway on May 28 intercepted a commercial vehicle heading to Taraba State. A search yielded 22,000 tramadol pills, 100 ampoules of pentazocine, and 200 grams of bromazepam. The suspect, James Maigari Wisdom, was arrested at the scene.

The NDLEA continues its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization campaign, conducting awareness programs in various schools and communities, including Government Secondary School in Adiabo, Cross River State; St Patrick’s Memorial College in Wukari, Taraba State; Roman Catholic Mission Nursery and Primary School in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos; and Kings Secondary School in Amawbia, Anambra State.

NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier-General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), praised the officers involved in the operations across Kaduna, Niger, and Enugu states, as well as the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation, for their successful arrests and seizures. He urged all operatives to maintain their efforts in reducing drug supply while continuing public education on the dangers of drug abuse.

During a gathering with traditional leaders in Ekiti State, Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, conveyed a powerful message of national strength and unity. She emphasized that the nation’s spirit remains unbroken despite persistent security threats.

Addressing the Ekiti State Traditional Rulers’ Council at the Government House in Ado-Ekiti on Saturday, Mrs. Tinubu asserted that no amount of insurgency can undermine Nigeria’s collective resolve. She voiced strong confidence that the current security obstacles will be surmounted in due course.

The First Lady highlighted the President’s unwavering dedication to tackling insecurity nationwide, noting his relentless efforts to establish lasting peace. She also acknowledged the valuable support from international allies in combating these challenges and expressed optimism about significant improvements in the near future.

“Nigerians are far too great to be cowed by insurgents. Let us maintain hope and continue offering prayers for our nation,” she stated. “God will not forsake this country in its journey to overcome its difficulties.”

After the official conclusion of Hajj on Saturday, Kaduna State pilgrims have been encouraged to maintain their spiritual focus and continue offering prayers to fully benefit from their time in Makkah. Sheikh Haliru Maraya, a member of the Special Hajj Committee, delivered this advice following the Zuhur prayer at the pilgrims’ residence on Ibrahim Khalil Street.

In a statement released on Sunday by Malam Ibraheem Musa, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Uba Sani, it was noted that approximately 1.7 million pilgrims from across the globe took part in the 2026 Hajj. The statement clarified that Hajj begins on the 8th and ends on the 13th of Dhul Hijjah, which this year fell between May 25 and May 30.

Sheikh Maraya emphasized that acts of worship performed in Makkah carry multiplied rewards, with each good deed being rewarded 100,000 times by Allah. He warned pilgrims to avoid sinful behavior, noting that even contemplating a sin is recorded as if it were committed.

The cleric also urged pilgrims not to rush their departure, cautioning that such impatience is often instigated by Shaytan. Instead, he advised them to engage in voluntary prayers, recite the Quran, and make various supplications to maximize the spiritual benefits of their stay.

Furthermore, Sheikh Maraya called on pilgrims to pray for Nigeria and its leaders, particularly for an end to the security challenges facing the country. He commended Governor Uba Sani for ensuring smooth logistics and empowering the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, which contributed to a successful Hajj exercise.

The Chairman of Hong Local Government Council in Adamawa State, Inuwa Usman Wa’aganda, has raised an alarm over the persistent assaults by insurgents on rural communities within the area.

Hong has emerged as the most impacted local government in Adamawa due to insurgency over the past year, with several attacks recorded in the current month alone.

Speaking at a ceremony held in the Hong LGA headquarters to honor military personnel from the area, the council chairman demanded urgent and decisive measures to curb the insurgency menace.

“Our spirits are low due to the insecurity that overwhelms us,” Wa’aganda expressed, noting that “numerous communities have been uprooted. This situation is especially concerning as the planting season approaches and farmers are too scared to go back to their fields.”

He appealed to the honored military officers to collaborate, leverage their connections, and restore peace to their homeland.

The grand event celebrating both active and retired military and paramilitary officers from Hong was orchestrated by the Huba Chiefdom, the paramount traditional authority in the region.

In his address, the paramount ruler, Tol Huba Alheri Bulus Nyako, thanked God for the courageous military officers from the chiefdom. He stated, “You have brought prestige to us, and we take pride in you. We recognize your efforts, which is why we have chosen to honor you.”

