Category: News

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has declared that it will not bow to outside pressure as the internal dispute within its leadership enters its second week. This firm stance was taken during a meeting of its National Executive Committee (NEC).

Earlier, the suspended Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, claimed that the terms of four officials, including Secretary-General Murtala Aliyu, ended on March 10, 2026, and called for their resignations. However, the NEC, through spokesperson Prof. T. A. Muhammad-Baba, dismissed the BoT’s move as unlawful.

The crisis escalated when police sealed the ACF’s national secretariat in Kaduna ahead of a scheduled NEC meeting, citing the need to prevent disorder between the warring factions. In response, the NEC convened at an undisclosed location and suspended Dalhatu over alleged financial impropriety and constitutional violations, a decision the BoT rejected.

Over the weekend, BoT members accused Aliyu of fueling the rift and demanded he stop acting as Secretary-General, insisting his tenure had expired. Countering these claims on Monday, Prof. Muhammad-Baba issued a statement outlining the NEC’s resolutions from its March 6 meeting. The NEC warned that any person appointed to a committee or task by the BoT would be acting without legal backing, rendering such actions invalid.

The NEC condemned the police siege on the secretariat as an assault on the constitutional rights of groups in Northern Nigeria and beyond. It called for the immediate removal of police officers from the premises and disciplinary measures against those responsible. The committee also praised its members for remaining calm and law-abiding despite provocation.

In its statement, the NEC said, “The Chairman commended NEC members for their steadfastness and refusal to be manipulated or taken for granted. He urged continued unity to strengthen the collective voice of Northerners in national affairs.” The NEC approved the formation of a new Leadership Selection Committee and instructed the Chairman to implement it. It also passed a vote of confidence in the National Working Committee, urging them to adhere strictly to the ACF constitution.

The body affirmed that the ACF remains united and undeterred, calling on all Nigerians and Northerners to uphold the rule of law and reject impunity and tyranny.

In a sharp rebuttal, a prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) figure, Osita Okechukwu, has countered former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s dismissal of zoning as a political principle. Okechukwu, a founding member of the ruling party, declared that labeling zoning as counterproductive is nothing short of a refusal to accept reality.

The former Director General of Voice of Nigeria expressed dismay over Atiku’s comments, pointing out that the former VP himself has been a key beneficiary of the zoning arrangement in Nigerian politics. Okechukwu posed a pointed question: was it not the zoning convention that paved the way for Atiku’s vice presidency? He also reminded Atiku of his hasty departure from the PDP presidential primary in 2014 after Goodluck Jonathan clinched the ticket—a move that eventually led him to the APC.

Okechukwu lambasted Atiku’s argument that a southern opposition candidate would struggle to unseat a sitting southern president, calling it a regression to identity politics—the exact ailment zoning aims to cure. He noted that such rhetoric is unbecoming of a statesman.

Furthermore, Okechukwu took issue with Atiku’s calculation that by 2027, the South would have held the presidency for 18 years compared to the North’s 10. He accused Atiku of selective amnesia, citing the over 40 years of northern dominance since independence in 1960. Okechukwu stressed that equity cannot be dissected using convenient numbers; it demands a holistic view.

Senator Binos Dauda Yaroe, representing the Adamawa South district in the National Assembly, has openly criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC) for failing to deliver tangible development to his constituency. Despite earlier leaving the Peoples Democratic Party, he has firmly declined to join the APC, labeling the party as a failure when it comes to addressing the needs of his people.

During a recent public declaration in Numan, where he announced his re-election bid under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Yaroe emphasized that moving to the APC would have compromised his integrity. He stated that the party’s track record of neglecting the Adamawa South zone offers no basis for him to canvas support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The senator pointed to the long-pending bill to establish a Federal University of Education in Numan as a key example of the APC government’s indifference. After years of legislative effort and personal resources invested in the bill, it was ultimately denied presidential approval—a move Yaroe described as a major letdown for the region.

“If I were told that joining APC would secure the president’s assent to the university bill, I would have risked my political career for the benefit of my people,” Yaroe explained. “But after all the work we did in the Senate, the bill was rejected. How can I face my constituents and ask them to support APC? I have nothing to show them.”

He asserted that beyond the university issue, the southern part of Adamawa State, which comprises nine local government areas, remains one of the most underserved regions in the country. Yaroe also noted that he is among 15 senators who resisted pressure to defect to the APC.

“Senatorial representation is a sacred trust. I cannot abandon the people who elected me just to safeguard my own political ambitions,” he stated firmly.

The Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) has successfully obtained a court mandate for the temporary confiscation of assets and bank accounts linked to an alleged N8.58 billion fraudulent scheme. This development was announced on Monday in Lagos by the unit’s spokesperson, DSP Ovie Ewhubare.

Ewhubare revealed that the Federal High Court granted the forfeiture order in a case involving accusations of conspiracy, obtaining money through false pretenses, fraudulent conversion, theft, and money laundering. The affected parties include Plaude Technologies Ltd, Omberra Commodities Ltd, Olatomiwa Idowu, Osikoya Joshua, and Ibunkunoluwa Adebayo, along with multiple bank accounts tied to the investigation.

The inquiry began after the PSFU received a complaint from a financial institution, which alleged that the suspects had acquired funds through deceptive investment schemes and false representations. The police then carried out an extensive intelligence-driven probe involving several financial bodies and Nigeria’s central regulatory authority.

Initial findings indicated that Plaude Technologies Ltd lacked the necessary operational and financial capacity to fulfill commitments made to investors and business partners. Furthermore, authorities alleged that Osaretin Jonathan, identified as a director of the company, moved money across various accounts in what is suspected to be money laundering activities.

Based on these discoveries, the PSFU approached the court and secured an interim forfeiture order for the identified assets and accounts while investigations continue. The Commissioner of Police in charge of the PSFU, CP Eloho Okpoziakpo, praised the investigative team for their professionalism, dedication, and perseverance. He also reiterated the unit’s resolve to combat complex financial crimes and protect the integrity of Nigeria’s financial system.

In a coordinated early morning operation on May 10, 2026, troops from Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) stationed in Jimilari arrested three individuals allegedly aiding terrorist groups in Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State. The raids, which began around 6:10 a.m., targeted suspected hideouts in the communities of Binari, Chibi, and Andamin, following intelligence reports of criminal activities.

According to security sources, the suspects are believed to have been providing support to terrorist networks operating in the region. The military authorities confirmed that the individuals are now in custody and undergoing interrogation to uncover the full extent of their involvement and potential connections to larger criminal organizations.

The operation is part of ongoing clearance and intelligence-driven efforts by OPWS to dismantle support structures for insurgents and restore peace in vulnerable areas within Karim-Lamido. Troops have pledged to continue such raids until security is fully restored.

In a sharp critique, former APC Deputy Spokesperson Timi Frank has called on African leaders to sever ties with France, branding the European nation as exploitative. Speaking on Tuesday, Frank accused France of decades-long resource extraction without fostering genuine development across the continent.

His remarks come in the wake of the ongoing ‘Africa Forward: Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth Summit’ in Nairobi, Kenya, attended by French President Emmanuel Macron and several African heads of state, including Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Frank argued that despite Africa’s vast natural wealth, nations—especially in West Africa—have little to show for years of French influence. He pointed to recent political shifts in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger as evidence of what he termed France’s predatory relationship with its former colonies.

“France has no meaningful contribution left to offer Africa. African leaders must avoid any fresh agreements that could entangle the continent in renewed economic and political servitude,” Frank stated.

According to him, the military takeovers in several Francophone countries have shed light on what he described as a legacy of exploitation. “Since the coups in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, it has become clear to Africans that France was merely exploiting their people and resources, offering nothing substantial in return,” he said.

Frank further urged African leaders to pivot toward the United States instead of maintaining ties with France, suggesting that a new alignment could yield better outcomes for the continent.

The Jigawa State Police Command has issued a strong caution to politicians and young people, urging them to avoid any actions that could disrupt the electoral process. The warning, delivered by the command’s spokesperson, SP Lawan Shiisu Adam, comes as part of efforts to safeguard democratic principles.

Commissioner of Police Haruna Alaba Yahaya delivered the message during a stakeholder engagement tour across the Hadejia Emirate. He highlighted offenses such as political violence, snatching of ballot boxes, vote buying, hate speech, illegal campaigning, and destruction of campaign materials as serious threats to peace.

The CP noted that his visit aligns with directives from the Inspector-General of Police to strengthen community policing and bolster security collaborations with local communities. During a meeting with the Emir of Hadejia, Abubakar Adamu Maje, the commissioner discussed prevailing security challenges and called for continued partnership between traditional institutions and law enforcement.

He also met with local government chairmen in Hadejia and Kafin Hausa to address security concerns, and engaged community leaders, youth groups, religious figures, vigilante members, and other stakeholders on maintaining peace. The commissioner urged residents to support security agencies by providing credible intelligence and actively participating in community policing initiatives.

