Author: Gabby

Primate Elijah Ayodele, the head of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has issued a strong demand to the Nigerian government. In a video message that reached the public, the cleric urged authorities to either set free the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, or take similar action against Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi.

Ayodele expressed bewilderment over what he sees as a double standard. He questioned why Nnamdi Kanu remains in custody while Sheikh Gumi, who he claims makes comparable statements, is allowed to move freely. He asserted that this inconsistency undermines the government’s credibility.

The spiritual leader warned that the current situation could lead to public unrest. He predicted that if the government does not treat both individuals equally, protests against President Bola Tinubu’s administration are inevitable. According to Ayodele, only by arresting Gumi can the government prove its seriousness and fairness.

The cleric’s remarks were made during a church service and have since sparked discussions online. The video of his statement is available for viewing.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has selected Ahunna Eziakonwa, a Nigerian national, to serve as his new Special Adviser on Africa. The announcement came on Friday, marking a significant appointment for the continent.

Eziakonwa steps into the role succeeding Cristina Duarte from Cabo Verde. Guterres expressed gratitude for Duarte’s dedicated service and commitment to the organization during her tenure.

With nearly three decades of experience within the United Nations system, Eziakonwa brings a wealth of leadership to her new position. She currently holds the posts of UN Assistant Secretary-General, Assistant Administrator, and Director of the Regional Bureau for Africa at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). In these capacities, she oversees UN support to 46 African nations in achieving Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals, alongside the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Since 2018, she has been instrumental in shaping UNDP’s strategic approach to economic and political development across Africa. Her background encompasses the full spectrum of UN operations on the continent.

Previously, Eziakonwa served as UN Resident Coordinator, Humanitarian Coordinator, and UNDP Resident Representative in three countries: Ethiopia, Uganda, and Lesotho. In these roles, she coordinated humanitarian efforts, development strategies, and political engagement. She also led the Africa Section at the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) in New York, managing humanitarian operations across 15 African countries. During critical periods, she held senior positions in Liberia and Sierra Leone.

At UN Headquarters, she contributed to peacekeeping, political analysis, and strategic communications regarding UN engagement in Africa, working with the Departments of Peacekeeping Operations, Political Affairs, and Public Information. Before joining the UN, she worked with several African civil society organizations.

Eziakonwa holds a Master’s degree in International Affairs, with a focus on African economic and political development, from Columbia University in New York. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Pedagogy, English, and Literary Studies from the University of Benin in Nigeria. Fluent in Igbo and English, she also speaks Yoruba fluently and has a working knowledge of French.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has confirmed that the schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area are being held in the Old Oyo National Park. The governor made this known on Friday while providing an update on the rescue mission, nearly four weeks after the abduction.

During coordinated attacks on schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities on May 15, 2026, the victims were taken away. Makinde stated that security agencies are making concerted efforts to ensure their safe return.

According to intelligence reports, the abductees remain within the expansive Old Oyo National Park, which covers approximately 2,500 square kilometers across ten local government areas in the state. The governor highlighted that the park’s vast and rugged terrain poses significant operational challenges for security personnel, requiring careful planning and sustained coordination for a successful rescue.

Makinde assured residents that all credible leads are being pursued and lawful measures deployed to rescue the victims unharmed. He urged the public to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities via the state’s toll-free emergency number, 615.

The governor also cautioned against spreading unverified information, as misinformation could jeopardize ongoing operations. He called on residents to support security agencies with useful information and keep the abducted students and teachers in their prayers.

Makinde explained, “Our security reports indicate that they remain within the wider Old Oyo National Park axis. This is a vast area that stretches across parts of ten local government areas, covering about 2,500 square kilometres. I mention this not to discourage anyone, but to help us understand the scale of the challenge. This issue concerns all of us. The terrain requires patience, coordination, and persistence. Vigilance from the public remains extremely important.”

