Category: News

Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, has asserted that President Bola Tinubu and his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, have fundamentally different approaches to governance, despite both being members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking on The Mic On Podcast on Sunday, Oshiomhole criticized the previous administration, noting that Tinubu could not openly critique Buhari’s government because he played a key role in helping Buhari secure the presidency.

The lawmaker recalled his statement during Tinubu’s 2022 presidential campaign, where he declared that the former Lagos governor would not base his campaign on Buhari’s achievements. “I said during Tinubu’s campaign that Asiwaju would not run on the record of Buhari,” Oshiomhole stated.

He explained that although Buhari was still in office at the time, Tinubu intended to run on his own merits because he was not part of Buhari’s administration. “Tinubu did not even have the opportunity to nominate anyone into Buhari’s government. President Tinubu has a sophisticated mind. He had to speak as a statesman; he cannot disown his predecessor, but I can do so,” Oshiomhole added.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has dismissed former Minister Rotimi Amaechi’s assertion that he was instrumental in making Muhammadu Buhari president in 2015. Oshiomhole, the lawmaker representing Edo North, alleged that Amaechi did not even cast his ballot for Buhari in that election.

Speaking on The Mic On Podcast on Sunday, Oshiomhole claimed that Amaechi, as Director-General of Buhari’s campaign, instructed his supporters in Rivers State to boycott the polls. According to Oshiomhole, Amaechi was intimidated by former Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike and yielded to his influence.

Oshiomhole said, “Amaechi is lying when he claims he made Buhari president. The truth is, he couldn’t vote for Buhari in 2015 because he was overwhelmed by Wike’s forces. He told his people not to vote.”

Amaechi had previously stated on Arise TV that he, not Bola Tinubu, was responsible for Buhari’s victory. Oshiomhole’s comments challenge that narrative, suggesting Amaechi’s role was limited due to his inability to secure votes in Rivers State.

Following extensive deliberations among party stakeholders, the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially selected Mrs. Kudirat Adegunwa-Balogun as its deputy governorship candidate for the 2027 elections. The announcement came during an emergency strategic caucus meeting convened by Governor Dapo Abiodun at the party’s secretariat in Abeokuta on Sunday.

Governor Abiodun revealed that the choice was made after consultations with key leaders and stakeholders, emphasizing that the party prioritized gender parity and religious inclusivity in the selection process. He explained that since the governorship candidate hails from the Ogun West Senatorial District, it was only fair for the deputy to come from Ogun East. After reviewing candidates from various local governments in the district and seeking broad input, the party settled on Adegunwa-Balogun, who is from Ososa town in Odogbolu Local Government Area.

Governor Abiodun noted that while the decision had been accepted in principle, formal ratification by the party’s broader body remained pending. He presented the nominee to the caucus, stating, “Today, I am pleased to introduce Mrs. Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa-Balogun, who, by the grace of God, will serve as our deputy governor.”

The governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, expressed gratitude to the governor for the inclusive approach to candidate selection. He disclosed that 17 aspirants had vied for the deputy slot, all of whom were highly qualified, but the party had to make a single choice. Adeola also highlighted that Adegunwa-Balogun is the daughter of Chief Sulaiman Adegunwa, a prominent businessman and the Asiwaju of Ijebuland.

In her acceptance speech, Adegunwa-Balogun thanked the governor, party leaders, and the governorship candidate for their confidence in her. She stated that she views the nomination not as a mere support but as a call to duty and a privilege to serve the people of Ogun State.

Earlier, Ogun APC Chairman Yemi Sanusi praised the governor’s wisdom in steering the primary process, which he noted is still ongoing. Among those present at the meeting were Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare Iziaq Salako, National Sports Commission Director-General Bukola Olopade, Speaker of the State House of Assembly Oludaisi Elemide, the Secretary to the State Government, and members of the Governor’s Elders Advisory Council. Notably, Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele was absent.

