The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to avoid politicizing security matters, calling his recent statements on national security “inappropriate and misguided.” HURIWA’s statement, signed by National Coordinator Emmanuel Onwubiko, criticized Ribadu’s characterization of terrorists as mere “rivals” who “dare” President Bola Tinubu. The rights group argued that such a portrayal trivializes the serious threat posed by armed non-state actors who continue to kill and terrorize Nigerians. “It is a grave fallacy and distorted thinking for the presidential security aide to suggest that armed non-state actors, responsible for killing and maiming Nigerians,…
Author: Ifeanyi Nwagboso
The Coalition of Southern Groups (CSG) has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently declare a state of emergency on all federal roads across the southern region, citing severe road conditions that hinder access to Abuja and other states. At its inaugural media briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the coalition advocated for a law requiring public officials to use these roads for local travel, aiming to draw attention to their disrepair. Speaking at the event, CSG Chairman and former Imo State Commissioner Prof. Vitalis Orikeze Ajumbe, joined by the coalition’s Secretary, Comrade Bello Osaretin, described the dire state of roads…
United States President-elect Donald Trump returned to the White House on Wednesday, meeting with President Joe Biden in a historic and symbolically charged visit. This marks Trump’s first time back at the White House in four years and comes ahead of the scheduled transfer of power on January 20. President Biden extended the invitation to Trump for the customary visit, a tradition that underscores the peaceful transfer of power in American democracy. However, the meeting carries significant political tension, as Biden and Trump faced off in the 2024 election. Initially, Biden, a Democrat, had launched a reelection campaign but ended…
Governor Siminalayi Fubara has approved the establishment of two new judicial divisions of the Rivers State High Court, according to a notice dated November 8, 2024. The new divisions—the Abua Judicial Division in Abua-Odual Local Government Area and the Bonny Judicial Division in Bonny Local Government Area—were created following a recommendation by the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simone Chibuzor-Amadi, in line with Section 39, Subsection 2 of the High Court Law, Cap 62, Laws of Rivers State 2021. A statement by the Chief Registrar of the High Court, David Ihua-Maduenyi, confirmed the Governor’s approval, adding that operations in…
The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has advised Nigeria’s opposition parties to form a coalition if they hope to challenge and unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. In a statement released on Tuesday through his media aide, Oluwatosin Osho, Ayodele emphasized that only a united front between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) could mount a credible challenge against Tinubu. He warned that any isolated efforts by these parties would be ineffective, making Tinubu’s re-election “a smooth ride.” “If PDP, Labour, NNPP don’t unite to…
Former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has called on the people of Ondo State to support PDP’s governorship candidate, Hon. Ajayi, in the upcoming election set for Saturday. In a statement released by his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku encouraged PDP members to mobilize strong backing for Ajayi, emphasizing that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has become “grossly unpopular” in the state. He described Ajayi as a skilled and experienced politician who is committed to improving the lives of Ondo residents. “The governorship election that is coming up in Ondo State this Saturday presents an…
The Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to compromise the upcoming November 16 governorship election in the state. In a statement issued on Tuesday by the PDP’s state publicity secretary, Kennedy Peretei, the opposition party alleged that APC Chairman Ade Adetimehin is orchestrating a plot to influence the election by appointing APC members as presiding and assistant presiding officers at polling units. According to Peretei, Adetimehin submitted a list of two APC members per polling unit to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to serve in these roles,…
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has announced that the police will not require the assistance of Amotekun, the South-West security outfit, for the November 16 Ondo governorship election, assuring that comprehensive plans are in place to ensure a peaceful voting process. According to Force spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement issued on Sunday, the IGP has directed the strategic deployment of personnel, resources, and state-of-the-art equipment to guarantee security across the state. The deployment includes officers from specialized units such as the Special Intervention Squad, Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU), Special Protection Unit (SPU), Explosive Ordnance…
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) under Operation FANSAN YAMMA has carried out successful airstrikes neutralizing scores of bandits in Zamfara and Kebbi States, as part of intensified efforts to combat criminality in the Northwest. In a statement, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, Director of Public Relations and Information for the NAF, revealed that the air component launched targeted interdiction missions under “Operation FARAUTAR MUJIYA,” an air campaign aimed at dismantling notorious bandit strongholds. “This focused campaign of air interdiction, nicknamed Operation FARAUTAR MUJIYA, was initiated with high-impact night operations deep within the strongholds of notorious bandits across Zamfara and Kebbi States,”…
The Kogi State government has launched an identification and registration initiative for members of the Motorcycle Operators and Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria, aiming to curb insecurity in the state. Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Kogi State Commissioner for Transportation, Atuluku Victor Levi, highlighted the significance of the exercise, emphasizing its goal of accurately assessing the union’s membership and reducing the risk of criminal infiltration. “The data capturing will enable the government to provide welfare packages and develop a comprehensive information base to checkmate infiltration of criminal elements into Kogi State,” Levi stated. The commissioner urged all union members to…
