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Baba-Ahmed: Obi Made Wrong Political Choice; I’m Not Angry Because He Dumped Me

By
James Orji
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Peter Obi and Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed

Former vice presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Datti Baba-Ahmed has dismissed suggestions that he’sangry with the 2027 Presidential candidate of the national democratic Congress, NDC because the latter dropped him as his running mate.

Baba-Ahmed ran alongside Obi as LP flagbearers during the 2023 presidential election.

The two politicians have now parted ways, with Obi running under the NDC while Baba-Ahmed as a member of the Peoples Redemption Party,PRP.

The former LP vice presidential candidate has lately been making some negative remark against Obi, including that Obi lacked the capacity to fix the problems facing the country, leading to suggestions among not a few Nigerians that he’s angry because the former Anambra state governor chose not to run with him again.

Rabiu Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano state, is now Obi’s running mate in the NDC for next year’s presidential election.

Speaking during an interview on Naija Unfiltered Podcast, the former LP vice presidential candidate stated that he still has great respecet for Obi, but believes that the former Anambra state helmsman has not concrete plan on how  to fix the country if he becomes president.

Political pundits insist that the 2027 presidential election will likely be a three a horserace among Obi, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

Baba-Ahmed said none ofthe three top presidential candidate has the capcity tofix the challenges facing the country, saying he had taken up the issue with Obi even before they went their seperate ways.

He also stated that he was not happy with Obi’s political choice,saying he warned him about it.

“Peter Obi knows I stood for him. I still stand by him, and it is regretful those moves he made. But it is his choice.”

 

Gov. Alia, You Have Confirmed Why Catholic Church Forbids Priests From Active Politics

By
The Source
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Dokpesi Timothy Adidi

By Dokpesi Timothy Adidi, Ph.D

 

I write this open letter to you with a deep sense of disappointment and regret. You have once again underscored the reason why the Catholic Church forbids priests from active politics — Canon 285 §3. At a time when you should have changed the narrative and allayed the fears about priests in politics, you had the chance to prove that history is not destiny, but is shaped by the conscious choices of men. Yet, you have repeated history. You seem to have forgotten the Church History taught in the Major Seminary where you were formed to be a bearer of justice, peace, and fairness. You forgot that Church-State relations have boundaries. You forgot that in the 4th century, during the Edict of Milan (313 AD), Emperor Constantine legalized Christianity and began showering the Church with wealth, tax exemptions, and political prestige. And it did not stop there.

 

In 380 AD, the Edict of Thessalonica, issued by Emperor Theodosius I, took it a step further by making Nicene Christianity the official state religion of the Roman Empire, effectively outlawing paganism. In the Eastern Roman (Byzantine Empire, Emperor Justinian I later codified a doctrine called Symphonia — “harmony.” The Church and the State were presented as two complementary gifts from God, working like a single body: the emperor governed civil life while the Patriarch oversaw spiritual life, though in practice the emperor often held the upper hand. This model persisted through the High Middle Ages in Western Europe, culminating in the Papal Monarchy from 800 – 1300 AD. The devastating effect of this era was that instead of the Church evangelizing Hellenism, it was Hellenism that Hellenized the Church.

 

Your Excellency, you have once again repeated history. As a Catholic priest — though suspended — you should have used your priestly calling to evangelize the political system. You should have acted differently from other political actors. You should have proven to the world that, as a priest, you are indeed the light of the world and the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13-14).

Hyacinth Alia
Gov Hyacinth Alia

As a Nigerian, I am indifferent to your becoming Governor. My only concern is that you should have done things differently and brought sanity to the polity. Instead, you have become politically Hellenized by aligning with political forces that kill democracy. By this singular act, you have pushed democracy to the brink of irrelevance. The very same democracy that brought you into the Benue State Government House is now being murdered. Nonetheless, the truth remains: the people of Benue State cannot be undermined. They will still decide their choice in free and fair elections.