Phrank Shaibu, the Special Assistant on Public Communication to Atiku Abubakar, who is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has stated that the departure of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi from the ADC does not constitute a loss for the party. Speaking during an interview on Trust TV, Shaibu remarked that Obi is simply enjoying himself in the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

Shaibu’s comments come after Obi left the ADC last month, alongside former New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate Rabi’u Kwankwaso, to join the NDC. The move was attributed to internal conflicts and ongoing legal battles within the ADC.

According to Shaibu, Obi’s exit is not detrimental to the ADC. He described Obi as having found a comfortable spot in the NDC, where he is merely having fun. Shaibu also highlighted the unusual structure of the NDC, noting that the party has what is called an office of the Supreme Leader. He expressed surprise at never having seen or heard of the party’s chairman or secretary, only hearing from the Supreme Leader.

Nigeria’s security crisis is escalating to a point where high-ranking government officials may become prime targets of criminal gangs, according to former Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.). He made this alarming statement in response to the recent killing of retired Major General Abubakar Rabe by bandits.

Buratai described the murder of a top military figure as a grave escalation, highlighting the increased audacity of these groups. He warned that without immediate intervention, the threat could expand beyond soldiers and ordinary citizens. “If this trajectory continues unchecked, the next victims might not be limited to military personnel or civilians. They could be ministers, senators, and even state governors. No leader will be safe,” he stressed.

The retired general emphasized that the incident should act as a stark wake-up call for the nation, as insecurity worsens despite repeated alerts from security analysts. He recalled his 2021 forecast that insurgency and banditry could persist for years without decisive action. “Today, we are witnessing the grim realization of that prediction. The abduction, torture, and subsequent killing of Major General Rabe Abubakar is not just a tragedy—it signifies a perilous new phase,” Buratai stated.

He noted that armed groups now operate with enhanced intelligence, superior weaponry, and growing self-assurance, posing a significant risk to national security. Buratai criticized the ongoing reliance on ransom payments and negotiations with criminals, advocating instead for a robust military response. “The current reactive approach—paying ransoms and negotiating with outlaws—must stop. It’s time for a full-scale, coordinated military and intelligence offensive,” he declared.

Additionally, Buratai proposed the establishment of a unified security command with direct authority over all security agencies in high-risk states to eliminate bureaucratic delays. He urged authorities to track down and prosecute individuals who aid criminal networks through illegal mining, ransom negotiations, and other forms of collaboration. “Bandits do not thrive solely on weapons. They depend on networks of corrupt intermediaries, illegal miners, ransom brokers, and local accomplices. These individuals must be identified, arrested, and prosecuted. The price of supporting terrorism should become unbearable,” he asserted.

Buratai concluded that only a unified national response can prevent further deterioration of the security situation and restore public confidence.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde received a visit from Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed on Sunday at his private residence in Ibadan. The visit was to express condolences over the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

Accompanying the Bauchi governor were leaders from the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), including National Chairman Alhaji Yusuf Mamman Dantalle and the party’s Bauchi governorship candidate, Dr. Yakubu Adamu.

During the meeting, Governor Bala Mohammed emphasized that the purpose of the visit was to demonstrate solidarity with the Oyo State government and the families impacted by the kidnapping. He also called for a thorough reassessment of Nigeria’s security framework, highlighting the necessity for improved coordination among security agencies and enhanced collaboration between citizens and law enforcement to bolster safety.

Mohammed commended Makinde’s efforts to secure the return of the kidnapped individuals and expressed optimism that the victims would be released soon. He linked the prevalence of insecurity to factors such as poverty, ineffective governance, and economic difficulties, urging the public to remain vigilant and to refrain from sharing information with criminal elements.

The Bauchi governor further stressed the importance of credible leadership at all levels in tackling the nation’s security and developmental issues. He also extended congratulations to Makinde on his political role within the APM, describing him as a visionary and energetic leader.

Officials present to receive Bala Mohammed included the Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde; the Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Hon. Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola; and the Senior Executive Assistant on General Duties, Chief Bayo Lawal.

The Anambra State Government has officially stated that a 10-year-old boy, who was reportedly assaulted by his guardian in Awada, Obosi, located in Idemili North Local Government Area, is now under protective care.