A prominent figure within the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, an apex Igbo sociocultural organization, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, has called on South-East leaders to seek the support of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump in advocating for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). In a statement issued on Sunday, Isiguzoro urged for a coordinated engagement with influential figures, including traditional leaders such as the Oba of Lagos and the Sultan of Sokoto, to facilitate the resolution of Kanu’s case. The statement reads in part: “In this challenging landscape, we must adopt a multifaceted strategy to advocate for Kanu’s immediate…
Baltasar Engonga, the recently dismissed Director-General of Equatorial Guinea’s National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF), has been remanded in custody following a high-profile scandal and corruption allegations. Engonga is being held in Malabo’s Black Beach Prison. Engonga’s dismissal and subsequent arrest stem from what is described as one of the country’s most significant sex scandals, involving the discovery of about 400 sex tapes. These tapes, found during a fraud investigation at his home and office, reportedly feature the ex-ANIF chief with numerous prominent women, prompting national outcry. In response, President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo issued Decree No. 118/2024 on November 4, citing…
The Delta State House of Assembly (DSHA) has suspended another member, Oboro Preyor, for alleged gross misconduct, imposing a 14-day legislative ban. The motion for Preyor’s suspension was moved by Majority Leader Emeka Nwaobi, representing Aniocha North, and seconded by Mathew Omonade, representing Ughelli North 1 constituency. Following the adoption of the motion, Speaker Emomotimi Guwor directed the Sergeant-at-Arms to escort the suspended lawmaker out of the chamber. The Speaker also announced that an ad hoc committee would be established to investigate the reasons behind the suspension. Preyor is now the third lawmaker suspended within the last three months. In…
A New York State judge has postponed any ruling on vacating President-elect Donald Trump’s conviction related to hush money payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels until at least November 19. The case revolves around a $130,000 payment made by Trump’s former attorney, Michael Cohen, to Daniels to prevent her from disclosing an alleged affair from 2006—an accusation Trump has consistently denied. Justice Juan Merchan delayed further proceedings, citing a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that grants presidents immunity from prosecution for actions tied to their official duties. The delay follows Trump’s victory in the November 5 election, with…
The Imo State Police Command has reinforced the ban on motorcycles within Owerri, the state capital, as part of ongoing measures to improve security and combat crime in the area. In a press statement, Police Public Relations Officer ASP Henry Okoye announced that the order takes immediate effect, cautioning that violators will face arrest, and their motorcycles will be impounded. ASP Okoye explained that the decision aims to curb criminal activities that have been linked to the use of motorcycles. Additionally, the ban seeks to reduce traffic congestion within the city, promoting a safer and more efficient environment for road…
The Abia State Government has arraigned three individuals in the Federal High Court, Umuahia, over allegations of pension fund theft. The accused—Onyekachi Success Nwabueze, Miriam Azubuike, and Victor Chisom Samuel—faced a six-count charge under case number FHC/UM/CR/199/24. The charges, brought by the Abia State government, were filed under Section 8 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offences Act 2005, Section 100 of the Pension Reform Act 2014, and sections 6 & 12 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015, as amended in 2024. The charge sheet, dated October 11, 2024, was signed by Senior State Counsel C.…
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders and members in Oyo State to unite and work cohesively to reclaim the state in the 2027 elections, stressing its importance within the progressive movement. Represented by Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, Tinubu made this appeal during the inaugural Lam Adesina annual lecture held in Ibadan on Monday. Former governors Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo and Dr. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, along with prominent APC figures including Senator Teslim Folarin, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, and Oyo APC Chairman Alhaji Olayide Abas, attended the event. Dignitaries present also included the Olubadan…
The Coalition of Arewa Groups, representing 300 organizations across 19 northern states, has announced its support for President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform bills. These bills include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, which would replace the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) with the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill. Despite opposition from Northern leaders, including traditional rulers, the Northern Governors Forum, and Senator Ali Ndume (APC Borno South), the Coalition stated its endorsement after a thorough review of the bills during a meeting in Kaduna on…
The terror group Lakurawa reportedly struck again on Tuesday, raiding Kura village in Soron Yamma ward, Binji Local Government Area of Sokoto State, and seizing a large number of livestock. According to security analyst and counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, no residents were injured or killed in the attack, which saw the community targeted for its livestock. In a related incident, the Nigerian Army recovered 38 cattle that had been rustled by suspected Lakurawa militants during an attack on Kalgo village in Sokoto State. Troops from the Headquarters of 1 Brigade and 1 Battalion intervened in the area, prompting the suspected…
Former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has clarified why he is unwilling to form a coalition with the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, citing fundamental differences in their political ideologies. In a recent appearance on the Honest Bunch Podcast, Sowore argued that Obi is no different from other politicians he perceives as corrupt, emphasizing that Obi’s appeal lies primarily in his “packaging.” “Before you discovered Peter Obi, I was already running for President. All these shouts about Peter Obi, he just knows how to package. Anyone can do it,” Sowore stated. He further…