 

Fr. Governor, as the Governor of Benue State, you should not have allowed thugs to stop Mr. Peter Obi from entering your State. I understand you may not have been directly involved, but your body language indicts you for this threat to our democracy unleashed in Benue State.

 

Any denial from your media aides that it did not happen only adds salt to the injury. What was seen on social media was not AI-generated. I have made several calls to ascertain what truly happened in Benue State. The fact that your media aides are rushing to deny what everyone saw on social media only confirms that the incident is true.

 

I am not necessarily a fan of Mr. Peter Obi. And even if I were, I would still say that you have denied democracy the chance to thrive in Benue State.

 

Moreover, I do not vouch for politicians. As a Nigerian, I have come to understand that it is difficult to trust any Nigerian politician. Therefore, this open letter is not in support of Peter Obi. I write as a social and political philosopher who understands the dynamics of democracy and its practice to say that what took place in Benue State under your watch calls for serious concern. What is even more worrisome is that Peter Obi is a Catholic, and most members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are also Catholics.

 

How do we explain this as the Body of Christ? This threatens the very theological maxim that says “the water of baptism is thicker than blood”—a truth used across Christian history to describe how spiritual rebirth creates a bond stronger than biological family ties. I am not saying every Catholic must belong to the same political party. Diversity and political differences are the hallmark of democratic engagement. Politics is not a “do or die” affair. And all is not fair in politics. Let us be committed to our Christian calling — not necessarily as priests, but as Christians.

 

Unfortunately, being a priest increases and heightens expectations. Governor Alia, you can do better.

Audit Reveals Shortage Of Teachers In Delta Schools, NUT Says 10,000 Required

By
Ayodele Oni
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Governor Sheriff Oborevwori
Oborevwori

By Ayodele Oni

 

The Nigeria Union of Teachers, (NUT), in Delta State has revealed that public schools in the State are facing growing  shortage of teachers. It put the manpower deficit at more than 10,000 teachers across the primary and secondary school system.

 

The disclosure followed an independent screening and audit exercise which, according to the NUT, exposed significant gaps in the number of teachers available to meet the needs of pupils and students across the state.

 

State Chairman of the NUT, Comrade Dickson Poubeni, made this known during an interactive session with journalists at Teachers’ House, in Asaba.

 

Poubeni attributed the shortage to retirements, deaths among serving teachers and the manpower gaps identified through the recent independent audit and screening exercise.

 

He warned that the situation was putting increasing pressure on teachers currently in service and could affect effective teaching and learning if urgent steps were not taken.

 

He pointed out that the findings of the audit should provide the government with reliable data for immediate manpower planning and recruitment, stressing that the shortage could no longer be treated as an issue that could be left unattended.

 

The NUT chairman, however, commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other stakeholders for initiating the independent audit, saying the exercise has provided a clearer picture of the manpower situation in the state’s public schools.

 

On the recent approval of career progression for graduate teachers from Grade Level 14 to Grade Level 17, Poubeni described the policy as a major breakthrough that has removed a long-standing career ceiling for university graduate teachers in the public primary school system.

 

According to him, the progression would improve teachers’ morale, encourage professional development and further demonstrate government’s recognition of the role teachers play in building the future of Delta State.

 

Poubeni also advised a more humane and sensitive transfer policy in view of current economic realities.

 

He suggested that teachers who had spent between five and seven years in a particular school could be considered for rotation, while taking family circumstances and administrative requirements into account.

 

He further urged parents and guardians to cooperate with teachers in maintaining discipline in schools, stressing that effective discipline remains important to creating an orderly environment conducive to learning

 

While commending the state government for its investment in the renovation and construction of classrooms, the NUT chairman called for greater attention to the fencing of schools to strengthen security and provide safer learning environments for pupils, students and teachers.

 

Poubeni expressed confidence in the governor’s commitment to the education sector and pledged the union’s continued partnership with government in addressing the challenges confronting teachers and schools.

 

He assured that the NUT would remain committed to constructive engagement with government, particularly in addressing the teacher shortage, improving welfare and ensuring that children across Delta State have access to quality education.