A disturbing video that went viral on social media depicted the minor with severe burns and bruises across his body, which were allegedly inflicted by his female guardian and her husband.

Although no explanation for the abuse has been provided, another viral clip showed residents of Awada, Obosi, storming the guardian’s home, with angry women confronting and condemning the couple for their alleged torture of the child.

In a statement on social media, the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs. Esther Chinyere Onyekesi, confirmed that the boy has been placed in protective custody. “I want to express my gratitude to the compassionate people of Anambra State for bringing this matter to our attention. The boy is currently receiving medical treatment. My team, along with the Obosi community women leader, visited him,” she said.

The commissioner added, “The perpetrators must face the full force of the law for this heinous act. If you witness something, please speak up.”

It remains unclear whether the woman responsible for the abuse has been handed over to law enforcement authorities.

Nigerian entrepreneur Isaac Fayose has raised serious doubts about the circumstances surrounding the recovery of former Nigerian Army spokesman Major General Abubakar Rabe’s body after his death in captivity. In a video posted on his Facebook page, Fayose questioned how authorities managed to retrieve the remains so quickly and without a proper autopsy.

According to reports, the retired general was kidnapped by terrorists weeks ago and died on Saturday while still in their custody. The Katsina State Government stated that he succumbed to complications from pre-existing health conditions, and he was buried shortly after. However, many are puzzled by the swift recovery of his body.

Fayose, expressing suspicion of foul play, declared that the country is beyond repair. He asked, ‘How did they know where to pick up the body? Who informed them of his death? The family attributed his death to diabetes and hypertension, but who conducted the autopsy? How can they be certain?’

He drew a comparison to a recent case in Oyo, where a school teacher was beheaded, yet the body has not been released to this day. ‘They couldn’t release the man alive, but they released his body for burial. Meanwhile, the teacher’s body remains unreleased. The more you look, the less you see. Nigeria is finished.’

In response to the escalating wave of violence across Nigeria, the Apostolic Church Nigeria in Umuahia, Abia State, participated in the Christian Association of Nigeria’s (CAN) nationwide ‘Black Sunday’ observance. This event marked the conclusion of a three-day period of national mourning and prayer called by CAN to address the surge in killings, kidnappings, and other violent crimes.

During the service, Apostle Joseph Okoroafor, Deputy Territorial Chairman of The Apostolic Church Nigeria (TACN) for Igboland Territory, delivered a sermon emphasizing the urgent need for collective Christian prayer. He highlighted the worsening security situation and economic hardship, noting that travel has become perilous and the cost of living has skyrocketed, leaving many unable to afford two meals a day.

Apostle Okoroafor called on Christians to intercede for Nigeria’s leaders and military personnel fighting insurgents. He lamented the daily loss of innocent lives without explanation and urged citizens to remain vigilant. He also appealed to the federal government to provide better equipment for the military to effectively combat bandits.

The service underscored CAN’s directive for churches nationwide to dedicate Sunday as a day of solemn reflection and prayer against the nation’s security challenges. The event in Umuahia was part of a broader effort to unite Christians in seeking divine intervention for peace and stability.

In a new development, Isyaka Rabe, the son of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar (retired), has openly contradicted the Katsina State Government’s assertion that his father died from diabetes. Speaking to Deutsche Welle on Sunday, Isyaka dismissed the official narrative as inaccurate.

According to Isyaka, speculation has circulated that the general might have succumbed to a snake bite, based on a kidnappers’ video. However, he emphasized that only a higher power truly knows the cause of death. He stated, “I genuinely do not accept the diabetes story. From our perspective, it was a heart attack. His legs were tied, and some say he was walking; only God knows the truth.”

When questioned about how the family received his father’s remains, Isyaka admitted he had no details on the recovery process, branding his father a hero. He added, “When I announced the funeral prayer time, many asked about the body’s return. I told them I was unaware and suggested they ask the government.”

Isyaka further revealed that his mother, who was abducted alongside the general, remains in captivity, contradicting social media reports of her release.