However, the Tol Huba voiced sorrow over the repeated attacks by Boko Haram elements on his chiefdom in recent months, calling on the federal government to take decisive action to stop the threat.

The reception, held at the Hong Township Stadium, drew prominent individuals from diverse backgrounds, including elder statesmen from the chiefdom such as 82-year-old Major General Haldu Hananiya (retired), who presided as chairman.

Hananiya remarked that the recognition given to serving and retired military personnel, including those who lost their lives in service, serves as motivation for greater contributions to the nation.

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, represented by his Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Istifanus Babadoke, stated that the honorees deserve recognition for sacrificing their tranquility and sometimes their lives for Nigeria. He affirmed that Adamawa State is proud of these servicemen and women who have brought credit to the state.

Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s former foreign minister, has voiced unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu and his administration’s reform agenda. This comes amid reports that Tuggar’s remarks during a Hausa-language interview were taken out of context, suggesting disloyalty.

In a statement issued Sunday in Bauchi through his media representative, Abdulkadir Alkassim, Tuggar clarified that he never criticized or questioned the president. He described any contrary interpretations as deliberate falsehoods and distortions of his words.

The ex-minister emphasized his steadfast commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda and the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government, reiterating his loyalty to Tinubu as party leader.

Alkassim explained that Tuggar’s interview primarily addressed concerns over internal party processes in Bauchi State, advocating for transparency, fairness, and internal democracy. He stressed that party members should have the freedom to choose their candidates via credible and competitive elections.

The spokesman noted that Tuggar expressed discomfort over alleged moves by Health Minister Ali Pate to influence the APC gubernatorial process, rather than allowing aspirants to gauge their popularity with party members. Tuggar argued for an open contest where all interested candidates get a fair chance.

President Tinubu has directed political appointees seeking elective offices to resign within a specified period. Alkassim added that any aspirant willing to run is free to comply and seek the mandate of party members.

Tuggar believes addressing grievances and ensuring fairness will strengthen the APC in Bauchi State, boost unity, and position the party for future electoral success. He urged Tinubu and the APC leadership to consider stakeholders’ concerns and take steps to reinforce justice, inclusion, and party cohesion.

Concluding, Tuggar reaffirmed his support for Tinubu, dedication to party unity, and commitment to policies that promote development, prosperity, and good governance for Bauchi and Nigeria.

The prominent religious leader, Primate Elijah Ayodele of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has launched a scathing attack on Nigerian politicians following the abduction of students and teachers in Oyo State. In a statement issued on Sunday through his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, the cleric described the nation’s political elite as ruthless and demonic, asserting that they are indifferent to the plight of the people.

Ayodele emphasized that retribution will inevitably catch up with these politicians, as well as religious leaders who have compromised their integrity by aligning with the government and failing to speak out on critical issues. He questioned the effectiveness of Nigeria’s security apparatus, expressing bewilderment that authorities repeatedly ignore warnings about impending dangers.

The prophet stated, ‘Our politicians are heartless and satanic to the nation, and there is no way nemesis will not fight. Even our clerics have failed us, including security operatives. If it were an advanced country, we would have found a tangible solution by now.’ He further lamented that Nigeria seems out of sync with divine plans and that those in power often dismiss genuine solutions as foolishness.

Ayodele also criticized religious bodies such as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) for failing to confront the government with the truth. He warned President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action to avoid being humiliated out of office. Additionally, he rebuked Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for attending a political rally to ratify his presidential candidacy despite the abduction crisis in his state.

‘What is happening is a shame to CAN, PFN, Islamic bodies; God is not with this government, and if Tinubu doesn’t do all that is needed, he will be disgraced out of office,’ Ayodele declared. He noted that the government is missing the mark daily, and the governor of Oyo State has mishandled the situation. ‘The blood of the innocent is crying; it’s a disgrace to the Obas in Yoruba land. They are all bringing bitterness to our land,’ he added.

The cleric asserted that Tinubu has failed woefully on security and warned that if the abducted children die in captivity, the President should forget about a second term. He drew parallels with the tenure of former President Goodluck Jonathan, pointing out that similar security failures led to his downfall. Ayodele also called on pastors on the government’s payroll to stop their silence, revealing that his repeated warnings about Oyo State were ignored. ‘I had warned about Oyo like ten times in my video; I made mention of schools severally, but they didn’t listen,’ he said.