In a recent development, Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni has officially announced the appointment of Alhaji Yerima Ibn Mahmud as the new Emir of Ngazargamu. This decision was disclosed in a statement released on Friday by the Acting Secretary to the State Government, Mohammed Goje.

The appointment comes after the passing of the previous Emir, Alhaji Tijjani Ibn Saleh Geidam, who died in Egypt following a long illness and was laid to rest in Damaturu on the same day.

Prior to his elevation, the newly appointed Mai Ngazargamu had held the traditional title of Turakin Ngazargamu for 16 years. He has also served as a member of the Yobe State House of Assembly and held various positions in the State Executive Council, including Commissioner for Livestock Development.

Governor Buni extended his congratulations to the new Emir and the Ngazargamu Emirate, encouraging him to leverage his vast experience to foster unity, promote peace, ensure harmonious coexistence, and drive economic progress within the emirate, Yobe State, and Nigeria at large.

The governor also urged the community to rally behind the new Emir, enabling him to serve diligently and effectively for the betterment of all, ensuring peace, unity, and prosperity in the emirate.

The Spiritual Director of the Adoration Ministry, Enugu Nigeria (AMEN), Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, has finally addressed his past association with former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi. During a church program on Friday, Mbaka responded to criticisms from Obi’s supporters, claiming he took substantial risks on Obi’s behalf, especially during his impeachment as governor.

Mbaka asserted that he was instrumental in the behind-the-scenes efforts to gather documents and restore Obi after the impeachment. He emphasized that many of those now publicly backing Obi were absent during that trying period. He cited individuals such as Chris Uba and Cletus Ibeto as witnesses to the events that unfolded in the inner circles where decisions were made.

The cleric stressed that his actions were driven by a commitment to his people, positioning himself as a solution rather than a source of trouble. He questioned the claims that he had failed to support Obi, highlighting that the risks he took were unparalleled.

Mbaka’s words: “Listen, when Peter Obi was impeached as a governor, Peter Obi is still alive, all the midnight movement made to gather the documents to bring him back, father Mbaka! How did I not help me? I’m not a problem to him. If he comes to bazaar and didn’t want to do anything, is it a problem?”

He further stated that the level of support he provided is unmatched by current supporters. “All I did for Peter, none of these people crying Obi, Obi… can’t do one out of hundred of what I did for Peter Obi. The risk I took for him when he was impeached as a governor, 99.9 per cent of those who were following him abandoned him. If the corpse starts smelling, we will know those that love the deceased when he was alive.”

Mbaka concluded by urging doubters to consult Chris Uba and Cletus Ibeto, who were in the inner room where crucial decisions were made. “People will just be making mouth, talking what they don’t know. I mean a lot for my people. I love my people. I’m a solution not a problem.”

During a recent address in Washington, D.C., Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2027 elections, made a bold commitment. He stated that upon assuming office, he would order the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Obi argued that Kanu’s detention is unjustifiable, as his actions—primarily verbal insults on Radio Biafra—do not constitute a criminal offense.

The former governor of Anambra State emphasized that free speech should not be criminalized. He noted that as a politician, he is often subjected to name-calling, but he does not consider such behavior a crime. Obi believes that the government should engage rather than imprison agitators, asserting that dialogue is essential for understanding their grievances. However, he acknowledged that currently, he lacks the authority to act on these principles.

Nnamdi Kanu is currently serving a life sentence at Sokoto Correctional Centre. Obi’s pledge comes amid ongoing debates about Nigeria’s handling of separatist movements and the balance between national security and civil liberties.

The Commissioner of Police for Abia State Command, CP Danlandi Isa, has issued a mandate for all police personnel in the command to impound any vehicle operating without number plates or with obscured plates. He further instructed that thorough investigations be carried out on these vehicles and that cases be prosecuted in court without delay.

This directive was announced on Thursday in Umuahia during a briefing with strategic commanders. The briefing covered the outcomes of a recent senior officers’ conference and directives from the Inspector-General of Police at Force Headquarters in Abuja.