How Six Clerics Were Kidnapped In Zamfara – Nigerian Army

By
Ayodele Oni
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Gunmen

By Ayodele Oni

 

The Nigerian Army has clarified that no kidnapping took place at the residence of former Governor Abdul’aziz Yari in Talata Mafara Local Government Area.

 

It, however, confirmed the abduction of six Islamic scholars in Zamfara State, while travelling.

 

According to the Army, the victims were abducted while travelling from the Sububu forest area in Bakura Local Government Area towards Talata Mafara.

 

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Nigerian Army/Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba, described reports linking the incident to Yari’s residence as misleading.

 

The Army explained that intelligence available to security agencies indicated that the victims were abducted along the route from the Sububu forest axis to Talata Mafara.

 

The statement stressed that “no cleric was abducted at Senator Yari’s residence,” urging the public to disregard reports suggesting otherwise.

 

Earlier report indicated that six Juma’at imams were abducted by suspected bandits, while travelling to Talata Mafara to attend a special prayer session focused on peace and the success of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

 

The latest clarification from the Army confirms the abduction but disputes the reported location where the incident occurred.

 

Meanwhile the Headquarters 8 Division Nigerian Army/Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, and Zamfara State Police Command have launched a coordinated rescue operation, following the abduction of six Islamic clerics along the Dakko–Damri feeder road in Bakura Local Government Area of the state.

 

The victims, all identified as Imams, were travelling to Talata Mafara when armed bandits reportedly ambushed their vehicle at about 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2026.

 

The attackers, said to be armed with sophisticated weapons, intercepted the vehicle and whisked the clerics away.

 

Colonel Osoba, said troops, working with sister security agencies and local intelligence networks, had intensified efforts to rescue the victims.

 

Also Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said the Divisional Police Officer for Bakura, upon receiving the report, promptly mobilised police personnel, including operatives of the Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU), in collaboration with other security agencies.

 

The joint team moved to the scene and commenced an intensive search of surrounding bushes in an effort to locate and rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.

 

The Commissioner of Police, Zamfara State Command, CP A. M. Bello, has directed the operatives to intensify the operation and deploy all available resources towards securing the safe release of the abducted clerics.

 

The Command also appealed to residents to provide credible and timely information that could assist security agencies in rescuing the victims and bringing the perpetrators to justice

Why Wike’s Rainbow Coalition Will Not Augur Well For Tinubu – APC Chieftain

By
Ayodele Oni
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Josef Onoh

By Ayodele Oni

 

A former South-East spokesman for President Bola Tinubu, Mr. Denge Josef Onoh, has faulted the Rainbow Coalition being put in place by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), Nyesom Wike, describing it as a “Trojan horse”.

 

He maintained that the coalition was designed to create divisions within the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC), ahead of 2027, and lacks structure beyond Rivers State.

 

In a statement issued in Abuja, Mr. Onoh criticised the Rainbow coalition saying the political alliance could weaken the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.

 

He urged APC stakeholders to reject any parallel structure and insisted that Wike registers as an APC member at his ward or steps aside immediately.

 

“This so-called ‘Rainbow Coalition’ is a toxic distraction, a political mirage, and a well-calculated vehicle for personal ambition that will ultimately undermine the All Progressives Congress and jeopardise the presidential election if left unchecked.”

Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister
Nyesom Wike

Mr. Onoh argued that the coalition lacked the political structure required to deliver substantial votes to Tinubu beyond Rivers State.

 

He maintained that Wike’s political influence was largely concentrated in Rivers and questioned the attempt to extend what he called a “fractured blueprint” to other parts of the country.

 

He argued that Wike’s current coalition lacked the institutional structure and electoral reach previously associated with the G5.

 

“Today, Wike’s new ‘Rainbow Coalition’ has completely crumbled from that standard.

 

“It is not an alliance of powerful state executives; it is a desperate collection of political castaways, disgruntled ex-office holders, and floating political contractors who hold no real electoral value in their own political wards,” he said.

