Category: News

Blessing Fubara, the governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Rivers State, has firmly stated that he does not have a godfather, but only God the Father. He made this declaration while appearing on Arise Television’s Prime Time program on Friday night.

Fubara emphasized that his vision and focus for the state are not influenced by any political godfather, unlike the perception some people have. He addressed rumors linking his political aspirations to Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State, clarifying that they hold different political ideologies and perspectives.

“I don’t have a godfather; I have God the Father,” Fubara said. “If my ambition were based on the narratives being spread, it would mean I lack a clear vision and focus. My brother and I have distinct political views. Nigerians and the world witnessed what transpired between him and his party. We are in a challenging period in Rivers State, with various narratives being pushed to shape public opinion. However, we remain focused on rescuing the soul of Rivers State.”

The candidate further stressed that his campaign is driven by a genuine desire to serve the people, not by any external influence. He urged Rivers residents to look beyond the distractions and support a movement that prioritizes the state’s welfare.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has strongly denied allegations of orchestrating violence ahead of the August 15 governorship election. In a statement released on Friday, the party accused the Accord Party and some lawmakers of fabricating stories to tarnish its image.

Kola Olabisi, the APC’s Director of Media and Information, emphasized that claims linking the party, its candidate Bola Oyebamiji, and former governor Adegboyega Oyetola to violent acts are baseless. He urged the public to ignore what he described as frivolous accusations designed to sway public opinion during the campaign period.

The APC rejected reports of attacks on political opponents and allegations that vehicles were being labeled with Accord Party logos to incite unrest. The party insisted that its candidate, known as AMBO, is committed to a peaceful campaign and lawful electoral victory.

“Oyebamiji is a man of peace who does not need violence to win an election,” the statement read. The APC also expressed confidence in its chances, citing strong voter dissatisfaction with the current administration under Governor Ademola Adeleke.

The party claimed that the accusations are a distraction from the challenges faced by its rivals and an attempt to generate sympathy. Reaffirming its dedication to non-violence, the APC said it would never resort to violence under any circumstances and called on residents to remain vigilant.

Earlier on Friday, Accord Party lawmakers, led by Speaker Adewale Egbedun, had called for the redeployment of Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan over alleged bias. They accused the APC of planning pre-election violence.

In a significant political development, Atiku Abubakar, the presidential flagbearer of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has officially selected Chibuike Amaechi, the former Minister of Transportation, as his vice-presidential running mate for the upcoming election. This decision was confirmed on Saturday by Leader Sampson, the immediate past chairman of the ADC in Rivers State, during a conversation with DAILY POST.

Amaechi had previously contested the ADC presidential primary but lost to Abubakar. Following the primaries, some aggrieved party members alleged that the process was manipulated in favor of Atiku, a claim that Amaechi himself vehemently disputed. Earlier, Amaechi had publicly stated that he did not purchase the ADC presidential nomination form with the intention of becoming a vice-presidential candidate.

When asked directly whether Amaechi had accepted the role of running mate, Sampson simply responded in the affirmative, signaling an end to the speculation that had surrounded the choice of a second-in-command for the ADC ticket.

Aloy Ejimakor, the legal representative of Nnamdi Kanu, the convicted leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has declared that the Igbo people will never overlook the injustices they endured after the Nigerian Civil War. He specifically referenced the seizure of their assets and the controversial £20 compensation scheme.

In a post shared on X on Saturday, Ejimakor challenged the assumption that the Igbo have moved past the humiliation and unfair treatment they experienced in the postwar period. He stated, ‘It appears some individuals believe Ndigbo have gotten over the disgrace and unfairness of having their properties taken and being given merely £20 following the Civil War. Let me be clear: Ndigbo will NEVER get over these wrongs until they are addressed.’

While the lawyer did not elaborate on the additional grievances he alluded to, his remarks come at a time when discussions about historical wrongs, national healing, and the status of the South-East region have gained renewed attention. Since the war ended in 1970, many Igbo citizens who had bank accounts before the conflict reportedly received a uniform £20 payout, regardless of the original amounts they had deposited, a decision that has sparked decades of debate.

Ejimakor is among the lead attorneys defending Nnamdi Kanu, the IPOB leader who was recently found guilty on terrorism-related charges filed by the Nigerian government.

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.