CP Isa informed that the order originates from Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu. He called on Area Commanders, DPOs, VCRU Commanders, and HoDs to be proactive in securing Abia State, urging officers to actively pursue criminals and avoid complacency, especially during the rainy season when criminal activities tend to increase.

The Commissioner praised officers for their dedication in maintaining law and order but encouraged them to do more by being civil, professional, and respectful in their duties. He stressed the importance of adhering to human rights, including protecting the rights of suspects under investigation, and emphasized intelligence-led investigations.

CP Isa also reminded strategic officers to maintain high discipline and constantly remind personnel of the guidelines for using firearms as per Force Order 237.

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has stated that while the nation grapples with persistent security threats, ultimate resolution hinges on divine intervention. In a recent interview with BBC Hausa, he emphasized that the battle against insecurity requires not only collective human effort but also prayers to God.

The country has seen a surge in violent attacks, including school abductions and displacement of communities. For instance, armed assailants attacked three schools in Oyo State, kidnapping 39 students and seven teachers. Similarly, in Borno State, 42 pupils were taken from their school in Mussa, Askira-Uba Local Government Area.

Matawalle described insecurity as a national crisis demanding collaboration between security agencies and the public. He urged citizens to back the government and security forces, and to pray for peace. He cautioned politicians against using the situation to score political points, stressing that insecurity does not discriminate by political affiliation or religion.

The minister expressed dismay over the country’s security predicament, calling for unity to ensure that security operatives and citizens work together to overcome the challenge. He noted that no Nigerian is happy about the situation, and opposition members should stop exploiting it to incite the public.

He lamented that some opposition figures seem pleased with the crisis, as they care more about painting the government as a failure for their political gain. Matawalle reiterated that only God can bring an end to the insecurity, alongside collective prayers and efforts. He warned against circulating old and misleading videos to suggest the failure of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, clarifying that insecurity is not unique to Nigeria and that security forces are working tirelessly to crush terrorists.

On Democracy Day, a civil society organization, the Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN), has called on President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action by declaring a state of emergency regarding Nigeria’s escalating security challenges.

The organization’s Akwa Ibom State Director, Otuekong Franklyn Isong, made this appeal during CHRAN’s June 12 Annual Public Lecture, themed “The Dangers of Vote Selling in a Democracy.” He voiced deep concern over recent mass abductions in schools in Borno and Oyo States, urging the President to secure the swift release of all kidnapped students and teachers.

Isong stated, “CHRAN urges President Tinubu to treat the security crisis as a matter of urgent national importance by declaring a state of emergency. We call for a comprehensive overhaul and decentralization of Nigeria’s security architecture, granting greater authority to state governments.”

He also emphasized the need for collaboration between citizens and security agencies, reminding the public that security is a shared responsibility. Furthermore, he criticized the underperformance of certain local government councils in Akwa Ibom, urging chairmen to initiate projects that directly benefit the people.

Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Isong appealed to politicians to conduct their campaigns with decorum and responsibility. He encouraged voters to make choices based on personal conviction rather than financial inducements.

Professor Enefiok Essien, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo and keynote speaker, condemned the widespread practice of vote buying, warning that it undermines democracy and good governance. He stressed the need for civic education to discourage vote selling. Attributing the problem partly to poverty, he urged government at all levels to diversify the economy and create jobs.

Essien also called on security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to actively combat vote trading. He recommended that voting cubicles be positioned away from public view, and that mobile phones be banned inside voting areas to prevent voters from photographing their ballots as proof for buyers.

Dr. Udeme Nana reflected on the free and fair elections of June 12, 1993, urging political leaders and citizens to revive those democratic values. He noted, “June 12 was a turning point when Nigerians voted based on merit, not ethnic lines. No votes were bought or sold. Let us reenact that spirit in 2027.”