 

Mr. Onoh, who is also Chairman of the Forum of Former Members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, told Wike, to join APC formally or stop meddling in party affairs.

 

The former presidential aide also dismissed comparisons between Wike’s current alignment and the G5 governors’ alliance that emerged before the 2023 election.

 

According to him, the G5 was based on regional interests and consisted of five serving governors who controlled established political structures in their respective states.

 

Recalling his own involvement in efforts to strengthen the APC in the South-East while working with former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Onoh said political realignments often came with consequences for those involved.

 

Mr. Onoh also criticised Wike’s recent disagreements with Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma.

 

He described the disputes as a “diversionary tactic”, alleging that the FCT minister was creating tensions in parts of the North-Central and South-East to weaken APC structures.

Chimamanda Adichie: ‘I Still Can’t Believe My Son’ Is Dead

By
James Orji
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Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Award wining author and writer, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has disclosed that her feelings about Nigeria has changed following the death of his son, Nkanu last December. The 21-year-old baby died last year at a popular Nigerian hospital, Educare.

The writer blamed the hospital for her son’s death but has yet to file a case in the court, after accusing the medical centre of mismanaging Nkanu’s case, when he was rushed to the health facility for emerency.

Speaking to The New York Times, Chimamanda said hisfeeling about the country has change as she no longer feels coming back home. ”I do not want to go back to Nigeria” she said.

She,however, stated that her position may change because of her children, saying her daughter  still loves the country.

Recalling her son’s death, Chimamanda said the event shattered her, and that she’s still struggling to get out of it.

“I mean, it is so surreal, all of this. I still can’t believe we’re talking about my son who died,” she said.

 

The Pain of 9/11 Continues To Hurt – Peter Obi Joins New Yorkers At Remembrance

By
The Source
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0
Peter Obi in New Yourk

Earlier today, while in New York, I joined in prayers and a service of remembrance to honour the innocent lives lost on September 11, 2001.

 

Twenty-five years later, the pain of that tragic day remains deeply felt by the families who lost loved ones and by a nation that has continued to carry their memory.

 

We also honour the extraordinary courage of the firefighters, police officers, first responders, and ordinary citizens who ran towards danger to save others. Their selflessness remains a powerful reminder of the courage and goodness that humanity is capable of, even in the face of unimaginable tragedy.

 

Beyond nationality, race, religion, or political differences, there is a fundamental truth that binds us all: human life is sacred, and our shared humanity must unite us, especially in our darkest moments.

 

To every family still carrying the pain and memory of a loved one lost that day, and to the American people, I extend my heartfelt sympathy, prayers, and solidarity.

 

May the souls of all those who lost their lives continue to rest in peace. May their memory inspire us to work towards a world where peace, compassion, justice, and respect for human life prevail over hatred and terror.

 

We remember. We honour. We will never forget.

 

Thereafter I continued with my high level meetings which just ended now.

 

We remain prayerful to God Almighty for a peaceful world. – PO

Nigerian Author, Chimamanda Adichie Says She Doesn’t Want To Return To Nigeria

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Chimamanda Adichie

By Akinwale Kasali

 

Following the death of her 21-month old Son, Nkanu, Nigerian star Author, Chimamanda Adichie, has stated her reluctance in returning to Nigeria following the circumstances  of the death.

 

The literary icon made this disclosure in an interview with Rhe New York Times, where she spoke about the loss of her son and how the circumstances surrounding his death have affected her relationship with her home country.

 

The award winning Author stated that her perception and feelings towards Nigeria, her country, has changed completely.

 

“My feelings toward Nigeria have changed. I do not want to go back to Nigeria,” she added.

 

Recall that Adichie lost one of her twin sons, Nkanu, in December 2025 following a medical emergency at Euracare in Nigeria.

 

Adichie said her son initially developed a fever and was placed on antibiotics by her husband, Dr. Ivara Esege.

 

When his condition did not improve, the couple took him to the hospital for further medical examination.