Following a recent disturbance in Galauceme Village, Miga Local Government Area, CP Yahaya visited the community and advised residents to resolve conflicts through lawful means and embrace peaceful coexistence. Other issues addressed during the tour included homicide, mob violence, rape, drug abuse, farmer-herder clashes, traffic violations, illegal deforestation, and youth unrest.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and assured the public of sustained efforts to combat all forms of criminality.

Resident Bishop Ande Emmanuel of the United Methodist Church Nigeria has called for peace and restraint following the Federal High Court’s decision to reject a stay of execution application filed by the Global Methodist Church Nigeria. In a statement from Jalingo, he urged members to avoid inflammatory language, intimidation, or any actions that could threaten public order or damage the church’s testimony.

Bishop Emmanuel described the court ruling as a significant validation of the church’s rightful continuity and trusteeship, reinforcing confidence in the judiciary and the rule of law. He expressed gratitude for the outcome while cautioning against triumphalism or hostility.

The bishop acknowledged that the period leading up to the judgment was marked by uncertainty, emotional distress, misinformation, and institutional tension for many church members, clergy, and congregations. He commended them for their steadfast commitment to peace, lawful engagement, and Christian witness through prayer and patience.

He also thanked clergy, laity, district superintendents, conference leaders, legal teams, ecumenical partners, and the global Methodist community for their support during the legal proceedings. International partners and advocates for peaceful resolution were also recognized.

Appealing for calm across church communities, Bishop Emmanuel warned against actions that could escalate tensions. He stated that legal disagreements must not be allowed to damage relationships, communities, or the church’s spiritual mission. The focus should now shift from litigation to healing, rebuilding, and strengthening ministry activities such as evangelism, discipleship, support for the vulnerable, education, healthcare, peacebuilding, and youth empowerment.

The bishop emphasized that the church must remain a beacon of hope amid Nigeria’s social, economic, and security challenges, serving as an instrument of compassion, unity, and hope. He reaffirmed respect for the constitutional rights of all parties and encouraged those with grievances to pursue them peacefully within the law.

In a recent prophecy, the leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has cautioned that President Bola Tinubu will face stiff international resistance in his bid for re-election in 2027. Ayodele, as conveyed by his media aide Osho Oluwatosin, asserted that while Tinubu has the capability to outmaneuver local opposition parties, his real challenge stems from the global community.

According to Ayodele, several influential nations and blocs, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, are poised to back the opposition to ensure Tinubu is not returned to power. He emphasized that these international players are ready to collaborate with domestic parties to effect a change in leadership.

The cleric noted that Tinubu’s determination to secure victory is formidable. He stated that the president is prepared to go to any lengths to win, warning that opposition parties must brace for a tough fight. Ayodele stressed that dividing the opposition would only strengthen the ruling party’s hand, urging a united front against Tinubu.

He further explained, “Anyone wishing to defeat Tinubu must adopt a radical approach, as he will not make it easy. The president is ready for any battle to retain power. The opposition cannot afford to remain fragmented; a divided front will guarantee failure.”

Ayodele reiterated that the only path to unseating Tinubu is through a cohesive opposition strategy. He cautioned that without unity, the opposition’s efforts would be futile, as the incumbent would exploit any divisions to his advantage.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, who also serves as the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has praised elder statesman and Afenifere leader Reuben Fasoranti as a source of pride for Nigeria and a valuable national treasure. In a message marking Fasoranti’s 100th birthday, the Sultan highlighted the centenarian’s enduring impact on the nation’s development. The statement, released through Prince Bashir Adefaka on behalf of the Sultan, emphasized that Fasoranti’s exceptional longevity and sustained significance throughout Nigeria’s political evolution—before, during, and after the era of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo—are evidence of a life dedicated to exemplary service and leadership. The Sultan specifically noted Fasoranti’s groundbreaking role as the first principal of Anglican Grammar School, Iju-Itaogbolu in Akure North in 1957, as well as his tenure as Commissioner for Finance under the late Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin in the old Ondo State. According to the Sultan, Chief Fasoranti has served Nigeria with unwavering dedication, and it is only appropriate that the nation continues to honor him as one of its most distinguished elder statesmen. He urged all Nigerians who believe in the country’s unity, peace, and progress to keep celebrating and praying for Fasoranti, asking God to grant him continued strength and good health. The Sultan extended his congratulations to Fasoranti’s family, associates, admirers, and all supporters of peace and unity, praying that Almighty God continues to bless him and make him a greater blessing to Ondo State, where he has made significant contributions to nation-building, and to Nigeria as a whole.