The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has raised alarm over what it describes as a pattern of lopsided federal appointments by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing the administration of favoring the Southwest region at the expense of Nigeria’s five other geopolitical zones. In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, the NEF alleged that the president’s appointments since assuming office in October 2023 violate the Nigerian Constitution and undermine national unity. Citing Chapter 2, Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution, the forum reminded the federal government that the composition of the government and its agencies must reflect Nigeria’s…
Author: Ifeanyi N.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has addressed growing concerns over recent political realignments and defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), reaffirming the democratic rights of association and expression. In a statement on Thursday, Atiku emphasized that these rights are non-negotiable pillars of democracy. “Freedom of association and expression are not optional in a democracy; they are fundamental rights,” he said, stressing that the rule of law, credible elections, and accountability must be upheld to sustain democratic governance. The PDP presidential candidate in the 2023 elections also responded to criticism surrounding his recent…
Gunmen suspected to be Fulani bandits attacked a newly-wedded couple on Wednesday night in Akaleku village, Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, shooting the husband and abducting his wife. The attack occurred at about 11:00 p.m. at the couple’s residence along the Lafia/Makurdi Highway, according to eyewitness accounts. An eyewitness told journalists that the assailants stormed the home under the cover of darkness, opened fire on the man, and whisked his wife away to an unknown destination. The couple, who were said to have married on April 12, were reportedly still in the early days of their honeymoon when…
A 30-year-old herder, Muazu Anaruwa, was reportedly killed by suspected bandits who also made away with 40 cows in Kogon Dutse village, located in the Old Muri district of Taraba State. According to security reports obtained by counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, the incident occurred on April 22 but came to public attention after Muazu failed to return from grazing. His father, Alhaji Audu Anaruwa, raised the alarm by reporting him missing, prompting a search operation by security personnel. Muazu’s lifeless body was later discovered in a grazing field by police officers, bearing gunshot wounds. All the livestock under his care…
Former National Vice Chairman (North West) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Salihu Lukman, has described the defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Delta governor Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa to the APC as “expected. Lukman, who made the remark on Thursday in Abuja while reacting to the development, said the coalition of opposition political parties would not be bothered by their defection or that of any other Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governor. According to him, the coalition had been aware that some PDP governors were already working closely with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “You also know the…
National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has revealed that more governors from opposition parties are expected to defect to the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections. Ganduje made the disclosure on Thursday in Abuja while receiving a delegation of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leaders from Kano State, led by Senator Kawu Ismailia, who represents Kano South. This comes a day after Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, along with his cabinet members, state legislators, federal lawmakers, and local government chairmen, formally joined the APC. Also defecting was Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, the 2023 vice-presidential…
Former Senate President and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Bukola Saraki, has expressed optimism that the main opposition party will bounce back stronger, despite recent defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). In a statement released on Thursday, Saraki reacted to the defection of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, who formally joined the APC on Wednesday, describing it as a necessary moment of clarity for the party. “Those who wish to leave the party should leave now,” Saraki stated. “Let the faithful ones concentrate on rebuilding and refocusing the PDP to provide a better alternative for…
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed the commencement of an investigation into a sexual assault allegation filed by Miss Ebunoluwa Mitchell Fatoyinbo against one Oscar Ilochi, a resident of the Apo Legislative Quarters in Abuja. The development follows a viral social media report that claimed the victim, Fatoyinbo, is a relative of President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu. However, the police have clarified that no such connection was referenced in the official complaint or investigation. In a statement issued on Wednesday by the FCT Police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, the Command stated that the matter is under active…
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has cautioned members of the public to be vigilant when dealing with land vendors in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, following the arrest of a suspected fraudster, Nwobo Williams Chibuike. Chibuike was apprehended for allegedly defrauding several individuals through the sale of fictitious plots of land in Kurudu, Sabon Lugbe East Extension, Kpeyegyi, and Jikoyi Village Extension, all within the FCT. In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale warned against the activities of itinerant land marketers in the FCT. He revealed that Chibuike, posing as the Managing…
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The defection was confirmed on Wednesday following a closed-door meeting held at the Government House in Asaba. According to a statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the decision to join the ruling party came after “wide consultations with political stakeholders and in the interest of Delta’s long-term development.” Governor Oborevwori, who was elected under the PDP platform in the 2023 gubernatorial poll, was formally received into the APC by senior party officials in a…