 

She said Nkanu was subsequently sedated with propofol during an MRI examination, after which he suffered cardiac arrest and died the following day.

 

Adichie had recounted what happened after the procedure, stating that a doctor approached her in a panicky state and attributed the incident to an overdose of propofol administered.

 

“He was very calm and he said to me, ‘Well, look, they gave him too much Propofol.’ Those were his exact words, which I will never forget until the day I die,” she recalled.

 

Adichie had in June publicly raised allegations of medical negligence over the treatment her son received at the hospital.

 

The death of Nkanu has been subjected to a coroner’s inquest, with the proceedings reportedly involving delays and disagreements between the family and the hospital.

ADC Top Shot Dumps Party

By
James Orji
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0
African Democratic Congress - ADC

Top opposition party in the country, the African Democratic Congress, ADC has lost one of its national officers, Hassan Muhammadu who has resigned his position as the party’s National Assistant Secretary.

His  resignation comes barely four months to the 2027 general election, when the party, as a major opposition in the country,is set to challenge the ruling All Progressives  Congress, APC.

In the resignation letter dated September 9, 2026, Muhammadu appreciates the party for giving him the opportunity to serve. The letter was addressed to the Chairman of the ADC in Bojude Ward, Kwami Local Government Area of Gombe State, and shared with journalists on Sunday.

After reflecting deeply about his political future, Muhammadu said ”I wish to withdraw my membership from the ADC and also resign my position as the National Assistant Secretary and the Zonal Secretary of the North East Zonal Working Committee of the Party.”

He said the letter has been sent to the National Chairman ofthe NDC, Senator David Mark and the state Chairman.

Meanwhile, it was learnt that his resignation may not be unconnected with the political permutations in his state, essentially the governorship election, in which the ADC is a major contender against the ruling APC governrship candidate.

Sources informed that the former ADC chieftain has been ”poached” by the APC to beef up the party in the state to ahead the election next year, so that the party can coast home to victory in the govrnorship and other local election.

”Muhammadu is one of the major politcal leaders in the state and a grassroots mobilizer, his vast exeperience is highly required in our party. The APC is the ruling party at both nationaland state level, therefore, it’s not unusual for us as a party to attract the best politiciansacrossthe country,” the source said.

 

Insecurity: Ondo Police Command Deploys Protection Squad As Schools Resume

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Police on Duty

By Ayodele Oni

 

Ondo State Police Command has doused apprehension by parents over the safety of their children as piblic schools resume on Monday for the 2027/2027 academic session.

 

Still recounting the Oriire in Oyo state incident during which school pupils were whisked away on motorcycles and rescued after over 50 days in captivity, the parents called on the state government to guarantee safety of their wards.

 

In a statement on Sunday, the state police command assured parents, guardians, students, teachers, school proprietors of adequate security as schools resume for the new academic session.

 

The state, signed by tge conmand’s spokrsman, Abayomi Jimoh revealed some measures already being put in place to ensure safety in schools.

 

“To this end, personnel of the School Protection Squad of the Command have been adequately deployed across the State to provide security coverage around schools and ensure a safe and conducive environment for teaching and learning.

 

“The Command has also intensified patrols, visibility policing and intelligence-led operations around schools and other critical locations across the State to prevent criminal activities and promptly respond to security threats.

 

“Parents and guardians are encouraged to remain security-conscious and educate their children and wards on basic safety measures.

 

“School owners and administrators are equally advised to promptly report any suspicious persons, activities or security concerns around their schools to the Police.

 

“Students are urged to avoid isolated routes, refrain from following strangers and promptly report suspicious activities to their teachers, school authorities, parents or the Police.

 

“The Command assures members of the public that police personnel will remain vigilant and responsive throughout the academic session.

 

“The cooperation and support of all stakeholders are solicited through the provision of timely and credible information that could assist the Police in preventing and tackling crime.”

 

The command released some  emergency numbers to be called in case of any suspicious activity around tge schools.

 

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu wishes all students a safe, peaceful and successful academic session and reiterates the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property across Ondo State.”

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